Heart of Tibet

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu (4,430 ft): Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will complete the Tibet visa application form, and your original passport along with a passport-sized photo will be collected for visa processing. If time permits, you may explore the local surroundings at leisure.

Note: The recommended arrival date in Kathmandu is Sunday, so that your visa application can be submitted on Monday. If traveling from the USA, you will need to depart on Saturday to arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Begin your day with a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Familiarly known as the “Monkey Temple”, its golden spire crowns one of the oldest and most mystical shrines in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a serene spiritual ambiance.

Next, visit Patan (Lalitpur), the valley’s oldest city. Explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval palace, intricate wood and stone carvings, pagoda-style temples, and shimmering golden statues. Step inside the Patan Museum, housed within the former royal palace, to discover an exquisite collection of Hindu and Buddhist art, beautifully preserved in a restored historic setting.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3 - Fly to Pokhara (2,790 ft): Enjoy a short, scenic flight to Pokhara, known for its lush natural beauty, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake. Later, visit the International Mountain Museum and stroll along the vibrant lakeside area.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Pokhara

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Pokhara: After breakfast, take a short drive to Pumdikot (4,920ft), home to an ancient fort on a hilltop. Then, enjoy a short walk to the Peace Stupa, offering stunning views of Fewa Lake, and the surrounding Himalayas. Return to Pokhara for lunch and the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Pokhara

Day 5 - Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel before heading out to explore the vibrant local markets. Wander through the lively streets en route to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with history and culture.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 6 - Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (11,700 ft) / Drive to Tsedang (11,480 ft) – 1½ hour drive: The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over Himalayas. After immigration formalities, you will be picked up by your Tibetan guide and driven to Tsedang, which takes about 1 hour. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and avoid exertion for acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Tsedang

Day 7 - Drive to Lhasa (12,000 ft) via Samye Monastery: Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, is rich in historical landmarks. Start with a visit to Yambulakhang, Tibet’s first palace dating back to the 2nd century BC. Then, drive through the picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first monastery, built in the 8th century. The monastery, shaped like a Mandala, is an architectural wonder, blending Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian styles. Afterward, continue your journey to Lhasa, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 8 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, once housing over 7,700 monks and one of the largest monastic universities in Tibet. In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery, where monks engage in lively debates and religious discourses. Return to your hotel after the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 9 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: You will be escorted to the majestic Potala Palace, whose imposing structure dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you explore its ancient chambers, you’ll witness Tibetan art at its finest, with a vast collection of intricate murals and exquisite statues. The palace also houses the tombs of several Dalai Lamas.

Later, visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, located in the heart of Lhasa. This sacred site offers yet another glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around Barkhor Square, a historic circular route that dates back to the temple’s foundation and remains one of the city’s oldest streets.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 10 - Drive to Shigatse (12,800 ft): After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey along the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. En route, take a break to admire the turquoise waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake before continuing to Gyantse, a historic town famed for the golden-spired Kumbum Stupa, adorned with chapels and vibrant Tibetan murals. The day’s drive concludes in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Shigatse

Day 11 - Drive to Lhasa: In the morning, visit the Tashilumpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa, passing the Yarlung Tsangpo River. After checking into your hotel, you have free time to explore Lhasa on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 12 - Fly to Kathmandu: After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Gonggar Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, a prominent site for Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 13 - Depart from Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast