The Himalayan Odyssey

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathamndu (4430 ft): Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Then, you will be briefed about your program, and your original passport and photograph will be collected for the Tibet visa. You may venture out if time permits.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu: After breakfast, a sort drive will take you to Patan, the first city of Nepal. The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur, meaning the city of beauty. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples and palace courtyards. The Durcar or Palace square of Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Then visit another World Heritage site of Soyambhunath stupa on a hillock overlooking Kathmandu valley. Well known as ‘Monkey Temple’ the golden spire crowning, Soyambhunath is the most ancient and mystical of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3 - Fly to Pokhara (2790 ft): A short and scenic flight will take you to the beautiful town Pokhara. The lush natural beauty of Pokhara, with its spectacular mountain views and tranquil lake, has quietly won the hearts of travelers from around the world. After check-in at the hotel, take a short boat ride on Fewa Lake, then visit the International Mountain Museums. Stroll around the colorful lakeside.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Pokhara

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Pokhara: After breakfast, take a short drive to Pumdikot (1500m / 4920ft), a site of an ancient fort on a hilltop. Then take a pleasant short downhill hike to Peace Stupa. The hike is downhill and offers outstanding views of the Fewa Lake, Pokhara city and Himalayas in the background. Drive back to Pokhara for lunch. Rest of the day in leisure.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Pokhara

Day 5 - Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, walking tour to the World Heritage site of Kathmandu Durbar square and local market. 

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 6 - Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (11700ft) / drive to Tsedang (11480ft) 1 ½ hour drive: The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over Himalayas. The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over the Himalayas. After immigration formalities, you will be picked up by our representative and driven to Tsedang, which takes about 1 ½ hour. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and avoid exertion for acclimatization.

Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Tsedang

Day 7 - Drive to Lhasa (12000 ft) approx. 5 hours’ drive: Tsedang is the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the area is filled with important historical landmarks. In the morning, visit Yambulakhang (the first Palace of Tibet dates back to 2nd century BC). Then you will drive through spectacular landscape of Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the Samey Monastery. Situated at the north side of Yarlung Tsangpo River also known as Brahmaputra River, the Samye monastery was the 1st monastery of Tibet built in the 8th century. Based on the Buddhist idea of the universe, the monastery was built in the shape of Mandala. Built in Tibetan, Chinese and Indian architectural styles, the Samye Monastery is known as an architectural wonder. After exploring the monastery, you will drive to Lhasa with spectacular views.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa

Day 8 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sightseeing in Lhasa: After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour to Drepung Monastery. At the famous Drepung Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the biggest monastic university of Lhasa, housing 7,700 monks in its heyday. After lunch, you will visit the beautiful Sera Monastery where you can observe monks debating and performing religious discourses. After the tour, you are escorted back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa

Day 9 - Sightseeing in Lhasa: You will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day, you will visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, which provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. It is the holiest shrine of Tibet situated in the heart of Lhasa. After the temple visit, stroll around Bharkhor Square, a circular route that is the oldest street in the city, dating back to the foundation of the Jokhang temple.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa

Day 10 - Drive to Shigatse (12800 ft): Today you will drive on scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway via beautiful Yamdrok-tso Lake and historic town Gyantse. Stop to savor the majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and visit the large, gold-domed stupa of Kumbum, which houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Then, drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Shigatse

Day 11 - Drive to Lhasa: In the morning, visit Tashilumpu Monastery - the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lama, and a historically and culturally important monastery in Shigatse. Then drive to Lhasa along the legendary Yarlung Tsangpo River. After check-in at the hotel in Lhasa, you will have free time for wandering the town on your own.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Lhasa

Day - 12 Fly to Kathmandu: After early breakfast, you will be transferred to Gongar Airport for the flight to Kathmandu flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Boudhanath, possibly the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration and Tibetan culture.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 13 - Fly to Paro (7200 ft) - Drive to Thimphu (7600ft) / 1 hour’s drive: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, and then escorted to your hotel in Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers. After rest and freshen up, visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong - the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ and home to Bhutan’s royal government.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Thimphu

Day 14 - Sightseeing in Thimphu: Spend a day visiting various sites that provides an insight into the Bhutanese art, architecture, culture and traditions. Drive to the Buddha Point at a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. The view of Thimphu valley from the park is just amazing. Then visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Museum and National Library. Stroll around the city before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Thimphu

Day 15 - Drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley (9500 ft), approx. 4 hours’ drive: After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha) enroute visiting Dochula Pass at altitude 10,200 ft. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Upon Arrival in Gangtey, walk through the Gangtey Natural Trail, surrounded by pristine landscapes. Visit the enchanting Gangtey Goenba, a monastery nestled in the valley, radiating peace and spirituality.

 Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Gangtey

Day 16 - Drive to Punakha (4070 ft), approx. 3 hours’ drive: Embark on a scenic drive from the tranquility of Gangtey to the captivating town of Punakha with picturesque views and cultural discoveries. Enroute, take a short walk to the Chime Lhakhang known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely-adorned 15th century temple said to bless visiting couples for fertility. Upon arriving in Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the convergence of the Pho Chu (father river) and Mo Chu (mother river). Known as the "Palace of Great Happiness" or "Bliss," this architectural wonder was initially constructed in 1637 by Bhutan's founder, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Once the administrative nucleus and Bhutanese seat of authority, it now serves as the winter residence for the revered Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of the Central Monastic Body. Cross the nearby Suspension Bridge, offering a thrilling experience and panoramic views of the Punakha Valley.

 Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner                                                                                                                                                   Accommodation: At Hotel in Punakha

Day 17: Drive to Paro (7200 ft), approx. 3 ½ hours’ drive: The journey to Paro takes you on a scenic highway, a visual feast for the senses. After a leisurely lunch, set out to explore the cultural gems of Paro. Ta Dzong, now the National Museum, beckons with its extensive collection of Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, and more—a journey through Bhutanese art and history. A short walk down the trail leads you to Rinpung Dzong, a fortress adorned with wall paintings that vividly illustrate Buddhist lore.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner                                                                                                                                                Accommodation: At Hotel in Paro

Day 18 - In Paro, hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (10240 ft) approx. 5 hours’ hike round trip: Rise early to embark on a hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) Monastery. The hike is about two miles and takes about 3 hours to reach the picturesque Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Tiger’s Nest is a sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger. This is where he meditated and taught tantric Buddhism. After exploring the Tiger’s Nest, hike down which takes about 2 hours. Rest of the day in leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: At Hotel in Paro

Day 19 - Fly to Kathmandu: Early morning, you will be picked up at hotel and transferred to Paro airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by your guide and driven to Bhaktapur to visit World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur - home of the medieval art and architecture. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Then drive to Kathmandu and checking-in at the hotel. Rest of the day in leisure.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: At Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 20 - Depart from Kathmandu: Transfer to airport.

Meal: Breakfast