Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we can apply for Nepali visa if we don't have one yet. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for a 15 days valid visa. We need to provide one passport size photograph with visa application form. After completing immigration and custom formalities, we exit the airport and meet Highland Asia Travel representative outside. Following introduction, we transfer by van to the hotel in the city.

After refreshment, time permitting, we can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with the former Royal Palace complex and an array of ancient and medieval Hindu Temples with rich wood and stone works! Among others, the temple of Living Goddess-Kumari and legendary Kasthamandap are the most striking. We take tricycle rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Indrawchowk and Assan and end up in the touristy Thamel district where we take leisurely walk. In the evening, we enjoy Nepali welcome dinner amidst a folklore dancing program in a typical Nepali restaurant. Our Kathmandu office will have you complete Chinese visa application and also will collect your passport and one photograph to submit at Chinese embassy. Keep a copy of your passport that will be good for hotel check-in and money exchanges.

Shanker Hotel, 4* or similar
Meals: Nepali welcome dinner

Day 02: Patan City, Bungamati Village, Swaymabhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

After breakfast, we drive to Patan City, one of the medieval Malla principalities of Nepal, which is known for traditional Newari arts and crafts. We visit Patan’s palace, medieval and ancient temples and monasteries. We will have opportunity to poke into the workshops of local artisans. From Patan, we drive to the Newari village of Bungamati with traditional houses. We walk through its narrow streets and visit the famous Matsyandranath Temple in the center of the village. We will sneak a peek in to a private house and to learn the lifestyle of the local.

We retrace drive back to Kathmandu and visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine of Swayambhuanth. The shrine is situated atop a hill and has commanding view of the valley. From Swayambhunath, we return to our hotel. We can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square this afternoon, if we missed it the previous day.

Shanker Hotel, 4* or similar

Meals: Nepali welcome dinner.

Day 03: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot (2000m/6560 ft., 32 km/20 miles)

After breakfast, check out hotel as we spend the night out in Nagarkot today. First we visit Pashupatinath temple-one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal and India. The temple lies on the bank of sacred Bagmati River-one of the principal tributaries of holy Gangjes. Admission to the main temple is permitted to Hindus only but we can still have a complete view of the temple and watch the rituals and rites in the temple from the high embankment of the river.
From Pashupatinath, we continue onto Boudhanath Stupa-the largest Buddhist monument of Nepal which dates back to 7th century. The area has a numerous monasteries and temples and is very much dominated by Tibetan refugees. We climb the stupa and visit some of the Buddhist monasteries around. We will have a lunch break here.

Next, we head to Bhaktapur City-the best preserved of the medieval Malla principalities of Nepal, where we will visit the palaces, temples and shrines with intricate wood carvings and metal works and stone sculptures. We will stop by the workshops of the wood carvers,  traditional Thangka painters and potters!

We leave the medieval town behind and ride on the mountainous road that zigzags up through terraced paddy fields and pine forests. As we reach the top, we are greeted by the stupendous views snowcapped mountains (subject to the weather). If you are hiking enthusiast, we can take two hours hike from Changu Narayan Temple, instead of driving. Nagarkot is the place to take rest and absorb the natural beauty of the areas but you can also take some light walk in the area. Sunset view from Nagarkot is spectacular!

The Fort Resort or similar A level Hotel

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 04: Nagarkot-Kathmandu/Drive to Chitwan (195 km/122 miles).

We wake up early morning for sunrise view and the Himalayan panorama. On a clear weather day, we will have a great views of the Himalayas sweeping from Mount Everest in the east to Manaslu in the west. After breakfast, we depart for Chitwan National Park in the southern lowland of Nepal. We retrace drive to Bhaktapur and Kathmandu and leave the valley. The road soon drops and follows the course of Trishuli River. If you are rafting enthusiast and want to experience white water rafting, with prior arrangement, we can arrange 3-4 hours rafting trip down the river for you. ( $60 per person, rafting equipment and cold lunch included). We arrive at our lodge in Chitwan National park around lunch time. After lunch, we will have some time to rest and then our local guide will take us for visit to a Tharu Village. Tharus are the aboriginal inhabitants of Chitwan whose lifestyle remains unchanged over hundreds of years. In the evening, we will enjoy Tharu ethnic dance show.

Rhino Residency Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 05: Jungle safari rides in Chitwan NP.

We will be kept all day busy in various jungle safari activities such as elephant ride, dugout canoe trip, bird watching etc. During the dry season ( Mar-May), jeep safaris may be available in option to elephant safari. Chitwan National Park is one of the most famous game parks of Asia and is home to Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, One Horned Rhinoceros, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boards, Gharials and Marsh Mugger crocodiles and more than 600 different species of resident and migratory birds. Most commonly spotted animals are One Horned Asian Rhinoceros, deer, monkeys, wild boars etc.

Rhino Residency Resort

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06: Drive to Pokhara (140km/88 miles, 4 hrs).

After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara which lies in the lap of mighty Annapurnas and mount Fishtail. Pokhara has the reputation as the capital of nature of Nepal. We follow the bank of Marshayngdi River and pass through several villages, road side settlements and terraced fields and enjoy occasional views of the western Himalayas along the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we check in hotel and after some rest, we embark on the tour of the valley. We visit the cave temple of Gupteshwara Mahadev, visit the neighboring Davis fall and hair raising Seti Gorge.

Fishtail Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 07:Take 30 minutes scenic flight back to Kathmandu

Early morning, we will take sunrise tour to Sarangkokt. On a clear weather day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. This morning, you can also go for optional tandem paragliding flight or micro ultra light flight for the views of the mountains and the valleys.

On the return drive from Sarangkot, we will stop to visit Bindhebasini Temple-the religious center of Pokhara. We will also stop to visit the vibrant old bazaars of Pokhara. Late morning, we will check out and transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we are transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is for us to prepare for Tibet trip.

Shanker Hotel, 4* or similar

Day 08: Flight to Lhasa

(Altitude: 3,595m/11,792ft)

The most popular gateway cities to fly into Lhasa are Chengdu and Beijing in China and Kathmandu in Nepal. If you are flying from Chengdu or Beijing or other mainland Chinese cities, please allow minimum a day there to collect the original permit that is required to board in the plane. If you are flying out of Kathmandu, then you need to allow 2-3 days in Kathmandu to obtain your Chinese Visa and Tibet permits. For more info on visa and permit formalities, please see the travel info section.

Upon arrival, you will meet your Guide and driver outside the airport and then transfer by land cruiser to your hotel in the city (75km/47 miles, 1 hr).

Few miles before Lhasa, we stop at Drolma Lakhang, a small but significant monastery, rich with ancient relics and hidden treasures. Next, we will also stop by the blue rock carving of Shakyamuni Buddha at the base of a cliff.

Check in hotel and take rest for the balance of the day for acclimatization. By now, you must have already started feeling the effects of altitude that includes mild headache, light -headedness, disorientation etc. Drink plenty of water and liquid food in meals.

Tibetan opera and folk dance show (Optional): If you are doing fine with the altitude, it's worth going for a Tibetan opera and folk dance show that gives glimpses of Tibetan culture. The show with dinner costs about US$ 15.

Kyichu or Thangkha or Gorkha Hotel

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 09: Explore Lhasa.

Full day sightseeing of Lhasa, visiting Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace-the principal attraction of Lhasa, Sera Monastery-the last of the three Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa and Norbulinkha- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. If you are hiking enthusiast and if you do not show signs of altitude sickness, Sera Monastery kora (hiking on the pilgrimage path around the monastery) would be worth trying. We will also take chance to attend the debating ceremony of Sera Monks.

Kyichu or Thangkha or Gorkha Hotel

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10: Explore Lhasa.

Today, we will visit Drepung Monastery-the largest, richest and the most powerful of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries of Tibet and was the power center of Tibet before the 5th Dalai Lama moved to Potala palace. At Drepung, we will visit the Ganden Palace, Main Assembly Hall and Colleges of Drepung. (Optional: Hiking enthusiasts can also attempt 1 hr long circuit hiking but you should be fully acclimatized ) ancient Jorkhang Temple in the old Tibetan quarter of Lhasa and the Barkhor Street that forms the pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple.

Kyichu or Thangkha or Gorkha Hotel

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (13467ft, 176miles, 6 ½ hrs).

Today, we drive to Gyantse town which still maintains Tibetan characteristics. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Kamba La (15,700 ft) and Karo La (16,500ft) and the follows the bank of Yamdrok Tso Lake for more than 40 miles. Yamdrok Tso Lake is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and has turquoise green water. As we leave the lakeshore behind, the road climbs to Karo La (16,500ft), once again offering breathtaking views of the mountain and vast Tibetan plateau. We arrive at Gyantse town late afternoon. Gyantse, perhaps the only major town in Central Tibet which has been able to maintain its Tibetan characteristics. We check in hotel and take rest for the day.

Gyantse Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (12,785ft, 57miles, 2 ½ hrs).

After breakfast, we will visit the Pelkor Chode and Kumbum Monastery-the main highlights of Gyantse City. Kumbum Stupa is the landmark of Gyantse and can be spotted from a long distance. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you may also attempt hiking the historical fortress of Gyantse. View from the fortress over to the city is just superb. From Gyantse, its less than 2 hrs drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. About 13 miles (20 km) before Shigatse, we take 4 km side trip of Shalu Monastery-the first of the major monasteries to be built by noble families of the Tsang Dynasty during Tibet's great revival of Buddhism, and was an important center of the Sakya tradition. Upon arrival in Shigatse, we check in hotel and later take a relaxing walk through the Shigatse's Flea market which is a nice bargain place for Tibetan souvenir.

Shigatse Manasarovara Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Shigatse-Lhasa (186miles, 7 hrs)

After breakfast, we check out hotel. We visit the famous Tashilunbo Monastery before we hit the highway for journey back to Lhasa. Tashilunbo Monastery is the principal seat of Panchen Lama-the second most venerated religious leader of Tibet and one of the 6 major Gelugpa Monasteries of Tibet. For the return journey, we take the southern friendship highway that runs along the Yarlung Tsambo River. The road is rough and rehabilitation work is going on. If time permits and if you are not already templed out, we will stop by Yundrungling Monastery in Tradruk. Upon arrival in Lhasa, we check in hote and take rest for the day.

Optional: Tonight, you can attend Tibetan Opera and Folk dancing shows. Colorfully dressed Tibetan men and women perform various Tibetan dances. Costs $ 15 with dinner.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14 Flight back to Kathmandu or Beijing.

Connect with your international flight back home.If you need a hotel in Kathmandu or Beijing, please budget $100 for a descent first class hotel.