| Group size: | Min 2 people | Max-Altitude: | 3,650m/11,972ft |
| Destination: | Multi Country | ||
| Arrival on: | Paro, Bhutan | Departure from: | Lhasa, Tibet |
| Meals: | All meals | ||
| Accommodation: | Standard hotels | ||
| Fitness level: | Moderate | ||
Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet Tour covers the three most excellent Himalayan countries of South Asia: through the last Shangri-La-Bhutan, the place that is known for Mt. Everest; the origination of Buddha—Nepal; and in conclusion, the top of the world—Tibet. This 14-day enterprise starts with the visits to well known Bhutanese historic points like Tiger's Nest Monastery, King's Memorial Chhorten, Punakha Dzong (post), and others.
Next, travel to Nepal with a flight to Kathmandu for a stunning time. Start your visit with visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu took after by wilderness safari in Chitwan and touring in the astounding lake city, Pokhara. Next, travel to Tibet and visit mainstream Tibetan historic points like Potala and Norbulingka royal residences, Tibet Traditional Museum, Barkhor Bazaar and others in Lhasa. While there, additionally visit various noteworthy Tibetan cloisters like Sera, Drepung and Jokhang Temple. Travel somewhat more distant far from Lhasa the following day and investigate the stunning Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave.
Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)
Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft): 76 km, 2 - 3 hours
Day 04: Punakha to Paro (2250m/7382ft): 140 km, 4 hours
Day 05: Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft): 1 hour flight, sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan: 150km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 07: Chitwan National Park
Day 08: Drive to Pokhara (910m/2986ft): 200km, 5 - 6 hours
Day 09: Catch the morning sunrise from Sarangkot Hill then fly to Kathmandu
Day 10: Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft)
Day 11: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital: 5 - 6 hours
Day 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours
Day 13: A day excursion to Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave: 5 - 6 hours
Day 14: Final departure
As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Treks Planner Nepal who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, we spend 4-5 hiking to and from Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.
After breakfast, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. We then pass through rice fields along river banks and reach Punakha. After lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, we drive to Paro via Dochu La pass. There, we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery. With elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works, the Druk Wangyal Monastery is the only one of its kind in the country. After the tour of the monastery, we continue our drive with a stop in Thimphu for lunch. Overnight in Paro.
Fly to Kathmandu. While there, visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world. The Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast we begin our drive to Chitwan, a city located at the foot of the Churia range and famous for housing Chitwan National Park (CNP), the first national park in Nepal, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon reaching Chitwan, we either take a jungle safari or nature walks depending on the time of arrival. During the safari, we go deep into the jungle and spot deer, the endangered one-horn rhinoceros, along with other wild animals. If lucky, we may even spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. During nature walks we enjoy the company of a wide variety of flora and fauna and spend some time bird watching. In the evening, there will be a presentation on the wide range of flora and fauna of CNP.
Early in the morning, we will be mounted on elephant backs for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we visit the elephant stables and even enjoy bathing the elephants. During the afternoon we can either drive through the jungles followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti River. While canoeing, we may get a close look at the Gharial and Mugger crocodiles along with fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. Or, we may even go for birding or nature walks and come closer to a variety of wild flora and fauna found in the park. Overnight in Chitwan.
Leave the southern Nepalese landscape for Pokhara, the beautiful lake city. As we enter Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna and others. Today, we visit Davis Falls and Shiva Cave. Davis Falls is a unique waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no end. The Shiva Cave is located near to Davis Fall and houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, a primary Hindu God. Overnight in Pokhara.
Early in the morning we leave for Sarangkot, a hill that overlooks the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the north and Pokhara city in the south. From here, we catch amazing views of the sun as it rises in the mighty Himalayas. We then head back to Pokhara where we can do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara. We will also visit Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the Lake before flying to Kathmandu for overnight stay. In Kathmandu, we take dinner together with Treks Planner’s representatives.
On our flight to Lhasa, we get to enjoy a beautiful hour-long trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Upon our arrival at Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, a representative from Treks planner Nepal will pick us up from the airport for about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa. We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.
We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17thcentury, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.
After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
In the morning, we drive to Ganden Monastery, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3,800m) in the Lhatse County, 57km east of Lhasa. It is the oldest and one of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. Ganden Monastery has extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps a suit of armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelug Sect. During the afternoon, we drive to Drayerpa Cave located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. There are more than 30 caves for Lamas who wish to meditate in a silent environment. In the evening, we drive back to Lhasa and spend the night.
Our adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! A representative from Treks Planner Nepal will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure with Treks planner Nepal.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
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Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Everest Base camp trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.
Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protections. Flights in the Himalayan region often get cancelled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.