Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu
In the morning arrive in Kathmandu. The cosmopolitan city and the capital Kathmandu is the main gateway for travellers to Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel. Kathmandu Valley is the cultural and political heart of the country. The city enjoyed its most glorious time under the reign of Mallas in the 16th and 17th century. Today we enjoy the first impression of Kathmandu. In the afternoon we proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city and Durbar Square.

Day 2

Kathmandu
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bodhnath. Bodhnath is the largest stupa of Nepal. Around the octagonal base of stupa there are 108 images of Buddha where prayer ceremonies of Buddhist Lamas are taking place since over 2000 years. Then we proceed to visit the temple of Pashupatinath which is Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrim site on the banks of the Bagmati river. The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to god Shiva. In the afternoon proceed for a half day sight seeing tour of Patan city. Patan was the second largest town in the valley but it has been absorbed into Kathmandu. Patan was previously known as Lalitpur (the beautiful city). The famous King Ashoka built the Stupas at four corners in the 250 BC. The temple architecture here gave this city fame to be unique and most beautiful. After Patan we proceed to visit the Swayambhunath. The stupa at Swayambhunath is the most important and oldest site of Buddhist worship in Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of Buddha which seem to observing the world from all 4 directions.

Day 3

Kathmandu - Kodari - Zhangmu (about 123 kms.)
In the morning after having breakfast drive from Kathmandu to Kodari at Nepal / China border for about 115 km. After the immigration and custom formalities cross friendship bridge on foot and then drive further 8 km to Zhangmu. Overnight stay at the hotel in Zhangmu.

Day 4

Zhangmu - Xegar (about 212 kms.)
After having breakfast drive from Zhangmu to Xegar and cross the Nyalam (3800m) and Lulung (5050m) passes. This drive offers fantastic views of the high Himalayan Mountains including Mt. Everest (8848 m). With a population of 3000, its importance lies in the fact that it is the center of this large and remote country and also because it is the base from where expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched. Overnight stay at the hotel in Xegar.

Day 5

Xegar - Shigatse (about 244 kms.)
In the morning drive from Xegar to Shigatse for 8 hrs. Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city. It is the administrative centre for 18 countries in southern and western Tibet. Besides the rich cultural heritage, Shigatse has an abundance of native fruits and products. Overnight stay at the hotel in Shigatse. 

Day 6

Shigatse - Gyantse (about 90 kms.)
In the morning visit the Tashilumpo monastery and the market of Shigatse. Tashilumpo monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery, built in 1447 by a nephew of Tsong Khapa once housed over 4000 Monks, but now there are only 600. After visiting the monastery we visit the market of Shigatse. In the market there are more than 300 stalls selling local produce as well as colourful and elaborate handicraft, accessories, antiques and porcelains. Afterwards drive from Shigatse to Gyantse. yantse was earlier the Tibet's third most important city, lying in the Nyangchu valley and along the main routes from India and Nepal to Lhasa. In former times it was a fort, the centre of Tibet's wool trade and a gateway to the outside world. In the evening visit the Phalkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 7

Gyantse - Lhasa (about 259 kms.)
After having breakfast drive from Gyantse to Lhasa. Cross the Karo (5010 m) and Kamba (4794 m) passes via Yamdruk Lake. Upon arrival drive to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 8

Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast we visit the Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa situated at a heights of 117 meters above the sea level. The construction of this palace was started on the red hill in 1645 under the 5th Dalai Lama. An immense building, 13 storeys high with walls 3 meters thick contains over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. It was both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former head of state. The Potala Palace is full of elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories. After the visit of Potala Palace we visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century A D and houses the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden roofs found nowhere else except in Tibet. After visiting the temple we have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful market where you can bargain over such treasures like a ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.

Day 9

Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast proceed for a full day sight seeing tour of Lhasa city covering Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Sera is more like a small town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great Gelukpa Universities - once housing more than 5500 monks. Here one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery we drive to visit the Drepung Monastery. This monastery is situated in the west suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular interest is the medieval monk's kitchen with its great cauldrons of steaming barley 'stamp' sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From the roof of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lhasa valley.

Day 10

Lhasa - Kathmandu (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport for the flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu stay at the Kathmandu airport until the flight to home destination.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Accommodation in double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the chosen category. (A and B groups of hotel - 2 nights in Kathmandu, 7 nights in  Lhasa).

Exclusions -

Unspecified Meals etc.

Extras -

Given cost if on per person basis on minimum two travelers. There is discount available between April and September. Please write us to receive more details !