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. In the afternoon we enjoy the first impression of Kathmandu. 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.

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 evening we visit Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan was the second largest town in the valley. 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 Bhaktapur, the third biggest city of the valley. Bhaktapur has preserved its medieval character better than Patan. We visit the golden door, the Palace of 55 windows (15th century) and Pagoda Nyatapola (18th century). 

Day 3

Kathmandu - Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongor airport at Lhasa, transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free for acclimatization.

Day 4

Lhasa - Tsedang
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Tsedang Vally. We have an overnight stay at the hotel in Tsedang valley.

Day 5

Tsedang - Gyantse (about 260 km)
In the morning drive from Tsedang Vally to Gyantse (3900 m). Gyangtse 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. We have an overnight stay at the hotel in Gyantse.

Day 6

Gyantse - Shigatse (about 90 km)
In the morning after having breakfast visit Phalkor Monastery and Khumbum Stupa. Later in the afternoon drive from Gyantse to Shigatse. Shigaste 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. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Shigatse. In the evening 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.

Day 7

Shigatse - Lhasa
In the morning drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3650 m). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free for leisure in Lhasa.

Day 8

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 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 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 Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River, there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, the park was originally laid out in the year 1750. Norbulingka was also the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th). The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama is an odd mix of traditional Tibetan architecture and modern paraphernalia. In the evening we 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
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for personal activities.

Day 11

Kathmandu
In the night transfer to airport for the flight to onwards journey.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the  chosen category (A and B groups of hotel - 3 nights in Kathmandu, 2 nights at   Tsedang, one night each at Gyantse and Shigatse and 3 nights in Lhasa).

Exclusions -

Airport tax 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 !