| Duration: | 12 Days | Trip Code: | |
| Trip Grade | Max-Altitude: | ||
| Meals: | Accommodation: | ||
| Group size: | Transportation: | Private Vehicle and flights | |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Best Season |
This tour provides you the opportunity to explore the cultural heritages of the medieval period in the Kathmandu valley and an insight of as well as enlighten knowledge about the Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet. A visit to the temples and religious shrine in Kathmandu valley helps you understand more about the people and culture. In Kathmandu you will be visiting heritage sites such as Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan durbar Square. You will visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Swoyambhunath” a common site of homage for both Hindus and Buddhists. The other important attraction of this trip is the visit to the holiest “Shiva Temple” for Hindus; the “Pashupatinath” temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and one of the members of the Holy Trinity. A stopover at “Boudhanath”, the largest and famous Tibetan Buddhist stupa in Nepal is captivating and spiritually rejuvenating. Patan Durbar Square, The city that offers visitors a chance to see an abundance of exquisite works of religious art and architecture prevailing from the medieval period.
The tour further continues to Lhasa flying above the beautiful Himalayas. This tour package offers an opportunity to visit the temples, monasteries and palaces that has been preserved throughout several years. The package is developed in such a way that provides ample amount of time to peek into the Tibetan lifestyle. The tour includes the visit to Jokhang Temple, Barkhor market, Potala Palace, Sera and Drepung monasteries, Samye monastery, Yumbulakang and Thandurk Monasteries. You can take some time strolling streets the streets of Lhasa, buying stuffs etc before returning back to Kathmandu. The last destination of the tour is Bhaktapur Durbar Square also regarded as an open museum to the culture and tradition of the medieval history.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 03: Fly Kathmadu/ Lhasa.
Day 04: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa
Day 06: Lhasa to Shigatse
Day 07: Shigatse to Gyantse
Day 08: Gyantse to Tsedang
Day 09: Excursion tour to Samye Monastery
Day 10: Tsedang to Lhasa airport. Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu
Our airport representative will be there to welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle comfortably. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During the meeting we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we schedule a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight, you will spend your night at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Check in to Hotel which shall be provided with welcome amenities.
Lunch - Own arrangement
Dinner – Welcome Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast at the Hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City
SWOYAMBHUNATH:
The Buddhist temple of Swoyambhunath situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The Swoyambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest religious complexes in Nepal; dating back to the 5th century A.D. Swoyambhunath Stupa has a shape of a dome standing on a base which represents the entire world. A pair of big eyes on each side of the dome symbolizes Wisdom and Compassion. They are, in fact, Buddha’s eyes — they give the impression as if he is looking right into you no matter where you stand.
The Swoyambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Lichchhavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which lies in the east direction; and the other way to reach the temple is via a road trip around the hill leading to the southwest entrance.
BOUDDHANATH:
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Stupas in Nepal and the holiest Buddhist site in Kathmandu. The eyes on the Stupa are a symbol commonly associated with Nepal and can be seen throughout the region. The squiggle between the eyes is the Sanskrit numeral one, symbolizing the unity of all things. Prayer wheels at the base of the temple are inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme Hom! At ground level there is a brick wall with 108 images of meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.
Sometimes referred to as “Little Tibet”, Boudhanath is still the best place in the Kathmandu Valley to observe traditional Tibetan lifestyle. There are various Tibetan monasteries surrounding Boudhanath Stupa as it is the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Boudhanath is a UNESCO world heritage site, and a destination not to be missed while traveling in Nepal.
PASHUPATINATH
Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 6km from Kathmandu City, on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. The main temple is a multi-storied temple with gilded roof and richly carved silver door. The sanctum deity is a five faced Shiva in the form of a lingam. He is also considered as the god of destruction who holds a special position in the Hindu Trinity. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March. It falls on the moonless night where thousands of devotees and Sadhu’s from various parts of Nepal as well as India come to worship Lord Shiva. The festival is observed for one day and one night. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds for the Hindus. One can observe the traditional cremation of the Hindu community at the bank of Bagmati River.
Lunch - Own arrangement
Patan City:
Patan Durbar Square complex, also known as Lalitpur is one of the oldest Buddhist cities. Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings is a good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: MulChowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one is at the centre of Patan Durbar Square. Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. The main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.
The city of Patan offers visitors the chance to see an abundance of exquisite works of religious art and architecture. Patan Durbar Square is filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. Patan Durbar Square is one of seven monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley that together have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also located in the square is the Patan Museum, which houses bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to the 11th century.
A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre will also be done while, visiting Patan where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moldings of metal statues.
Dinner - Own arrangement
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu. Our representative shall escort you till the airport to catch up a flight to Lhasa. From Kathmandu it will take around an hour to reach Gonggar airport. The scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa allows you to view the breathtaking Himalayas flying over the country. Upon arrival at the Gonggar Airport you will be received by one of our representative and then transferred to your hotel in Lhasa which might take around an hour drive under normal road condition. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. Note: There is no fixed program arranged for today.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lhasa
Breakfast at hotel. An experienced guide will take you on a full day tour.
Sera Monastery:
Sera Monastery is one of the most important monastery of Lhasa. Sera monastery functions using the principle of Gelukpa sect of Buddhism. The monastery also serves as the university for those who are interested in Buddhism. The monastery is situated five km north of central Lhasa and was built in 1419. It was the home for 5000 monks in the days of its highest glory, though the number now is reduced to few hundreds. The best time to visit the monastery is in the morning when the monastery is most active, in the debating courtyard you can see the monks debating from 3 to 4 pm. (not weekends)
Jokhang Temple and Bharkhor square:
Jokhang Temple is the holiest and the most active Buddhist temples in Tibet. It is situated 2 km east of Potala and was built in 647 AD. The temple was built by the greatest of the Tibetan emperor ‘Tsrong Tsang Gampo’ to house the image of Buddha that was brought from Nepal by his Nepalese wife Bhrikuti. However, another image, the Jowa Zakyamuni, was later moved here by the king's other wife (the Chinese Princess Wencheng), and it is this image that gives the Jokhang both its name and spiritual potency: Jokhang means 'chapel of the Jowo'.
Equally interesting is the Bharkhor bazar that circles Jokhang. The medieval atmosphere, the crowd, innumerable shops selling ritual objects, and the never ending pilgrims will take you to its spell.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lhasa
Breakfast at hotel. An experienced guide will take you on a full day tour.
Drepung Monastery:
Drepung monastery is one of the important monastery of Lhasa as it functions as one of the three pillars of Tibetan state. The monastery is situated about 8 km to the west of central Lhasa. Drepung monastery was once largest monastery of Tibet', with a population of around 7000 monks. Built in 1416 this was one of the important monasteries belonging to the Gelupa sect of Buddhism. It houses different colleges for the study of Buddhist philosophy and the interesting sight is to see is the debating monks.
Potala Palace:
Potala Palace dominates the Lhasa skyline from every corner. Originally there were buildings from 640 AD but the present Potala palace was built in 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. It has served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas .It is 117 m high, 13 storied and has 1000 rooms. Different sections of the palace houses a great wealth of cultural and art objects of Tibet. Many parts of the palace, now turned to a museum are open for the visitors. Pilgrims and tourists are mostly attracted towards the three storied building, sights of magnificent chapels, golden stupas and prayer halls.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lhasa
Scenic drive to SHIGATSE, to the west of LHASA through the northern road. The drive is scenic as the road drives along the valley made by BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER (YARLUNG TSANGPO).
Overnight at hotel in Shigatse.
Morning sight- seeing to the PANCHEN LAMA’S TASHILHUMPU MONASTERY
Tashilhunpo Monastery:
Tashilhumpo Monastery is one of the famous cultural landmark of Shigatse. It is one of the few monasteries in Tibet which has come through the Cultural Revolution. The monastery is the largest functioning religious institution in Tibet covering 70,000 square meter. The huge golden statue of the Future Buddha is the largest gilded statue in the world.
Drive to GYANTSE and visit to the KUMBUM STUPA & PHALKOR MONASTERY.
Kumbun Stupa:
The Kumbun Stupa of Gyantse is the city’s foremost attraction. The word Kumbun means 100,000 images which you can see at the chapels of the stupa. The image is a 32m-high chorten, which is marvelously constructed. The stupa consists of white layers trimmed with decorative stripes along with its crown-like golden dome. The interior is also awe-inspiring as seems like an endless series of tiny chapels with fine paintings.
Palkhor Choede Monastery:
Palkhor Choede Monastery is the main monastery in the Nyangchu river valley situated in Gyantse. The monastery is a complex of different structures however is most famous for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort. The monastery was believed to have made by Pelden Zangpo. Architecturally, the monastery is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture.
Overnight at hotel in Gyantse.
Full day picturesque drive crossing over KAROLA (5,010m), KAMBALA (4,794m), and colorful YAMDROK LAKE. Continue drive along the Tibetan lifeline river BRAMHAPUTRA (YARLUNG TSANGPO) on to TSEDANG.
Overnight at hotel in Tsedang.
AM: scenic drive to Samye along the other side of Brahmaputra River and visit Samye Monastery (8th century 1st Buddhist Monastry in Tibet).
Samye Monastery:
Samye monastery was the first Buddhist Monastery constructed in Tibet. It is believed that the monastery was built under the patronage of King Tsrong Tsang Gampo. The monastery is highly popular for the Buddhist pilgrimage around the world. The monastery is open from the 9 in the morning till 4 in the evening. The monastery holds an interesting history with a beautiful architecture.
PM: Drive back to Tsedang and visit Yumbulakhang & Thandruk Monastery – Hotel.
Yumbulakhang:
Yumbulakhang Palace is the first palace in Tibet built by the first Tibetan King, Nyatri Tsanpo, in the 2nd Century BC. The name “Yumbu” means female deer named after the shape of the Jormo Zhaxi Ceri Mountain which looks like a female deer and “Lagang” means sacred palace. Hence the name of Yumbulakhang is translated as “the sacred palace of mother and son” in Tibetan. Yumbulakhang Palace has a typical architecture by divided into two parts: the multi-layer building in front and a square tall tower standing behind connected with the front part.
Overnight at hotel in Tsedang
Early morning drive (2hrs) to airport for departure flight to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative shall escort you to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast at the Hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
BHAKTAPUR CITY
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an assortment of Pagoda and Shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is a part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place - struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows - all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
Many of the original medieval industries still continue to this day. They include; painting, carving, masonry, bronze casting and pottery. Over the centuries the city gained a reputation for the quality of its goods. Bhaktapur is rich in architectural beauty, filled with ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, and palaces and courtyards where tourists can easily spend days absorbing the traditions and culture of the Newars.
Lunch- Own arrangement
Dinner – Farewell Dinner
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel
Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.