- Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa by train or air and transfer to downtown Lhasa, 3650mts. Lubhum Tsang Boutique hotel or similar
Arriving in Lhasa, the ancient holy city of Tibet and Our Tibet travel guide and driver will be welcomed you at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Rest in the afternoon.
- Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokang temple, Bharkor Bazar. Lubhum Tsang Boutique hotel or similar
After breakfast, travel to Potala Palace which will take you 10 minutes from your hotel. THE POTALA PALACE is considered one of the great wonders of the world. It is held sacred by Tibetans as the former residence of successive Dalai Lamas, and is one of Tibet's most holy pilgrimage sites. A palace was originally built in the 7 th century by King Songtsen Gampo, and was believed to have been nine stories high, but around the 9th century, it is believed to have been destroyed by a big fire. The present Potala Palace was constructed by the great fifth Dalai Lama in the 17 th century after he became ruler of Tibet. The Potala Palace is divided into two sections, the White Palace (completed in 1653) and Red palace (completed 1694). It has more than one thousand rooms and is thirteen stories high. The White Palace was secular in nature and mainly used for government administration, whilst the Red palace was mainly used for religious functions and still has numerous chapels, including those containing reliquary stupas of the successive Dalai Lamas which are richly decorated in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. Afternoon, visit Jokang temple and Bharkor. JOKANG TEMPLE the Jokang is Tibet’s most sacred temple, the main point of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan plateau. Located at the heart of the ancient town of Lhasa, it was built in the 7 th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo’s queen Bhrikuti on a site identified by Queen Wencheng according to her geomantic calculation. The temple is 3 stories high and it is constructed with enormous chapels including the most sacred statue of Budhha Shakyamuni, enshrined. It has around 70 monks nowadays. ANCIENT BHARKOR STREET is the most sacred pilgrimage site in Lhasa and it is full of pilgrims from down till dusk. There are four huge prayer flags situated in Bhakor street which surrounds the Jokang, known respectively as Gadhen Dharchen in the northeast, Juyak Dharchen in the west, Kelsang Dharchen in the southwest and SharKyaring Dharchen in the southeast. The Bharkor street is the most active market in all Tibet and it is possible to purchase traditional Tibetan artifacts, religious implements, antiques, modern goods, books, music, clothing, spices, fresh meat and vegetable.
- Day 03: Drepung and Sera monasteries. Lubhum Tsang Boutique hotel or similar
After breakfast, drive to Drepung monastery which will take you 15 minutes drive from your hotel. DREPUNG MONASTERY is the largest monastery in Tibet, built in the 15 th century by Jamyang Choeje who is one of Tsongkapa’s foremost disciple. The monastery is beautifully located up in a hill at the distance of 7 Km from the old section of the city and it is the biggest monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has four main colleges with numerous small chapels and house chapels, known as Khangtsen in Tibetan. There are around six hundred monks nowadays. Afternoon, visit Sera and Norbu Lingka. SERA MONASTERY was founded in around 15th century by Jamchen Choeje who is another famous disciple of Tsongka pa and it is the second largest monastery of Tibet. There are three big colleges with numerous chapels and house chapels. The most attraction to visit this monastery is to see the monks debating which hold from 3-5Pm everyday apart from Sunday. NORBU LINGKA is the first summer Palace which was founded by the seventh Dalai Lama in 18 th century and the first Palace Kelsang Podrang was also constructed as the same name as the 7 th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso. The eight Dalai Lama Jampel Gyatso (1758-1804) did more initiated work on the Norbulingka, expending the gardens and digging a lake which can be found south of the new summer Palace. The thirteenth Dalai Lama (1876-1933) was responsible for the three Palaces in the north west corner of the park and the fourteen the Dalai Lama built the new summer Palace in 1956. Nowadays there are some monks who are taking care of the Palace.
- Day 04: Drive Lhasa-Yamdrok lake-Gyantse-Shigatse.(3900Mts/350Km ) Mansarovar Hotel 3*** on BB
You will start your tour at around 8 am from your hotel and then drive towards Gyantse through 3 big mountain passes, Gampa La, Karo La, Simila respectively. Karola is the highest pass among them which is over 5000Mts with it's most beautiful glaciers, beautiful Yamdrok lake emerged as coral color from the top of Gampala pass. Drive along the beautiful Yamdrok lake and Karola glaciers. Arrival in Gyantse during your lunch time, visit Palchoe monastery and Kubum Pagoda stupa. Continue your journey to Shigatse by passing one of the biggest farming lands in Tibet where people grow barley, wheat, different kinds of vegetables.
- Day 05: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3650Mts/ 280KM ) Lubhum Tsang Boutique hotel or similar
You will start your tour at around 9.30Am from your hotel and drive along the Bharmaputra river with a landscape of sandy hills, villages, and Rulak Yungdrung ling at the otherside of the river. You will have lunch in a small town called Nyenmo which is the border point between Shigatse and Lhasa . Free afternoon for shopping.
- Day 06: Drive from Lhasa to Lhasa Gongkar airport.(3600Mts/ 60Km ) and fly to Nepal, Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to downtown (1,300m/4,264ft/20Km) Hotel on B
End the Tibet trip and fly to Nepal, After arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest.
- Day 07: Kathmandu sightseeing tour and do preparation for the trek. Hotel on BB
After breakfast, you will drive to Swayambunath stupa which is just around 5km distance from your hotel. Swayambunath is the oldest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and it has more than 2000 years history. The distance from your hotel to the stupa is around 15 Km . The stupa is located on the top of a hill and you can enjoy the view of the whole Kathmandu city. After you visit Swayambunath, you will drive to Bouddhanath Stupa which was built in the form of Buddha’s eyes and surrounding the stupa there is a monastery and it is interesting to give a round to the stupa. The Boudhanath stupa has more than thousand years history and it has been listed in the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. After lunch, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square . Kathmandu Durbar Square is architectonic appraised jewels of the Kathmandu city.(Durbar means palace) In her square, we can admire infinity of temples and Palaces such as, Gaddhi Baithak Durbar, Palace of Rana style, constructed in 1908, Basandabur Durbar, Main building of the old Royal Palace and the Kumari Chowk, the living Goddesses and the Kumari bahal, where her family resides. All these objects are located in Basandapur. Afternoon, we will do preparation for the trek.
- Day 08: Kathmandu to Pokhara ( 827m/200km/5-6 h ) Guest house on BB
After breakfast, you will be driving to Pokhara at the distance of 200km which will take you around 5-6 hours because of the road condition. Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal and you can visit Begnas lake which is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
- Day 09: Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri (2100m/ 2½ h ) trek to Ghhorepani ( 2850m/4-5 h ) Guest house on BLD
Our guide and porter team will come to pick you up from the hotel as per the agreed time of departure. In a comfortable ‘four-wheel drive’, you will drive west of Pokhara to Nayapul. Leave the Baglung highway and follow the Burungdi River valley on dirt road. We will register our permits at the crossing of Modi River at Birethanti. Modi River drains the melting snow from Annapurna base camp. Drive past Thikedunga village from where the road climbs to the Ulleri village at 2,100 m. We will get the first view of Annapurna I, Huinchuli and Mt Fishtail. The trail from Ulleri climbs gradually through the Rhododendron forest to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani at 2,800 m. Enjoy the magnificent view of snow peaks form Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Day 10: Ghhorepani to Poon Hill hike (3200m/1 h ) | Trek to Tadapani (2500m/5 h ) Guest house on BLD
Ghorepani – Poon Hill is one of the popular short trek destination in Annapurna. This detour also helps us with acclimatization. In the early morning, hike 1 hr to Poon Hill (3,200 m) for the sunrise view over the Himalayas and climb down to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, trek along the Rhododendron forest to Tadapani and further down to Chuile village. The day’s walk is brilliant through the forests offering view of snow peaks from its clearings. Lush vegetation with chirping of birds, crystal clear creek, waterfalls under the blue sky make the day outstanding.
- Day 11: Trek from Tadapani to Sinuwa (2400m/7 h ) Guest house on BLD
Enjoy the view of Annapurna South and Huinchuli from Chuile and head towards next destination after breakfast. The trail climbs down steeply and crosses the Ghurjung River over the suspension bridge. Then climb gradually through the terrace farms and charming villages to Chhomrong. Chhomrong at 2,100 m is beautiful village with close view of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail. After scrumptious lunch in this scenic village climb down on stone steps (about 3,000) to the Chhomrong River and then climb up again on the other side to the Sinuwa village. On the day we pass the permanent settlements and join the main trail to Annapurna base camp.
- Day 12: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3300m/7 h ) Guest house on BLD
The walking further is mostly through the thick Rhododendron forest wedged between steep rockfaces of Annapurna South and Fishtail. We climb down to Modi River basin and follow the river upstream. Cross the crystal-clear streams over plank bridges and enjoy the magnificent view of Fishtail while walking through the pleasant Rhododendron and bamboo forests. At Hinku cave, we come above the tree line and cross the debris filled floodplain created by avalanches.
- Day 13: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base camp (4200m/4 h ) Guest house on BLD
At this altitude, valley widens up and more snow peaks come in sight. We will gain the altitude but more gradually. The altitude may make it more difficult but the distance is shorter. So take it slow and steady with long lunch break at Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) base camp. Climb another hour to Annapurna base camp. Walk to the end of the glacial moraine to hear the growling avalanches and observe the natures phenomenon.
- Day 14: Trek down from Annapurna Basecamp to Sinuwa (2400m/7 h ) Guest house on BLD
You will have several opportunities to capture the brilliant pictures animated with day lights and moving clouds. Morning lights turns Annapurna I from pink to red and orange. Observe the sunrise view over the snow peaks in 360 degree and start walking down to Sinuwa. Walking down is much faster and also gives different perspective into the valley aligned with snow peaks.
- Day 15: Trek down from Sinuwa to Jhinu danda (1600m/4 h ) Guest house on BLD
We come back to the lively villages with terrace farms and schools. Trek back the same trail as we took up till Chhomrong village and then follow the ridge down to Jhinu Danda. The village gives access to the natural hot spring by the Modi River. The day’s walk is just 4 hrs, giving us enough time to go an relax in the hot spring or use the extra time to walk slowly back from the base camp.
- Day 16: Drive from Jhinu Dada to Pokhara ( 827m/ 3 h ) Hotel on BLD
After breakfast, we will start our last day of Annapurna Basecamp trekking and today's walking distance is only 3 hours. We will reach Pokhara during lunch time. After lunch, walk around the Bazar in Pokhara and enjoy a beautiful view of Begnas lake.
- Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1300m/ 5-6 h ) Hotel on BB
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
- Day 18: Departure for home. End the Nepal trip and fly to Bhutan, Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu ( 2350m/50km/1 h 15 min ) Hotel on LD
End the Nepal Trip and fly to Bhutan, Your introduction to our enchanting kingdom begins on a flight over the Himalayas into the lush green valley of Paro; truly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. Flying into Paro, Bhutan is a unique experience altogether. You will view the world’s highest, most majestic peaks and enjoy the view of the approaching valley with its primeval alpine forest, monasteries, temples and farmhouse nestled in splendid mountain isolation. On arrival to Paro you will be received by our representative, the tour guide, and driven to Thimphu, the capital city, on the way we will vist Tachhog lhakhang .In the next one hour. Towards late afternoon, we will do sightseeing in Thimphu including visits to the Memorial Chorten and at Buddha point, One of the biggest Buddha statute perched on the hill top that oversees the whole Thimphu city.
- Day 19: Thimphu sightseeing tour. Hotel on BLD
Morning Excursion to Tango: drive 12 kilometers North of Thimphu town for half an hour till the base of Tango Hill. It is a 45-minute hike to Tango Monastery, a renowned Buddhist College and a site blessed by many great Buddhist masters over nearly a thousand years. “Tango” literally means “horse-head” named after the rock formation on the side of the temple that resembles the head of a horse. Picnic lunch will be served near the river bank after we cross a traditional wooden bridge near Cheri Zam. Afternoon Visit the “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts”, the Traditional Medicine Centre which includes an herbal medicine manufacturing unit. Visit Bhutan post office, and then finally Trashichhodzong, the Central Secretariat of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
- Day 20: Thimphu to Punakha ( 1310m/85km/2 h 26 min) Hotel on BLD
Drive to Punakha (85 Km/2 hours 26 minutes ). Enroute stop at Dochula Pass (3,150 m.) Enjoy a spectacular view of the ranges of the eastern Himalayas if the sky is clear. We will also come across 108 stupas that lend the place an air of deep spirituality. Then drive downhill to the Temple of Fertility at Lobesa, dedicated to the 15th century Buddhist master and iconoclast Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. Today, the temple is frequented by barren couples to receive the blessings of fertility from a 15th century wooden phallus. Continue to Punakha. After Lunch: Visit Our most significant visit today is Punakha Dzong, a magnificent castle-fortress that served as the old capital of Bhutan. It is considered the best specimen of Bhutanese architecture. Built in 1637 on the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River,) this fortress monastery is the preserve of Bhutan’s most precious religious relics and treasures. It is in this monument that the kings of Bhutan are crowned and the head of Buddhism in Bhutan (Chief Abbot), is anointed and Visit Walakha Nunnery.
- Day 21: Punakha to Paro ( 2250m/126km/3 h 21 min ) Hotel on BLD
We retrace our journey today, back to Paro via Thimphu where we will stop for lunch. Enroute, we will stop over to enjoy scenic landscapes and places of interest such as the Botanical Park at Lamperi and Tachog Lhakhang (temple) which has an iron chain bridge cast in the 14th century. On reaching Paro, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, literally the “palace-fortress on a heap of jewels”, and the National Museum that is housed in a monument which in the ancient times served as the watch tower during enemy aggressions. Today, we go to a place that has become a must for every visitor to Bhutan – the hike up to the “Tiger’s Nest” or Taktshang monastery. This religious edifice, about 800 meters above the Paro valley floor, is built on a dizzying ledge of a gigantic granite cliff that hangs on a mountainside. Buddhists consider the place so holy that to visit it once in a lifetime is considered a must. As to how it could have been constructed in the 17th century remains a mystery; a story has it that celestial nymphs (Khandromas) aided in its construction. It was here that Padmasambhava, an eighth century master who is considered to be the second Buddha in the Himalayan Buddhist world, mediated and concealed religious teachings for the future generations. In the evening, we will stroll about the town and get an insight into how the Bhutanese society is juggling between the ancient and the modern.
- Day 22: Paro town to Paro airport ( 2250m/5km/10 min )
We say good by to the most beautiful Paro valley and enjoy a great view of the Himalayan mountain peaks including Everest from your aeroplane.