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14 Days Nepal & Tibet Highlights Tour

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Polkala - Chitwan - Kathmandu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa - Kathmandu

Trip Overview:

The tour starts with a tour in Nepal including Kathmandu, Chitwan and Polkala, which is most popular Nepal adventure tour in Nepal with rich culture, amazing Himalaya view, and jungle exploration. In Tibet will have another 6 days tour to Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse formed a cultural triangle in central Tibet. Enter the Potala Palace, where past Dalai Lama ruled Tibet. Not only visit, but walk to explore, the Spiritual Center of Tibetan - the Barkhor Street. Explore the Drepung and Sera Monastery, where hundreds Tibetan Monks live and study. Discover the Yamdrok-tso Lake, Karola Glacier on the way from Lhasa to Gyantse. Shigatse is the last stop of the tour, where sit the Tashilhunpo Monastery with old Tibetan Traditional Gardens.

  • Tour Code:
    TTO-PT-NT14
  • Max Altitude:
    3,656 m
  • Tour Type:
    Private tour with private guide and vehicle
  • Phisycal Demand:

    Phisycal Demand Level Guide:
    1. Easy (1 point) - suitable for all level of fitness, family with kids and senior groups.
    2. Moderate (2-3 Points) - suitable for those having average level for fitness, family with kids bigger than 12 years.
    3. Moderate to Strenous (4 Points) - suitable for those physically fit and have experiences of high altitude trekking.
    4. Strenuous (5 Points) - suitable for adventures and individual with physically fit and healthy.

  • Season:
    springSpringSummerSummerautumnAutumnwinterWinter

Highlights:

  • Travel across Nepal to explore the Buddhist culture.
  • Enjoy full day Chitwan Jungle activities including Elephant Safari, Jungle walk etc.
  • Do the boating at Phewa Lake and take in the spectacular views of the Annapurna.
  • Discover Lhasa city with all its best, including the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Street.
  • Marvel at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok-tso, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive Tribhuvan International Airport, tour guide will await you outside the arrival area. Transfer for your stay at Kathmandu. (Our local office staff will meet you to collect your passport to apply for Chinese Visa for you, Visa fee is not included in price quotation and you will need pay extra service charge 20 USD/person).

Day 2: Day tour to Kathmandu City, Swayambhunath and Patan City

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is one of three durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies taken place. Swayambhunath the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu stupa is adorned with a colourful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu.

The last site we visit for today is Patan City which is the second largest town in Kathmandu valley. Patan's central Durbar Square is entitled in the World Heritage Site and absolutely packed with temples, the Golden Temple which is the unique Buddhist Monastery was founded in the 12th century, is a large rectangular building has three roofs and a copper gilded facade with the images of Buddha and Avalokitesvara where there are Buddha images and illustrations on the walls.

Day 3: Day tour to Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Bhaktapur City

Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, the old buildings on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the 14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding monarchs reinstated the temple and the images. Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Day 4: Drive to Pokhara by Surface (210km, 5-6 hours)

On the way, a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara would probably give you more insight of Nepalese lifestyle than one is likely to get at lakeside. You will pass through steep yet fertile classic Middle Hills countryside. While riding along the Trishuli River, you could a chance to grab a paddle and tumble through the white waters.

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. The city offers a combination of nature and culture and is mostly known as the gateway to the trekking route "Round Annapurna".

Day 5: Leisure time at Pokhara

Early morning excursion to Sarangkot to view the spectacular scene of the sun rising out of the mountain peaks. At an elevation of just under 1,600 metres, Sarangkot is perched on a high ridge to the northwest of Pokhara and has panoramic mountain views from Dhaulagiri and across the Annapurnas to Manalsu, as well as south over the Pokhara Valley. Sunrise - subject to weather.

In the morning we do the Sightseeing tour in Pokhara City. The World Peace Pagoda can be seen on top of a hill on the southern fringe of Phewa Lake. It has four images of the Buddha facing the four directions. The dome-shaped pagoda is an impressive sight, and its hilltop location commands a great view. It is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna.

In the afternoon, we do the Boating at Phewa Lake. The centre of attraction in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake - the second largest lake in the Kingdom. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in the middle. The favourite home base for travelers is the eastern shore You can do some outdoor activities like paragliding, helicopter in Polhara, cost is not included in the package.

Day 6: Pokhara - Chitwan (160km, 5-6 hours)

Chitwan - From alleys of the Valley to lush greenery, get ready to treat all your senses at Chitwan, the heart of the jungle. From being surrounded by the concrete jungle to entering the real jungle, this package has extremes to get you in adventure mode. From making way through the narrow gallis of Kathmandu and discovering architectural delights, you will be walking or riding through the jungle along with the wild animals you will discover by the Rapti River.

Day 7: Chitwan Jungle Park Exploration

Early morning you visit the Jungle to refresh your spirit of adventure on a guided walk through the national park, returning to the lodge in time for breakfast.

You will follow a full day true jungle experience with the in-house expert naturalists including Bird watching, Elephant bathing and canoeing. You will also visit the small village of Tharu ethnic group to get a sense of what their world and lives are like through interactions with the locals. A special sundowner can be suggested at the confluence of the Rapti River amidst spectacular sunset view.

Day 8: Chitwan - Kathmandu by Surface (185km, 6-7 hours)

Evening you have free time in Thamel through narrow alleys and observe local life from close range. Thamel becomes colorful & vibrant at this time of day with soft music played in shops, decorated shops with handicrafts, curio, silver jewelries, adventure gears and the list goes on. You will have some free time here to stroll around.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 9: Fly to Lhasa over Himalaya

Fly to Lhasa in the morning. The air journey is just around 2 hours. You will be shocked by amazing Himalaya mountain range, the mountains which over 8000m are just moving across you, and you cannot see the side of the snow-capped mountains. Arrive Lhasa Gongar International Airport, tour guide will await you outside the arrival area. Transfer for your stay at Lhasa. In the afternoon, you need to stay at hotel to acclimatize the high altitude.

Day 10: Day tour to visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street.

The tour will begin from UNESCO World Heritage site - Potala Palace, which is also the winter palace of Dalai Lama. It's situated at 12,139 feet above sea level. It's a 13-story high building that contains over 1,000 rooms, various statues, stupas, murals and artifacts.Then continue to Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a spiritual center for Buddhists in Tibet. Next to the temple there is Bakhor Street, filled with pilgrims and street vendors, selling traditional Tibetan items such as prayer wheels and jewelry.

Day 11: Day tour to visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, Sera & Drepung

In the morning, tourists are going to visit Drepung monastery which was one of the “three greet” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala palace. In the afternoon, Sera Monastery---It was one of the “three great” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419. The highlight is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Day 12: Lhasa (3650m) to Shigatse (3900m) via Gyantse

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and tourists will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance clients can have spectacular views of Holy Mount NyenchenKhangsar(7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Gyantse was historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, tourists will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum. After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. 

Day 13: Shigatse (3900m) to Lhasa (3650m)

In Shigatse, we will visit Tashilunpo Monastery before driving back to Lhasa. The monastery covers 70,000 sq metres, is now the largest functioning religious institution in Tibet and one of its great monastic sights. The huge golden statue of the Future Buddha is the largest gilded statue in the world. Then we will drive back to Lhasa by following Yalong Valley. You can stand on the viewing platform and view the vast Yalong River bed. Finally the guide will transfer you back to your hotels in Lhasa.

Day 14: Private transfer to Lhasa Gongga Airprot, fly to Kathmandu

Private transfer to Lhasa Gongga Airprot, fly to Kathmandu.

What’s included?

All Tours in Kathmandu and Lhasa, the road trip in Nepal Kathmandu-Polkala-Chitwan, road trip in Tibet Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse

* Pick up from hotel before the tour

* Drop off to hotel after the tour finish

* All Entrance Fees of tourist attractions listed in the itinerary

* One Dinner included in Lhasa

* All Meals included in Chitwan Jungle Tour

* Local English Speaking Tour guide

* AC comfortable tourist Vehicle

All Accommodation

* All Hotels in the tour are included. We choose best value 3 star hotels with good location for you. All hotels include breakfast.

Travel Documents

* Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit.

* Chinese Visa Invitation letter Application service

Others

* Airport-Hotel pick up and drop off service in Lhasa and Kathmandu

What’s excluded?

Some Meals

* Meals except breakfast are not included, check the meals plan

Flight Tickets

* Round way flight tickets Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kathmandu flight tickets

Chinese Visa

* Chinese Visa fee paid to Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu is not included

* Chinese Visa application agent service at Kathmandu, 20 USD/person is not included

Others

* Additional single supplement for requiring single room for yourself

* Gratuities to tour guide and driver

* Other personal expenses

Trip Notes:

1. Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit is a must for Tibet tour. Its cost is included in the tour quotation. Send your passport and China visa copies to us 20 days in advance, and we will apply for the permit after you book a Tibetan tour with us. Shortly after we get your permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau, we will inform you and mail it to your hotel in China via express.

In some extreme cases, our staff will hand it over to you at the airport or railway station. In our experience, we can virtually guarantee to get your permit during times when Tibet is open to foreign travelers.

2. Accommodation

Tibet is never known for its 5-star luxury resorts, though you can find some like Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, St.Regis Lhasa Resort, Sheraton hotel, etc in Lhasa. Overall, the accommodation facilities and services are not as good as those in coastal and central parts of China. However, from cheap and clean youth hotel, to distinct Tibetan style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotel, you will find one that suits your interest and pocket in Lhasa.

We’ve handpicked cozy and safe hotels in the central area of Lhasa, where you will find Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are just steps away from you. You can easily experience more of the local life and culture. Normally, as you travel to remote areas in some parts of Shigatse like Tingri, or EBC, Ngari, Nagqu, etc. the accommodation would be much poorer. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel;others may only have electric blanket in the guesthouses. And the food is also very basic.

3.Guiding and Tipping

Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will minor your health and provide prompt help to you. If you run into any trouble, please do not hesitate to reach them or our customer service manager.

Travelers’s tipping to Tibetan guide and driver is taken as an extra gratitude to their good service, just like what you do in the west. Normally, a tipping of 7 USD/day is acceptable. The basic rule is good service for good pay.

4. Toilet

Admittedly, to many western tourists, using toilets in Tibet is the most dreadful experience. So, please down play your expectation. If you take Tibet train to Lhasa, both western toilet and squat toilet are available in the train. If you stay in hotel above 3-star hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. you will have no complaining using standard western flash toilet.

However, if you visit some of the attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso, EBC outdoor, mostly you will see the smelly and filthy pit toilet.It's better to carry enough toilet paper.

5. Tibet Weather

One of the biggest features of weather on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the dramatic temperature change between day and night. The annual temperature in Lhasa is -2℃-- 12℃(spring), 9℃-- 22℃(summer), 7℃-- 19℃(fall), -7℃-- 9℃(winter). Do wear clothes properly such as thermal tops, fleece jacket, breathable underwear, down jacket, jeans, beanie, etc.

Of course, sun screen, lip balm, sun glasses are essential to shield you from powerful blinding sunlight on the plateau. Do drink more water and eat more vegetable as you travel in Tibet. It can prevent you from dehydration.

6. Acclimatization to the High Altitude

For the first timer to Tibet, either by flight or train, a good rest is a must for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Never rush to tour the street or attractions on your own. Walk slower and do not exert yourself like running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa is a good way to get acclimatized before heading to Shigatse or Namtso. If you have any discomfort, do tell it to your guide,and he will help you out.

7. Other Dos and Don'ts

Normally, taking photos is forbidden in the monastery. If you want to take photos of Tibetan pilgrims, a gentle ask of permission would be appreciated or you can do it from a long distance. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in holy lakes in Tibet; Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics; International tourists are not allowed to travel alone in Tibet according to the policy; Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street; Never venture into the unknown trails; do as much as you can to protect the fragile eco-system in Tibet, etc.

As Tibetan Buddhism is deeply-rooted in every facet of Tibetans' life, always follow and respect the unique customs in Tibet. If you are uncertain about something, it’s advisable to ask your guide before you do it at will.

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