NEPAL, LHASA AND SHIGASTE TOUR 09 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative after completing your custom formalities, transfer to hotel for check-in.
Evening visit Boudhanath Stupa located about 11Kms from city centre.
Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world.
Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
DAY 02: KATHMANDU CITY SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It housed the Malla kings of Nepal from 14th to 15th century and the kings of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur from 15th to late 18th century until the kingdom was conquered in 1769. During its height, Bhaktapur Durbar Square contained 99 courtyards but today hardly 15 of these courtyards remain.
Afternoon Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as Basantpur Palace Square the home of “Kumari Devi “(the only living Goddess in the world). It is one of the capital’s most visited landmarks.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in front of the Old Royal Palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Evening visit Swayambhunath Stupa a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 03: KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visit Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Jyotirlingas housed in the Pashupatinath temple is the head of the body which is made up of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Also visit Patan Darbar a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is a historic palace complex in the heart of Lalitpur, Nepal. Renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture, intricately carved temples, and courtyards, it reflects the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. A must-visit for history and art lovers.Later transfer to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot is the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, more than 2,100 meters above sea level, and known as “the viewing platform of the Himalayas”. When the weather is clear and the visibility is high, you can overlook the Himalayas on the opposite side. From Mount Everest on the east side to the Annapurna Mountains on the west side, the lined up snow-capped mountains are quite impressive. The hotel gathering place on the top of the mountain is a good place for viewing the scenery. Overnight is at Hotel in Nagarkot.
DAY 04: KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT
KATHMANDU – DRIVE TO CHANDRAGIRI HILLS VIA CABLE CAR. Early in the morning, the hotel staff will wake you up for the Sunrise view either from the hotel or you can hike for half an hour to reach View Tower. In the morning, you will witness sunrise; offering the finest views from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Explore around Nagarkot and go for a little walk as well and back to Kathmandu.
After arrival visit Chandragiri Hill with Cable Car Ride. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the majestic Himalayan ranges. At the top, visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple and relax amidst lush greenery—an ideal blend of nature, spirituality, and adventure.
Evening visit Thamel Market is known as one of the biggest shopping markets of Kathmandu city. You will find multiple branded and local outlets, providing stuff in western as well as antique Nepali style. Foreign tourists love to visit this market and enjoy some shopping.Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 05: KATHMANDU – LHASA
After breakfast, the morning will be comparatively free and closer to the time of your flight, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight for onward journey.
Upon arrival, pick-up from Gonggar Airport, followed by a one-hour drive to Lhasa.
Lhasa (3650m): Nestled high in the Himalayas, Lhasa is the soul of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. The city’s skyline is dominated by the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, attracts pilgrims from across the region, who prostrate themselves along the bustling Barkhor Bazaar. With its centuries-old monasteries, sacred sites, and breathtaking mountain vistas, Lhasa offers a profound journey into Tibetan spirituality and way of life.Overnight at hotel in Lhasa
DAY 06: IN LHASA
Breakfast: In hotel
After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in Tibet, Drepung Monastery rests on the slopes of Mount Gambo Utse, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Founded in the 15th century, it was the principal seat of the Dalai Lamas before Potala Palace. Its sprawling complex consists of grand assembly halls, ancient scriptures, and towering golden statues of Buddha. As you wander through its whitewashed courtyards and intricately decorated chapels, you’ll witness monks engaged in daily rituals, preserving centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Sera Monastery: Renowned for its lively monk debates, Sera Monastery is one of Tibet’s most vibrant monastic institutions. Founded in the 15th century, it is home to stunning murals, sacred scriptures, and golden-roofed temples. The highlight of a visit is the courtyard debate session, where monks engage in animated philosophical discussions, clapping their hands in dramatic gestures. Beyond the debates, the monastery’s peaceful surroundings, adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, provide a glimpse into the depth of Tibetan Buddhist learning and devotion.Overnight at hotel in Lhasa
DAY 07: IN LHASA
Breakfast: In hotel. After breakfast, visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar.
Potala Palace: Perched majestically on Red Hill, Potala Palace stands as Tibet’s most iconic landmark, a symbol of spiritual and political history. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, its towering white and red walls house sacred chapels, golden stupas, and thousands of ancient scriptures. As you explore the labyrinth of halls adorned with intricate murals and statues, you’ll witness centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The palace also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lhasa, with its golden rooftops shimmering under the vast Tibetan sky.
Jokhang Temple: Jokhang Temple, the most sacred site in Tibet, radiates a spiritual energy that draws pilgrims from all corners of the region. Built in the 7th century, this revered sanctuary houses the Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized statue of Buddha believed to have been blessed by the Buddha himself. The temple’s architecture blends Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese influences, creating a unique and mesmerizing design. Outside, devotees prostrate in devotion, while inside, the air is thick with the scent of butter lamps and the sound of monks chanting prayers.
Barkhor Bazaar: Surrounding Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar is a lively, winding circuit filled with prayer flag vendors, antique dealers, and stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts. It serves as both a religious path for pilgrims performing kora (ritual circumambulation) and a marketplace buzzing with activity. Here, you can browse intricately carved prayer wheels, traditional Thangka paintings, handmade jewelry, and yak wool garments. As you wander through the market, you’ll witness a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern Tibetan life, making it an unmissable cultural experience.
Overnight at hotel in Lhasa
DAY 08: DEPART LHASA – GYANTSE – SHIGASTE
(263 KM / 6 HOURS DRIVE AND 93 KM / 2 HOURS DRIVE)
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Tso Lake and Korola Glacier.
Yamdrok Tso Lake (4,441m): One of Tibet’s most spectacular and sacred lakes, Yamdrok Tso is a sprawling turquoise gem nestled amidst snow-dusted mountains. Believed to be the lifeline of Tibetan spirituality, it stretches for miles across the high plateau, shimmering in shifting shades of blue under the vast sky. The lake is not only visually stunning but also deeply revered by pilgrims who journey here to offer prayers. The surrounding scenery—rolling hills, grazing yaks, and remote villages—adds to the lake’s serene and otherworldly charm.
Korola Glacier (5,560m): Towering along the highway between Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse, Korola Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Tibet. Cascading dramatically from the slopes of Mount Nojin Kangtsang, its shimmering white ice walls descend nearly to the roadside, offering a rare up-close glimpse of a high-altitude glacier without the need for trekking. Set against a stark, barren backdrop of rocky cliffs and wind-swept plains, the glacier stands as a striking reminder of Tibet’s rugged natural beauty and the fragile ecosystem of the high Himalayas. Prayer flags flutter nearby, lending a sacred atmosphere to this awe-inspiring natural landmark.
Gyantse (4,040m): Gyantse is a historic town rich in Tibetan culture and heritage, once an important trading hub along the ancient route between India and Tibet. Its skyline is dominated by the majestic Gyantse Dzong, a fortress perched high above the town that played a key role during the British expedition in the early 20th century. Below lies the renowned Pelkor Chode Monastery, home to the extraordinary Kumbum Stupa—a multi-tiered structure filled with intricately painted chapels and statues. Gyantse retains a traditional charm, with cobbled lanes, prayer wheels, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the heart of old Tibet.
Here, visit Palcho Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum.
Palcho Monastery (Pelkor Chode): Located in the ancient town of Gyantse, Palcho Monastery is a unique religious complex that showcases the harmonious coexistence of Tibet’s three main Buddhist sects—Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu. Unlike most Tibetan monasteries, it reflects a blend of styles and philosophies, making it both historically and architecturally significant. The monastery complex includes temples, assembly halls, and chapels adorned with intricate murals and statues. Its tranquil courtyards and sacred atmosphere offer a profound insight into Tibetan monastic life and cultural heritage.
Gyantse Kumbum: Rising beside Palcho Monastery, the Gyantse Kumbum is an architectural marvel and the largest chörten (stupa) in Tibet. This multi-tiered structure houses 108 chapels spread over nine levels, each adorned with exquisite frescoes and sacred images representing stages of Buddhist enlightenment. As pilgrims and visitors ascend the spiraling interior, they pass through vibrant depictions of deities, mandalas, and symbols. At the top, a panoramic view of Gyantse town and the surrounding valley awaits, making the spiritual journey upward all the more rewarding.
Later, drive to Shigaste.
Shigatse (3,845m): As Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse serves as an important religious, cultural, and administrative center. It strikes a unique balance between old and new, with bustling markets, wide avenues, and centuries-old monasteries coexisting side by side. The city is a key stop for those heading west toward Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash. Shigatse offers travelers a deeper look into daily Tibetan life, with opportunities to visit sacred sites, sample local cuisine, and engage with warm and hospitable locals in a vibrant highland city.
Overnight at hotel in Shigaste
DAY 09: DEPART SHIGASTE – LHASA (290 KM / 5-6 HOURS DRIVE)
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: Tashilhunpo Monastery, nestled in the hills of Shigatse, is one of the most significant religious institutions in Tibet. Established in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, it later became the seat of the Panchen Lama—the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery complex is vast, filled with golden roofs, ancient murals, and monumental statues, including a towering 26-meter-high Maitreya Buddha, one of the largest in Tibet. Pilgrims flock here to walk the kora (circumambulation path), spin prayer wheels, and offer prayers in the tranquil courtyards steeped in centuries of spiritual devotion.
Later, drive to Lhasa. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa
DAY 10: DEPART LHASA
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Gonggar Airport for a flight to onwards destination.
END OF SERVICES