10 Days Unveil the Best Highlights of Delhi, Kathmandu, and Lhasa

Arrive at the international airport in New Delhi; you will be warmly received by our local Indian guide and get transferred to the hotel. You can relax and explore around for the rest of the day.

After breakfast, we are expected to explore the historical Old and New Delhi. The first stop will be Jama Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India. You may enjoy the stunning architecture and enjoy the crowds for praying, esp. on Friday. Afterwards, you can take rickshaw ride via old Chandni Chowk Bazaar to visit Old Delhi and one of the largest spice markets in Asia.

Then we keep moving to Raj Ghat, the memorial of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. You can enjoy the peace and tranquility while strolling the enchanting garden and monument. Later, we head to New Delhi, built by the British. You will pass the official office and residence of the president of India and visit the iconic India Gate, which is a memorial to patriotic Indian soldiers who died in WWI. Finally, we will cover the Qutub Minar, a magnificent UNESCO world heritage site in New Delhi.

After, dinner we enjoy the cozy ride to Agra for the sunrise in Taj Mahal tomorrow. The drive takes around 3hrs. Our guide will help you check-in in Agra and have a tight sleep for the early rise.

We will have an early rise to enjoy the sunrise at well-known Taj Mahal, believed to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. You may enjoy the spectacular architecture, take some brilliant pictures, and listen to the love story of Shah Jahan and his wife. Later, we drive back to the hotel for breakfast and after check out from the hotel. We manage to explore Agra Fort, the awesome military fort situated downriver from the Taj Mahal. Later, we will drive back to Delhi (3hrs’ ride). You may do some shopping and enjoy the last night in India.

Enjoy our private transfer to New Delhi’s airport and take the morning flight from Delhi to Kathmandu. The non-stop flight normally takes around 1h40m. Then our Nepali guide will be greeting you and transfer you to hotel. The rest of the day is for free exploration.

Your first stop is the Pashupatinath Temple. This temple, a prime site for cremations, is one of the holiest for Hindus. You'll experience a divine sense of calm and gives a fascinating insight into an aspect of Hinduism. Then we walk to tour Bouddhanath, which 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.

Afterwards, we enjoy the ride to Bhaktapur and visit Bhaktapur's Dubar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex. And keep moving to Nagarkot (35min drive), one of the best places in Nepal to enjoy mighty Himalayan Range.

Have an early rise and enjoy the scenic trek to the lookout at Nagarkot hill station where you can admire the amazing sunrise over snow-tipped Himalayan Ranges. Next, get transferred to Patan Durbar Square (1h 40m drive), where you can explore the exquisitely-made woodwork and statues in Patan Museum and discover the amzing artwork at Golden Temple, etc.

Then, let’s travel back to Kathmandu to visit most iconic Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Kumari Temple, house of the virgin goddess and of course the Swayambhunath, famous monkey temple heritage site. You can enjoy the hike to its top and enjoy a panorama of Kathmandu form here.

Enjoy the easy transfer to the airport and take a flight to Lhasa, which is expected to last around 1h30m. Do take the left window seat, you can enjoy stunning bird’s eye view of Mt. Everest while flying past Great Himalayan Range.

Our expert local leader and your friendly drivers have been expecting you at the designated places at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Kindly accept our auspicious white Hada and simply leave your luggage to our driver to take care, then enjoy the scenic ride to your hotel in Lhasa city. Your handful Tibetan guide will help you check-in and remind you of the tour plan the next day. Then enjoy the comfy stay at your hotels in Lhasa for a fresh exploration tomorrow.

After a delightful breakfast in the hotel, you will be exploring the prestigious Jokhang Temple, the most sacred Buddhist site in Lhasa with our local leader. Walk past the prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and move in the dimly-lit rooms; you can hear the constant mumbling of Buddhist chanting and see local Tibetans adding butter oil to the oil lamps. Never miss the chance to worship the life-size statue of 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Then, you will walk clockwise along the most renowned Barkhor pilgrimage circuit and discover the bustling Barkhor Street that mirrors the past and present of Tibet. Find yourself ravenous? No worries. Let’s delve into the quiet alleys to the teahouse of Tsamkhung Nunnery, a peaceful spiritual haven where great local cuisines are found.

Sit beside a beloved Tibetan granny on a bench chair and enjoy the authentic local sweet tea and Tibetan momos and yak noodle soups, pickled radish, etc; you find yourself getting one step closer to the lives of local Tibetans.

After enjoying the laidback hours at the teahouse, you will enjoy a fabulous cooking class at popular Tibetan Family Kitchen. Choose a specific local dish you find interesting with, then follow your cook to Tromsikhang Market to pick up the ingredients. And get back to Family Kitchen and learn to transform the chosen ingredients into a savory masterpiece.

The highlights would be enjoying the communal feast, including your handiwork, at the rooftop terrace of the Family Kitchen overlooking the Jokhang Temple. Then, get transferred to the epic outdoor musical - Princess Wencheng, a grand feast to eyes. The romance between princess Wencheng and Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and many Tibetan customs will come alive via the dramatic modern choreography.

Today, it’s time to tick off your bucket list by having a selfie with magnificent Potala Palace as the backdrop; the follow the footsteps of your guide to hike the long stairs of impressive Potala Palace for the commanding view of Lhasa city; the UNESCO heritage site perched on the Red hill used to be the winter palace of the generations of Dalai Lama. You will explore the residence of Dalai Lama in White Palace and religious chambers in the Red Palace and gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas, etc.

Shortly after lunch, let’s head to Sera Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelugpa monasteries best-known for its lively monk debate. Sit at the outer perimeter of debate courtyard and watch attentively how monks debate with each other by yelling, slapping of hands, jumping and rolling of Buddhist mala, etc. Though you may not understand what they say, the animated debate scene gives you another side of intriguing Buddhist study in Tibet.

Besides, you may also enjoy exquisite sand mandala and Buddhist scripture printing press and take your time to visit the main assembly hall in this Buddhist academy.

After a refreshing breakfast, your guide and the driver will be waiting for you for the friendly transfer to the airport or train station for the next onward flight or journey. The tour ends.