14 Days Traverse Himalayas from India, Nepal to Tibet

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.

Start your day by visiting the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square. It’s the Royal Palace square in the city surrounded by ancient buildings from the early 16th century. You can take a glimpse of the house of the virgin goddess and admire exquisite decorations. The intensity of historical items gives a great insight into Nepali culture.

Then continue the tour and hike to the Swayambhunath Pagoda also known as monkey temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal. You can see many monkeys playing around and walk the kora around Buddha’s eyes and enjoy the great panorama of Kathmandu there.

After lunch, let’s head to Patan City, the second-largest city in the Kathmandu Valley area. Patan City has one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nepal that dates back to the 12th century, and is a great place to explore the Buddhist culture of Nepal. You can explore the exquisitely-made woodwork and statues in Patan Museum and discover the amazing artwork at the Golden Temple, etc. before driving back.

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.

Next, the 37min’s drive will take you to Bhaktapur's Dubar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex. Take your time to wander around Varsala Devi Temple, 55 Windows Palace, Dattatreya Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, etc. Finally, drive back to Kathmandu.

Our driver will pick you up in your hotel during 9:00-9:30 am. Then we will head north to China Tibet border region. While driving near Mt.Himalaya, you can see the deep gorges, snow-capped mountains on the way. We will also drive across the LuangTang National Park till reaching the guest house at Syabrubesi.

After breakfast, we will drive 15km to the border to enter China. Our hospitable Tibetan guide and friendly driver will be expecting you with auspicious white hada, Tibet travel brochure, and help you carry the luggage. Then It takes one hour’s drive to Kyirong (2800m) surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains and dense forests. In the afternoon, you take a stroll to visit Paba Temple (2850m), a Gelugpa temple built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo at the proposal of his wife Nepali princess Bhrikuti. The Nepali style temple with delicate murals is only within minutes’ walk from your hotel. We will spend one night here for acclimatization before the ascent.

Today’s visit will be one of the best highlights in Tibet. The long ride will take you past the enchanting Lake Peikutso. You can enjoy it turquoise lake at a great distance. Then, the lofty Mt. Shishapangma, one of 14 highest mountains in the world, will greet you ahead of the road. We continue to drive to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). You can closely admire mighty Mt. Everest at it foothill and explore the world highest monastery--Rongbuk Monastery. After that, we keep moving to Tingri, on the way, you will pass renowned Gyawula Pass (5,198m) where you can take photos of the top 4 highest peaks along mighty Himalayan Range.

As you travel to Shigatse, it’s worth making a detour to visit renowned Sakya Monastery, the main monastery of Sakyapa sect. You can spot the unique grey, red, and white color on the surrounding villages and appreciate the magnificent murals and biggest Library of Buddhist scriptures inside Sakya Monastery.

Then, let’s move to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. On the way, you will visit the G318 National Highway Milestone in Lhatse. After your arrival in Shigatse in the afternoon, you can visit the celebrated Tashilunpo Monastery, home to successive Panchen Lamas; roam over the alleys of this massive Buddhist academy and explore the tremendous golden statue of Future Buddha (26.2m high) and visit the golden stupas of Panchen Lamas and Amitabha Buddha; you may even join the monk’s chanting at assembly hall or quietly watch the monk debate at courtyard if you come at the right time.

Head to the historical Gyantse county, around 90km southeast to the Shigatse. Gyantse is a crucial business hub connecting Lhasa and Shigatse. You will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery where multiple Tibetan Buddhism schools coexist in a single monastery; climb multi-story Gyantse Kumbum Stupa, the symbol of Gyantse County, for an amazing vista of Gyantse fortress. With more time to spend, you may take a leisurely stroll in the old street nearby. 

Leaving Gyantse to Lhasa. You will arrive at Simila Pass (4200m) where you can hang the auspicious prayer flags and enjoy the commanding view of the greenish-blue lake at Manla Reservoir. Keep moving, you will reach the massive Karola Glacier. Stop briefly to view this incredible land glaciers cascading from the peak, right beside the highway. 

The journey continues to turquoise Yamdrok Lake; you can photograph the jaw-dropping panorama of Yamdrok with the backdrop of snowy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m) at Gampala pass (4790 m) and have chances to ride on Tibetan yaks and pet the tamed Tibetan mastiff for a lovely shot. Finally, wind up in holy Lhasa city.

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 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.

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.