12 Days Tibet and Bhutan Scenic and Cultural Discovery Tour

Welcome to Lhasa!

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

This is the day of holy Lake Namtso!

In the morning, heading north from Lhasa, you’ll pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.

Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.

After visiting Namtso Lake, you will return to Damxung via the mountain pass.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

Insider Tips:
1. If the majority of your group is interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, you can stay longer for the sunset. While you wait, we’ll provide hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea.

2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4718 meters above sea level, it tends to be colder than Lhasa. It is advisable to bring a warm jacket with you for today’s visit.

After breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Roam over the peaceful nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.

Then, head to Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is also the birthplace of the system of reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats', the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

During the summertime (June to September), you have the option of enjoying a 'Linka outing' (Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery. Alternatively, you can have lunch at the restaurant of Tsurphu Monastery.

At the end of the day, return to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today is free for you until you take a flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, our local staff will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel.

After check-in at the hotel, you can take a good rest in your room or explore the surrounding areas as you like.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu. 

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Today, you will take a 1-hour direct flight from Kathmandu to Paro, where the only international airport is in Bhutan. 

Upon your arrival in Paro, our local tour guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and take you from Paro airport to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

After your hotel check-in, you will visit Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu. This majestic statue stands at a height of 51.5 meters and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Overlooking the Thimphu Valley, it is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Bhutan.

Then, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchu. Served as a place of worship and a memorial for the late king, the chorten is a large white stupa adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings.  It is a hub of religious activities and is frequented by locals and tourists alike for prayer and meditation.

After that, you will explore Takin Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to the unique and elusive Takin. The takin is a large, goat-like mammal found in the eastern Himalayas and is the national animal of Bhutan. At the Takin Zoo in Thimphu, you'll have the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close.

Stay overnight in Thimphu. 

After breakfast, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchu. Served as a place of worship and a memorial for the late king, the chorten is a large white stupa adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings.  It is a hub of religious activities and is frequented by locals and tourists alike for prayer and meditation.

Then, you will explore the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, Hand-made Paper Factory, and the School of Arts and Crafts, where you will have a panoramic view of Bhutan’s history and learn more about textile and handicraft making in the most traditional way.

After that, you will visit the Tashichho Dzong, also known as Thimphu Dzong. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and the headquarters of the Bhutanese government.

Later, you will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for a refreshing tea. You will appreciate the unobstructed vista of the Great Himalayas from the mountain pass.

Finally, you will arrive in Punakha. After check-in, you can take a break in your room to refresh yourself after today’s sightseeing.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

In the morning, you will start today’s journey from Punakha Dzong, widely believed to be the most beautiful Bhutanese Dzong, built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.

After that, you will travel southeast to Gangtey (Phobjikha), known for its surprisingly flat valley and its wintering population of migratory black-necked cranes. You can take a stroll in the enchanting Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery, the only and the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

After visiting Gangtey, you’ll take a drive back to your hotel in Wangdiphodrang.

Stay overnight in Wangdiphodrang.

After breakfast, you will say farewell to the charming pastoral scene in Wangdiphodrang Valley and take a 3 to 4 hours’ drive back to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will head to the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro, which looks like a round watchtower. Here, you can explore Bhutan’s ancient history, diverse wildlife, and rich local culture and arts.

Next, you will visit Drukgyel Dzong and enjoy the scenic views of the charming villages lying at its foot.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Getting up in the fresh morning, you’ll start today’s trek to Taktshang Goemba (also known as Tiger's Nest). Standing on the cliff of Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3,120m) is the landmark of Paro as well as the holiest temple in Bhutan. It’s said that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flown here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. From here, you can catch a panoramic view of Paro Valley.

After concluding the visit to Tiger's Nest Monastery, if time and interest permit, you can also visit Paro Market to freely browse and purchase Bhutanese handicraft souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today marks the end of your tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight details with your guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport for your next destination.

Tour service ends.