D 1Kathmandu
There are no planned activities for today except for a welcome meeting in the early evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Accommodation:
- Fuji Hotel (or similar).
Included Activities:
- Meet Your CEO and Group
D 2Kathmandu (L)
Take an orientation walk in Durbar Square before visiting the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking to become certified paralegals. Meet some beneficiaries of the program and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) with some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city.
Accommodation:
- Fuji Hotel (or similar).
Meals Included:
- Lunch
Included Activities:
- Sisterhood of Survivors Project
- Durbar Square Orientation Walk
D 3Kathmandu/Panauti (D)
Many families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program.
Depending on the location, the home offers lovely views across surrounding fields or a post from which to observe street activity. As well as getting to know a local family and exploring this lovely village, you will assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes - and eat together with your host family.
Accommodation:
- Panauti Home Stay (or similar).
Meals Included:
- Dinner
Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Kathmandu to Panauti
Included Activities:
- Panauti Homestay
- Guided Hike to Panauti Community Homestay
D 4Panauti/Lhasa
Take an afternoon flight to Lhasa. With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on 'the roof of the world' over three days. Don't miss one of the evening debating sessions with the monks and the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture here.
Accommodation:
- Yak Hotel Lhasa (or similar).
Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Panauti to Kathmandu
- Plane 01:30 Hr(s)
D 5Lhasa
Enjoy an orientation walk around Barkhor Square led by your CEO before taking a guided tour of the Jokhang Temple, the "spiritual heart" of the city where a stream of pilgrims visit daily. In the afternoon explore Sera Monastery and witness the monks debating.
Accommodation:
- Yak Hotel Lhasa (or similar).
Included Activities:
- Barkhor Square Orientation Walk
- Jokhang Temple Tour
- Sera Monastery Tour
D 6Lhasa
Explore the grounds of the magnificent Potala Palace. Set upon Marpo Ri (Red Hill), the impressive 17th century structure was where the Dalai Lamas would meditate and take residence during the winter months. This afternoon, visit the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace, Norbulingka. Stroll the palace grounds and depending on the time of year, enjoy the outdoor festivities held in the park.
Accommodation:
- Yak Hotel Lhasa (or similar).
Included Activities:
- Potala Palace Tour
- Norbulingka Tour
D 7Lhasa
Enjoy a free day in Lhasa. Opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing with a warm cup of chai.
Accommodation:
- Yak Hotel Lhasa (or similar).
D 8Lhasa/Gyantse
Set off early this morning for Gyantse, enjoying a visit to the ancient Buddhist site of Gyantse Kumbum on arrival. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso.
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
- Gyantse Kumbum Visit
D 9Gyantse/Shigatse
Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. Later, travel to Shigatse and enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city.
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:30 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
- Pelkor Chode Monastery
D 10Shigatse/Tingri
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Tibet and home to thousands of ancient Buddhist scriptures and many paintings. Gain a fascinating insight into Tibetan history and enjoy the views from this hillside structure.
Accommodation:
- Snowland Hotel, Shegar (or similar).
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
- Sakya Monastery Visit
D 11Tingri/Rongpu Si
Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and its guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround it more than compensate. Lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain.
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 - 03:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
- Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse
D 12Rongpu Si/Kyirong
On today's drive, ride alongside Paiko Tso Lake and marvel at its turquoise colour. Reach Kunda La Pass at 5236m, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Start the descent through winding roads into Kyirong and feel the change in altitude. See the change in scenery from snowy mountain peaks, to more greenery and blue skies.
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)
D 13Kyirong/Kathmandu
Prepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu.
Accommodation:
- Fuji Hotel (or similar).
Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 09:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Kyirong to Kathmandu)
Additional Notes: Kyirong is the main customs border crossing between Tibet and Nepal, for tourists and for commercial purpose. As such, it can be quite busy and there can be long wait times.
D 14Kathmandu
Depart any time.
