Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal’s international airport, received by Vertex Holiday staff and guide, with a warm welcome and then transfer to respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city. At the hotel, the guide will provide a briefing regarding the tour around Kathmandu and beyond. Evening, a group welcome dinner in typical Nepalese restaurants, a good way introducing to Nepalese foods and culture, with live cultural programs of Nepali folk songs and dances.

Morning tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.
Pashupatinath, the holiest of all holy sites of Hinduism, is the temple of Lord Shiva, one of the main Gods. A beautiful temple with a golden pagoda roofed with silver doors, located on the bank of the Baghmati River. Observe the devotees and pilgrims’ prayer ceremony, after an exciting time at Pashupatinath, with a short drive to Bouddhanath.  Visit the world’s largest dome Stupa with four cardinal sides, with the mystical eyes of Lord Buddha. The whole area of Bouddhanath is lively with a circular market. With time at Bouddhanath for lunch, stop in one of its many good rooftop restaurants, and have lunch facing the large Stupa of Bouddhanath. From Bouddhanath Stupa, having an excellent lunch, back to the hotel for an exciting drive to Nagarkot Hill. A few hours’ drive en route to visit Bhaktapur city’s magnificent Durbar Square and its famous monuments.

Then continue driving uphill towards a cooler hill to Nagarkot, staying in the comfort of a nice hotel. Late afternoon, enjoy views of the stunning sunsets over a chain of Himalayan peaks and explore the small hill town of Nagarkot.

arly morning walk to the viewpoint for the spectacular sunrise, which Nagarkot is famous for. Along with the Himalayan snow-capped peaks of Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal ranges. Includes peaks as far as the Everest range towards the eastern horizon. After a refreshing morning with glorious views, enjoy breakfast and an exciting drive to Chitwan.

Leaving Nagarkot, reaching the outskirts of Kathmandu, and beyond the valley rim. Experience the dramatic changes of the landscapes, climate, and vegetation, as the drive follows south to the lower mid-south. Heading towards the country’s flat land of the Terai belt at Chitwan. An interesting overland journey along the Trisuli River for a few hours, and then reaching Bharatpur town in Chitwan.
The drive diverts from the main road, then heads further south past farmland to reach the hotel. Located close to the premises of the Chitwan National Park entrance.

On arrival, the jungle guide and naturalist will brief you regarding the jungle activities. Then check into your rooms after lunch, a short nature walks, or visit the local Tharu village, the indigenous tribes of the lowland of Nepal’s Terai belt.

Chitwan is Asia’s best National Park, famous for the elusive “Royal Bengal Tiger”.
The park hosts more than 200 one-horned Indian Rhinoceros, 4 species of Deer, Bears, Monkeys, and Leopards. Including many different species of mammals and reptiles, it is also home to a thousand species of birds.

Jungle and nature activities begin early mornings, either an elephant safari
or nature walks, and bird watching for an hour. After a fresh morning program, return to the hotel/lodge for breakfast. After a refreshing rest, the guide will take you for an elephant briefing at the elephant stable. Enjoy watching and having fun bathing the elephants. After an exciting moment, back to the lodge/hotel for a delightful lunch. In the late afternoon, an elephant safari or jungle drive and hike. Evening back at the hotel and enjoy the local Tharu cultural program before a lavish dinner.

Jungle activities: 

Nature and the Jungle activities as per the program set by the hotel.

Bird Watch Tour, Machan (Observation Tower), Nature and Jungle walks.

Elephant Safari and jungle drive on a Jeep or Land Cruiser.
It includes elephant briefing, bathing, and local Tharu cultural programs in the evening before dinner.

Early morning options for nature activities or the bird watch tour before breakfast. Then depart from the hotel in Chitwan, where the drive leads on the main highway following past many farm villages and towns. The drive finally reaches Pokhara for two nights in the comfort of lovely hotels, next to Phewa Lake. Late afternoon, interested people can enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit the small island with the temple of Barahi.

Depart from the hotel early for sunrise from Sarankot Hill, located 1,460 m above the Pokhara valley. From Sarankot, enjoy the stunning sunrise over snow mountain ranges with the world’s 3 highest peaks.

Namely, the 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri, 8,167m, the 10th highest, Mt. Annapurna
8,091 m with the 8th highest Mt. Manaslu, 8,163 m. Includes majestic views of Mt. Machhapuchare, “Fish Tail,” towers high at 6,993 meters.

Sarankot is a popular spot for paragliding, one of the popular adventure sports in Pokhara. After a great, enjoyable experience, a short drive to the hotel for breakfast, our next tour takes you to Devi’s Waterfall.

Including Gupteswor Mahadev cave with a lunch break, the tour continues visiting the International Mountain Museum. After an exciting day back at the hotel with time, browse around and enjoy a short boat trip on Phewa Lake.

After breakfast, a short transfer to the Pokhara airport. A scenic short flight facing the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas with Ganesh and Langtang Himal. As the plane lands at Kathmandu airport, a short drive brings you to your hotel.

An afternoon tour of Kathmandu Old Durbar Square, the area is full of local activities. It is the main hub of the city with an old former palace.
Established in the early 13th-14th Century during the Malla regime, it is a historical royal palace and a museum.

From Kathmandu Durbar Square, a short drive to Patan / Lalitpur.
An adjoining city south of Kathmandu is separated by the bridge above the Baghmati River, Patan or Lalitpur. Means a city of arts and crafts, visit the old Durbar Square and the palaces of the Malla kingdom. Places of interest are the old Palace courtyard (Durbar) and the tall terracotta building, with impressive intricate window carvings. Includes the Krishna Temple in the front pillar of Garuda, a vehicle of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

After a wonderful morning tour back to the hotel, the rest of the day is free at leisure for individual activities or shopping for souvenirs.

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After a leisurely breakfast, explore Thimphu interesting market and streets.

A few hours’ drive leads northeast to Punakha at the lower mid-hills and valleys, with a short stop. On reaching Dochula pass at 3,080 m, enjoy the views, and a beautiful religious monument, the chörten. Adorned with colorful prayer flags. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from the pass Mt. Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m). Includes Teri Gang (7,060 m), Jegging Phugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m) and Zongphugang (7,060 m). Includes views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

After a few hours, reach Punakha for an overnight stop.
In a moderate tourist standard hotel or lodge. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, located strategically at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637. It was built by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. From here, drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the Dzong and the local market. The district of Wangdue Phodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. After a wonderful day in Punakha with a scenic drive, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Thimphu to Punakha at a distance of 75 km or 47 miles.

Morning after an early breakfast, for an interesting drive to Paro, covering a distance of 125 km or 78 miles. The drive follows the same route to the Thimphu outskirts and continues towards Paro. The journey takes 4-5 hours with a few refreshing stops and a visit to Simtokh Dzong. The oldest fortress of the Kingdom, built in 1627, now houses the School for Religious Studies.

After an exciting drive reaching Paro for two overnights, an afternoon tour of Ta Dzong. It was built as a Watch Tower in 1967, and a National Museum of the country. It also treasures a fascinating collection of art, artifacts, Thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, which is the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, our expert guide will take you on a pleasant hike with short drives. Reaching the foothills of Taksing Monastery, the famous landmark of Bhutan, “Tiger’s Nest”.  Start the hike with a steep climb of an hour or more to the top of Tiger’s Nest. Located within a rocky, overhanging cave, a retreat and meditation site. For Buddhist monks and priests, besides its spiritual significance, it offers stunning views of the Paro valley. Includes views of distant snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas.

After an interesting tour of the Tiger’s Nest or Taksing Monastery, walk downhill for a short drive to the hotel. After lunch, enjoy a tour of the 17th-century Ta-Dzong, later converted into a National Museum in 1967, rest of the afternoon at leisure for a stroll around Paro markets.

As time for flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Paro and Bhutan’s International Airport. Then bid farewell to the guide and drivers, and check into the immigration for a scenic flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, a short drive to the hotel, the rest of the day at leisure, with preparation for the Tibet Tour.

As flight time for the Lhasa flight, transfer to Kathmandu international airport for a scenic flight. A panoramic flight of an hour or more, as the aircraft flies over the Himalayas with views of Mt. Everest.

After a breathtaking flight with glorious scenery of the Himalayan landscapes.
Then landing across the borders in Tibet at Gongar International Airport, an hour’s drive to Lhasa city. After going through the security and immigration, our Tibetan guide and driver will receive you. A pleasant drive of less than two hours reaches Lhasa city, where most good hotels are near the Barkhor market square.
Check in the best hotels, have time for a stroll around the busy market square of Barkhor, and catch a glimpse of Tibetan traditions and cultures.

The Tibetan guide will receive you at the hotel after a good breakfast.
Enjoy the day visiting the famous sites of the magnificent Potala Palace, which was built in the early 640 A.D. It was the meditation cave and retreat of the king Songtsen Gampo. Then the meditation cave was built into a large palace complex, built by the 5th Dalai Lama. This beautiful palace represents a landmark of Tibet, dominating the Lhasa city and the Kyuchi valley.

After visiting the Potala Palace, a short drive to Drepung Monastery.

The largest, most important monastery in Tibet. It was built as a university for Tibetan Buddhism scholars in earlier days. It was also a residence of many high priests till the 5th Dalai Lama, until Potala Palace was built and completed. Interesting tour of Drepung Monastery’s interior and around the religious and prayer rooms.

An afternoon tour of Sera monastery and watching young monks in debates is one of the highlights of the visit. The rest of the day is free for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs.

After an early breakfast, our local guide and driver take you on a long, scenic overland journey towards southern Tibet. The drive heads near the airport, then climbs a winding hill reaching Khamba-La Pass at 4,800 m high.

From Khamba-La Pass, enjoy spectacular views of the vast and wide Tibetan plateau with Yamdrok Tsho. From the Khamba-La downhill drive towards the shorelines of Yamdrok Tsho, the beautiful Turquoise Lake.

The journey continues towards the small town of Nakartse for lunch stops. After a nice lunch, the drive leads around the wide, windswept terrains with a herd of Yaks grazing on a meadow. Then the drive climbs to Karo-La pass 5,050 m, between the towering peaks of Nzong-Khangtsa. Fantastic close views of the Ice Fall and glaciers as it extends near the roadside. From here, a few hours of good driving to Gyantse, the 4th largest city in Tibet. After Lhasa, Shigatse, and Chengdu, at Gyantse, as time permits, a tour of Gyantse Dzong (fort), Pelkor Chhode Monastery. Includes the beautiful Kumbum Stupa, the landmark of Gyantse.

After an interesting tour, a few hours’ drive on a good road reaches Shigatse for the overnight, the second-largest city of Tibet.

An early breakfast, for an exciting, long drive to Rongbuk near Everest North Base Camp. The morning includes an hour-long visit to the famous Tashilumpo monastery and its beautiful complex. It is the seat of His Holiness Panchen Lama, the second head of state after the Dalai Lama. The tour of prayer chambers and halls includes a tall bronze statue of the future Maitreya Buddha.

The image is 21 meters high. After a visit to the monastery, the drive follows the main Lhasa and Kathmandu Highway. Then drive towards Larze town, between the Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and Mt. Kailash, located far southwest of Tibet.

From Larze, the drive climbs up to Gyatsho-La pass at 5,220 m, the highest point of the adventure. The ride continues downhill to Shegar or New Tingri, a windswept town, en route to Nepal and Everest base camp.

After a short stop at Shegar, the drive diverts from the main road heading towards Pang-La Pass at 5,200 m. On top of Pang-La Pass, enjoy the grand vista of Himalayan peaks that border Nepal and Tibet. Stunning views of
Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and Shisapangma with arrays of peaks.

After a fantastic view, the drive heads downhill to Tashi Dzong village, where the road follows Rongbuk River to Rongbuk Monastery. Enjoy the comfort of a simple and basic lodge, which is situated close to the monastery. From Rongbuk, enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Everest’s North-West Face. In Tibet, it is called Chomolungma for Everest. From Rongbuk, vehicles are not allowed, except for local transport by horse-cart, and motorbikes serve as taxis.

Visitors can hike takes more than two hours to Everest North Base Camp at
5,200 m high. To enjoy the closest views of the world’s highest peaks.

If time permits in the late afternoon, take a short ride on a local transport to Everest base camp. In the evening at Rongbuk, visit the monastery.
In early 1921, the famous British Mountaineers, late Irving and Mallory, stayed in Rongbuk Monastery on their way to the Mt. Everest summit bid.

In the morning at Rongbuk, people who have not visited the base camp on the first day have the opportunity. After breakfast, the drive follows the scenic route to join the main highway. Then on the good road within a dry, windswept plateau to Old Tingri, for possible lunch stops at a local lodge. Located on the roadside with views of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu. In the afternoon, the drive follows the windy valley around the wide plain of the Tibetan arid plateau. Reaching near Lalung-La Pass, from here our route diverts, leaving the main highway heading closer towards the Mt. Shisapangma area.

The drive follows the great range of the Snow Mountains, which forms the boundary of Nepal and Tibet. Enjoy the grand views of massive Mt. Shisapangma, Dorji Lakpa, and the Langtang Himal. The drive heads past Paigut-Tsho, a large lake, then reaches a lower elevation within greenery areas at Kyirong.
Enjoy the homely comfort of a nice lodge with the last overnight in Tibet.
Kyirong is also called Gyirong Zangpo, close to Gyirong River, a tributary that flows to join the Trisuli River in Nepal.

Start the journey with an early breakfast to reach Nepal, a short drive takes you to the frontier immigration post of China. After passport and visa formalities, walk towards Nepal at Rasuwagadhi, then bid farewell to our Tibetan guide and drivers. After going through visa formalities, an exciting drive reaches you on the Nepal side, heading through farm villages. Coming across lush green surroundings, then reaching Syabrubesi and Dhunche towns. Possible lunch stops in Dhunche Town around the Langtang Himal range in Rasuwa district.

From Dhunche, drive to Kathmandu, on winding roads through nice farm villages and towns. The drive continues reaching low, warmer areas at Trisuli Bazar and the Nuwakott district. After refreshment stops, the drive continues downhill to Kathmandu. On reaching the bustling city of Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the last overnight in Kathmandu for individual activities and shopping for Nepalese souvenirs.

Last day in Nepal, in the country of Himalayan wonders, as time for your international flights. The Vertex Holiday guide and staff transfer you to the airport for a homeward journey or to the next port of call.  Enjoying a great experience in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.