9 Nights 10 Days Nepal & Tibet Tour

Upon arrival at the Land of the Himalayas – Nepal, you will be welcomed by our representatives at the airport who will escort you to your Hotel in Kathmandu.   

Rest of the day at Leisure

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Pashupatinath Temple
Start your day with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, located just 6 km (4 miles) from Kathmandu city. This is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and a member of the Hindu Trinity. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River amidst lush greenery, the temple features a multi-storied structure with a gilded roof and intricately carved silver doors.

The sanctum houses a five-faced Shiva in the form of a lingam, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Maha Shivaratri (February/March), when pilgrims from across Nepal and India gather to worship. Behind the temple are traditional Hindu cremation grounds, giving visitors insight into local religious customs and rituals.

Late Morning: Boudhanath Stupa
Next, explore Boudhanath Stupa, located about 11 km (7 miles) from Kathmandu city. It is one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal, featuring a white dome crowned with a gilded tower adorned with four pairs of watchful eyes symbolizing compassion and wisdom. The squiggle between the eyes represents the Sanskrit numeral one, signifying the unity of all things.

Believed to have been built by King Man Deva under the guidance of the Goddess Mani Jogini, the stupa rests on an octagonal base surrounded by 108 copper prayer wheels, each inscribed with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. Boudhanath is often called “Little Tibet”, offering a window into traditional Tibetan lifestyle, with monasteries and Lama residences surrounding the stupa. This UNESCO World Heritage site remains a spiritual and cultural hub of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

Afternoon: Rest of the day at leisure to relax, shop, or explore Kathmandu at your own pace.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, it takes approximately one hour to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, it is recommended to rest and take it easy, allowing your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity, as Lhasa is situated at an altitude of 3,660–3,700 meters (12,000 feet). No fixed program is scheduled for this day to ensure proper acclimatization.

About Lhasa:
Lhasa has been the cultural, political, and economic center of Tibet for over 13 centuries and remains a symbol of Tibetan heritage and spirituality. The city lies on the north bank of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, covering an area of 544 sq km.

Places of Interest:

• Potala Palace: The iconic former residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Norbulingka Palace: The summer palace of the Dalai Lama with beautiful gardens.

• Jokhang Temple: Tibet’s holiest temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, surrounded by Barkhor Square, where pilgrims perform the circumambulation circuit.

• Drepung and Sera Monasteries: Major monastic centers preserving Tibetan Buddhist education and traditions.

Walking through Barkhor Square, visitors will encounter innumerable shops and peddlers selling everything from prayer flags and incense to yak skulls, providing a truly immersive Tibetan cultural experience.

This day is designed to rest, acclimatize, and take in the atmosphere of Lhasa before the cultural sightseeing begins in full.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full-day guided tour of Lhasa’s most iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks.

Sera Monastery (Gelukpa Sect, University Monastery)

Begin your tour at Sera Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, located about 5 km north of central Lhasa. Established in 1419, it once housed over 5,000 monks and today still serves as a center for Buddhist philosophy and education. The monastery comprises multiple colleges where monks study Buddhist scriptures, logic, and philosophy.

A highlight of the visit is the debating courtyard, where monks engage in lively philosophical debates from 3:00 to 4:00 PM (not on weekends). Visiting in the morning allows you to observe the monastery in full activity, giving insight into traditional Tibetan monastic life.

Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Square

Next, visit Jokhang Temple, located about 2 km east of the Potala Palace, and considered the holiest and most active Buddhist temple in Tibet. Built in 647 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jokhang was originally intended to house a sacred Buddha statue brought from Nepal by his wife, Princess Bhrikuti. Later, the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue, brought by his Chinese wife Princess Wencheng, became the temple’s centerpiece, giving Jokhang its spiritual significance—‘chapel of the Jowo’.

Surrounding the temple is Barkhor Square, a bustling medieval-style market and pilgrimage circuit. Walking through Barkhor, you will experience the pulse of Tibetan culture, with:

• Pilgrims performing kora (circumambulation) around the temple

• Shops selling ritual objects, prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan items

• A lively, colorful atmosphere filled with chants, incense, and devotional energy

Barkhor Square remains the heart of Lhasa, offering a true glimpse into daily Tibetan life and religious devotion.

Afternoon: Continue exploring local markets, monasteries, and historic streets before returning to your hotel.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full-day guided tour with an experienced local guide to explore Lhasa’s most iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks.

Potala Palace

Begin your day with a visit to the Potala Palace, which dominates the Lhasa skyline from every vantage point. While the site has had structures since 640 AD, the present palace was constructed in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama and served as the residence of successive Dalai Lamas.

• Height & Structure: 117 meters tall, 13 stories, with over 1,000 rooms

• Cultural Significance: Contains priceless Tibetan art, cultural artifacts, chapels, golden stupas, and prayer halls

• Museum Sections: Several areas are open to visitors, allowing pilgrims and tourists to explore the historical and spiritual heritage of Tibet

Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a central symbol of Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Norbulingka – Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama

Next, visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, set in a serene garden in western Lhasa. Completed in 1956, the palace preserves:

• Wall Paintings & Mandalas: Including a detailed painting depicting the history of Tibet and the Dalai Lamas

• Historical Rooms: Preserved as they were when the Dalai Lama left in 1959, offering a glimpse into Tibetan royal life

• Exhibits: Cars imported by the 13th Dalai Lama and other personal artifacts

Norbulingka provides insight into the personal life of the Dalai Lamas and the elegance of Tibetan architecture and gardens.

Drepung Monastery

Conclude your tour with a visit to Drepung Monastery, located about 8 km west of central Lhasa.

• Significance: One of the three pillars of Tibetan Buddhist education, historically Tibet’s largest monastery, housing up to 7,000 monks

• Founded: 1416, as part of the Gelugpa sect

• Colleges & Debating Courtyard: The monastery houses various colleges for Buddhist philosophy, and visitors can witness monks engaged in lively debates, a unique cultural experience

• Ganden Palace: Located within the Drepung complex, it was the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the construction of Potala Palace

Drepung Monastery is a must-visit for understanding Tibetan monastic life, education, and spiritual traditions.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel after exploring these major Lhasa landmarks. Optional leisure time in the evening to stroll through local markets or relax.

Morning: Depart from Lhasa for Gyantse, located approximately 260 km southwest along the northern bank of the Nyang Chu River. The journey takes around 8 hours, offering spectacular views of Tibetan landscapes, lakes, and glaciers.

Scenic Highlights En Route:

• Kamba La Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft): Admire the stunning turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, set against snow-capped peaks.

• Karo La Pass (5,010 m / 16,440 ft): Witness the year-round glacier, a breathtaking panorama of pristine ice and high-altitude terrain.

Gyantse – Historic Tibetan Town

Gyantse is known as a heroic town, celebrated for the Tibetan resistance against the British Younghusband Expedition in 1904. The town has preserved much of its traditional Tibetan architecture and culture, making it a fascinating stop on your Tibetan journey.

Phalkor Monastery:

• Built in the 15th century by local chieftain Ramtan Kasom under the guidance of the first Panchen Lama

• Features distinctive Tibetan architecture, with multi-tiered pagoda-style temples and intricate murals

• A center for Buddhist worship and learning, Phalkor Monastery remains an important religious site in Gyantse

Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Gyantse and take some time to explore the town or relax after the scenic drive.

Morning: Depart from Gyantse for Shigatse, approximately 90 km away. Zhigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and has long been an important trading town, administrative center, and traditional capital of Tsang Province.

Highlights in Shigatse:

• Traditional Markets: Stroll through bustling local markets where Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and traditional goods are sold.

• Cultural Atmosphere: The town offers a glimpse into Tibetan daily life and trade, making it a vibrant stop for cultural exploration.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Shigatse is best known for the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest and most important functioning Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.

• Religious Significance: Tashilhunpo is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, considered second only to the Dalai Lama in religious importance

• Architecture & Size: Enclosed by high walls, the monastery features sprawling courtyards, temples, and halls filled with Buddhist art and relics

• Maitreya Buddha Statue: Home to the world’s largest brass statue of Maitreya Buddha, standing over 80 feet tall with intricately delicate features

• Cultural Experience: Visitors can witness rituals, prayers, and monastic life, providing deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism

Afternoon: After exploring Tashilhunpo Monastery and the local market, check into your hotel in Shigatse and enjoy some leisure time to absorb the town’s culture.

It is 280 kms from Shigatse to Lhasa by the new road along the Yalutsangbu River

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight from Tibet. Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will escort you to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Afternoon: Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Patan City, also known as Lalitpur, one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable example of ancient Newari architecture. The square is the heart of Patan and features three main courtyards:

• Mul Chowk: The oldest courtyard at the center of the square

• Sundari Chowk & Keshav Narayan Chowk: Showcase exquisite stone and wood carvings, as well as temples

Key Highlights:

• Temples & Palaces: Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna

• Architectural Features: Multi-sized and multi-styled temples, stone baths, intricately carved windows, and bronze statues

• Patan Museum: Located within the square, it houses bronze statues and religious artifacts dating back to the 11th century

• Cultural Significance: The square offers a deep insight into Hindu and Buddhist art, architecture, and traditional Newari craftsmanship

Visitors can spend hours exploring the ancient palaces, pagoda temples, and bustling marketplace, making it a perfect blend of history, culture, and local life.

Evening: Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu

Leisure till departure

Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.