Trination Tour–Nepal, Bhutan & TIBET Tour– 16 Days
HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy the hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery – Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at a height of above 3120 m
Experience the countries two most famous & colourful cultural highlights; the Paro Dzong and Thimpu’s Memorial Chorten in Bhutan
Explore Lhasa, including the fascinating Potala Palace & visit Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites within Kathmandu Valley & experience Nepali cuisine with a typical local cultural show
Trination Tour of Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet–16 days is one of the perfect travel experiences of the world & once in a life time experience
By contrast, Nepal is dotted with small towns and villages, many in the foothills of the Himalaya, and the pace of life is appreciably more relaxed. The largest populations are Hindu and Buddhist, but there are also large numbers of tribal groups who live in the mountains and practice their own beliefs, the Sherpas being the most famous. In this trip, we will mainly explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu Valley.
Bhutan– one of the most exotic places on earth in the midst of the Himalaya mountains and Buddhist tradition. Enjoy Bhutan’s mesmerizing and unspoiled cultural and natural grandeur – a country full of curiosities. This introductory package gives you cultural and natural exposure to Bhutan’s rugged terrain and steep mountain valleys. Visit the monasteries, dzongs, temples, chortens and museums. A predominantly Buddhist country, Bhutan fiercely guards its traditional mode of life from outside influence. Bhutan retains the religious tradition of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism, the only country in the world following that variety of Tibetan Buddhism. Besides the unique Bhutanese culture, you will also experience breathtaking views various Himalaya Mountains.
This adventure leads you into exotic Tibet. You will begin your journey in Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, before crossing the ‘Roof of the World’ and finally arriving in lush green Nepalese valleys. Witness a beautiful sunrise at Rongbuk Monastery and enjoy unparalleled vistas of Mt Everest at its base camp.
Trip Facts
Trip Duration : 16 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Trip Grade : Easy (Cultural Tours)
Accommodations : 4 nights in Nepal, 7 nights in Tibet & 4 nights in Bhutan
Meals : As mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation : Private vehicle /Aero plane
Group Size : Minimum 2 pax / Maximum 18 Pax
Detailed day by DAY ITINERARY
DAY 01
Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative. Please look for signage of Natraj Trekking with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. You will be escorted by our representative to the hotel
Welcome to Kathmandu, capital of the ancient Mountain Kingdom of Nepal. Kathmandu has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces.
Upon arrival at the hotel, guest will be provided welcome drinks along with the room key.
In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine local Nepali meal.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 02
Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu
Transfer to the Kathmandu International airport for the short flight up to Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns on the approach to the tiny airstrip of Paro. Paro stands at 7600 feet is an enchanting place with roads lined with weeping willows, stately poplar trees, brightly painted houses with shingled roofs held down by round stones, and rice or wheat terraces planted along the valley floor. The Paro River slices through this broad valley, and narrow walking paths lead to ancient fortress-monasteries perched on mountaintops.
Upon arrival you will be met with our guide who will take to Thimphu, 60 kms and approximate less than 2 hours drive. We pass terraced rice paddies and small villages as we drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Visit the Memorial Chorten to His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a multi-storied Chorten that will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism and Painting school in Kawajansha. At the fascinating Handicrafts Emporium one can buy weavings. Beautiful postage stamps may be purchased at the post office at face value. Late afternoon visit Tashichho Dzong, the center for politics and religion. The Capitol Building and the Palace of the reigning king are here.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 03
Drive to Punakha/Wangdi and return to Thimphu. 2 hours one way.
We begin our eastward travel across the most rugged, wildest regions of Bhutan. The trip starts with an ascent up over the Dochu La Pass at 10,007 feet with its fluttering prayer flags; in the midst you might catch sight of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas: Masangang, Tsendagang, Terigang, and if lucky you’ll see Gangkar Punsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 24,484 ft. For many years, until the time of the second king, Punakha Dzong served as the seat of the government. The Shabdrung established a monk body here with 600 monks that were brought from the upper Thimphu valley. It remains today the winter home of the monks and of His Holiness of Bhutan. The dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is draped along the end of a ridge above the river. Cacti were planted on the hillside below the dzong long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope. Visit Chim Lakang. Return to Thimphu for overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 04
Drive to Paro (60 kms- 2 hours)
Morning visit the local market and archery. Drive to Paro and we visit Paro Dzong with its beautiful medieval looking interior and courtyard. Here, also, is the National Museum (Ta Dzong), an unusual round building in the intended shape of a conch shell. Built in 1656, it was the watchtower over the main fortress of Paro Dzong. On one of the six floors, there is a spectacular collection of ‘thangkas’ – artworks – both ancient and modern portraying all of Bhutan’s important saints and teachers. A door off one gallery leads to The Temple of the Tree of Wisdom wherein the history of Buddhism is creatively depicted. Visit Kyichu Lakang the most oldest monastery in Bhutan.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 05
In Paro-Day Hike up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Day Hike up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the most revered temple in Bhutan, perched on the face of a mountain: Legend recounts that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche made his magical trip from Eastern Bhutan to Western Bhutan on the back of a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits who hindered Buddhism. After defeating these local mountain gods, he took an unusual step and blessed them as guardians of the doctrine; he thereby introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest is where he landed and today it remains one of most sacred places in the kingdom.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 06
Fly back to Kathmandu (Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square)
This morning we fly from Paro to Kathmandu. Arrive and transfers to the hotel. Our representative will collect passport for applying Tibet visa in Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Morning will be free for own activities.
This afternoon, we have arranged a walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, visiting the bazaar and temples of old Kathmandu in accompanying of local a Nepali guide. Nepal’s bustling capital is a captivating mix of spice sellers and potters, rickshaws and sacred cows, all crowded together amidst a city of vibrant noise and color. Today we visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our sightseeing this morning takes in the sumptuous majesty of Durbar Square and its collection of ornate palaces, courtyards and temples, as well as the Ason Bazaar and the Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess of the Kumari Devi.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07
In Kathmandu (Full day tour of Swayambhunath, Patan & Boudhantha Stupa)
After breakfast, we have arranged sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath Stupa & Patan Durbar Square
Visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot. Next you will drive to Patan, a beautiful city in its own right which rivalled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares and is now better preserved, less polluted and less crowded. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbour to the south.
We drive to Boudha to explore one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and it is also known as a Little Tibet. Visiting Bouddhanath Stupa 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. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08
Kathmandu/ Lhasa flight
Today we board a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet enjoying views of the Himalaya and sometimes even Everest piercing the clouds. We should arrive early afternoon local time (Tibet time is 2 1/4hrs ahead of Nepal time).
Welcome to the roof of the world! – Your Tibet journey starts with a warm Tibetan style greeting from your local tour guide who will present you with Hada (traditional Tibetan scarves). You will be picked up at the airport, then, be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city at the comfort of your own private vehicle.
During the hour long drive to your hotel in the city, enjoy the breathtaking view along the Yarlong Tsangpo River. Tibetan features can be seen along the way, including Big Buddha engravings on the hill near the road, colorful prayer flags and friendly Tibetan people. After you arrive at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and become acclimatize to this high altitude city at the top of the world.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 09
IN LHASA (full day visit of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkor Street)
Take the challenge of climbing up to Potala Palace (3,650m above sea level) and get a great view of Lhasa’s urban areas. Great photographic opportunities along the way up as you will have a great view of the traditional Tibetan architecture. Hear the story of the Dalai Lamas and see chapels that the Dalai Lamas studied, rested and worked in. Pass former Dalai Lamas’ graves which are decorated with treasure beautiful treasures.
Continue your tour to Jokhang Temple, which is within walking distance from Potala Palace. It is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. You will see many pilgrims worship within or nearby the temple. Enter the first floor of the temple and absorb the religious atmosphere, you will see pilgrims are donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha. While learning about more Buddhas and Lamas than you can possibly remember you will gain a feeling for the vast history of Tibetan Buddhism. You might also hear red-robed Lamas praying. Walk up to the roof of the temple, take some pictures of the gold roof and enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Lhasa while observing pilgrims praying in front of the temple.
Finally, join locals in a traditional pilgrimage route by taking a relaxing walk in a large circular path around Jokhang Temple at Barkor Street. The street is filled with pilgrims taking part in religious activities and street venders selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods and religious items. If you like you can also ask your tour guide take you to visit a Thangka workshop to marvel at the fabulous Thangka art work. There are cafes along the street as well. You can relax and enjoy the life in Lhasa in a lazy afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
IN LHASA
After breakfast, you are driven to visit the Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama, and then come to Drepung Monastery, once the largest Monastery housing 10,000 monks in its heyday.
Your tour ends at Sera Monastery, and the “Buddhism Scriptures Debating” in Sera is very famous. Enjoy the debate!
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake [4,441m] / Gyantse [3,980m] / Shigatse [3,840m], 360KM, 7hrs
Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-Tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise coloured Lake Yamdrok Yutso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass is wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Highway drive to Gyantse, visit the famous Stupa – Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Shigatse / Tashilhunpo Monastery/ Shegar (4150m) – 220 km (approx 7 hrs)
Today, after breakfast, we will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, as well as the oldest and largest Gelugpa Monastery in Tibet. Here you will see a giant statue of Future Buddha, the largest one of its kind on earth, decorated with precious pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Drive to Rongbuk Monastery (4900m) Excursion to Everest Base Camp (5150m) & drive back to Shegar (4150m) (approx 9-10 hrs drive)
Early morning start driving to Rongbuk, cross over Gyatsola [5200m] & Gawu la pass [5250m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu [8463m], Mt.Lotse [8516m], Mt.Everest [8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu [8201m] and Mt.Shishapama [8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today’s destination – Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and consist both monks and nuns; it is still a good point to see Mt.Everest.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Drive from Shegar (4150m) to Zhangmu (250 km – 5 hrs drive)
Morning after the sunrise at E.B.C, start driving to Zhangmu via Old Tingri & Nyalam, crossing Thongla [5300m] pass, savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma [8020m], Cho Oyu [8201m], Menlungtse and Gauri, the road driving over the pass of Tongla is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and it is like a road to the sky. Overnight at Zhangmu.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15
Zangmu to Kathmandu (130 km– 5/6 hrs drive)
After completing the Chinese border formalities, we cross the Friendship Bridge. Once across the bridge, we are in Nepal, and as soon as the formalities are complete, we pick up our transport. The road to Kathmandu is not that good and be prepared for a bumpy ride in a vehicle back to Kathmandu. The road follows the Bhote Kosi valley down to its junction with the Sun Kosi at Barabise. We continue down the Sun Kosi past rice terraces, small villages and scrub woodland to Dolalghat where we leave the river and complete our journey to Kathmandu. Today’s drive is a total of approximately 130 km. We should arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon and you may have time to go and do some last minute shopping before dinner. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 16
Depart Kathmandu
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, a representative from Natraj Trekking will transfer you to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Anil Blon 