Flight: QR652 Doha - Kathmandu 02.40 - 09.15

Private transfer: Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be welcomed to Nepal by your guide, and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car. 

Time at leisure: After checking in, the rest of the day will be free at leisure for you to rest after your journey and begin exploring the city independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet (Deluxe Room)

Guided tour of Kathmandu:  After breakfast you will set out to explore this famous city which is situated at 1336m above sea level and covers an area of 218 square miles. Start your tour with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, located on the western banks of the Bagmati River on the city’s northeastern side. This temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in the world and a sacred place for cremations. Afterwards visit the Boudhanath Stupa which claims to be the largest stupa in the world. Round off the morning with an introduction to Nepalese cuisine at the Kaiser Café at lunchtime (payable locally). In the afternoon head towards Swayambhunath one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and which is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. Later you will see Kathmandhu Durbar Square which was built in the 17th Century and which serves as the main square of ancient Kathmandu with Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and numerous other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses that surround the palace.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to check in for your onward flight.

Flight: U4605 Kathmandu - Pokhara 10.30 - 11.00

Private transfer: Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Atithi Resort & Spa for a two-night stay.

Afternoon tour of Pokhara: After checking in to your hotel, set off to explore the town of Pokhara and surrounding area. Places and activities of interest include Bindebasini Temple, the World Peace Pagoda, Seti Gorge, David's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the Gorkha Museum and a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Fewa Lake. Please discuss the options with your guide who will advise on what is possible in the time available.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning hike to the Peace Pagoda: After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the lake, where you will enjoy a relaxing 20 minute boat ride on Fewa Lake to reach the starting point of the hike. Then follow a trail uphill through the forest to reach the pagoda. The walk up is on a steady incline, and should take most people 1 - 1.5 hours to complete. The views on the walk up and from the top are worth the trip alone, and the pagoda is a relaxing place to rest for a while and take in the atmosphere. Your driver will meet you near the pagoda and transfer you back to town after your walk. If you would prefer not to hike up, then this hike can be done in reverse instead, so you would be transferred by vehicle to a spot near to the pagoda, then hike down and finish with the boat trip back to town.

Afternoon at leisure: The rest of the afternoon is then at leisure for you to relax at your hotel, potter the lakeside streets or further explore independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park: Set off in a south easterly direction along the Prithvi Highway to the village of Mugling beside the Trisuli River in the Central Hills. From here head south and descend towards the Chitwan National Park, a total drive of around six hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tigerland Safari (Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Full day wildlife excursions: There are several wildlife excursions to choose from today, starting with an early morning bird watching tour. After breakfast the most popular activity is a jeep safari in the National Park, to explore the jungle and open grasslands in search of a variety of wildlife.  Your driver and guide will take you to the best places to spot animals, and talk with the local rangers to find out if any animals have been recently spotted. The guide will also provide information about Chitwan’s environment and the wildlife. After lunch back at the lodge you will have the opportunity to take canoe ride down the Rapti River to spot wildlife and birds, finishing with a short trek through the forest and visit to a crocodile breeding centre at the National Park HQ. An alternative option is a visit a local village to interact with the Tharu people that have inhabited this area for centuries. Please note that all these excursions are operated by your wildlife lodge and are on a shared basis with other guests staying at the lodge.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tigerland Safari (Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Transfer to the airport: After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.

Flight: YT136 Chitwan - Kathmandu 10.10 - 10.30

Road journey from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur: You will be met on arrival back in Kathmandu and then be transferred to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, around 20-25 minutes east of the airport.

Guided tour of Bhaktapur: Take a guided tour of this atmospheric and picturesque medieval city, much of which is now pedestrianised and well-preserved. Bhaktapur was established around the 9th Century by the Newars, who still follow many age old traditions and customs to this day. Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses some of the best examples of Nepali craftsmanship in wood and stone such as the Palace of 55 Windows built in 1697, the five storied Nyatapola Temple, the Kashi Biswanath Temple and the Dattatreya Temple among others. The city is a labyrinth of ancient monuments, many constructed from the familiar deep-red brick, and home to some of the best examples of Nepali wood and stone carvings.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Heritage (Classic Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide & driver, then transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Flight: 3U8720 Kathmandu - Lhasa 11.30 - 15.05

Road journey from Lhasa to Tsetang:  Upon arrival at Lhasa airport, you will be welcomed to Tibet by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Tsetang, located southeast from Lhasa, a journey of around 2 hours. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude.

Dinner tonight: This evening your guide will take you for dinner at the Aba Home Tibetan Restaurant which specialises in local cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tsedang Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Guided tour of Samye Monastery, Yumbulagang Palace & Trandruk Temple: Set off for a visit to Samye Monastery, an important religious site that was constructed in the late 8th Century, and the place where Buddhism was first established in Tibet. The Monastery has an atmospheric setting in a barren valley surrounded by sand dunes and mountains. The central building of the monastery is a fusion of architectural styles combining Tibetan, Chinese and Indian influences. Afterwards, you will also be taken to visit the spectacular Yumbulagang Palace which is the oldest building in Tibet, and the ancient monastery of Trandruk.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tsedang Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Tsetang to Gyantse, via Lake Yamdrok: This morning your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel before departing for Gyantse. This is a long drive of around 8 hours, passing through some truly spectacular scenery en route. Stop at Yamdrok Yamtso, one of Tibet's largest lakes and located at an altitude of 4,500m. Shaped like a scorpion, it is an intense blue and makes for a very impressive sight. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess. After time to take in the lake continue to a pass at 5,050m with a beautiful view of the Karola Glacier. Arrive in Gyantse in the afternoon and check into your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Yeti Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning hike to the Rabse Nunnery: This morning set off on a gentle walk in the picturesque hills overlooking Gyantse to the Rabse Nunnery, a round-trip of around 2 hours. Explore the chortens and prayer wheel chapels draped in prayer flags, and take in the superb views of Gyantse's monastery and fort in the distance. For the more adventurous there is the option to extend the afternoon's excursion to the Retok Ganden Retreat, a further 4km uphill trek from Rabse Nunnery. Please note this trek is at high altitude and should only be undertaken by those who are fit and healthy, and fully acclimatised to the thin air.

Afternoon tour of Gyantse:  This afternoon visit the impressive Pelkhor Chode Monastery which was founded in the 15th century and is home to the Kumbum, the largest stupa in Tibet which is over 100 feet in height, octagonal in shape, with a 9 storey terraced exterior, 75 chapels, 108 gates and superb wall paintings which include some 10,000 images. The rest of the day can be spent visiting the spectacular Khumbum Stupa, exploring the town, climbing up to the fort, or just watching and meeting the friendly local people.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Yeti Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Gyantse to Shigatse: After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel before departing for Shigatse, a relaxing 1.5 hour drive through a beautiful agricultural valley. On arrival check into your hotel.

Afternoon tour of Tashilhunpo, with kora: This afternoon visit Tashilhunpo, one of Tibet's most active and beautiful monasteries. Tashilhunpo, meaning ‘Heap of Glory', was the seat of the Panchen ('great scholar') Lamas who came into existence in the 17th century when the 5th Dalai Lama gave this title to his beloved and learned tutor. With its traditional Tibetan architecture, striking golden roof and 26m high Buddha this is the largest yellow hat monastery in Tibet and one of the most impressive. The kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery is a wonderful experience, with a steady stream of pilgrims following the route which is almost entirely lined with prayer wheels. Circumnavigate the temple buildings along well-defined paths, following colourfully dressed pilgrims as they spin portable prayer wheels whilst chanting mantras. The most devout Tibetan Buddhists prostrate every few steps whilst they circle the central spiritual force, kowtowing to the deities. 

Dinner tonight: This evening your guide will take you for dinner at the Wordo Museum, which serves both western and local cuisine. There is also a small museum upstairs with a number of Tibetan artefacts including tools and ornaments, and a display of historical photos.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Gesar Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Transfer to the train station: At the appropriate time today, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the railway station.

Train journey: Depart from Shigatse on train Z8802 to Lhasa.  The train departs at 12.05 and arrives at 14.40. Please note that train times are subject to change.

Private transfer from train station to hotel: Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kyichu Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day guided tour to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market: After breakfast you will be collected and taken for a tour of the Potala Palace which was home to the Dalai Lama before he left Tibet. The Potala is a treasure and a treasure house, that it contains the golden handwritten Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from Chinese emperors, and a lot of priceless antiques. There are many colourful sculptures and paintings chronicling Buddhist folklore and ancient Tibetan life. The Potala Palace deserves the title of art gallery and museum; it is also a symbol of the wisdom and power of the Tibetan people. In 1994 it was listed as an UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Continue to Tibet’s holiest place: the Jokhang Temple. Enjoy the view from the roof and watch numerous pilgrims walk around the Palace. Finish by exploring the Barkhor Area which surrounds the Jokhang Temple. This area is the old and traditional part of Lhasa and is lively and eccentric.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kyichu Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day guided tour to Norbulingka, Drepung and Sera Monasteries: After breakfast visit the Summer Palace (Norbulingka) which was the retreat of the Dalai Lama and was the place from which the present Dalai Lama made his decision to flee Tibet. Continue to Drepung Monastery which is situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, 3 miles from the western suburb of Lhasa. This is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. In its heyday it was home to 7700 monks. Finish today’s tour at Sera Monastery, which is one of Tibet’s most important monasteries. With luck you will get to see the fascinating spectacle of monks debating.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kyichu Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Flight: 3U8719 Lhasa - Kathmandu 11.00 - 10.30

Private transfer: Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be welcomed back to Nepal by your guide, and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car.

Afternoon at leisure: The rest of the day will be free at leisure for you to relax and catch up on some last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet International (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast