Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms By World Journeys

Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms By World Journeys

12 Days / 11 Nights from $12,675 Price Per Person

Sales from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

**Day 1 : Kathmandu**
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend two nights.

Legend has it that Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, and the Buddhist saint Manjushree used his mystical sword to rupture the edges of this lake, draining it and transforming it into a valley. Completely surrounded by hills, on a clear morning you can see the majestic Himalayas towards the northeast of the valley.

**Day 2 : Kathmandu**
After breakfast embark on a full day tour, starting with Bhaktapur then Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

Bhaktapur is one of the three small cities in the Kathmandu Valley, just 15km from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the city’s main focus. The Royal Palace occupies one side of the Square, while temples and ancient wooden buildings make up the other sides.

Back in Kathmandu you will visit Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered as one of the holiest Hindu shrines. Here on the banks of the holy River Bagmati, cremations take place. Finish your tour with Boudhanath Stupa, founded in the 5th century and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the largest stupas in Asia, and certainly the largest in Nepal.

**Day 3 : Kathmandu > Bharatpur > Chitwan**

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Bharatpur. You are met on arrival and transferred through countryside and farmland to your lodge situated on the edge of Chitwan National Park.

**Days 4 & 5 : Chitwan National Park**

The next few days will be spent exploring the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Chitwan National Park. Declared a national park in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 is one of the world’s greatest protected areas and conservation successes. The park is a mixed deciduous forest and riverine grassland, drained by the Narayani-Rapti River system. A birdwatcher’s paradise, this is a superb opportunity to spot a wide variety of avian species. With a bit of patience and luck, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sightings that will leave you captivated by the beauty and diversity of birdlife.

Explore the grassland and forest on a Jeep safari, float down the Rapti River on a wooden boat or go for a guided walk in the buffer area and nearby villages. A Jeep safari offers drives to the park’s core to observe its various habitats and prolific birdlife (over 540 recorded species). Aboard a boat trip down the Rapti River discover some of Chitwan’s often inaccessible, untouched areas and the incredible array of fauna that call the riverside home, including gharial and migratory waterfowl. One-horned rhinos and tigers are also present in Chitwan, but most often prove to be very elusive. Walking is only possible in the buffer areas, but a variety of bird plus a few wildlife can be seen.

**Day 6 : Chitwan > Bhaktapur > Kathmandu**

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bharatpur airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon embark on sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square and Museum. The square consists of artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples – a display of Newari architecture that reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. Stop at the Patan Museum, a popular attraction situated in the heart of the city.

**Day 7 : Kathmandu > Lhasa**

Today you will be transferred to the international airport  for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongar Airport you will be met and driven to Lhasa (approximately one hour’s drive) to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lhasa’s impressive heritage of over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history has created its romantic and mysterious aura.

**Day 8 : Lhasa**

Your first stop today is at Sera Monastery, one of the ‘great three’ Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. Sera was founded in 1419, by Jamchen Chojey (Sakya Yeshe), a disciple of Tsong Khapa and it housed more than 5,000 monks by 1959. Next visit Drepung Monastery, situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse and known as the most important monastery of the Gelugpa tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.

Finish your tour at Norbhulinkha and the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas, where you will see splendid murals painted by the 14th Dalai Lama’s painter. The topics of the murals are vast and a reflection of Tibetan history and heritage.

**Day 9 : Lhasa**

Today enjoy another full day tour. Visit Potala Palace, built to provide the Tibetan court with a place of worship and meditation, and considered to be one of the most famous architectural works of the world. Next visit Jokhang Temple. Situated in the centre of the old section of Lhasa called Barkhor, this temple was built in the mid-7th century CE. It was later extended by successive rulers and has now become a gigantic architectural complex. The murals in the temple depict the life stories of historic and religious characters.

Finish your tour at  Barkhor. Walk along the street that circles the Jokhang temple, and you are in the heart of the old Lhasa with its narrow streets and whitewashed stone homes, windows framed in black and brightly painted woodwork. Almost everyone has got something to sell over here!

**Day 10 : Lhasa > Yamdrok Tso Lake > Lhasa**

Today after breakfast, you will embark on an unforgettable day trip from the bustling city of Lhasa to the breathtaking Yamdrok Tso Lake, a jewel nestled amidst the Tibetan Plateau. This sacred lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain vistas, offers a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Journey through dramatic landscapes, passing picturesque villages and nomadic herders tending their yaks. Upon reaching Yamdrok Tso, marvel at its shimmering surface, framed by snow-capped peaks and vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

**Day 11 : Lhasa > Kathmandu**

This morning you will be transferred to Gongar airport to board your onward flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

**Day 12 : Kathmandu**

After breakfast your will be transferred to the airport where arrangements conclude.

Tailor-made journey: This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.

Inclusions

• • 11 nights’ accommodation in your category of choice
  • 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Non-alcoholic hot beverages in Chitwan
  • Meet & Greet at all airports
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • Shared transfers in Bharatpur, Chitwan District
  • English-speaking local guides and naturalists in Chitwan
  • Private sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Two shared game drives and safari activites in Chitwan
  • Economy class flights Kathmandu > Bharatpur > Kathmandu > Lhasa Gonggar > Kathmandu
  • Airport departure tax in Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa and Tibet visa and travel permit