Nepal and Lhasa Holiday

Begin your day with a visit to the former royal city of Patan, affectionately known as ‘Lalitpur’ or ‘City of Beauty’ and regarded as the artistic centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Patan has its own distinct identity, and a walk around the less touristy Durbar Square will allow you to observe wood carvers, painters, and metal workers employing time-honoured traditional techniques in this age of 3D printing and digital reproductions. In the afternoon, join the kora and circumambulate the sacred Swayambunath Shrine, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest monasteries and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, where you will have the chance to witness the lively ‘aarti’ ceremony.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. This afternoon, explore this delightful old Newari town, which seems caught in a time warp. The main square is off-limits to motorised vehicles, while the grand Newari-style townhouses and the numerous temples and shrines dotted around the square offer a superb glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

Rise early and walk up to one of the viewpoints. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna mountain range before continuing to Pokhara. Later this afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Lake Phewa.

Rise early and set off on a guided walk through the foothills of the Annapurnas to the beautiful village of Dhampus. Your easy to moderate walk will take you through lush pine forested hills, terraced farmlands and secluded villages, while the snowy peaks of the Annapurna mountain range will keep you company throughout. Enjoy a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular Himalayan scenery before returning to your hotel. [Total trek time: 4.5 hours].

A morning’s drive will bring you to the beautiful Chitwan National Park and check in at your chosen wildlife lodge. Later this afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in search of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris in search of tigers, Asian elephants and other wildlife.

Return to Chitwan National Park one last time before returning to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight to Lhasa, Tibet. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimatise to Lhasa’s high altitude.

Spend the day exploring ‘the forbidden city of Lhasa’. Begin your tour with a visit to the iconic red-and-white Potala Palace, once home to the Dalai Lama. At the Potala Palace, you will visit many of the grand state rooms and beautiful chapels decorated using intricate murals and painted thangkas. The Palace is a treasure trove containing sacred Buddhist scriptures and priceless gifts from Chinese Emperors. Then, continue to sacred Jokhang Temples and join the devotees making their Kora around the complex. Conclude your sightseeing with a stroll through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar.

Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Norbulingka Palace complex, considered one of the masterpieces of Tibetan Art and the Dalai Lama’s summer retreat. Then, proceed to the 14th-century Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet and housed nearly 10,000 monks during the 1930s. Continue to the Sera monastery, where you will have the chance to witness young, passionate Buddhist monks immersed in lively debates and discussing the teachings of the Buddha.

Set off this morning to Ganden monastery, which enjoys a magnificent setting on Mount Drokri (3,800m). On arrival, visit the monastery before embarking on the Ganden Kora, which will take you towards the thriving Trup Shi village. Admire the stunning views of the Kyu Chu Valley and the distant mountains. You will also be able to visit a local Tibetan family and learn about their lifestyle and customs before returning to your hotel. Trek time: 4-5 hours to complete both the upper and lower Ganden Kora.

Drive to Lhasa Airport and board your morning flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, set off to explore Bhakatpur’s timeless Durbar Square, before proceeding to Dhulikhel, a delightful hill station just outside Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today is at leisure. Alternatively, visit the Namo Buddha monastery and the sacred Changu Narayan Temple on foot.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport and check in for your onward flight.