21-Day Himalayan Journey:
Tibet · Nepal · Bhutan
Summary
This three-week journey follows the great arc of the Himalayas, weaving together the spiritual landscapes of Tibet, the vibrant cultures of Nepal, and the serene beauty of Bhutan. From ancient palaces and sacred stupas to turquoise lakes and high mountain monasteries, the trip balances cultural immersion, gentle adventure, and unforgettable panoramas.
- Accommodation in tourist-standard hotels in Tibet, 3–4★ hotels in Nepal, and government-approved hotels in Bhutan (twin sharing); hotel upgrades available with surcharge
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Lunch and dinner on all guided tour days across Tibet, Nepal sightseeing days, and throughout Bhutan
- Regional flights, including: Tibet to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Paro (Bhutan), Bumthang to Paro (flight or overland transfer, subject to availability)
- All private ground transportation with experienced drivers in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan
- Licensed English-speaking guides in each country; other languages upon availability
- All required permits and visas, including: Tibet Travel Permit and Everest region permits, Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Entrance fees to all monasteries, palaces, museums, and cultural sites as per itinerary
- Special experiences including Potala Palace, Everest North Base Camp, monk debates at Sera Monastery, and the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) hike
- Airport transfers and border handling assistance
- Farewell dinners and cultural experiences as outlined in the itinerary
- All government taxes and service charges
- International flights to Lhasa and onward flights from Paro
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, snacks, alcoholic or specialty drinks
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included, including free evenings in Kathmandu
- Optional wellness activities such as hot-stone baths in Bhutan
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and support staff
- Costs arising from flight delays, weather conditions, changes in government regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the company’s control
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa
Arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and hotel transfer.
Light acclimatization and rest.
Evening stroll in the Barkhor old town.
Day 02: Lhasa Exploration
Visit the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
Walk around Barkhor Street with Tibetan pilgrims.
Day 03: Monastic Traditions
Excursion to Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
Observe monks’ debates at Sera Monastery.
Day 04: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse
Drive across high mountain passes to Yamdrok Lake.
Continue to Gyantse to visit Kumbum Stupa and Pelkor Monastery.
Day 05: Gyantse – Shigatse
Journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama.
Day 06: Shigatse – Everest North Base Camp
Drive through spectacular Himalayan landscapes to Rongbuk Monastery.
Sunset views of Mount Everest from the Tibetan side.
Day 07: Everest – Shigatse – Kathmandu
Sunrise at Everest Base Camp.
Transfer and depart for Kathmandu.
Day 08: Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
Evening stroll in Thamel and welcome dinner.
Day 09: Kathmandu Valley Heritage
Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
Afternoon in Bhaktapur, exploring palace squares and traditional crafts.
Day 10: Kathmandu Free Day
Optional visit to Patan or day trip to Nagarkot for Himalayan views.
Preparation for Bhutan journey.
Day 11: Fly Kathmandu – Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Scenic flight into Bhutan.
Drive to Thimphu and evening visit to Buddha Dordenma statue.
Day 12: Thimphu Exploration
Visit Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, and local markets.
Evening walk through Bhutan’s charming capital.
Day 13: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
Cross Dochula Pass for panoramic Himalayan views.
Arrive in Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge.
Day 14: Punakha
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple).
Explore rice terraces and riverside villages.
Day 15: Punakha – Trongsa
Explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong.
Visit the historic museum.
Overnight in Trongsa town.
Day 16: Trongsa – Bumthang
Scenic drive to Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Stops at roadside temples and villages.
Day 17: Bumthang Valley
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang.
Explore weaving centers and local dairy farms.
Day 18: Bumthang Exploration
Day hikes to remote monasteries.
Free evening to enjoy the peaceful valley.
Day 19: Fly or Drive Bumthang – Paro
Return to Paro.
Leisure afternoon with optional hot-stone bath.
Day 20: Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Full-day hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Farewell dinner in Paro.
Day 21: Departure
Departure from Paro International Airport.
Return flight to home country.
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