Explore Kathmandu’s cultural and historical beauties and some inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your visit to Kathmandu presents a cultural and religious drive to the unique places in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Besides Kathmandu Valley, you will drive to Nagarkot Hilltop to experience the tremendous Himalayan Vistas of Nepal. You will experience different facets of Nepal while traveling to those fantastic places and become a part of Nepal’s beautiful traditions and culture.
Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which contains world heritage sites – the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace; used to be the residence of the Dalai Lama. The holy Lhasa has several significant monasteries and temples; Jokhang and Ramoche Temple are two. Barkhor Bazaar is another attraction where you can wander around and get to a popular restaurant to experience different Tibetan foods and shops to buy souvenirs. Moreover, Sera and Drepung monasteries will excite you, and the highlights would be the monk debating dance at Drepung monastery.
We have prepared the itinerary based on our experience, making it easier to plan a hassle-free Lhasa tour from Kathmandu. It is required to arrive in Kathmandu three to four working days before the flight to Lhasa to process the Tibet Group Visa (TGV). We will help you process the TGV on your behalf, and you are free to discover Kathmandu Valley while your TGV is under process at the Embassy of China in Kathmandu.
Important Note!
“Currently, there is no direct flight available from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Instead, the flight must include a stopover in Chengdu, which contributes to the high cost of the airfare. Therefore, it is advised to initiate the journey from Beijing or another location in Mainland China and travel overland through the Kyirong border for a smoother travel experience. However, please note that this overland route will add 3-4 days to the itinerary from Lhasa to Kathmandu. “
Lhasa Tour from Kathmandu Add-On trips you may consider;
You will be thrilled watching the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains while flying into Kathmandu; you will already get excited to explore the country. Our representative from HWT will meet you at the airport terminal and transfer you to the designed hotel.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: N/A
Our guide from HWT comes to your hotel to pick you up with transportation.
After a good breakfast, your Day sightseeing trip begins; you will visit four of the popular landmarks in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Our Guide will give you a perfect idea of which place would be the best to initiate. Basically, the trip begins with a tour to Swoyambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple – a 2500 years old landmark; it is said to be, the Radiant Lotus of the Valley-Mythology, established when the water was drained by Manjushree, the God of the Wisdom. This Temple is a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists, is located on a beautiful hill inside Kathmandu valley. It is situated on top of a hill that could be observed from almost every part of the Kathmandu Valley. The tourists call this Stupa ‘Monkey Temple’ as there are many monkey monkeys living around the Places.
After the Sightseeing around Monkey Temple, we drive to another landmark, Boudhanath Stupa. This Stupa has been renovated after the Earthquake 2015 as this was also impacted. The Boudhanath Stupa is the world’s biggest Stupa and represents Tibetan Buddhists Culture in Nepal. Antique shops around this stupa where you can buy things of your preferences concerning Tibetan Culture and Lifestyles.
After exploring Boudhanath Stupa, you will be transferred to the Pashupatinath Temple, which is located at the bank of the Bagmati River. It is a sacred Temple for Hindus as many people from different parts of the world visit this temple every year and during the Shiva Ratri, hundreds of thousands of devotees and Sadhus come to attend.
The last site of this day is Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient Royal residential quarter, Mahadev Parvati Temple, Temple house of Kumari (Living Goddess) around this Durbar Square. Walk around the local bazaar and back to the hotel.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
On day third, same-day second, our guide comes to your hotel, begins your day tour. After breakfast at the hotel, we take you to Patan Durbar Square to explore Patan Durbars, Mahaboudha, Krishna Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Golden Temple and etc. You feel like Patan has been exposed before you as an open museum presenting stunning carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in Pagoda Style with erotic carvings and metalwork faces, and many other beautiful facets. Additionally, you will also get to see the handicraft center in Patan and continue to drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to a unique culture and the finest display of craftsmanship. It is said that Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal; which is remained untouched by Western Culture. Golden Gate, Lion Gate, Art Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Statue of King Bhupindra, and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace are the pride of Bhaktapur.
After a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, we take half an hour drive to Nagarkot hilltop for a spectacular sunset and sunrise view of Himalayan Vistas. Overnight at the hotel in Nagarkot
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Early in the morning, enjoy the beautiful sunrise from your hotel, Nagarkot is 32Km from Kathmandu and the spot to enjoy the Himalayan views from the comfort of the Hotel Balcony. If the weather gets clear, you will be able to see Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, and Numbur from your hotel.
After enjoying the Himalayan Views and taking a good breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.
In the late afternoon, our representative will come to your hotel to deliver your passport and Tibet Visa for your visit to Lhasa the next day. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Morning you will fly for about an hour over the panoramic Himalayan Ranges to the capital of Tibet “Lhasa” from Kathmandu or take a train or flight from Mainland China to Lhasa.
You will have to leave for the airport 3 hours before the flight time as you have to board through the international terminal and have to follow all the international flight rules and regulations.
Lhasa at an altitude of 3,650m is situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means “Place of the Gods”, the residence of the Dalai Lamas, on arrival you will be met by the local representative and transferred to your respective hotel. (60km/hr). Full rest in the afternoon to acclimatize. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Potala Palace; this legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa.
Jokhang Temple; situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Then you will visit Norbulingka Temple the second home of the Dalai Lama.
After Sightseeing, you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa
Accommodation: 3-Star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast full day sightseeing tour of Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Market. Sera Monastery; 5 Km north of Lhasa, Sera setting is one of Lhasa’s prettiest monasteries. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks resided here and was virtually extinguished by the Chinese.
Drepung Monastery; On the slope of the Wuze Hill in Genbei Five kilometers northwest of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery was built in 1416 and is the largest of the monasteries of the Gelug Sect.
Barkhor Market (Bazaar); the best-preserved street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street surrounds the Jokhang Monastery. Some free time for shopping or own activities. Overnight at hotel
Accommodation: 3-Star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Gongar airport to catch your return flight back to Kathmandu. Our representative from HWT will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Free time for shopping and strolling around your hotel in Thamel/Kathmandu.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, your one week tour of Nepal and Tibet ends here. Our team will transfer you to the Kathmandu airport for your return flight back home with sweet Himalayan memories.
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Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.
Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.
Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.
Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.
Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.
Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.
Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.
Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.
Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.
HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tibet tour Where is Tibet? Tibet is situated in the South-West of China, also bordering Nepal, India, Burma, and Bhutan. The historical territory of Tibet would make it the world's tenth-largest nation. Tibet is under China's occupation and has been divided, renamed, and incorporated into Chinese Provinces. If China refers to Tibet, It means only part of historical Tibet, which it names China's Tibet Autonomous… Read More »
Namaste from HimalayanWindows! HimalayanWindows is a company operated by travel professionals involved in the travel industry for more than a decade. We use package tours for Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. HimalayanWindows believes that Our Motto is to satisfy every customer in all aspects. We are a team of professional, experienced travel entrepreneurs working in the Himalayas for years! We want to introduce ourselves as a tour and trekking operator… Read More »
