Day 1: Welcome to Lhasa – Arrival & Acclimatization

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa!

Your Tibet and Bhutan Tour begins with a spectacular arrival in Lhasa, the historic and spiritual heart of Tibet. Depending on your international travel arrangements, you may fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Chengdu, Chongqing, or another major Chinese gateway city.

Morning / Afternoon: Arrival in Lhasa

If you are traveling via Mainland China, plan to spend at least one night in your Chinese gateway city before flying to Lhasa. This allows sufficient time to receive the original Tibet Travel Permit, which is generally required for airline check-in for flights to Tibet from Mainland China. Travelers flying from Kathmandu should follow the current permit and travel-document instructions provided before departure.

Upon landing at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located at approximately 3,570 m / 11,713 ft, you will be welcomed by your local Tibetan guide and driver. From the airport, settle into your private vehicle for the scenic journey toward Lhasa.

The drive follows the broad valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, passing rugged mountains, traditional settlements, cultivated fields, and the expansive landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. It is a memorable first introduction to the extraordinary scenery that will accompany you throughout your journey.

Afternoon / Evening: Hotel Check-In & Acclimatization

Upon reaching Lhasa (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing. No sightseeing is scheduled today, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the high elevation before you begin exploring Lhasa and later travel toward the considerably higher elevations of Everest Base Camp.

Some travelers experience temporary symptoms during the first day at altitude, including mild headache, fatigue, light-headedness, or shortness of breath. Take the day slowly, stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and choose light, warm meals. If you feel comfortable, you may take a short and leisurely walk near your hotel, but rest and acclimatization should remain your priority.

This gentle first day provides an important foundation for the Tibetan portion of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour, which will take you from Lhasa through Gyantse and Shigatse to Everest Base Camp before returning to Lhasa and continuing onward to Bhutan via Kathmandu.

Day 1 Summary

Maximum/Overnight Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft – Lhasa

Distance: Approximately 60–75 km / 37–47 miles, depending on hotel location and route

Driving Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Key Activities: Arrival in Lhasa, airport meet-and-greet, scenic transfer, hotel check-in, rest and altitude acclimatization

Meals: None – independent upon arrival

Overnight: Tibet Gorkha Hotel, Kyichu Hotel, or similar 3-star boutique hotel in Lhasa

Day 2: Monastic Heritage of Lhasa – Drepung & Sera

Today, continue your acclimatization with a full day of guided sightseeing in Lhasa, exploring two of Tibet’s most important monastic institutions, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. With an optional visit to atmospheric Nechung Monastery and the opportunity to witness Sera’s famous afternoon monastic debates, the day offers a fascinating introduction to Tibetan Buddhist history, philosophy, art, and living religious traditions.

The relaxed sightseeing pace also gives your body another valuable day at 3,650 m / 11,975 ft before your Tibet and Bhutan Tour continues across the Tibetan Plateau toward Gyantse, Shigatse, and eventually Everest Base Camp.

Morning: Drepung Monastery

After breakfast, meet your private Tibetan guide and drive to Drepung Monastery, dramatically situated at the foot of Mount Gambo Utse on the outskirts of Lhasa.

Founded in 1416, Drepung grew to become one of Tibet’s largest and most influential Gelugpa monasteries. Before the construction of the Potala Palace, the Ganden Phodrang at Drepung also served as the residence of successive Dalai Lamas and an important center of Tibetan political and religious life.

Explore the monastery’s maze of whitewashed buildings, atmospheric courtyards, assembly halls, chapels, and monastic colleges while your guide introduces you to the history and traditions that shaped this remarkable institution.

Highlights at Drepung include:

Tsokchen Assembly Hall: Step inside Drepung’s impressive main assembly hall, surrounded by sacred images, thangkas, scriptures, and richly decorated chapels.

Ganden Phodrang: Visit the historic residence associated with the Dalai Lamas before their move to the Potala Palace.

Sacred Art & Chapels: Discover centuries-old murals, Buddhist sculptures, prayer halls, and religious treasures throughout the monastery complex.

Optional Kora: If you are feeling well acclimatized, join pilgrims for a gentle section of the traditional kora around the monastery while enjoying expansive views across the Lhasa Valley.

Optional Nechung Monastery: Depending on your interests, energy level, and available time, continue to nearby Nechung Monastery, historically associated with Tibet’s State Oracle and particularly noted for its striking religious murals and distinctive spiritual traditions.

Afternoon: Sera Monastery & Monastic Debates

After an independent lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant or tea house, continue to Sera Monastery, another of Tibet’s great Gelugpa monastic universities.

Founded in 1419, Sera became an important center of Buddhist scholarship and remains an active religious institution today. Walk through its assembly halls, colleges, chapels, and traditional monastic quarters while learning about the rigorous system of Buddhist education practiced here for centuries.

A highlight of your visit is the opportunity to observe Sera’s celebrated monastic debates, traditionally held in the afternoon. In a shaded courtyard, monks engage one another in energetic philosophical exchanges punctuated by dramatic hand claps, gestures, and challenging questions. Far more than a performance, the debates form part of a longstanding method of sharpening logic, memory, and understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

Explore Sera’s principal religious buildings and sacred images before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Evening: At Leisure in Lhasa

Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. After two days at Lhasa’s elevation, continue to take things slowly, stay well hydrated, and get a good night’s rest before another rewarding day of cultural exploration.

Optional Tibetan Cultural Dinner & Folklore Show: If you are feeling well acclimatized, your guide can help arrange an optional evening cultural program featuring Tibetan cuisine, traditional music, colorful costumes, and regional folk dances. This experience is optional and

Day 3: Lhasa’s Spiritual Heart – Potala Palace, Jokhang & Barkhor Street

Today offers an unforgettable deep dive into the cultural and spiritual soul of Lhasa. Exploring the monumental Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the vibrant pilgrimage circuit of Barkhor Street serves as one of the most enriching highlights of your Tibet Nepal Bhutan Travel experience.

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Potala Palace – Architectural Symbol of Tibet

After breakfast, meet your guide and set out for the world-famous Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece dominating Lhasa’s skyline. Rising dramatically above the city, the Potala served as the historic winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and stands as an enduring emblem of Tibetan heritage.

Grand Staircases: Walk up the stepped stone pathways, enjoying sweeping panoramic views across Lhasa Valley.White Palace: Tour the historic administrative quarters and ceremonial halls of the former Tibetan government.Red Palace: Explore sacred chapels, gilded stupas of past Dalai Lamas, and richly decorated prayer rooms.Sacred Relics: Admire centuries-old thangka paintings, intricate murals, and historical artifacts that illuminate Tibet's spiritual lineage as you continue your Tibet Nepal and Bhutan Tour.

Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Independent Regional Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (independent meal), sampling traditional Tibetan dishes, steaming momos, or Himalayan-style delicacies before continuing your exploration.

Early Afternoon (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM): Tibet Museum

Visit the nearby Tibet Museum, a modern cultural center that provides a fascinating, well-curated introduction to the history, art, and heritage of the Tibetan plateau.

Exhibits & Crafts: View rare archaeological finds, traditional folk crafts, and historical photography.Religious Artifacts: Examine ancient manuscripts, statues, and thangkas that add rich historical context to your journey ahead toward Everest Base Camp.

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street Kora

Next, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Asia. Founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, Jokhang radiates a powerful atmosphere of living devotion.

Jowo Shakyamuni: View the sacred 12-year-old life-sized statue of Jowo Shakyamuni, considered the most holy object in Tibet.Sacred Chapels: Walk past flickering butter lamps and chanting monks through ancient prayer halls.Barkhor Street Kora: Step out into the lively Barkhor Street circuit surrounding the temple. Join local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, browse colorful market stalls selling incense, thangkas, and hand-carved jewelry, and absorb the authentic energy of old Lhasa.

Important Note: Visits to both the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are governed by strict timed-entry tickets. Your guide may adjust the order of today's activities to align with assigned time slots.

Day Summary

Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft (Lhasa City)Road Travel Distance: ~15 km / 9 miles (City transfers)Travel Time: ~35 minutes total drivingActivities: Guided tours of Potala Palace, Tibet Museum, Jokhang Temple, and walking the Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit.Overnight: Tibet Gorkha Hotel or Kyichu HotelMeals: Breakfast

Day 4: High Mountain Passes & Yamdrok Tso – Lhasa to Gyantse & Shigatse

Today, delve deeper into the cultural and spiritual heart of Lhasa with visits to the magnificent Potala Palace, the insightful Tibet Museum, the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the lively pilgrimage circuit of Barkhor Street. Together, these landmarks reveal different dimensions of Tibet’s history, Buddhist traditions, sacred art, and enduring pilgrimage culture.

This is also your third day at 3,650 m / 11,975 ft, giving your body valuable additional time to acclimatize before your Tibet and Bhutan Tour leaves Lhasa tomorrow and begins the overland journey toward Gyantse, Shigatse, and ultimately Everest Base Camp.

Morning: Potala Palace – Icon of Lhasa

After breakfast, meet your guide and set out for the Potala Palace, Lhasa’s most recognizable landmark and one of the great architectural monuments of Tibet. Rising prominently above the city from Marpo Ri, or Red Hill, the palace served as the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas and as an important center of Tibetan religious and administrative life.

Reaching the interior involves climbing a series of stone stairways at high altitude, so take your time and follow your guide at a comfortable pace. Pauses along the ascent provide opportunities to catch your breath while enjoying sweeping views across Lhasa.

Inside, explore sections of the interconnected White Palace and Red Palace, where ceremonial rooms, sacred chapels, Buddhist statues, intricate murals, ancient scriptures, and richly decorated interiors reveal centuries of Tibetan history and religious tradition.

Among the palace’s most remarkable treasures are the elaborate gilded funerary stupas associated with past Dalai Lamas, along with an extraordinary collection of religious art and historical artifacts.

Afternoon: Tibet Museum

After an independent lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Tibet Museum, where thoughtfully presented collections provide additional context for the history, culture, art, archaeology, and traditional life of the Tibetan Plateau.

Explore exhibits displaying archaeological discoveries, traditional handicrafts, historical objects, Buddhist statues, manuscripts, thangkas, and other cultural artifacts. The museum provides a useful complement to Lhasa’s monasteries and palaces, helping place many of the religious and cultural traditions encountered during your journey into a broader historical context.

Late Afternoon: Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street Kora

Continue into Lhasa’s historic old quarter to visit Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Tibetan Buddhism.

Founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, Jokhang remains a vibrant center of devotion. Pilgrims travel from across the Tibetan Plateau to pray here, offer butter lamps, perform prostrations, and circumambulate the temple.

Inside, walk through atmospheric chapels illuminated by butter lamps and discover sacred Buddhist images and religious treasures. At the spiritual heart of the temple is the revered Jowo Shakyamuni, a richly adorned image of the Buddha that holds exceptional religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists.

After visiting the temple, step onto Barkhor Street, the traditional pilgrimage circuit encircling Jokhang. Join the flow of pilgrims walking clockwise around the temple, spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras as they complete their kora.

Take time to absorb the atmosphere of old Lhasa as pilgrims, local residents, traders, and visitors mingle among traditional buildings and shops selling prayer flags, incense, handicrafts, jewelry, religious objects, and Tibetan artwork.

Evening: At Leisure in Lhasa

Return to your hotel after a rewarding day of sightseeing and enjoy your final evening in Lhasa at leisure. Rest well and prepare for tomorrow’s scenic overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau toward Yamdrok Tso, Karola Glacier, and Gyantse.

Important Note: Entry to the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple is subject to assigned reservation times and local visitor-management regulations. Your guide may adjust the sequence and timing of today’s sightseeing to accommodate confirmed entry slots while ensuring that all scheduled visits are covered.

Day 3 Summary

Maximum/Overnight Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft – Lhasa

Distance: Approximately 15 km / 9 miles of local transfers

Driving Duration: Approximately 30–45 minutes total

Key Activities: Potala Palace, Tibet Museum, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and pilgrimage kora

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Tibet Gorkha Hotel, Kyichu Hotel, or similar 3-star boutique hotel in Lhasa

Day 5: Journey to the Roof of the World – Shigatse to Everest Base Camp & Rongbuk

Today is one of the defining highlights of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour as you leave Shigatse and journey deep into the Himalayas toward Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. The long but spectacular drive crosses immense high-altitude landscapes, winds over prayer-flag-draped mountain passes, and culminates beneath the dramatic North Face of the world’s highest mountain.

This extraordinary journey also brings the Everest dimension of your Tibet Everest Base Camp and Bhutan Tour into full focus as you travel from the cultural heartland of Tibet into one of the most dramatic mountain environments on Earth.

Morning: Friendship Highway & Gyatso La Pass

After an early breakfast, depart Shigatse and follow the Friendship Highway (G318) southwest across the vast Tibetan Plateau. As the road climbs through broad valleys and stark mountain landscapes, cultivated farmland gradually gives way to increasingly rugged high-altitude terrain.

Continue through the Lhatse region and ascend toward Gyatso La Pass, one of the highest points on your journey. At approximately 5,248 m / 17,218 ft, the pass is marked by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the powerful Himalayan wind.

On a clear day, the surrounding highlands offer magnificent views toward the Himalayan range and a dramatic sense of the immense scale of the Tibetan Plateau. Keep your movements slow at this elevation and avoid unnecessary exertion during photo stops.

Midday: Gawula Pass – Himalayan Panorama

Continue toward the Everest region and climb to spectacular Gawula Pass (5,198 m / 17,054 ft), one of the great panoramic viewpoints of the journey.

Weather permitting, a sweeping Himalayan skyline unfolds before you, dominated by some of the highest mountains on Earth. From this elevated vantage point, you may see Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) rising along the horizon.

From Gawula, the road descends through a succession of switchbacks toward the valleys leading to the northern approaches of Mount Everest.

Cultural Respect at Mountain Passes: High mountain passes, known locally as La, and their prayer-flag sites hold spiritual significance in Tibetan culture. Please avoid disturbing prayer flags, leaving litter, or using sacred areas as restroom stops. Your guide will advise you about appropriate facilities and culturally respectful behavior along the route.

Afternoon: Tashi Zom Transit Hub & Eco-Shuttle to Everest Base Camp

Continue to Tashi Zom, the environmental transit hub for the Mount Everest scenic area. Private tour vehicles do not continue all the way to the Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk area.

Here, transfer to the designated zero-emission eco-shuttle for the approximately 38 km / 24-mile journey, generally taking around 30–40 minutes, toward Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp.

Before leaving your private vehicle, take everything you will need overnight, including your daypack, warm clothing, medications, camera equipment, chargers, toiletries, and overnight luggage.

As the shuttle travels deeper into the valley, anticipation builds as the immense North Face of Mount Everest increasingly dominates the landscape.

Late Afternoon: Rongbuk Monastery & Everest Base Camp

Arrive in the Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp area at approximately 5,000–5,200 m / 16,400–17,060 ft, where the landscape becomes stark, immense, and profoundly beautiful.

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, dramatically positioned beneath the North Face of Everest. Its whitewashed buildings, prayer flags, and chortens set against the massive Himalayan backdrop create one of Tibet’s most memorable mountain scenes.

Continue to the visitor area at Everest Base Camp, where, weather permitting, you can take in extraordinary close-range views of Mount Everest rising above the Rongbuk Valley.

As evening approaches, watch for the changing light across the mountain. On a clear evening, the setting sun can illuminate Everest’s upper slopes in shades of gold and crimson, an unforgettable conclusion to one of the most spectacular days of your Tibet and Bhutan with Everest Base Camp journey.

Evening: Overnight Near Everest Base Camp

Tonight’s accommodation is intentionally simple and reflects the extreme remoteness and altitude of the Everest region. Depending on season and availability, accommodation may be provided at Rongbuk Hotel/Guesthouse or a seasonal tented guesthouse near the Everest Base Camp area.

Facilities are considerably more basic than in Lhasa or Shigatse. Rooms and tents are simple, heating may be limited, and bathroom facilities may be shared. Temperatures can fall sharply after sunset, even during the warmer travel months, so warm base layers, an insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and other cold-weather clothing should remain readily accessible.

At this elevation, some travelers may experience headache, fatigue, disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, or other symptoms associated with altitude. Move slowly, remain hydrated, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and immediately inform your guide if symptoms become significant or worsen.

Alternative Lower-Altitude Overnight in Tashi Zom

Travelers who prefer not to sleep at approximately 5,000 m can request an overnight stay in Tashi Zom (approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft) instead.

Sleeping roughly 800–1,000 meters lower can make a meaningful difference in comfort for some travelers, particularly those who are sensitive to altitude or who prefer a conventional hotel environment. Accommodation in Tashi Zom generally provides better heating, private bathroom facilities, hot showers, and a broader range of dining options than accommodation near Everest Base Camp.

Choosing Tashi Zom does, however, require additional shuttle transportation and sacrifices the unique experience of spending the night directly beneath Mount Everest.

Everest Base Camp / Rongbuk is generally best suited to: Travelers who prioritize the immersive experience of spending the night beneath Everest and are comfortable with very basic accommodation and extreme altitude.

Tashi Zom is generally better suited to: Travelers who prioritize a lower sleeping altitude, greater comfort, private facilities, and a potentially more restful night.

The preferred overnight option should be requested in advance and remains subject to accommodation and transportation arrangements.

Day 5 Summary

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 5,248 m / 17,218 ft – Gyatso La Pass

Overnight Altitude: Approximately 5,000–5,200 m / 16,400–17,060 ft – Rongbuk/Everest Base Camp; or approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Tashi Zom

Distance: Approximately 340 km / 211 miles, plus the designated eco-shuttle transfer

Driving Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions, checkpoints, sightseeing stops, and shuttle arrangements

Key Activities: Friendship Highway, Gyatso La Pass, Gawula Pass Himalayan panorama, Tashi Zom eco-shuttle transfer, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp and sunset views of Mount Everest

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Rongbuk Hotel/Guesthouse or seasonal tented guesthouse near Everest Base Camp; optional lower-altitude hotel in Tashi Zom

Day 6: Sunrise over Everest & Retrace drive to Shigatse

Morning: Sunrise over Everest & Journey via Dinggye

Rise early for one final opportunity to watch the first morning light illuminate Mt. Everest. When skies are clear, sunrise can transform the upper slopes and summit into shades of gold and pink, a memorable farewell to the world's highest mountain.

After breakfast, begin the return to Lhasa, leaving the Everest region and traveling east through the vast landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Rather than simply retracing the same route, today's journey takes you through the Dinggye (Dingye) region, revealing a different side of the Himalayas. Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints where high-altitude wetlands, broad valleys, grazing lands, and distant snow-covered peaks create a striking contrast.

On clear days, the route offers impressive perspectives toward the Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest and Lhotse, before continuing through remote settlements and pastoral landscapes toward Sakya.

Afternoon: Sakya Monastery – Seat of the Sakya Tradition

Continue to Sakya, situated at approximately 4,300 meters (14,108 feet), to visit the historic Sakya Monastery, the principal seat of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery immediately stands apart from many other Tibetan religious complexes. Its massive fortress-like walls and characteristic grey, red, and white coloring reflect the distinctive identity of the Sakya tradition.

Explore the monastery complex with your guide, including its impressive assembly spaces and extraordinary collection of Buddhist scriptures and religious texts. Sakya has been an important center of Tibetan Buddhist scholarship for centuries, and its extensive collections preserve an invaluable legacy of Tibetan religious literature, philosophy, history, and art.

The monastery's imposing architecture, ancient religious treasures, and scholarly heritage make Sakya one of the cultural highlights of your return journey from Everest.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Shigatse

After visiting Sakya Monastery, continue across the plateau toward Shigatse. The journey gradually descends from the higher terrain, eventually returning to the broader valleys surrounding Tibet's second-largest city.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned evening of rest. After the very high elevations of the Everest region, sleeping again at approximately 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) generally provides a more comfortable environment for the night.

Tomorrow, your Lhasa to EBC Tour completes its return across Central Tibet toward Lhasa.

Day 6 Summary

Maximum Altitude: Above 5,000 m (16,404 ft) if departing from the immediate Everest Base Camp/Rongbuk area

Overnight Altitude: 3,840 m (12,598 ft) in Shigatse

Distance: Approx. 388 km (241 miles)

Driving Duration: Approx. 7.5–9 hours, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops

Key Activities: Sunrise views of Mt. Everest, scenic drive through the Dinggye region, Himalayan and high-altitude wetland landscapes, Sakya Monastery and return to Shigatse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Gesar Hotel or similar (4-Star / best available equivalent)

Travel Tip: Sakya Monastery preserves an extraordinary collection of historic Buddhist scriptures and religious texts. Interior lighting can be subdued, and photography or the use of lights may be restricted in certain areas. Follow your guide and monastery staff regarding photography and avoid using a phone flashlight around sensitive manuscripts, murals, or sacred objects unless specifically permitted.

Day 7: Tashilhunpo Monastery. Return to Lhasa via the Northern Route.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and spend the morning exploring Tashilhunpo Monastery, the great monastic complex of Shigatse and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. After your visit, leave Shigatse and take the more direct northern route back to Lhasa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening in Tibet, with free time to revisit the atmospheric Barkhor area before preparing for tomorrow’s flight to Kathmandu.

Morning: Tashilhunpo Monastery – Seat of the Panchen Lama

After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important religious institutions in Tibet and a major center of the Gelugpa tradition.

Founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, Tashilhunpo later became the traditional monastic seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Its sprawling complex of golden-roofed temples, prayer halls, courtyards, and monastic residences rises dramatically against the hills overlooking Shigatse.

Explore the monastery with your Tibetan guide, visiting its principal chapels and assembly halls while learning about the important role of the Panchen Lama lineage in Tibetan Buddhism.

One of the monastery’s great treasures is its enormous gilded Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the Future. Continue through atmospheric chapels containing Buddhist statues, elaborate murals, religious texts, and the ornate funerary stupas associated with past Panchen Lamas.

If time and energy permit, you may also walk a portion of the monastery’s pilgrimage circuit before continuing your journey.

Afternoon: Shigatse to Lhasa via the Northern Route

After visiting Tashilhunpo, depart Shigatse and begin the direct return journey to Lhasa.

Rather than retracing the longer southern route through Gyantse and Yamdrok Tso, today you follow the northern route, traveling generally alongside sections of the Yarlung Tsangpo River through the broad valleys and mountain landscapes of central Tibet.

Enjoy an independent lunch along the way and settle back for the scenic drive. After several days of crossing high passes and traveling through the remote Everest region, the lower elevations and broad river valleys provide a relaxing conclusion to the overland portion of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour.

Late Afternoon / Evening: Return to Lhasa & Barkhor at Leisure

Upon arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

If you feel like stretching your legs after the drive, return to the Barkhor area for a relaxed evening stroll. Without a scheduled sightseeing program, you can simply absorb the atmosphere of old Lhasa at your own pace, walk alongside pilgrims completing their evening kora, browse local shops for last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy a cup of Tibetan tea at a neighborhood teahouse.

This is your final evening in Tibet, so take some time to prepare your luggage and travel documents for tomorrow’s flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu serves as your overnight connection between the two principal destinations of this journey. After one night there, your Tibet and Bhutan Tour continues by air to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Day 7 Summary

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,840 m / 12,598 ft – Shigatse

Overnight Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft – Lhasa

Distance: Approximately 270–280 km / 168–174 miles

Driving Duration: Approximately 4.5–5.5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops

Key Activities: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Maitreya Buddha, scenic northern-route drive from Shigatse to Lhasa, and optional evening stroll around Barkhor

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Tibet Gorkha Hotel, Kyichu Hotel, or similar 3-star boutique hotel in Lhasa

Day 8: Scenic Flight Across the Himalaya to Kathmandu, Nepal

Today, bid farewell to Tibet and take a spectacular flight across the Himalayas to Kathmandu, Nepal. This overnight stay serves as a comfortable and practical connection between the Tibet and Bhutan portions of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour, while also giving you time to rest before continuing to Bhutan tomorrow.

Morning: Transfer to Lhasa Airport

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your Tibetan guide and driver for the transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

Say farewell to your Tibetan team and check in for your international flight to Kathmandu. As you leave the Tibetan Plateau behind, reflect on an extraordinary journey that has taken you from the monasteries and palaces of Lhasa through Gyantse and Shigatse to the North Face of Mount Everest.

Scenic Himalayan Flight: Lhasa to Kathmandu

Board your flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu, one of the most spectacular air routes in the Himalayan region.

Weather and visibility permitting, the flight offers extraordinary aerial views across the immense Himalayan range. Snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep valleys, and some of the highest mountains on Earth may unfold beneath you as you cross from the Tibetan Plateau into Nepal.

Keep your camera handy and, when possible, request a window seat to make the most of this memorable Himalayan flight.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, complete Nepal immigration and customs formalities. After collecting your luggage, meet our local representative in the arrivals area and transfer to your hotel in the city.

Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

No organized sightseeing is scheduled in Kathmandu. This overnight stop is intentionally kept relaxed, providing a comfortable buffer between your flight from Tibet and tomorrow’s onward journey to Bhutan.

Evening: Kathmandu at Leisure

Spend the evening resting at your hotel or, if you feel energetic, take a leisurely stroll in the surrounding neighborhood and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Take some time this evening to reorganize your luggage and prepare your travel documents for tomorrow’s flight to Bhutan. After your brief overnight stay in Kathmandu, the next chapter of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour begins as you fly across the Himalayas once again to Paro, Bhutan.

Day 8 Summary

Departure Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft – Lhasa

Overnight Altitude: Approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft – Kathmandu

Flight: Lhasa (LXA) → Kathmandu (KTM)

Flight Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Key Activities: Airport transfer, scenic Himalayan flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu, airport meet-and-greet, hotel transfer, and leisure time

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Hotel Nomad or similar, Kathmandu

Day 9: Scenic Flight Along the Himalayan Wall to Paro & Journey to Thimphu

Say goodbye to Nepal with a warm “Pheri Bhetaula”, See you again! After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and board your flight to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Today marks an exciting transition on your Tibet and Bhutan Tour. Having explored the monasteries, cities, high passes, and Everest region of Tibet, you now cross the Himalayas to discover a very different expression of Himalayan Buddhist culture in the secluded valleys of Bhutan.

Morning: Scenic Himalayan Flight to Paro

Board the short but spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Paro, widely regarded as one of the most scenic air journeys in the Himalayan region.

On a clear day, the flight can reveal an extraordinary panorama of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Depending on weather conditions, visibility, flight path, and your seat location, you may glimpse some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants.

The aerial perspective is particularly meaningful after your recent journey to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, allowing you to appreciate the immense scale of the Himalayan range from an entirely different vantage point.

As the aircraft approaches Bhutan, the scenery changes dramatically. Forested ridges, traditional villages, monasteries, and deeply carved valleys appear below before your aircraft descends through the mountains toward Paro International Airport (approximately 2,200 m / 7,218 ft).

Morning: Welcome to Bhutan & Paro Sightseeing

After completing Bhutanese immigration and customs formalities, step outside the terminal to meet your licensed Bhutanese guide and driver. With a warm “Kuzuzangpo La!”, Welcome to Bhutan!, your local team will introduce you to the country that will be your home for the next several days.

Depending on your flight arrival time, begin exploring some of Paro Valley’s cultural and historical highlights.

Paro Airport Viewpoint: Stop at a scenic vantage point overlooking Paro Airport and the surrounding valley. From above, appreciate the airport’s remarkable setting beside the Paro Chhu River, surrounded by forested mountains and traditional Bhutanese settlements.

National Museum of Bhutan – Ta Dzong: Continue to Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower overlooking Paro Valley. Originally constructed in the 17th century as part of the defensive system protecting Paro Dzong, the circular structure now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Its collections provide an engaging introduction to Bhutanese history, Buddhist art, traditional costumes, religious objects, thangkas, weapons, and the natural heritage of the kingdom.

Rinpung Dzong: Descend to magnificent Rinpung Dzong, whose name is commonly translated as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” Built in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of architectural plans, the imposing fortress-monastery remains an important administrative and religious center for the Paro district.

Walk through its courtyards and admire massive whitewashed walls, elaborately carved wooden galleries, colorful Buddhist paintings, and commanding views across the Paro Valley.

Afternoon: Paro to Thimphu via Tachog Lhakhang

Enjoy your first Bhutanese lunch before beginning the scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

The road follows the Paro Chhu downstream through a beautiful landscape of forested mountains, terraced fields, traditional farmhouses, and small settlements before joining the Wang Chhu River toward Thimphu.

Along the way, stop near Tachog Lhakhang, a temple associated with the renowned 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist master and bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Cross the traditional-style iron-chain bridge spanning the river and enjoy your first close encounter with Bhutan’s distinctive combination of spiritual heritage, traditional engineering, and mountain scenery.

Evening: Arrive in Thimphu

Continue through the increasingly populated valley to Thimphu (2,320 m / 7,612 ft) and check into your hotel.

After settling in, enjoy a relaxed evening in Bhutan’s capital. If you wish, take a leisurely stroll through the town center, browse local handicraft shops, observe residents going about their evening routines, or simply relax at your hotel after the day’s journey.

Your arrival in Bhutan opens the final chapter of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour, five nights exploring the kingdom’s sacred monasteries, imposing dzongs, traditional architecture, mountain landscapes, and living Buddhist culture.

Day 9 Summary

Maximum/Overnight Altitude: 2,320 m / 7,612 ft – Thimphu

Paro Airport Altitude: Approximately 2,200 m / 7,218 ft

Distance: Approximately 55 km / 34 miles, plus local sightseeing transfers

Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour, subject to operating schedule and routing

Driving Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Paro to Thimphu, excluding sightseeing stops

Key Activities: Scenic Himalayan flight to Bhutan, Paro Airport viewpoint, National Museum at Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Tachog Lhakhang and iron-chain bridge, scenic drive to Thimphu, and optional evening stroll

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Thimphu Deluxe Hotel or similar 3-star hotel

Day 10: Thimphu Highlights – Monumental Buddha Dordenma, Traditional School of Arts & Royal Thimphu Dzong

Today, immerse yourself in the cultural, spiritual, and natural highlights of Thimphu, Bhutan’s relaxed mountain capital. Begin with the immense Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley, mingle with local devotees at the Memorial Chorten, and discover traditional Bhutanese life at Simply Bhutan. In the afternoon, meet Bhutan’s unusual national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve before setting out on a beautiful forest hike along the Wangditse Goemba Trail to Dechen Phodrang. Conclude the day at majestic Tashichho Dzong, the impressive seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic administration.

Morning: Buddha Dordenma – Above the Thimphu Valley

After breakfast, drive into the forested hills above Thimphu to visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of Bhutan’s most recognizable modern landmarks.

The enormous gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha rises approximately 51.5 m / 169 ft above Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and commands sweeping views across the Thimphu Valley. Although the statue appears to be a single monumental image, its interior houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues.

Take time to explore the surrounding complex, admire the detailed Buddhist artwork, and enjoy the panoramic views of Thimphu and the surrounding mountains.

Morning: National Memorial Chorten

Descend into the city to visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most active centers of everyday religious life in Thimphu.

Built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the whitewashed chorten with its golden spire attracts a steady stream of local residents throughout the day.

Join elderly devotees, monks, families, and other worshippers as they walk clockwise around the monument, spin large prayer wheels, recite mantras, and offer prayers. More than simply a sightseeing attraction, the Memorial Chorten offers an intimate glimpse into the role of Buddhism in everyday Bhutanese life.

Late Morning: Simply Bhutan – Living Culture & Traditions

Continue to Simply Bhutan, an interactive living museum designed to introduce visitors to Bhutan’s traditional rural lifestyle, architecture, customs, and crafts.

Rather than viewing culture only through display cases, enjoy a more engaging experience as you learn about traditional household practices, local building techniques, clothing, food, arts, and village traditions.

Depending on the activities available during your visit, you may have opportunities to try traditional archery, observe local crafts, sample Bhutanese refreshments, or participate in other cultural demonstrations.

After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Motithang Takin Preserve

After lunch, drive to the forested slopes above Thimphu to visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s distinctive national animal, the takin.

With its powerful body, broad head, and unusual appearance, the takin occupies a special place in Bhutanese folklore. Your guide will share the popular legend connecting the animal with Drukpa Kunley, the unconventional 15th-century Buddhist master affectionately known as the Divine Madman.

Walk along the forested viewing paths for opportunities to observe takins in their naturalistic surroundings before beginning this afternoon’s hike.

Afternoon: Hike the Wangditse Goemba Trail to Dechen Phodrang

From the upper reaches of Thimphu, set out on the scenic Wangditse Goemba Trail, a peaceful hike through pine, cypress, and rhododendron forest above the capital.

The trail offers a refreshing contrast to the morning’s sightseeing, allowing you to experience Bhutan’s natural environment on foot while enjoying occasional openings in the forest with views across the Thimphu Valley.

Continue toward Wangditse Goemba, a secluded monastery set amid the forested hills. Prayer flags, quiet woodland, and distant valley views create a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the streets below.

From Wangditse, continue along the forest trail toward Dechen Phodrang, descending gradually through the hills above northern Thimphu. The hike provides an enjoyable introduction to Bhutan’s combination of nature and spirituality and a preview of the more demanding mountain walk awaiting you at Tiger’s Nest Monastery later in the journey.

Meet your driver near the end of the trail and continue to your final sightseeing stop.

Late Afternoon: Tashichho Dzong

Conclude the day at magnificent Tashichho Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important and visually impressive fortress-monasteries.

Set beside the Wang Chhu River and surrounded by manicured grounds, the dzong serves as an important center of Bhutan’s government and monastic administration. Its massive whitewashed walls, golden roofs, intricately painted woodwork, and spacious courtyards exemplify the refined architectural traditions of the kingdom.

Subject to official functions and visitor opening hours, enter the dzong with your guide and explore its impressive courtyards and accessible religious areas while learning about the continuing relationship between Bhutan’s spiritual traditions and modern system of governance.

Evening: Return to Hotel

Return to your hotel after a rewarding day exploring Thimphu. Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening at leisure.

From monumental Buddhist landmarks and living traditions to forest trails and fortress architecture, today reveals the remarkable variety of experiences that define the Bhutan portion of your Tibet and Bhutan Tour.

Day 10 Summary

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,650 m / 8,694 ft – upper Thimphu/Wangditse area

Overnight Altitude: 2,320 m / 7,612 ft – Thimphu

Hiking Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on pace and stops

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate, with forest trails, gradual ascents and descents, and some uneven terrain

Key Activities: Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, Motithang Takin Preserve, Wangditse Goemba forest hike to Dechen Phodrang, and Tashichho Dzong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Thimphu Deluxe Hotel or similar 3-star hotel

Day 11: Dochula Pass & the Subtropical Beauty of Punakha Valley

Leave Thimphu this morning and journey east toward the warmer Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s former capital and the traditional winter residence of the country’s central monastic community. Along the way, cross spectacular Dochula Pass, walk among its 108 memorial chortens, and descend through changing vegetation into a landscape of terraced fields, traditional villages, and subtropical river valleys.

The afternoon is devoted to Punakha’s signature landmarks, the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the prayer-flag-draped suspension bridge across the Pho Chhu, and, time permitting, a gentle countryside walk to Chimi Lhakhang.

Morning: Thimphu to Dochula Pass

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the scenic drive from Thimphu toward Punakha. The road gradually climbs through forests of pine, cypress, fir, and rhododendron toward Dochula Pass (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), the highest point of today’s journey.

At the pass, stop to explore the beautiful Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 memorial stupas arranged gracefully across the hillside. Built under the patronage of Bhutan’s Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the chortens commemorate Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the 2003 military operation against insurgents based in southern Bhutan.

Take time to walk among the chortens and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting. On exceptionally clear days, Dochula offers a magnificent panorama of the snow-covered peaks of Bhutan’s high Himalayas stretching across the northern horizon.

Nearby, admire the colorful Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, whose contemporary Buddhist paintings provide an unusual artistic record of Bhutan’s monarchy and recent history.

Late Morning: Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi

Continue a short distance to the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, Bhutan’s first botanical park and a protected area encompassing rich temperate forests below Dochula Pass.

Take a leisurely nature walk through the park, where the vegetation varies considerably with elevation and season. The area is particularly beautiful during spring, when numerous species of rhododendrons bloom across the forested hillsides, accompanied by magnolias and other Himalayan flora.

Outside the main flowering season, the park still provides an enjoyable opportunity to experience Bhutan’s forest environment and learn about the remarkable biodiversity found along this ecological corridor.

Midday: Descend into Punakha Valley

From Lamperi, continue downhill as the landscape gradually transforms from cool mountain forest to the warmer subtropical vegetation of the Punakha Valley (approximately 1,250 m / 4,101 ft).

Pass small settlements, traditional farmhouses, fruit trees, and terraced fields as you descend toward the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Arrive at Zhingkham Resort, beautifully positioned on the hillside overlooking the valley, and enjoy lunch accompanied by sweeping views toward Punakha Dzong and the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon: Punakha Dzong – Palace of Great Happiness

After lunch, visit magnificent Punakha Dzong, known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, or the “Palace of Great Happiness.”

Constructed in the 17th century under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong occupies a spectacular position at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River).

Cross the traditional cantilever bridge and enter a remarkable complex of massive whitewashed walls, elaborately carved wooden balconies, grand courtyards, temples, administrative chambers, and richly decorated religious halls.

Punakha Dzong played a central role in Bhutanese history and remains one of the kingdom’s most important religious and administrative centers. It also serves as the traditional winter residence of Bhutan’s central monastic body, which moves here from Thimphu during the colder months.

Depending on the season, the surroundings may be especially beautiful with flowering jacaranda trees framing the fortress and riverbanks.

Late Afternoon: Punakha Suspension Bridge

Continue to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, a long pedestrian bridge spanning the Pho Chhu downstream from the dzong.

Walk across the swaying bridge as colorful prayer flags flutter overhead and the turquoise river rushes through the valley below. From the bridge and surrounding trails, enjoy beautiful views of the river, agricultural fields, villages, and forested mountains.

The bridge provides a fun change of pace from cultural sightseeing and is one of the most photogenic stops in the Punakha Valley.

Late Afternoon: Optional Chimi Lhakhang Walk

If time permits, continue toward the village of Sopsokha for an easy countryside walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous 15th-century temple associated with Drukpa Kunley, the unconventional Buddhist master popularly known as the Divine Madman.

The walk leads through rice fields and traditional farming villages, providing an intimate glimpse of rural Bhutanese life before reaching the small hilltop temple.

Chimi Lhakhang has long been associated with fertility blessings, and Bhutanese couples seeking children continue to visit the temple to receive blessings from resident monks.

After your visit, meet your driver and return to your hotel.

Evening: Relax in Punakha

Settle into Zhingkham Resort and enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking the Punakha Valley. After the cooler mountain environment of Thimphu and Dochula, you will notice Punakha’s considerably milder climate and lush subtropical vegetation.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest after another rewarding day discovering the landscapes, history, and living traditions of Bhutan on your Tibet and Bhutan Tour.

Day 11 Summary

Maximum Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft – Dochula Pass

Overnight Altitude: Approximately 1,250 m / 4,101 ft – Punakha Valley

Distance: Approximately 75 km / 47 miles, plus local sightseeing transfers

Driving Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours, excluding sightseeing stops

Key Activities: Dochula Pass and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, and optional walk to Chimi Lhakhang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhingkham Resort, Punakha

Day 12: Punakha Valleys, Sacred Monasteries & Scenic Return Drive to Paro

After breakfast, check out of your resort and begin the journey back toward Paro. Rather than simply retracing the highway, today introduces you to quieter corners of the Punakha Valley, beginning with the peaceful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and the traditional hilltop village of Talo.

Later, cross Dochula Pass once again and continue through Thimphu toward Paro. Time permitting, make a rewarding detour to Dzongdrakha, a beautiful cliffside temple complex sometimes described as a quieter counterpart to Tiger’s Nest. Arrive in Paro by late afternoon and settle in for a restful evening before tomorrow’s signature hike to Taktsang Monastery.

Morning: Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

After breakfast and hotel check-out, drive into the forested hills above the Punakha Valley to visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, a peaceful Buddhist complex overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue.

The nunnery serves as an important center of religious study and practice for Bhutanese nuns. Its quiet setting, traditional architecture, landscaped grounds, prayer wheels, and sacred images create a contemplative atmosphere far removed from the busier monuments of the main valley.

Visit the temple and admire its impressive Buddhist statues, including a large image of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Take some time to enjoy the expansive views across the surrounding valleys and forested mountains before continuing toward Talo.

Late Morning: Talo Village & Talo Goemba

Continue uphill to Talo, a picturesque traditional village situated along the forested slopes above the Punakha Valley.

Visit Talo Goemba, an important monastery associated with generations of respected Buddhist teachers. The temple complex occupies a beautiful position overlooking the surrounding valleys, with traditional farmhouses, gardens, and forested hills creating a distinctly rural Bhutanese setting.

Explore the monastery with your guide and learn about Buddhist practice and monastic traditions in Bhutan. When circumstances permit, there may also be an opportunity for informal interaction with resident monks or caretakers, offering a more personal glimpse into religious life in the kingdom.

Afterward, begin your journey west toward Paro.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive via Dochula Pass to Paro

Retrace the mountain road toward Dochula Pass (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), climbing once again from Punakha’s subtropical valley into cool forests of rhododendron, fir, cypress, and pine.

Pause at the pass as time and weather permit. Because you visited Dochula in greater depth yesterday, today’s stop can be brief, perhaps for a cup of tea, photographs, or another opportunity to enjoy the Himalayan panorama if the skies are particularly clear.

Continue downhill toward