Start Nepal Tibet Bhutan trip, with visit of Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. Visit plentiful palaces, sanctuaries and squares nestled within the foothills of mighty Himalayas. Visit various cultural UNESCO sites. Drive to Chitwan National Park, home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna, including the majestic tiger.
Then after, explore the less explored Tibet ” Roof of The World” . Visit the destinations of Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse. Further, after one overnight in Nepal fly to Bhutan. Explore, this magical country visiting capital Thimphu and beautiful Punakha Valley. Indeed, this Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan trip will be the experience of your lifetime.
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meeting and assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. (N)
Accommodation in Kathmandu
This morning, walking tour of medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is the cultural heart of the city. Later, tour of 2,500 year old Swoyambhunath Stupa, one of the city’s most recognizable site. Afternoon, drive outside the valley to visit Patan, which is the most artistic city in Kathmandu Valley. This is quieter and better-preserved historic district in Kathmandu valley, marked by numerous Buddhist monasteries, artistry, temples, and palace. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Today drive to Chitwan National Park. Near the Indian fringe, Chitwan lies at the core of Nepal’s swamp Terai, is an UNESCO World Heritage site and the nation’s most established hold. A blend of marsh, tall elephant grass and thick woods, the recreation center backings a wide scope of untamed life and late preservation measures here have been progressively effective. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Chitwan
Today commence various jungle activities such as elephant back safari to view various wildlife, visit of crocodile/elephant breeding centers, commence dugout/canoe ride. Evening, live cultural show performance by local Tharu tribes. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Chitwan
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu retracing the same highway. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. Evening, receive Tibet Visa (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu international terminal and fly to Gongaar airport in Tibet. Upon entry meet by our representative and drive to Lhasa (65 Km/1 hrs drive). Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization. (B)
Accommodation in Lhasa
These two days visit famous Potala Palace, which Tibetans claim to be the prime wonder since the creation of the world. This palace is visible from anywhere in Lhasa. Visit Jokhang, the Barkhor Street of old Lhasa, Drepung, and Sera monasteries. (B)
Accommodations in Lhasa
This morning, drive to Shigatse via Gyantse. En route visit Yamdrok-Tso Lake. Its turquoise waters are shaped like a winding scorpion, backtracking on themselves on the western side, viably making an enormous island inside its scopes. Most explorers see the lake from the summit of 4795m Khamba-La as they drive in transit among Lhasa and Gyantse. After arriving Gyantse, visit Pholkor & Kumbum Monastery, It’s of huge historical significance, and many monks still live here. Later continue on to Shigatse through beautiful Tibetan countryside drive. (B)
Accommodation in Shigatse
Begin your day with visit to Tashilhumpu Monastery. Covering 70,000 sq meters, this monastery is currently the biggest religious establishment in Tibet – home to around 950 monks . The immense brilliant statue of the Future Buddha is the biggest overlaid statue in the world. Continue your drive to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Lhasa (B)
Accommodation in Lhasa
Morning, transfer to the airport and drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, drive outside the valley to visit Bhaktapur , the third largest town in Kathmandu valley famous for string of temples, monastery, courtyards and monumental squares. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Fly to Paro from Kathmandu and drive to Thimphu. If time persists visit weekend market (Thursday – Sunday) when vendors from different villages and cities of Bhutan come to sell their products. In evening walk around the city or visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist Monastery and fortress in the northern edge of Thimphu city. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Thimphu
After breakfast visit National Library housing Bhutanese scripture dating back to 8th century, continue on to National Memorial Chorten. Other sites include School of Arts and Crafts. Here 13 types of Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochu- La Pass (3,100m). On a clear day from here you will have the magnificent Himalaya views. After lunch, hike to Chimmi Lhakhang. Continue on to Punakha. Evening, tour of beautiful Punakha Dzong. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Punakha
After breakfast, drive back to Paro after visiting Yabesa Village and hiking through the rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten. Afterward, proceed on to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Paro
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang Monastery ” Tiger’s Nest“. Cling on the sheer cliff high over Paro valley is the most venerated religious site in Bhutan. The trail to Taktshang is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. The steep walk will take you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley. Late, visit 7th- century old Kyichu Lhakhang before returning back to the hotel. (B, L, D)
Accommodation in Paro
Free until departure. Transfer to the Paro international airport in time to connect your onward flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, leave the city and visit the historic Changu Narayan Temple. Located upon a ridge at the eastern end of the Kathmandu valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than 1,500 years of age and a fine case of Nepalese pagoda architecture. Evening, transfer to an authentic Nepali restaurant for farewell dinner followed by cultural tours by different ethnic groups of Nepal. After dinner, transfer back to the hotel. (B, D)
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Free till departure. Transfer to the airport in time to connect your onward flight (B)
There are direct flights to Nepal from Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai, Bangalore, China, Dhaka, Muscat and Istanbul. Flights to Nepal are expensive as it does not lie on any major transit route, particularly during the peak tourist season (March till May) and (October to November).
Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT & 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
Nepal extends trouble-free issuance of visa to all the citizens. Except for Indian tourist all nationals will require a valid passport. The tourist visas can easily be obtained at the airport or any entry point upon arrival. They have to fill up the application form and submit it together with a photograph.
15 days US $ 30 ; 30 days US $ 50 ; 90 days US $ 125
The fees must be paid in cash (credit cards are not acceptable)
Nepalese currency notes are available in 20, 50, 10, 500 and 1,000 rupee denominations.
Indian notes of 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 are banned in Nepal. All hotels, restaurants, shopping centers will accept USD currency. However, please note the USD currency should be new and it should not be tampered in any way. Visa, Master Card, American Express are widely acceptable in hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
Saturday is the weekly holiday. Most of the shops remain closed on Saturdays. Sunday is normal working day in Nepal. Embassies remain closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and on public holidays.
Shopping can also be very gratifying and exciting in Nepal (especially Kathmandu & Pokhara). There are numbers tourists’ shops with tempting clothes, typical Nepalese craft, beautiful potteries and even gems & jewelries. Singing bowls are likewise a famous souvenir.
Tipping is not mandatory, however the guides, drivers who are involved in your tours do expect some tips. If you are very much satisfied by the service provided by your guide and driver you may tip them. The information regarding tipping will be provided prior to your commencement of the trip.
We recommend that the clients get themselves immunized against certain illness that are not prevalent in their home country such as Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis etc; Your physician would be best to advise you the best suggestion of these inoculations. Make sure the water you consume is boiled & filtered.
Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time.
Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum. 1Nu. = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is at par with the Indian Rupee. Approx. 1 USD = Nu/60.00.
Visa & permit for Bhutan is already included in your package price.
Bhutanese Delicacies are limited with spicy Chillies and Cheese. However you will be served a Buffet of continental food with some local dishes too. On Treks, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western tastes ranging from continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.
Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to Sep. cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long underwear or woolen tights to wear under trousers, and down jacket or coat. During visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should not wear shorts, hats and should be properly dressed.
The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. If you wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. You can always ask by gesture, if it’s okay to take pictures. Also while visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and religious institutions; please follow your guide’s instruction carefully. Photography inside the Dzongs and monuments are not allowed. Although films and batteries are available locally, it is best to bring it yourself.
The price that we offer do not cover your Travel Insurance. It is imperative that you have full comprehensive insurance cover to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps. Such policies are not available in Bhutan. It should adequately cover baggage and travel delays etc. and helicopter evacuation, transportation and medical assistance in case of treks.
The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious Antiquity or antiques of any type. All personal electronics, Cameras, Video Cameras, Computers and personal electronic equipment may be brought into the country but they must be listed on the custom form provided on arrival at Paro airport and will be checked on departure. Two liters of alcohol and reasonable quantity of cigarettes may be brought into the country without duty.
There are only limited countries from where there are direct flights to Bhutan:
Ex. Nepal: Daily flights
Ex. Kolkata: Daily flights
Ex. Delhi: Daily flights
Ex. Singapore: Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Ex. Bangkok: Daily Flights
A trip to Tibet is more of an adventurous and spiritual for those who believe Tibet as a Power Place. Due to its high altitude, those travelers with a history of heart, lung or anemic problems should consult their doctor before considering a visit.
It’s most important that visitors should understand that Tibet was only opened to tourism since the mid eighties and you should be ready for a bit of adventure regarding hotel accommodation and other services especially en-route.
Taking photographs is prohibited in sensitive areas like in Check Posts/Army Areas. There is an extra charge if you wish to take photographs inside Monasteries. Sometimes, monasteries charge extra for each different section of the same monastery. If you want to take a photograph of an individual please ask him or her first.
We use Land Cruiser (New Model), van, mini bus, coaster and deluxe coaches as necessary. All vehicles are air-conditioned. Driver usually does not speak English but they are very experienced and friendly.
Air China and Sichuan air are the only airlines that fly between Kathmandu and Lhasa. This is the only airline in the world that flies over the Mt. Everest. Make sure your take a left hand seat while flying to Lhasa and vice versa to view the majestic Himalayas including Everest and other highest mountain on Earth.
Cleanliness and hygiene is an issue in Tibet specially during traveling. Toilet en-route Zhangmu to Lhasa during drive is a problem for ladies. You will require going to toilet often due to required consumption of water. During long drive it is best to use an open air toilet rather than using common toilet. Guide will stop the vehicle in suitable non inhabited area. We also suggest to use clean toilet wherever is possible while stopping for a meal or tea break during long drive.
Tibetan and Chinese are highly spoken in Tibet Autonomous region. In remote areas more majority speaks Tibetan Language. There are different Tibetan dialogues used.
All BATE Guide speaks good English and the star hotel staff speaks English. But, staff of guest houses or small hotels speaks only local language. It`s always handy to take phrase book.
Traditional meal of Tibetan is Tsampa (roasted Barley flour) and butter tea. There are not so many choices of restaurant in small towns. However, there are many Tibetan, Chinese and continental restaurants in big cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Tsedang. Mostly you get yak meat, sheep meat sometime pork.
The exchange rate of – approx. US$1 = Yuan 6. Banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Regarding the budget for your tour, it is entirely up to you how much you want to spend with shopping etc. However, we advise you to carry at least US$150 per person for a week. Major currencies such as US Dollar, Euro, UK sterling can be exchanged at the Bank of China branches in Kerong / Zhangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. There are ATM Machines in Lhasa and Shigatse. Big stores, restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards.
Nowadays there are WiFi facilities in most of the hotels and restaurants in major cities and you can make international calls from most of the hotels.
220 volt. We advise you to carry universal multi plug.
It is always good to carry some passport size photographs in case it is needed.
Due to the very high altitude – over 12,000 ft, acclimatization is very important. You may be likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headaches, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the individual. Do not exert yourself and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. It is very important to drink at least 4-5 liters of liquids daily to avoid any altitude sickness. This is probably the best remedy for AMS.
Diamox the common name for Acetazolamide originally developed as a diuretic, but pragmatically found to aid acclimatization available in Kathmandu pharmacies. Some people feel it is ‘cheating’, but as trekking at altitude is not a competition and you are here to enjoy it to altitude, not just mask the symptoms. It will make you pee more as intended, and possibly give you a tingly feeling in your fingers, but is understood to have no more serious side effects. Taking it is entirely down to personal choice, but if you do decide to use it as a preventative we have found that a half a 250 mg tablet works just as well as a whole one and minimizes the side effects. There is an herbal medicine for acclimatization easily available in Lhasa called Plato.
We provide reserve oxygen cylinder in our private tours.
The length of time of drive everyday may vary from 3 hours to 8 hours including lunch, tea break depending upon the condition of the road. You will notice continuous construction of road in many places.
There are speed limits rules in major roads and highway and it is very strictly monitored. There are many check points en-route specially while driving outside Lhasa.
The political situation in Tibet is highly sensitive. You would be well advised not to discuss, take or talk anything of political with the local people that may aggravate the situation. Confine yourself to the interests of the tour.
All BATE Guides are Tibetan and they are fully registered with Guide license. Without License it is strictly illegal to guide and can be heavily fined. Role of Guide is considered the most important factor to ensure quality services. Tourism is still considered new to Tibet compare to many Asian countries, so Guide in Tibet do not get enough exposure, Tibetan Guides have limited English and you may not expect a fluent explanation about culture and religion or any other academic topics. However, Guide will try to do best to their capacity. Your frequent questioning will encourage him/her.
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