Meet the Mountain People of the Himalayas with visits to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon
Flight - 1 night
Beijing - 2 nights
Lhasa - 3 nights
Shigatse - 2 nights
Lhasa - 1 night
Nagarkot - 2 nights
Kathmandu - 3 nights
Thimphu - 2 nights
Punakha - 2 nights
Paro - 2 nights
Delhi - 1 night
Journey across the ‘Roof of the World’ and delve into the fascinating world of mountain lore in the Kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Explore the cultural heritage of the fabled cities of Lhasa, Shigatse, Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu. Enjoy the natural splendour in the most magnificent mountain vista on Earth as we travel from the highest plateau, in the shadow of the greatest mountain.
Tibet has always exerted a fascination on visitors from the West – partly by its isolation and partly by there being no divide between the religious and secular in its unique past. In Lhasa, the 1,000-room 7th-century Potala Palace is one of the architectural wonders of the world, with 13 levels of red, white and gold, while the Jokhang temple is Tibet’s most holy place and the spiritual centre with golden canopies, gilded Banners of Victory and the large gold Wheel of Law.
This journey sets Bhutan firmly in the context of its Himalayan neighbours. This small and remote Kingdom, The Land of the Thunder Dragon only opened itself to the outside world in the 1960s, with spirituality permeating every aspect of daily life in a determined, methodical pursuit of that most elusive of concepts – national happiness.
Across the Three Kingdoms, explore stunning alpine valleys, turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks that rise above shadowy gorges and terraced pastures, interspersed with fluttering prayer flags and fortress-like Dzongs, seemingly unchanged by time.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
6 UNESCO Heritage Sites
UK Tour Manager
Local Expert Guides
Bhutan Travel Permit
Tibet Travel Permit
Group Size: 6 - 18
Enjoy an evening outdoor performance on the background of Lhasa’s splendid landscape. Hear the story of Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty marrying Tubo King Songtsen Gambo 1,300 years ago.
Day 1 Fly overnight Heathrow to Beijing.
Day 2 Transfer to 4-star Park Plaza Wangfujing Hotel for two nights. Enjoy a Peking duck dinner. (D)
Day 3 Visit the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best preserved sections. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Fly to Lhasa. Three nights at the 4-star St. Regis Hotel. Time at leisure to acclimatise. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and once winter palace of the Dalai Lama, the 7th-century Jokhang Temple and a local bazaar on Barkhor Street. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Explore the monasteries of Drepung and Sera, then Norbulingka, once summer residence of the Dalai Lama, a masterpiece of Tibetan art built in the 18th century. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Enjoy the countryside and clear blue waters of Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier en-route to Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Temple and continue to Shigatse for two nights at the 3-star Shandong Mansion. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and the Summer Palace of the Panchen Lamas. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Travel to Lhasa following the mighty Brahmaputra River. Return to the 4-star St. Regis Hotel for overnight. Princess Wencheng performance. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Nagarkot for two nights at the 4-star Club Himalaya. (B)
Day 11 Morning hike to Nagarkot Buddha Peace Garden. (B)
Day 12 Travel to ancient Newa City of Bhaktapur, the ‘place of devotees’. Continue to Kathmandu for three nights at the 5-star Hyatt Regency. (B, D)
Day 13 Visit Patan’s and Kathmandu’s Durbar squares, explore Swayambhunath stupa and enjoy a rickshaw ride in Thamel. (B, D)
Day 14 Visit the stupa of Boudhanath, the Thangka Painting School and the Hindu cremation site of Pashupatinath. Dinner with an Everest Summiteer Sherpa. (B, D)
Day 15 Fly to Paro. Transfer to Thimphu for two nights at the 3-star Hotel River View. Visit the National Memorial Chorten. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Visit Zorig Chusum Institute, National Library and Gagyel Lhundrup Centre. (B, L, D)
Day 17 Drive over Dochu La Pass to Nalanda Buddhist Institute, enjoy lunch with the monks and learn of their education and lifestyle. Continue to Punakha for a two night stay at the 3-star YT Hotel. Visit Punakha Dzong, the coronation venue for Bhutan’s kings. Evening exploration of the town. (B, L, D)
Day 18 Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Drive to Talo village and visit Wolkaha Nunnery. (B, L, D)
Day 19 Travel to Paro for two nights at the 3-star Olathang Hotel. Drive to the north end of the valley to visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong, continue to Rinpung Dzong and the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple. (B, L, D)
Day 20 By road and on foot to Taktsang Monastery, known as Tiger’s Nest. Evening family home visit. (B, L, D)
Day 21 Fly to Delhi, overnight at the 5-star Taj Palace Hotel. Farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 22 Return flight to London. (B)
Notes
Excursions are generally on foot with some uneven surfaces and inclines. Tiger’s Nest walk is trek of up to 2 ½ hours to the cafe/viewpoint, this journey can be taken on foot, or by pony at an additional charge, the downward journey is on foot. There is an optional, challenging but extremely rewarding final section to the trek that takes you to the monastery.
The itinerary reaches altitudes of up to 5,400m. (17,717 ft.) and is not suited to travellers predisposed to conditions which may be aggravated by high altitude.
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A modern 4-star hotel, close to Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden Square. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 216 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The 4-star St. Regis Lhasa Resort steeps its guests in the beauty and serenity of Tibetan culture, from exquisitely crafted architectural details to the traditional healing Tibetan herbal treatments offered in the sanctuary of the Iridium Spa. The resort is configured to pay homage to this mystical and historic country in every way with a Meditation Garden offering a sacred space for quiet contemplation. 162 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Located in the center of Shigatse city, the 3-star Shandong Mansion Hotel is one of the largest in Shigatse. Facilities include Chinese restaurants, a sauna, fitness centre, KTV, beauty salon and boutique. The hotel has 111 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, refrigerator and TV.
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A 5 star luxury hotel and resort set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds, created in the traditional Newari style of Nepalese architecture. This beautiful hotel near the Boudhanath Stupa a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Facilities include two restaurants a café, lounge and bar, swimming pool, spa and fitness room. 320 rooms equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, flat screen televisions, separate walk in showers and tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
A 4-star hotel on Windy Hill with wonderrful views of the Himalayas. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 68 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, TV, balcony and tea/coffee making facilities.
Overlooking Thimphu valley and Thimphu River, and just a 5 minute walk from the heart of the city. Restaurants, bar, spa and WiFi (free). 47 rooms with private facilities.
Well known for its personalised and friendly service, this 3-star hotel has a restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). All 22 rooms have private facilities, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Perched on a hill amidst 28 acres of blue pine forests and greenery, the heritage design present a Bhutanese feel. Restaurant, bar, spa, WiFi (free) and rooms with private facilities, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A luxurious 5 star hotel spread over six acres of lush gardens in the heart of India’s capital city. It is an oasis of calm while still being right in the middle of the city’s action. Facilities include two restaurants, a café, bar, swimming pool and fitness room. 403 rooms equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, flat screen television, minibar, kettle and free Wi-Fi.
Why not make the most of your time? Discover more of India or relax in a resort on one of our great range of extensions.
Add extra nights post-tour to reflect, relax or explore independently, click here for more information. Post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from London Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1495
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £395
British Airways Club World from £1795
Extension Options
Add visits to Goa, Amritsar, Shimla, Varanasi, Darjeeling, Udaipur or Cochin/Kerala.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Click here for India extension options.
Independent Arrival
Save £600
Arrival transfer add £50
Departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 20 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 18 dinners, itinerary as described, Bhutan and Tibet travel permits, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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