Day by day itinerary

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300m]:

On arrival in Kathmandu, having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you.  Amongst them will be a Yeti Travels Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a placard with your name on it.  Transfer to hotel. We will process for Tibet visa on this day.

Overnight at the hotel [-/-/-]

Day 02: In Kathmandu. Full day sightseeing tour: 

Kathmandu City: Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient residence of the Nepalese Royalty.

The Kumari Goddess: Chosen at the age of four or five, the Kumari Devi is the most important of the several living goddesses in Nepal. Selected using very strict criteria, she moves into the temple with her family, leaving only to attain a few festivals each year. She sits on the balcony regularly, acknowledging the greetings of devotees. Her reign however lasts only until puberty, when she becomes a normal mortal again.

Swayambhunath: Perched on a hilltop on the southwestern part of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. Approximately 2000 years old, Swayambhunath stupa, is a dome 20 meters in diameter and 32 meters high and is made of brick and earth mounted by a conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Many other smaller temples and places of religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists, a perfect example of the symbiotic co-existence of different religious beliefs only found in Nepal surround it. The hill is heavily wooded on all sides with indigenous plant species, and troops of monkeys, giving it the nickname of “Monkey Temple”. The height of Swayambhunath also makes it a good vantage point and on clear sunny days one can see the Himalayas all the way to the east.

Patan: It is 5 km / 3 miles away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3^rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahaboudha Temple. A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues.

Overnight at the hotel [B/-/-]

Day 03: Fly to Gongkar Airport & drive to Lhasa (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1hr: 

You will be met at Gongkar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3660 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. You can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa [-/-/-]

Day 04: Lhasa - Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market (3600m/11811ft):

After breakfast you will be briefed about the day’s program. Then your guide will take you on a tour to Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market respectively.

Jokhang Temple: Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal.  The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple.

Sera Monastery: This monastery is approx. 5km drive away from Lhasa. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where in the past approx. 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. Currently about 550 monks are supposed to be living there. The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories).The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of Maitraya which was erected in 1419; here one can also witness the practicing of debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other.

Barkhor Market (Bazar): The most popular Barkhor Market (Bazaar) is a square where Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc. are all in sale for your delight.

At the end of the day your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Lhasa offers variety of Restaurant for both Lunch and Dinners.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa [B/-/-]

Day 05: Lhasa – Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery (3600m/11811ft):

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace and the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery.

Potala Palace: Also known as the “Winter palace”. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. is a 13^th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas.

Drepung Monastery: is a beautifully landscaped monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa [B/-/-]

Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.

Day 06: Day Trip to Nam Tso Lake (4718m/15475ft) 460 km, 8 hrs:

Today you will be taken on an excursion to one of the most beautiful places in Tibet, the Nam Tso Lake.  In Tibetan, Nam Tso means 'Heavenly Lake.' It is one among the three holy lakes in Tibet. NamTso lake is the highest (not the largest) saltwater lake in the world at an elevation at an altitude of 4718 m. It covers a vast area of about 757 square miles. The crystal-clear water of this lake and the scenic beauty of its surrounding are sure to leave you spellbound.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa [B/-/-]

Day 07:  Tour Concludes (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1 hr [B/-/-]: 

After breakfast, your guide will give you a final departure transfer for your next destination.  Tour Concludes.

[B=Breakfast]