Nepal & Tibet – Land of Snow & Sky

After breakfast, set out to explore Kathmandu City and its historic landmarks, beginning with Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set along the banks of the Bagmati River, this sacred site draws pilgrims from across Nepal and India. Non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the temple complex but can observe from across the river, where daily rituals and cremation ceremonies take place. The temple itself features classic pagoda-style architecture, with gilded roofs, intricately carved wooden details, and a large sacred bull statue positioned near the western entrance.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in the world. Rising 36 metres high, the stupa dominates the skyline and forms the spiritual centre of a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist community. Prayer wheels line the circular base, while monasteries and shops surround the site. The area became a key settlement for Tibetan refugees in the 1950s and remains an active place of worship and daily life.

The tour concludes at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the old city. This historic square served as the royal palace complex of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty, and remains a living centre of culture, religion, and traditional Newari life. A collection of temples, courtyards, and palaces reflects the architectural and artistic heritage of medieval Nepal.

Key highlights within the square include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, with its series of historic courtyards and museum collections; Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess; and a number of intricately carved temples such as Jagannath Temple and the Shiva-Parvati Temple. The towering Kal Bhairav statue, once used for oath-taking, and the contrasting neoclassical Gaddi Baithak palace further reflect the layers of history found within the square. (B)

Overnight – Patan Inn or similar

After breakfast, visit the quaint and ancient villages of Bungmati and Khokana. Within the Kathmandu Valley lays Bungmati, a small Newari village still abiding its tradition. Little influenced by the modern world, Bungmati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age old culture and civilisation. Your journey to Bungmati starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungmati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungmati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working on intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artefacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. Though small in size, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through wood carving. The village is the origin of the procession of the chariot of Machhindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. Not far from the village of Bungmati is another interesting Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Lord Ganesha is situated. Khokana is also a small Newari village established in the 7th century AD by the mighty Licchhavi rulers of Nepal. It is a unique village because of its detachment from modern civilisation.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Pherping, Neydo Monastery. Spend the night amidst the most scenic area in the Kathmandu Valley, in a Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse, located in the most peaceful location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. Here you will learn about the life of a monk.

At 5pm, witness the debating session of the monks, which happens outdoors, behind the monastery. It’s an interesting activity to watch, looking almost like a great challenge with an opponent, with the purpose of helping monks to understand and internalise the teachings of the day. Following the debating, experience the daily protection puja, with the constant beating of drums, blowing of the conch shell and long traditional horns etc. This traditional ritual is dedicated primarily to Mahakala and his retinue, along with other Dharmapalas, the Protectors of the Buddha Dharma. It seeks to safeguard the Dharma, preserve its lineage, and offer protection to all true practitioners of the path. Dinner is from 7pm in the dining room. (B,D)

Overnight – Neydo Monastery

After breakfast, set off for Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, or the ‘City of Devotees’. The smallest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and Newari culture. The main square, known as ‘Layaku’, is home to some of the valley’s most striking landmarks, including the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows and the intricately adorned Golden Gate, once used as the royal entrance.

Scattered across the square are architectural gems like the Lion Gate, the stone temple of Vatsala Devi, and a striking statue of King Bhupatindra Malla perched atop a monumental pillar. Nearby, you’ll find the famous ‘Bell of Barking Dogs’, a bronze bell commissioned by King Ranjit Malla in 1737.

Following your exploration, continue on to the peaceful village of Panauti, where you’ll enjoy lunch and settle in for an overnight stay at a local community homestay.

Often described as a hidden gem, Panauti sits at the confluence of the sacred Rosi and Punyamati rivers and holds a special place in Nepalese history. Gifted in the 18th century as a dowry by the king of Bhaktapur, the town still resonates with timeless beauty, temples, festivals, and artisanal traditions that remain vibrantly intact.

Your accommodation here is part of a women-led homestay network guided by the philosophy: ‘Run by the Women, for the Women’. It’s a meaningful way to experience the daily rhythms of Nepali village life while directly supporting local female entrepreneurs. Meals are lovingly prepared by your host family, and if you’re curious, you’re warmly invited into the kitchen to take part in the cooking process. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Community Homestay, Panauti

After breakfast, depart for Namobuddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Steeped in legend, this hilltop monastery is said to be the place where a young prince, (an incarnation of the Buddha), offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, an act of profound compassion that continues to inspire pilgrims and spiritual seekers.

From Namobuddha, your journey continues to Dhulikhel View Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the Himalayas. After taking in the mountain air, you’ll be transferred back to Kathmandu for the evening. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Nepali Ghar or similar

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in time for your next flight to Lhasa. Enjoy your trans-Himalayan flight (1hr 20m), considered to be one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. It takes you over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, a representative from our office will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Tsedang. The altitude in Tsedang is about 3,550m/11,646ft above sea level so we suggest you take plenty of rest for proper acclimatisation for the next day’s activities. We recommend that for the next few days in Tibet you avoid strenuous activity, and that you don’t take a shower on the first day. For first time visitors, it is common to have different degrees of high-altitude sickness symptoms. Drink lots of water, eat fresh fruit and plenty of rest which will help to prevent the sickness. (B)

Overnight – Tsedang Hotel

This morning after breakfast, depart for a day excursion to Drak Yangzom & Dzong Kumbum. The cave complex of Drak Yangdzom has long been a favourite among the traveller because there’s just nothing else like it in Tibet. Getting into the caves involves climbing a wood and yak hide ladder high up into the mouth of a cliff and then hauling yourself up a narrow, slippery shute into a sacred cave complex before a nun finally drags you by the feet through a tiny opening in the rock wall into the inner sanctum, the sacred cave of a Himalayan saint. It’s the craziest excursion in Tibet.

On the other side of the valley is Dzong Kumbum, a less narrow but much longer cave complex of several branches. You will be joined a group of Tibetan pilgrims for a tour of the sacred marks, stalactites and pools.

Visit Samye Monastery, laid out in the shape of a giant mandala, and with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology. The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in mural and statue forms, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.

This afternoon, explore the local town and take a short walk to Hipuri Hill. From the Hipuri Hill you have a beautiful view of the Samye monastery. (B)

Overnight – Samye Guest House

After breakfast, continue your scenic road trip to one of Tibet’s most incredible landscapes – Yamdrok Lake. Surrounding snow-capped mountains, the lake is one of Tibet’s four holy lakes, and it’s believed to be the lifeblood of the country. Yamdrok Lake or Yamdrok Tso is also known as the Scorpion Lake for its unique shape. Yamdrok Tso covers a staggering 230 square miles and lies at nearly 15,000 feet above sea level. Rife with aquatic life, dotted with islets, and surrounded by fields of wildflowers, Yamdrok Tso is not only naturally stunning but an important place of pilgrimage; its waters are believed to hold powers of rejuvenation and longevity, and to bless children with intelligence. Its small islands are home to roosting birds and, during the herding season, to flocks of sheep, ferried there by herders who leave them in peace and safety until the onset of winter. Pilgrims often wander the lake’s shores, making their way along kora paths, many of which take a week to complete.

Continue to Ani Sangkhung Nunnery, a convent where the females study Buddhism and with a history that can be traced back to 7th century. Ani Sangkhung emphasise the beliefs of Guanyin Bodhisattva – the Goddess of Mercy. Hundreds of flowers surround the house and there is a tea house located in the yard. It is a lovely place to stop for a cup of tea. (B)

Overnight – local guest house

After breakfast, drive to Lhasa. Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. This is not only due to its remoteness and high altitude—3,650 meters above sea level, which limits accessibility—but also because of its remarkable heritage, spanning over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history. This legacy has shaped the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion. Unlike the inland cities and other regions of Tibet, Lhasa stands apart with its unique charm and allure. In Tibetan, Lhasa translates to “Holy Land” or “Buddha Land.” It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Tibet. The majestic Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-renowned symbol of the profound interplay between politics and religion in this enigmatic region.

Later, visit Ani Tsankhung Monastery, built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used it as a meditation chamber. The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns and the nunnery’s main hall contains a beautiful image of Chenrezi, the multi-armed bodhisattva of Compassion. The sacred meditation chamber lies behind it. An air of quiet serenity pervades the ancient place with its flower bushes and spotless compound and is one of the quieter tourist locations in the Tibetan capital. (B)

Overnight – Gyanggye Hotel or similar

Enjoy a final breakfast in Lhasa before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. (B)