Himalayan Adventure - Tibet to Nepal

This unique journey of discovery will take you on an adventure through the famous Himalaya region from Tibet to Nepal. Starting in Chengdu with a visit to the famous Panda Reserve, we will be entertained by these charming but endangered animals. A short flight over the Tibetan Plateau brings us to the mystical Tibetan temples in Lhasa where we can join the hundreds of pilgrims performing the Kora, or circle, of the Bhakor Monastery. Leaving Lhasa we visit the Kumbum and fortress at Gyantse before continuing to Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama and the location of the extensive Tashilumpo Monastery. Our journey now becomes more adventurous as we travel to the Rhongpu Monastery and Everest Base Camp. We cross the border to Nepal at Zhangmu and marvel at the change in scenery from the stark dry lands of Tibet to the fertile lands of Nepal, dotted with many small waterfalls. The city of Kathmandu is our resting place for several nights and a delight of mediaeval architecture. From here we fly to the calm and serenity of Pokhara and soak in the beauty of the Himalayas, so close you could almost touch them. A drive alongside the Trisuli River brings us to the Royal Chitwan National Park where the rare One-Horned Rhinos can be seen and maybe a glimpse of the elusive Bengal Tiger. We leave Chitwan for a brief visit to view the Himalaya at sunset and sunrise at the Daman Resort before arriving back in Kathmandu and the end of our journey.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia to Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival the following morning we will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

Day 3: Chengdu

This morning visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat. Afterwards take an excursion to Leshan and the remarkable Grand Buddha, an enormous statue hewn from the side of Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 metres tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. The massive carving was begun in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803AD.

Day 4: Chengdu to Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. Lhasa is not only the capital of Tibet but also its heart and spiritual home.

Day 5: Lhasa

Visit the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred and spiritual temple in Tibet and wander amongst the pilgrims at the colourful, mediaeval Barkor markets.

Day 6: Lhasa

Today we explore the Potala Palace, the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, an architectural wonder that towers over an entire city with thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. Officially the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, its grand scale and dominance over the city’s skyline reflects the Dalai Lama’s former position as the centre of the Tibetan faith and politics.

Day 7: Lhasa to Shigatse

Leave Lhasa for Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Stop at Gyantse along the way to visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum, a unique shrine.

Day 8: Shigatse

Today we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Built in 1447 by Tsongjhapa’s nephew, the monastery once housed over 4000 monks, but there are only 600 remaining today.

Day 9: Shigatse to Shegar

Today we drive to Shegar, passing small Tibetan villages and ruins of ancient dzongs along the way. Upon arrival in Shegar we transfer to our hotel.

Day 10: Shegar to New Tingri

Rise early and drive to New Tingri. Crossing the Guela Pass and its magnificent panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya we continue our drive to Pasum. Visit the monastic village of Rangbuk before we enjoy an excursion to Everest Base Camp. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs, weather permitting. Take a photo at the base camp marker, mingle with those making an attempt to the summit, post a letter from the highest mail box in the world or take a walk to view the Rhongpu Glacier.

Day 11: New Tingri to Kathmandu

Another early morning rise as we continue our drive to Kathmandu via Nyalam and Zhangmu. From Nyalam, the last truly Tibetan village, the transition from the high, dry and wild Tibetan plateau to Nepal’s green hills is breathtaking as the road twists through steep and narrow gorges that are punctuated by waterfalls.

Day 12: Kathmandu – Patan

Today visit the second largest city in Nepal, Patan, located on the southern bank of the Bagmati River just a few kilometres from Kathmandu. Whilst here we visit the World Heritage listed former Royal Palace and Durbar Square. We also visit the Swayambunath Stupa and the Bodhnath Stupa.

Day 13: Kathmandu – Bhaktapur

After breakfast visit the 9th Century built town of Bhaktapur a store house of mediaeval art and architecture including the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows. We also visit the Temple of Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the valley dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Pashupatinath Temple, famous for its shrine of Shiva.

Day 14: Kathmandu to Pokhara

We depart Kathmandu this morning and drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival enjoy a tour around this small town and the scenery of the Himalaya region. Enjoy the view of the mountain peaks of Machhapuchhare or ‘Fish Tail’, the Annapurnas and Phewa Lake the second largest lake in Nepal.

Days 15-17: Pokhara to Chitwan National Park

Drive to Chitwan National Park, long regarded as the third biggest attraction in Nepal and one of the last refuges to the One-Horned Rhinos. After a briefing from a naturalist guide, we begin the lodge’s comprehensiveprogramme of activities, including elephant bathing and safaris, jungle walks and bird watching.

Day 18: Chitwan National Park to Daman

We leave Chitwan and drive to Everest Panorama Resort for a relaxing overnight stay in the wonderful hill country.

Day 19: Daman to Kathmandu

Today we leave Daman and return to Kathmandu by road. Upon arrival enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 20: Depart Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Day 21: Arrive Australia

Arrive home this morning.

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