DAY 1 - 3
Kathmandu, Nepal
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is an assault on the senses: the smell of incense mingles with pungent spices and scooter exhaust; merchants shout to make themselves heard above the sound of motorbike horns; cars and cows share the streets which are lined with ancient temples alongside internet cafes. Be prepared for a sensory overload! While you are here you will go on a selection of tours including: Indra Chowk evening walk, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is an assault on the senses: the smell of incense mingles with pungent spices and scooter exhaust; merchants shout to make themselves heard above the sound of motorbike horns; cars and cows share the streets which are lined with ancient temples alongside internet cafes. Be prepared for a sensory overload! While you are here you will go on a selection of tours including: Indra Chowk evening walk, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
DAY 4
Bhaktapur and Panauti Homestay, Nepal
After breakfast, depart Kathmandu for Bhaktapur, one of the three former royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley (the other two being Kathmandu & Patan) and home to some of the finest religious architecture in Nepal. Sadly, many of the ancient buildings were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake however the city still boasts more temples than neighbouring Kathmandu and there is plenty to see. Once a major trading centre with a royal palace, Panauti is now a quiet, well-preserved town, which is home to some interesting ancient temples and impressive Rana-era mansions. Its location at the confluence of three streams is considered sacred and pilgrims flock to the Tribeni Ghat to bathe in the holy waters.
After breakfast, depart Kathmandu for Bhaktapur, one of the three former royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley (the other two being Kathmandu & Patan) and home to some of the finest religious architecture in Nepal. Sadly, many of the ancient buildings were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake however the city still boasts more temples than neighbouring Kathmandu and there is plenty to see. Once a major trading centre with a royal palace, Panauti is now a quiet, well-preserved town, which is home to some interesting ancient temples and impressive Rana-era mansions. Its location at the confluence of three streams is considered sacred and pilgrims flock to the Tribeni Ghat to bathe in the holy waters.
DAY 5 - 7
Lhasa, Tibet
Today you will fly to Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual and political capital. The western side, with its’ concrete shopping malls and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, shows a definite stamp of Chinese rule. However, the east of the city still retains an old-world Tibetan charm: its’ winding alleyways are lined with rickety whitewashed houses and lamp-lit temples full of prostrating pilgrims. Rise early and join the locals on their daily kora (pilgrim circuit) around Jokhang Temple and wander the surrounding labyrinth of backstreets for a true sense of life in Lhasa. You will be taken on several tours over the next few days including: Drepung & Sera Monasteries, Ganden Palace, Norbulingka, Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple.
Today you will fly to Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual and political capital. The western side, with its’ concrete shopping malls and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, shows a definite stamp of Chinese rule. However, the east of the city still retains an old-world Tibetan charm: its’ winding alleyways are lined with rickety whitewashed houses and lamp-lit temples full of prostrating pilgrims. Rise early and join the locals on their daily kora (pilgrim circuit) around Jokhang Temple and wander the surrounding labyrinth of backstreets for a true sense of life in Lhasa. You will be taken on several tours over the next few days including: Drepung & Sera Monasteries, Ganden Palace, Norbulingka, Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple.