Nepal-Tibet-Darjeeling-Sikkim-Bhutan
Tour
Day 01: Prior to landing in the Tribhuvan International Airport, you could have some excelllent views of snow-capped mountains, meet with our tour coordinator and transfer to hotel.
Day 02-03: Explore kathmandu such as visit Pasupatinanth, a famous temple of Hindus devotees, Boudhananth, the Bhuddhist stupa, Swyambhunanth temple, tradtional and historical Kathmandu Durbar-square, Patan city, the city art of beauty and Bhaktapur, the city examples of wood-carving.
Day 04: Fly
over over panoramic Himalayas ranges from Kathmandu to the
holy city of Lhasa by China airlines. The flight takes about
55 minutes to reach the Gongar airport . Upon arraival at Gongar
airport and transfer to Lhasa.
Check into hotel Shambla or Similar.
Day 05-06: Explore Lhasa - The Land of Gods (11850 ft.)
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located
between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu
river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude
of 3650 meteres above sea level. Lhasa has a history of more
than 1300 years and has been the center of politics, economy,
culture and religi pung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang
Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect.
The monastery, occupying an area of 250,000 square meters with
a fixed number of 7,700 monks, is the largest monastery in
Tibet. The monastery keeps many historical relics, Buddhist
scriptures, arts, and crafts.
Visit Sera Monastery
Sera means "hailstone" in Tibetan. Set at the foot of the
Wudu Hill to the north of Lhasa City, Sera is comprised of
a great sutra chanting hall and a college. Situated at three
kilometers distance to a northern suburb of Lhasa, Sera Monastery
was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa,
the founder of Gelugpa Sect. The monastery was erected on a
mountain slope. Sera Monastery together with Ganden Monastery
and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa are known as the Three Great
Monasteries of Tibet.
Visit Jokhang Temple Jokhang Temple, situated in the center of the old section of
Lhasa called Barkhor, was built in the mid-7th century A.D. It was later extended by successive rulers, and has now
become a gigantic architecture complex. Located in the east, and facing the west, Jokhang is a four storeyed Temple with splendid golden roofs. Its architecture features art from the Tang Dynasty but also assimilated many features from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist Temples. The murals in
the temple depict the life stories of historic and religious
characters. The temple houses many historical relics, including
statues of King Songtsen Gompo, Princess Wencheng, Princess
Bhrikuti Devi (Nepalese). "Princess Willow" (a tree), and "The
Uncle-Nephew Alliance Tablet." Jokhang is Tibet' s spiritual
center, and the holiest destination for Tibetan Buddhist
pilgrims. It houses a sitting of statue of Sakyamuni when
he was 12 years old. The circular Barkhor Street has innumerable
shops, and wayside peddlers intermingle with devotees walking
clockwise around the Jokhang. An evening walk (Kora) around
the Jokhang Temple together with the Tibetan pilgrims is
a lifetime experience.
Visit Potala Palace
The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of the
world, sits on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. In the 7th century,
after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's married Princess
Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Plalace was built to provide
the Tibetan court with a place of worship and meditation.
In the mid-17th century, it was re-built by the 5th Dalai
Lama to its present size, and became the Winter Palace of
the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from beginning
to completion.
The Potala is divided into two sections, namely,
the Red Palace and White Palace. The total height of the Potala
is 117 meters spanning thirteen storeys. The length of the
Palace from east to west is 400 meters and the breadth from
south to north is 350 meters. The building was constre.
Visit
Norbulingkha Palace, the Jewel Park
It was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace
of the 13th and the 14th Dalia Lama. the Palace is an interesting mixture
of religious and modern elements and as we walk through to
see the main throne hall, an audience hall. The Dalai Lama's
Bed Room and prayer room and the room for this mother. This
colorful garden landscape was the site of picnic and
public gatherings. The Palaces are richly decorated, creating
abd atmosphere of peaceful repose.
Visit Bharkhor Market:
This is very interesting market and situated in the heart of
the old Lhasa city with its narrow streets, white washed
stone homes, windows framed in black and brightly painted
wood-work and almost everyone has got something's to sell
over there.
Visit Drepung Monastery:
It lies 8km west of Lhasa on the main road, then 3km north
and steep unpaired road. Its name Drepung means" Rice Heap" was
the biggest and the richest of all monasteries in Tibet. This
Monastery is said to be the largest Monastery in the
world, housing over 10000 monks and Governed 7700 subsidiary
monasteries and was divided into four colleges, each with
its chanting hall, dormitories, kitchens and offices.
It was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa,
founder of theYellow Hat Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The second third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were
entombed here. the entire monastic communities assemble only
for special ceremonies and festivals. Today,
about 400 monks live there. Approaching Drepung, you will
see the Nechung Temple, the home of the State Oracl. The
present oracle lives in India.
Day 07: After breakfast drive
to Gyantse (13050 ft.) Check into hotel Gyantse or
Smilar. This is a small agricultural town famous for its
wool carpets and the Phalkor Choide Chorten, Gyantse lies
between a monastery and fort. This unique structure, built
in 1414, consists of five stories representing the five steps
to enlightenment, and is topped by thirteen rings which symbolize
the stages of advancement towards Buddhahood. There are 108
halls inside, each with frescoes and Buddha Shrines.
Enroute
visit Yamadroke Lake - The Sacred Lake (14300 ft.)
Yamadroke Lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes in
Tibet. We pass by this lake with about 2 hours drive along
its bank. Yamadroke means torquise in Tibetan language. In
fact, the lake looks exactly as beautiful as torquise blue
during the good weather days. This freshwater lake, unlike
other Tibetan lakes, is sweet and non-saline, extending for
624 sq. km., in the shape of two pincers of a large scorpion.
You can have a short stop on its bank and enjoy photography
here.
Visit Phalkor monastery:
Located in Gyantse and founded jointly by Kedup Je of the Gelugpa
Sect and Rabten Kunsang of the Sakyapa Sect in 1418, the
Phalkor Monastery has a special influence over Tibet's Buddhism
owing to its unification of three different sects, the Gelugpa,
the Sakyapa and Bhuton Sects, in a single monastery. The
famous Kumbum pagoda, built in collaboration with Newari
artists from Nepal & Tibetan artists, also stands in
the same courtyard with nine story's, 108 doors and 77 chapels
containing clay sculptures and various murals. The pagoda
is said to have 100,000 images, either sculptured or painted,
this is the reason for its name "100,000 Image Pagoda".
Day
08: After breakfast drive to Xigatse - The Estate that Fulfils
One's Wishes (12600 ft.) Check
into hotel Xigatse or Smilar.
It is situated between 29o 02'N and 88o 08'E in the southwest
of the Tibet Autonomous Region where Nyangchu River joins the
Yarlung Tsangpo River. Shigatse is the second biggest town
in Tibet and it is the center of transportation and distribution
of agriculture and husbandry products from the southeastern
part of Tibet. "Shigatse" in Tibetan means the "Estate that
fulfills one's Wishes."
Visit Shakya Monastery:
It lies 143km to the Southwest of Shigatse. Shakya Monastery,
the center of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded
in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo. During the rule of the Sakyapas
the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was
established. Skyapa rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly
a hundred years from 13th -14th century. Many of its priceless
images frescos, statures, holy scriptures remaining today
date back to the time of its founding.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tashilhunpo Monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the
Tsang region of Tibet. It is located in the town of Sigatse
and was founded by Gedun Drup, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the
founder of the Gelungpa Sect. Gedun Drup is recognized as
the first Dalai Lama. It was first built in 1447 and continuously
expanded by the successive Panchen Lamas. The Ngagpa College
(Tantric College), one of its four monastic colleges, is
the residence of the Panchen lamas. The most amazing image
in this monastery is the statue of the giant Maitreya (Future
Buddha) erected by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914. It took
four years to build this monumental statue which stands twenty
six meters high and is composed of 275 Kg. of solid gold,
and a great quantity of precious things such as pearls, turquoise,
coral and amber. The 4th Panchen Lama's funeral stupa was
built in 1662 and it stands eleven meters high and is covered
in solid gold and silver.
Day 09: After breakfast drive to
Xegar (13800 ft.) Cehck into hotel Everest or Smilar.
A new Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar
Dzong, 7 kms. from the main road. With a population of 3000,
it is the centre of this large and remote area and a base from
which expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched.
Day
10: After breakfast drive to Zhangmu
(7000 ft.) Check into hotel Gaynste or Similar.
For Nepali, this place is called Khasa. For Tibetan. better
known by the name of Dram. Zhangmu is a small settlement clinging
to a hillside, the major trading point between Tibet
and Nepal. The climate is quite different from the hinterland.
The hills around Zhangmu are heavily wooded with many waterfalls
in summer and impressive ice formations in winter. It has a
bank, a post office, a government store, and is presently undergoing
a construction boom to meet the demands of trade and tourism.
Day 11:After breakfast drive to
Kodari borderand crosses the Friendship Bridget.After
clearance at Kodari Immigration and drive to
Kathmandu. Check into hotel.
Day 12: Fly from Kathamandu to Bhadrapur,
drive to Kakarviata after immigration clearance and drive to Darjeeling 120
km. O/N
hotel.
Day 13: Drive from Darjeeling to Gantok 120km.
Check into hotel.
DAY14: Early morning excursion
to Tshangu Lake situated at a height of 3,780 Mts. with an average
depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned
with the scenic beauty around. Return Back to Gangtok. Overnight
at Hotel.
DAY 15:Drive to PhunsolingBhutan
border Enroute visitRumtek Monastery, Droul Chorthen,
Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom,
Flower Show, Enchey Monastery & Nam Nam View Point. Overnight
at Hotel in Phunsoling border.
Day16: After breakfast
driveto Thimphu from Phunsoling borderCheck into
hotel.
Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where
Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The
snowy dome of Chomolhari, looms directly over the dzong. Along
the way, see the seventh century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the
108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen
Gampo. This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in
Bhutan . After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as watch
tower, it now houses the Kingdom's National Museum and features
antique thangkha, textiles, weaponsand armor, as well
as household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic
artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung
Dzong, the fortress of the heap of jewels, which has a fascinating
history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of
the Rinpung Dzong are wall paintings illustrating Buddhist
folklore such as the four friends, the old man of long life,
the wheel of life, scenes from thelife ofMilarepa,
Mount Sumeru and cosmic Mandalas.
Thenproceed to Thimphu
, the capital town of Bhutan.The road leads through the Paro
valley to the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at
Chuzom where you can see three different style of chorten.
A short way beyond, on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the
temple of the hill of the excellent horse. It is a private
temple, built in the 15th century, after a visit from Balaha,
the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate
Buddha. Nearer Thimpu, the Simtokha Dzong . Simtokha means "the
place of profound tantric teaching" and now this is a school
house for the study of the Dzongkha language. O/N hotel.
Day17: Thimphu – Paro:
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimpu valley includes a visit
to the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist
manuscripts; the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries-old
healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still
practiced; the Painting School, where young monks learn the
art of Buddhist thangkhas; and the mask-makers' workshop.There
are also workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and
paper-making.
In the afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the
fortress of the glorious dharma. It is the centre of government
and religion, the site of the King's Throne room in the National
Assembly hall and the seat of Je Khenpo, theChief Abbot.
Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan
, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in
a traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural
plans. There's also time to visittheMemorial Chorten,
circumnutated by His Late Majesty's subjects, spinning prayer
wheels and murmuring mantras.
Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium
and local shops to see some examples of Bhutan's fine traditional
arts. O/N hotel.
Day18: Departure to Paro
Airport to connect the flight to Kathmandu OR DELHI OR CALCUTTA
OR BANGKOK etc.
Cost Includes : Twin-sharing
accommodation on B/B basis at 3-4* hotel in Kathmanduas
per itinerary.During the Tibet
tour, Accommodation on twin sharing basis and breakfast
daily, Tibet travel permit / Private land transfer by Land Cruiser
as per itinerary.LocalEnglish speaking tour guideand
monasteries entrance fees as per itinerary.During the Darjeeling
and Skkim tour twin- sharing accommodationon
B/ B basis as per itinerary, sightseeing in Sikkim wikth local
guide, Private transport as per itinerary, air fare from Kathmandu
to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Sikkim Permit.During the Bhutan
tour Twin-sharing accommodation in the best tourist
standard hotel on full board basis, land transfer as per itinerary,
cultural show, entrance fees, air fare KTM- Paro – KTM
OR etc.
SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
All kind of personal nature expenses such as liquor, tips,
emergency expenses. Nepal re-entry visa
fee / Travel insurance / Expenses of private nature
such as Laundry, Telephone calls, Beverages, Tips, etc. /
Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as
ROAD BLOCKAGE due to landslides or snowfalls, ACCIDENTS,
etc.
|