12.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of BHAKTAPUR CITY -Valley's most medieval city also known as Bhadgaon. It is situated about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and was one of the three kingdoms of the Mallas. Situated at an altitude of 1,401m,  Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. The City of Devotees as it is known still retains its medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to a feast of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in the Durbar Square. Pottery and Woodcaving are its traditional craft industries. Places to see here include  the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Here the ancient temples and palaces show the Newari craftsmanship of carved wooden windows and latticework. Lunch in local restaurant in Bhaktapur.

Thereafter drive to Nagarkot - a small hill station 32 kilometers east of  Kathmandu, is situated at an altitude of 2,175m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of most of the eastern Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. Best views at sunset and sunrise. (subject to weather). Overnight in Hotel Vaishali or Hotel Shangrila.

DAY 03 :
09.00 Hrs : After breakfast sightseeing tour of PATAN CITY -- This city of architecture and fine arts was founded in 250 AD, previously known as Lalitpur.  It is also known as the "Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs." This ancient city lies about 5 kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. The interesting places to visit here are the Durbar Square, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple). Your visit will be followed by a visit to Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel.

14.00 Hrs : Tour PASUPATINATH TEMPLE : the temple of Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can witness  the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

After proceed to BOUDHANATH STUPA : The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Overnight in Hotel Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.
 

DAY 04 :
07.45 Hrs - Transfer to airport and fly Kathmandu / Lhasa by CA 408 (ETD 10:00 AM).
The flight is one hour ten minutes and it is one of the most beautiful flights in the world. First the flight follows East approching Dorje Lakpa, the Jugal Himal,Gauri Shankar, Choyu, Lhotse, Mt. Everest and Makalu. Then after flying to the North on the left side of the aircraft, we see the Chomo Lihari (7315 m) of Bhutan including the whole of the Kanchanjunga Massif, Makalu and East face of Chomolungna (Mt. Everest). The flight takes a sharp from North wards and flies over the Mountain range of Nozin Khang Sa and Lake Yamdrok and follows the Yarlung Tsangpo river on the east.

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport (ETA 1400 Hrs), Lhasa.Meet, assist and transfer : a spectacular 2 hours drive along the banks of the Brahmaputra, past yak-skin boats and giant carved Buddhas, throught Tibetian villages and then into the Lhasa valley itself for your first glimpse of the golden roofs of the Potala Palace.

LHASA, the capital city of Tibet at an altitude of 3650m, is situated on the north bank of the kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means 'Place of the Gods' and 'Potala Palace', the residence of the Dalai Lama (the god King), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketeswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet's political, religious and cultural centre it is a city truly blesed by the gods, where life is unhurried, its people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent. P.M. - Free for acclimatising. Overnight at the Hotel  Shibala.

DAY 05 :  This morning you will have time to explore the famed Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. The Potala is a magnificent building of over 1000 rooms that towers over the Lhasa Valley. Completed in 1693, it is still considered to be noe of the architectural wonders of the world.

DREPUNG MONASTERY : Drive 8 kms west of Lhasa to Drepung Monastery. Said to be the largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa, founder of the yellow hat Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan means 'ricemound'.

Visit THE NORBULINGKHA :  The 'Jewel Park' as it is known in Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. This colourful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public gatherings. The palaces are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose. Overnight at the Hotel Shibala.

DAY 06 :  Early morning drive out of Lhasa to Tsurphu Gompa. This famous monastery has only very recently been opened to tourists and was founded in 1189 by the first Karmapa (reincarnation). The present Karmapa is 8 years old and holds daily audiences for the many monks that now inhabit the monastery. Drive back to Lhasa.

Visit to SERA MONASTERY :  5 km (3 miles) north of Lhasa. Sera setting is one of Lhasa's prettiest. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks, it was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. The restored monastery sits below the brow of a hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. One of the monks disciples began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few years later.

JOKHANG TEMPLE : Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo, Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Overnight at the Hotel Shibala.

DAY 07 : After breakfast, drive - Xigatse via Northern road.  The drive is particularly beautiful as you travel through the heart of the Tibetan plateau to the second largest urban centre in Tibet. 
Palkhor Chode is the monastery next to Kumbum, which was founded in 1418 by Rapten Kunsang along with Kumbum.  Sadly only 4 buildings now remain. Perched high above Gyantse is the dzong, or fort, which was attacked by the British under Sir Francis Younghusband in 1904.  Opening times are sporadic but you may well be able to get the main door opened by your guide. You are booked in Hotel Wutse for a night.
 

DAY 08 : After breakfast, drive to Shigatse. Shigatse was formerly the seat of the Panchen Lama, second in the lamaist hierarchy to the Dalai Lama.  The Panchen Lama, who recently died, was taken to Beijing in 1965 and lived there for the remainder of his life as an active supporter of Chinese policy in Tibet.

The Tashilumpo monastery in Shigatse used to be the residence of the Panchen Lama and a number of monks still reside there today. The monastery was constructed in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Gendrun Drub, and at the peak of its activity over 4000 monks were in residence. The town itself is dominated by the ruins of an old fort and today you will be taken to visit the various monasteries and forts that can be seen here, including the temple of the Maitreya (coming) Buddha.

Overnight at Hotel  Mansarovar.

DAY 09 : You will then be driven to New Tinggri (Shegar).  As the road descends towards New Tinggri, the white range of the Himalayas is visible in the distance.  New Tingri formerly had a fortress perched on the cliffs above and a monastery known as Shining Crystal.  The town is composed of an old Tibetan quarter and a larger Chinese section in which the hotel is located. You are booked in Shegar for a stay of 1 night.

DAY 10 : Today you will drive to the Nylam. You are booked at the Lodge in Nylam for a stay of 1 night.

DAY 11 : Today you will be driven across the friendship bridge from Tibet to Nepal.. You will stop at the beautiful mountain village of Dhulikel for lunch before continuing to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel  Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.

DAY 12 : After breakfast drive to Pokhara - 200 kms (5/6 hours drive)  Upon arrival meet in Pokhara check in at your hotel.  POKHARA is one of the most picturesque valley in Nepal. Its lies 200 kms west of Kathmandu, under the shadows of the Annapurna Range. A rare combination of snow-clad mountains, foothills clear lakes, streams, and villages.  Lying at 900m above sea level, Pokhara is also the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in  Shangrila Village Resort or Hotel Barahi.

DAY 13 :
Early Morning : Drive to Sarangkot (45 minutes drive) to witness the sunrise over the Himalays Sarangkot once had a fort or kot and its remains can be seen on the very top of the ridge over Sarangkot. There is a lookout point inside the old fort walls and the view of the Annapurnas  to the north is superb. The view over Phewa Tal is equally fine. Return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley including one of the Tibetan Refugee camps. Sightseeing tour is followed by an enchanting session in a rowing boat on Lake Fewa, and the chance for some local shopping. Overnight at Shangrila Village or Hotel Barahis