Magical Tour to Nepal & Tibet: Everest Base Camp

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. You will enjoy welcome drinks while you will be briefed about your tour program. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Today will be a full day of sightseeing at UNESCO Heritage Sites. Sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square can be a very unique experience for visitors as they witness a distinct place for arts and architecture that is reflected on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between the 16th to 18th centuries.

We will explore its unique Durbar Squares. In every corner & alley of Patan you can be see Thanka painters, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess on canvases, fine metal shops that offer Buddha's exotic, handmade brass sculpture at very reasonable prices. You can taste local cuisine as well in Patan's alleys

Swayambhunath- A Monkey Temple from where you can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, a tribute to Buddhism, consists of a dome at the base representing the entire world. Painted eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. A curly symbol, symbolizing the nose represents the unity of all things existing in the world. Prayer wheels surround the whole dome. The evening views of Kathmandu valley and sunset from hilltop will be a memorable experience for you.

Boudhanath: This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudha is massive and dominates the skyline in the area, it is one of the largest unique structures in the world. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).

In the evening drive to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Dating back to the 5th century. While the main temple interior is off limits to non-Hindus there is a lot to experience in the surrounding area. Legend says that whoever comes here to worship Shiva will be reborn as an animal. Pashupatinath is a considerable comlex of temples, ashrams, with images and inscriptions dating back centuries.

In the evening observe an Aarati (celebration with lights) at the Bank of Bagmati River. The "Aarati" at the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern side of the temple draws people in hordes. This evening ritual with chanting of Vedic mantras, ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps, a band singing hymns in praise of god, playing of classical instruments, keep the people spellbound throughout.

After breakfast fly to Pokhara (approximately 25 minutes). Pokhara- the "City of Lakes". Also known as the gateway to the Himalayas, Pokhara offers stunning views of the Himalayas and has several beautiful lakes, the most popular is the Fewa Taal where you can see the clear reflection of Fishtail Mountain on calm days. Here you can also indulge in some adventurous day activities.

In the afternoon drive to the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the road to Baglung 5 km northwest of Hyangja. Jangchub Choeling Gompa situated in the middle of the village reminds one of Tibet with its prayer flags flapping in the wind. There are 200 Tibetan monks residing here and the appropriate time to visit is around at 3:30 to 5:00 pm for you to experience the deep rumbling of monks chanting and blowing of horns during their prayer sessions, and awe-inspiring experience.

After breakfast drive to the World Peace Pagoda for around 25 minutes. World Peace Pagoda which takes 25 minutes. Enjoy beautiful views of Pokhara city, Sarangkot hills and the Himalayas from Stupa. Shanti Stupa, as it is also known, was built as a symbol of peace. It is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal. The pagoda is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter. The white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate.

After a short excursion at Peace Pagoda, we start hiking to Kalabang. The quaint location offers an alternative to the crowded viewpoint at Sarangkot, with spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. Fewa Tall's waters stretch out disappearing into the surrounding hills. On certain seasons the horizon is blurred between the sky and the lake.

Here we will have lunch hosted by a local family and later, escorted by a local, we will visit Pumdi village. Drive to lakeside. Rest of the day free on your own.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha the founder of Buddhism, known as the enlightened one. If we reach Lumbini around the sunset time, we can stroll around the local market to get a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Visit Mayadevi temple which is built on the exact place where Buddha was born. Spend some time wandering around the gardens or you can meditate under a Bodhi Tree - an impressive tree covered in prayer flags beside the sacred Mayadevi pond, where Buddhas mother is said to have bathed before giving birth to Buddha.

Rickshaw and visit Lumbini- The birthplace of lord Buddha also known as Siddartha Gautama, revered as the founder of Buddhism. Is an enormously large area - 4.8 km (3 mi) in length and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) in width. , consisting of ancient as well as recently built temples, monasteries and museum by Buddhist organizations from various countries including - Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and Burmese, Korean, Nepal, Malaysian, Germany. Lumbini is one of the most sacred sites for pilgrimage pivotal to the life of Buddha.

The archaeological remains of the Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period.
Check out hotel and transfer to airport to fly back to Kathmandu

Our representative will be waiting to welcome you at Gongkar Airport. After immigration formalities, you will drive for around 1 hour to reach the old city of Lhasa. After checking in to your hotel, you are advised to take rest, drink plenty of fluids and most importantly let your body acclimatize to Lhasa's high altitude. During afternoon you can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa

After breakfast you will be briefed about the day's program. Your guide will take you on a tour to Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market & Sera Monastery respectively.

Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of Lhasa Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet. Nepalese princess, later Queen Bhrikuti who married King Songtsen Gampo. The king founded the temple in recognition of her with its main gate facing Nepal. Surrounding Jokhang Temple are the many impressive structure chapels.

Barkhor Market (Bazar): A very popular bustling market since the times of the Silk Road where one can purchase traditional Tibetan handicraft goods such as Buddhist articles, carpets, paintings etc. It is filled with religious atmosphere and exotic articles for sale since the Jokhang temple was built people flock to the area and hence this thriving market came to existence. It is suggested to walk in a clockwise direction along the Barkhor Street.

Sera Monastery: an approximately five hour drive from Lhasa lies Sera Monastery founded in 1419. Sitting on the base of Mount Purbuchok in a peaceful and charming location. An important center for learning where once about 5000 to 6000 monks lived. The main structures inside the monastery are the Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories). An intriguing feature is the nine-meter image of Maitraya. Here you can witness monks practice debating, pitching their knowledge against each other.

After a thorough visit you will drive to hotel.

After breakfast you will be briefed about the day's program. Then your guide will take you on a tour to majestic Potala palace & Drepung Monastery respectively.
Potala Palace: This thirteen storey fortress palace houses 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, over 200,000 images rises to a height of above 117 meters. Its ancient chambers are filled to the brim with exquisite Tibetan art, vast arrays of beautiful statues and murals. Located inside are the tomb of eight Dalai Lamas. You will also get a chance to wander through the private apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, a glimpse into the past lives of its important residents

Drepung Monastery: It is one of the three great Gelukpa Monasteries, the other two are Sera and Ganden Monasteries. It served as a centre for learning and monastic training for monks from all over Tibet. For centuries it was a small monastic township situated 8 kilometres outside Lhasa where thousands of ordained monks resided debating and reading scriptures. Jam yang Chje Tahsi Palden, a disciple of Tsong Khapa founded the monastery in 1416.


Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.

An approximately 6 hour drive which includes a lunch break at one of the villages along the way, we leave Lhasa and head to Shigatse. We then drive through tow of the most spectacular High Passes The Kampa La at 4750 m and the Karo LA at 5010 meters. We also pass the magnificent green Yamdrok Lake also known as the Turquoise Lake. You will see the renowned Tibetan Plateaus and unusually spectacular Tibetan landscapes. We then arrive at Gyantse, an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples. Here we will visit Pelkhor Chode Temple & Khumbum respectively.
Rabten Kunzang started work on the Pelkir Stupa in 1418, which was completed in 1425, under the spiritual guidance of Tsongkhapa's disciple Khedrup Je. Its many statues and painting have been remarkable preserved that date back to its founding. Today it is looked after by the Gelukpas, although its shrines are predominantly Sakya and was traditionally unaffiliated and used as a common assembly place.
Kumbum: In July 1427 Rabten Kunzang embarked on his most ambitious project the building of the Kumbum (Tashi Gomang Choten) and completed around 1439. The gilded copper roofing was finished in 1474. Kumbum which translates to having 100,000 images, refers to this particular style of architecture where chapels are housed in ascending symmetrical stories.
After a detailed visit you will drive to second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse. O/N at hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast you will be visiting one of the largest functioning monasteries -Tashilumphu Monastery- in Tibet where you can explore within its high surrounding walls. Among the 39 amazing chapels is the massive Maitreya Chapel coated with gold; with impressive workmanship. After a through visit of Shigatse, we will visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing. Then travel along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscapes driving for approx 5 hours past the small town of Lhatse. Here you will cross one of the highest passes of the journey, the Gyatso la pass (5220m). As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. O/N at Hotel in Shegar

Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you will have majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for approximately 100 km, you will eventually reach Rongbuk at 5100m. You can visit Rongbuk Monastery & then view the majestic Mount Everest. After an awesome experience you will drive back to Old Tingri for your overnight stay. O/N at Hotel/Guest house in Old Tingri

After breakfast you will drive along Peku Tso (Lake) and arrive at Dzonkha (Kyirong Xian), then drive a further 70km across Yangdo La high pass at 5326m/17470ft to Nepal border town of Kyirong. Kyirong is also a famous religious and historical place, home of 11th Century great saint and Guru Milarepa known for his tantric wisdom as well a poet and folk singer, his songs are still remembered by local herdsman and villagers. O/N at Hotel in Kyriong

After breakfast, drive 25 km to the border and the immigration point. After Chinese Immigration formalities we cross into Nepal by foot and meet our Nepali representative and vehicle at the Nepal side called Timure, Rasuwa Ghadi. After Nepali immigration formalities we will head towards Nuwakot, halfway between the Tibetan border and Kathmandu which may take us about 5 hours. This medieval village built on top of a hill and with prime historical importance, will give you a real taste of Nepalese rural life. With its spectacular views and its ancient Durbar Square, Nuwakot is one of Nepal's best hidden gems and remains a completely unknown destination for mass tourism to this day.

After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu for around 3-4 hours. Check in at hotel. Rest of the day free on your own. Evening we will go for a Typical Nepali Dinner with a live cultural show by different ethnic groups.

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for final departure to your onward journey.