13-Day China, Bhutan and Nepal Tour with Tibet and Taktsang

13 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Cover Nepal, Bhutan, and China on one journey through Himalayan culture, spirituality, and history. Visit major landmarks including Chedruk Temple, Tashilunpo M...

Duration: 13 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Cities: Chengdu, Kathmandu, Thimphu, Wangdue, Lhasa, Paro, Punakha, Bhaktapur, Patan, Shigatse, Gyantse, Jomolhari · Languages: English

Know before you go: Chengdu - Hotel Inn Express; Lhasa - Hotel Yak VIP Building; Shigatse - Gesar Hotel; Kathmandu - Tibet Guest House; Thimphu - Galingkha; Punakha - Zangto Pelri; Paro - Hotel Nirvana

About Wangdue

Bhutan

Wangdue

The nerve center of Vajrayana Buddhism and one of the most mythical locations in the Himalaya, Wangdue and its great dzong rarely fail to impress. Get a local guide to show you around.

Explore Wangdue Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

Accommodation on twin sharing
Daily breakfast
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Airport transfers
Guided sightseeing tours
English-speaking local tour guides
Entrance fees
Private transportation
Tibet Travel Permit
All applicable local and government taxes

Not Included

Airfare from and to the U.S.
Travel insurance and visa fees
Meals except in Bhutan
Excess baggage, soda, and tips
Any other expenses that are not specified

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Chengdu and Flight to Tsetang

Have breakfast at the hotel. Have breakfast at the hotel. Take an optional tour of Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center, which is located just 10 km (6 miles) from the city. Take an optional tour of Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center, which is located just 10 km (6 miles) from the city. Transfer to the airport and fly to Lhasa. Transfer to the airport and fly to Lhasa. Meet your local guide upon arrival and then transfer to Tsetang. Meet your local guide upon arrival and then transfer to Tsetang. Rest of the day at your leisure for acclimatization. Overnight stay in Tsetang. (The flights Chengdu-Lhasa-Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu will be booked along with the tour.) Meal: Breakfast
2

Day 02

Samye Monastery, Yambulakhang, and Chedruk Temple

After breakfast, drive to Samye Monastery, which is 32 miles from Tsetang. It is the first monastery and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. After breakfast, drive to Samye Monastery, which is 32 miles from Tsetang. It is the first monastery and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Transfer back to Tsetang and visit Yambulakhang Palace in the afternoon. It was built by the first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo, in the second century. Transfer back to Tsetang and visit Yambulakhang Palace in the afternoon. It was built by the first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo, in the second century. Visit Chedruk Temple before rounding off your tour in Tsetang. Visit Chedruk Temple before rounding off your tour in Tsetang. Overnight stay in Tsetang. Meal: Breakfast
3

Day 03

Overland Journey from Tsetang to Shigatse via Gyangtse

After breakfast, drive to Gyangtse via Yamdrok Tso, which translates to "Turquoise Lake". After breakfast, drive to Gyangtse via Yamdrok Tso, which translates to "Turquoise Lake". Take a sightseeing tour of Pelkhor Chode (Kumbum) in Gyangtse, known as a "monastery with praying wheel," and then proceed to Shigatse in the afternoon. Take a sightseeing tour of Pelkhor Chode (Kumbum) in Gyangtse, known as a "monastery with praying wheel," and then proceed to Shigatse in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Shigatse. Meal: Breakfast
4

Day 04

Tashilunpo Monastery and Drive to Lhasa

Visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the official seat of the Panchen Lama, second in importance only to the Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and once housed up to 3,400 monks. One of its great spectacles is the nine-foot statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the official seat of the Panchen Lama, second in importance only to the Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and once housed up to 3,400 monks. One of its great spectacles is the nine-foot statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Drive to Lhasa and check in to the hotel in the afternoon. Drive to Lhasa and check in to the hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Lhasa. Meal: Breakfast
5

Day 05

Potala Palace and Norbulingka in Lhasa

Today will be spent exploring famous monuments in Lhasa. First on your list will be the Potala Palace. Your next stop will be Norbulingka, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, which was built in the eighteenth century. Overnight stay in Lhasa. Meal: Breakfast
6

Day 06

Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar

Visit Drepung Monastery. Visit Drepung Monastery. Stop by Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, which houses a golden statue of the Buddha brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess "Wen Chen". Stop by Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, which houses a golden statue of the Buddha brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess "Wen Chen". Continue to Barkhor Bazaar outside Jokhang Monastery. This bustling flea market is generally the place to buy souvenirs and meet other tourists. Continue to Barkhor Bazaar outside Jokhang Monastery. This bustling flea market is generally the place to buy souvenirs and meet other tourists. Overnight stay in Lhasa. Meal: Breakfast
7

Day 07

Flight to Kathmandu and Sacred Sites Tour

Transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu on one of the most spectacular flights in the world, with amazing views of peaks including Mt. Everest. You will be met upon arrival in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. Transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu on one of the most spectacular flights in the world, with amazing views of peaks including Mt. Everest. You will be met upon arrival in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. Take a half-day tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Take a half-day tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Enjoy an evening walk around Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu known for its colourful souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs, bookstores, and cyber cafes. Enjoy an evening walk around Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu known for its colourful souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs, bookstores, and cyber cafes. Overnight stay in Kathmandu. Meal: Breakfast
8

Day 08

Swayambhunath, Patan, and Bhaktapur Heritage Tour

Take a morning tour of Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monument on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Take a morning tour of Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monument on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Stop by Patan, also known as Lalitpur. Stop by Patan, also known as Lalitpur. Continue to Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon. Continue to Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon. Visit Durbar Square, the main palace square of the city, containing many temples and other architectural showpieces, including the Golden Gate, described as the finest piece of art in the Kingdom. Visit Durbar Square, the main palace square of the city, containing many temples and other architectural showpieces, including the Golden Gate, described as the finest piece of art in the Kingdom. See Nyatapola Temple, a five-storied pagoda-style temple built in 1708 AD and the most famous example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. See Nyatapola Temple, a five-storied pagoda-style temple built in 1708 AD and the most famous example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. Explore Dattatreya Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore Dattatreya Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Kathmandu. Meal: Breakfast
9

Day 09

Flight to Paro and Scenic Drive to Thimphu

Transfer to the airport and fly to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas during the flight. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide. If time permits, take a sightseeing tour of the 200-year-old Watch Tower, which was renovated and converted into the National Museum in 1968. Transfer to the airport and fly to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas during the flight. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide. If time permits, take a sightseeing tour of the 200-year-old Watch Tower, which was renovated and converted into the National Museum in 1968. Visit Dungtse Lakang on the same route. Visit Dungtse Lakang on the same route. Drive to Thimphu through the Paro Valley. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Drive to Thimphu through the Paro Valley. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Overnight stay in Thimphu. Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
10

Day 10

Thimphu Sightseeing and Journey to Punakha

Explore Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Explore Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Enjoy views of magnificent monasteries and stupas in the valleys and on mountain tops. Enjoy views of magnificent monasteries and stupas in the valleys and on mountain tops. Experience the "Last Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom" on Earth. Experience the "Last Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom" on Earth. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang (Monastery for the nuns), the National Library, and the painting school, where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Visit the Memorial Chorten built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang (Monastery for the nuns), the National Library, and the painting school, where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Watch the traditional Medicine Institute, where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Watch the traditional Medicine Institute, where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Observe the Royal traditional silversmiths and a traditional paper factory in Lungtenzampa. Observe the Royal traditional silversmiths and a traditional paper factory in Lungtenzampa. Drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute for the study of traditional teachings. Drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute for the study of traditional teachings. Continue to the ancient capital of Punakha in the afternoon through Dochula Pass. The journey is beautiful, as the fragrant air blows from the pink cherry trees and splashes of pink colour through the orange, red, and dark green forests. Continue to the ancient capital of Punakha in the afternoon through Dochula Pass. The journey is beautiful, as the fragrant air blows from the pink cherry trees and splashes of pink colour through the orange, red, and dark green forests. Overnight stay in Punakha. Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
11

Day 11

Punakha, Wangdi Phodrang, and Return to Paro

Enjoy sightseeing in Punakha, which was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of the second King. Punakha Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel and established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Enjoy sightseeing in Punakha, which was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of the second King. Punakha Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel and established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Drive to Wangdi Phodrang Valley for sightseeing. Drive to Wangdi Phodrang Valley for sightseeing. Visit the only Dzong with a wooden roof maintained in its ancient style. Visit the only Dzong with a wooden roof maintained in its ancient style. Walk around Wangdi town and have lunch. Walk around Wangdi town and have lunch. Continue driving to Thimphu after lunch. Continue driving to Thimphu after lunch. Explore Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built in Bhutan by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1629. Since 1961, it has been the Institute for religious and classical studies. Explore Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built in Bhutan by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1629. Since 1961, it has been the Institute for religious and classical studies. Drive back to Paro for an overnight stay. Drive back to Paro for an overnight stay. Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
12

Day 12

Taktsang Monastery Hike and Paro Valley Exploration

View the spectacular Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Lair) at the starting point of the hike. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, with many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. View the spectacular Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Lair) at the starting point of the hike. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, with many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at the cafeteria for rest and refreshments, then continue the hike for a short while until you see clearly, and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang Monastery. Stop at the cafeteria for rest and refreshments, then continue the hike for a short while until you see clearly, and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang Monastery. Return to Paro. Return to Paro. Visit Drugyel Dzong, although it is now mostly in ruins. It was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders, which is reflected in the name of the Dzong, meaning Victorious Bhutanese Fort. Visit Drugyel Dzong, although it is now mostly in ruins. It was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders, which is reflected in the name of the Dzong, meaning Victorious Bhutanese Fort. Explore Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the valley, built in the 7th century. From this point, you can see spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolhari, which is considered sacred. Explore Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the valley, built in the 7th century. From this point, you can see spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolhari, which is considered sacred. Overnight stay in Paro. Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
13

Day 13

Departure from Paro via Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport after breakfast. Transfer to the airport after breakfast. Fly back to Kathmandu and connect your flight to the U.S., or extend your trip to India, Myanmar, or Thailand. Fly back to Kathmandu and connect your flight to the U.S., or extend your trip to India, Myanmar, or Thailand. Meal: Breakfast

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Chengdu, Sichuan, China · Tour start: Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center, Chengdu, China — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.