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9 Day Nepal and Tibet Exclusive
Highlights: Kathmandu, Lhasa
Trip start: Kathmandu
Trip end: Lhasa
Price Range from £2,351 to £2,820 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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This privately guided tour combines unique city tours and panoramic sight-seeing, perfect for the explorer and leisure traveller. Our tours are escorted by english speaking specialist local guides whose sound knowledge of the area and expertise will enhance your appreciation of the key sights. Your guides will make your holiday as seamless as possible. This tour offers the best lodging in the cities of Kathmandu and Lhasa.

Note -This tour requires specail permit and china visa to enter into Tibet .this can be obtained in Kathmandu and may require 3-4 business days for processing.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 2
Kathmandu
  • Mount Everest Flight - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Budhanath - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 3
Kathmandu
  • Private - 1/2 d Sightseeing of Kathmandu City and Swayambhunath Stupa - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 4
Kathmandu
  • Private - 1/2 d Patan and Godavari - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Nepalese Dinner Show - Dinner
Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 5
Lhasa
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Kathmandu - Lhasa [Direct, 4 hrs] - Economy
  • Lhasa: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Afternoon acclimatization
St. Regis (5*) (B)
Day 6
Lhasa
  • Private - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Bhakor St - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
St. Regis (5*) (B)
Day 7
Lhasa
  • Private - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
St. Regis (5*) (B)
Day 8
Lhasa
  • Private - Yamdrok-Tso Lake - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
St. Regis (5*) (B)
Day 9
Lhasa
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley. The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. Seven different monument zones are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan.

Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.

This landmark boutique hotel is made from terra cotta and intricately carved wood and is considered one of the most outstanding hotels in Nepal. The Dwarika Hotel is just a 10-minute drive away from the city of Kathmandu. It is also close to the Royal Golf Course in Kathmandu Valley. Guests can explore the nearby bazaars, as well as the Tibetan Handicraft Center, Swayambhunath Temple, and the temples and pagodas of Patan. The restaurant serves a 22-course Newari feast, and also has Friday night barbecues. With its unique and intricate beauty, the romantic five-star hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Nepal’s rich and artistic atmosphere.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.


Kathmandu Stupa
Kathmandu Stupa
Dwarika Hotel
Dwarika Hotel
Day 2 Kathmandu

This Mount Everest Scenic flight provides the best way to catch a birds-eye view of the picturesque Everest region. The highly trained and experienced pilot takes the plane a mere 200 meters away from the mountain peaks, bringing the top of the world to the lens of your camera.  This flight is a once in a life time experience, and will provide memories you will never forget.  This panoramic flight takes approximately one hour to complete. 

Bhaktapur is world renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. The ancient city is 14 km from Kathmandu and is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur, but also of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here are the world-renowned 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Big Bell, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple. Pashupatinath literally means ‘the god of all animals’ and is one of the Avatars of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is not only the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal but also one of the holiest destinations in the entire world. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, lies the temple of Lord Shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors. The stupa of Budhanath lies 8 KM east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.


Mt. Everest
Mt. Everest
Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath
Day 3 Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,350 meters in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal surrounded by four major mountains, namely: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri.The city rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city.  Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. The word “durbar” means “palace” and Nepal’s kings used to live here and rule from the Hanuman Dhoka Palace until the construction of the Nararayanhiti Royal Palace.  Kathmandu Durbar Square is presently known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. Many of the palaces and temples in Durbar Square were built during the reign of the Malla Kings (1200 to 1768) and are beautiful examples of Newari Architecture, Nepal’s most distinctive architectural style. Visitors to the Durbar Square of Kathmandu will be amazed by the architectural wonders spanning several centuries. This important historical attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are more than a dozen buildings and statues of note in this small area. They include: Kasthamandap – the wooden building that is said to have given the city of Kathmandu its name , Taleju Temple -one of the oldest temples in the square, this three-roofed temple with its pyramid shaped bases, is an example of the typical Newari architectural style. Kumari Ghar- home of "the Kumari", or living goddess, Shiva-Parvati Temple, Kal Bhairab etc.  Swoyambhunath: Swayam in Sanskrit mean self, hence  Swoyambhunath mean “Self-Created One”. The Tibetan name for Swoyambhunath means 'Sublime Trees’. It was built over 2,500 years ago. It is also known as monkey temple as there are holy monkeys living in part of the temple. The site is about 70 meters above on the west side hill of Kathmandu and 3 kilometers from City centre. An excellent view of Kathmandu valley can be observed from this UNESCO World heritage cultural site. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists & Hindus.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.


Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa
Day 4 Kathmandu

Patan is located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, on the southern side of the Bagmati River and is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. Patan is a center of Buddhist and Hindu culture. The city is full of religious art, temples, and monasteries. Patan also boasts a Durbar Square full of temples. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna – Krishna Mandir built entirely of stone with rare stone carvings on its walls depicting the epic wars from Ramayana and Mahabharata. 14 kms south of Kathmandu lies the Royal Botanical Gardens at Godavari. With its rushing streams and shady meadows it is a popular picnic spot. It also has a notable collection of orchids, cactus & ferns. A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred water of the Godavari River pours from the mountains.

Enjoy a cultural Nepalese show with deluxe dinner.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.


Patan - Buddhist Prayer Wheel
Patan - Buddhist Prayer Wheel
Day 5 Lhasa

Lhasa is a fascinating city and a renowned center of Buddhism. Attractions include the Potala Palace was originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645, and became the seat of Dalai Lamas and political center of Tibet. It is a steep climb to the palace which is spectacularly sited overlooking the city. Jokhang is located in central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. In Tibetan, "Norbu Linka" means beautiful gardens. This garden covers an area of 36 hectares and it is the annual vacation home for the 7th to the 14th Dalai Lama, who would move here during the summer from the Potala Palace. Drepung Monastery is situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, this huge complex is the most important monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Sera Monastery is at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.

Enjoy your flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa today. The flight duration is approximately four hours.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Afternoon to rest at your hotel to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

Standing on the "Roof of the World" at 12,000 feet above sea level, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers refined luxury and superlative service in a storied city. The resort boasts awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Lhasa Valley from each of the 162 guest rooms, suites and villas which feature distinctive architectural details and décor that entwine modern luxury with traditional Tibetan elements. The spectacular resort embraces the enchanting natural surroundings and breathtaking mountainous views of Lhasa and is destined to set new standards of service and luxury for Tibet. The magnificent resort offers the signature St. Regis Butler Service and features three world class restaurants to please any epicurean taste, a signature tea room, wine bar and an expansive 11,700 square foot Iridium Spa with an ornate gold-tiled pool and Meditation Garden for yoga, Pilates or meditation.

Overnight at St. Regis (5*).


Lhasa
Lhasa
St. Regis Lhasa
St. Regis Lhasa
Day 6 Lhasa

Full day private guided tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Bhakor Street with deluxe lunch. Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, Potala Palace was rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645, and became the seat of Dalai Lamas and political center of Tibet. Jokhang Temple is located in central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. Barkhor is the oldest road in Lhasa which pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. The circular road is also a marketplace for printed scriptures, cloth prayer flags and religious items.

Overnight at St. Regis (5*).


Potala Palace
Potala Palace
Day 7 Lhasa

Full day private guided tour of Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery with deluxe lunch. The Drepung Monastery is the most important monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice, so it was given the name 'Drepung' which in Tibetan means Collecting-Rice. The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built, so it was named Sera which means "wild rose" in Tibetan.

Overnight at St. Regis (5*).


Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery
Day 8 Lhasa

Full day excursion to Yamdrok-Tso Lake with deluxe lunch box. Yamdrok Tso is located 20 miles east of Gyantse, in the region of Tibet. It is one of the four holy lakes of Tibet, and legend has it that if the lake ever disappears, it will mark the end of Tibet. The Turquoise Lake, as it is known for its beautiful color, is a non-renewable water source, and it serves as a habitat for many animals, such as the rare Black-Necked Cranes.

Overnight at St. Regis (5*).


Day 9 Lhasa

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras - Visas - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include international air fare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.