Three Himalayan Kingdoms (Group Only)

Arrive in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, a Sayang Holidays representative will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Chengdu.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Panda Breeding Center

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is considered a Chinese national treasure. Opened in 1987 to care for rescued wild pandas, the 165-acre (67-hectare), the open-air sanctuary is now one of southern China’s most popular destinations due to its focus on breeding, conservation, and introducing new pandas into wild populations.

As one of the world’s most successful giant panda breeding centers—credited with more than 100 panda births—Chengdu Research Base provides visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about this threatened species. Inside, you can walk through the forested landscape; watch as giant pandas play, nap, and munch native bamboo; visit the panda nursery, subadult enclosure, and adult compound; and watch informational videos on panda behavior and the challenges of working with and breeding captive pandas.

After lunch, visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys of Chengdu. 

The wide and narrow alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) are two ancient streets restored in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) architectural styles. They sum up Chengdu, a leisurely city combining history and modern changes. Enjoy tradition and the wonderful tea in the people’s park.

Overnight in at the hotel in Chengdu.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to airport for your flight to Gonggar airport of Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted by our Tibetan guide and then drive to Tsedang gateway town to the Yarlung Valley (120 k/7.5 mi, 1.5 hrs).

Yarlung Valley is considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. It was from Yarlung that early Tibetan kings unified Tibet in the 7th century.

After, check in at the hotel and take the rest of the day for acclimatization.

Overnight at the hotel in Tsedang.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Explore Yarlung Valley and drive to Lhasa via Samye Monastery.

Today, we explore the historical and cultural sights of Yarlung Valley. We will visit the ancient Trandruk Temple (7 km, 4.5 mi) which is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, contemporary to Jokhang and Ramoche of Lhasa. At Tradruk, we will visit the courtyard area, ringed by cloisters, the principal chapel with statues of Tara or Drolma, 5 Dhyani Buddhas, and a famous Thangka painting of Drolma in the chapel upstairs.

From Trandruk, we head south to Yumbulakang Palace (6km, 1.8 mi) which is a fine, tapering finger of a structure that pops up from a rocky ridge overlooking the patchwork of fields of the Yarlung Valley. We will visit the ground floor chapel consecrated to the ancient kings of Tibet and upper floor chapel with an image of Chenresig and we will also see some excellent murals depicting descent of Nyentri Tsenpo from heaven to Yumbulakang. We will walk up along the ridge above the building to enjoy fabulous views of Yarlung Valley.

Our next destination is Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet, about 50km distance. Samye is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, the centre of the universe. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of whom travel on foot for weeks to reach this holy shrine.

We arrive at Lhasa late afternoon. Check in to the hotel and after some rest, take a self-guided walking tour to Barkhor Street and Jokhang Square.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast visit Potala Palace. 

Explore the major highlights of Lhasa. Begin the tour from the magnificent Potala Palace – the symbol of wisdom and power of Tibetan people. This 13-stories, 1000-room citadel served as the headquarters of the former “church-state” of Tibet and was home to successive Dalai Lamas, who from the latter half of the 18th century used it as their winter palace. The gigantic palace serves as a landmark of Lhasa and can be spotted from far away.

In the afternoon, we visit Jokhang Temple – the holiest and most sacred site in Tibet, where devout Buddhists make their pilgrimage. Jokhang has been always an important pilgrim destination for Tibetans. We will be overwhelmed to reveal the cosmos of this holiest site and finding the way of living of the monks.

Spend the rest of the day wandering about the Barkhor Street and Barkhor Square. The street circles the Jokhang Temple and has been an essential pilgrimage route since the foundation of the temple. Buddhist pilgrims can be seen throughout the day and night, walking or prostrating themselves clockwise along Barkhor Street, spinning their prayer wheels and chanting sutras. Barkhor Street also is a popular place of handicraft bargains.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast visit Drepung Monastery.

Head towards Drepung Monastery, 8 km west of Lhasa. Leave the car behind at the foot of the hill and take a pleasant hike to visit the white monastic buildings of the monastery, once the largest Buddhist monastery – housing over 10,000 monks. Founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung was the residence of the second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas and the power center of Tibet-until the 5th Dalai Lama shifted to the Potala Palace.

From Drepung, we return to the city and visit the Norbulingka – the summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas. Among others, the most visited one is the palace of the 14th Dalai Lama, which was built in a fusion style of both Tibetan and Western from 1954-1956.

In the afternoon, drive about 5-6 km north of Lhasa to visit Sera Monastery – one of Lhasa’s most beautiful monasteries. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks resided here. The restored monastery sits below the brow of the hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene and surrounded by many small temples. Take the chance to attend the ‘Buddhism Scriptures Debating’ in Sera, an interesting part of this visit.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, transfer to Gongkar Airport and fly to Kathmandu.

This is a one-hour long flight that takes you right across the Himalayas, offering spectacular views of vast Tibetan plateau as well as majestic Himalayan peaks.

On arrival, after clearing immigration you’ll be greeted outside the airport by your Nepali guide and drive to Nagarkot.

En-route, visit Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. Visit the Durbar Square that constitutes the former palace and a number of temples with intricate woodcarving and beautiful stone sculpture.

The Golden Gate – the main entrance of the palace, is the masterpiece metalwork of Nepal. Visit the palace museum, the courtyard, and the Royal Bath Tank of the palace complex. Walk on the cobbled street and visit the impressive 5-storied Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and Pujarimath Complex. The Peacock Window of Pujarimath Complex is the masterpiece wood carving in Nepal. Stop to visit the pottery square and learn about the traditional method of pottery making.

Continue to drive to Nagarkot, and enjoy the sunset.

Overnight in Nagarkot at Hotel Country Villa.

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains! On a clear weather day, Nagarkot offers 180-degree views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Telkom and hike 2-3 hrs to Changu Narayan, a UNESCO world heritage site which claims to be the oldest functioning Hindu Temple in Nepal.

The first part of the trail goes through the sparse forest, and  walking is easy with fairly level paths. Enjoy the mountain views from most parts of the trail. The last earthquake damaged the temple a bit, but restoration work is in progress and it is still worth visiting.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel, then off to Patan, one of the three medieval principalities of the Kathmandu Valley along with Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Patan is called the “City of Arts and Crafts.”

Begin from the cobblestone streets of Durbar Square, with the former Royal Palace and an array of ancient and medieval temples – Golden Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, and Macchindranath Temple.

Drive to the traditional Bungamati Village of Newari, untouched by modern influences. Walk through the narrow alleys and visit the Machhindranath Temple in the center of the village. On the way to Bungamati, stop at the Tibetan Self Help Center, where Tibetan refugees produce famous Tibetan hand-woven rugs.

In the afternoon, visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu Temple in South Asia. The temple is situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River, which provides the cremation sites for deceased Hindus. The main temple courtyard is reserved for Hindu worships only, so non-Hindus are not allowed inside.

The final stop of the day will be at Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the most revered Buddhist shrines outside Tibet. The area is predominately Tibetan, and reminds people of Barkhor Street in Lhasa, Tibet.

Overnight at the in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the 2,000-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa atop an 80-meter-high hillock in the western part of the city, a shrine to the evolution of Kathmandu Valley and its civilization.

From here, drive to visit Kathmandu Durbar Squares, which comprise the former Royal Palace and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples with rich stone and woodworks.

Next, visit Kumari House – the temple of living Goddess of Nepal. Walk through the narrow streets of Indrachowk and Assan – the traditional markets of Kathmandu, and enter the tourist district of Thamel with all-economy accommodations, restaurants and curio shops.

End the day in a typical Nepali restaurant, and join in the farewell dinner. The restaurant entertains its customers with Nepali folklore dances.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

All meals included.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and to take the flight to Paro (1 hr, Altitude 7136 ft).

Upon arrival at Paro airport, meet your guide and driver outside the terminal. After a brief introduction, you will drive to a neat tourist standard restaurant for welcome tea and then discuss briefly the programs for the trip.

Next, to the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang (temple), which is one of the 108 temples that King Songsten Gampo of Tibet miraculously built in a single night in the 7th century.

Later, visit the Karma Lekshey Jugney Nursery and meet the students. Interact with the students and teach them basic nursery rhymes. Enjoy a warm cup of tea with the students, Ani (nun) Kencho, and other volunteer teachers. Most of the students here are 4-12 yrs old, and come from poor family backgrounds, some without parents. This is a private school, therefore, they receive very little support from the government as a result. During your visit, making a small contribution will help build a brighter future for these underprivileged students.

*Note: when you visit a family or any schools, it is customary to give some presents such as school supplies, groceries for the hostel, or anything handy that is useful for the students’ education.

In the evening, drive to the capital city, Thimphu (1 hr, 44 mi). En-route, stop to walk the ancient Iron Bridge at Tamchog Lakhang maintained by his descendants.

Check in at the hotel.

Late evening, you will visit the impressive Trasichoe Dzong, a fortress of glorious religion, and the administrative and religious center of Bhutan. The fortress houses the Royal Throne, National Assembly, and the seat of the Chief Abbot of the central monastic body.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

All meals included.

After morning breakfast, visit the Weekends Market (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday), one of  the largest domestic markets in the country. Next to the market is the Changlimithang Archery Stadium. On government holidays or weekends, you will normally find people playing archery as leisure among friends, or even tournaments.

Visit Takin Preservation Centre (closed on Monday) at Motithang, followed by Zilukha Nunnery, which is a residence of 40-65 nuns. The main shrine at the Nunnery is dedicated to the famous saint, Drubthob Thang Thong Gyalpo, popularly known as the Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas.

The Painting School a.k.a Zorig Choesum operates 4 to 6-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Students specialize in painting (furniture, thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, and bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue making (clay). The craft demonstrations are a photographer’s dream, and it’s hard not to be impressed with the skill and discipline of the young students. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory etc. You may or may not visit all attractions depending on your interest and available time.

Afternoon, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten that was dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. This is an impressive shrine, with shining gold spires, tinkling bells, and an endless procession of devotees around it.

Next, drive to Buddha Dodenma at Kuensel Phodrang. Overlooking Thimphu Valley sits a 61m tall statue, one of the largest statues of its kind in the world.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

(Altitude 1850 m/5925 ft, 76 km/51 mi, 3 hrs drive)

All meals included.

Following breakfast, we begin a scenic drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. As we leave Thimphu behind, the road gradually winds up through villages and pine forests to Dochula Pass (3100 m/10168 ft), marked by 108 Buddhist Chortens (Stupa), surrounded by the East-West highway.

On a clear day, the pass offers a superb panorama of the snow-capped mountains and the valleys. The descend after the pass is very interesting as you can see the road drop slowly through the changing vegetation to the sub-tropical lowlands of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys.

After lunch, we visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, the most impressive of all the Dzong (fortress) architectures of Bhutan. Today it serves as the winter residence of the Central Monk Body, led by the chief abbot who moves there from the capital.

Next, we proceed for a pleasant hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – about 45 min. up, but only 30 min. down. The Chorten (stupa) shaped temple is situated atop a beautiful hillock overlooking the valley, dipped into beautiful rice paddy fields. Built by the Queen Mother, it is an example of Bhutan’s finest traditional architecture.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

All meals included.

Early morning, visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, and drive back to Paro across Dochula Pass, providing one more opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas.

In Paro, we visit the National Museum, housed at Ta Dzong – the former Watch Tower. The museum has a wide variety of collections; from fine arts, handcrafts, arms & armors, bamboo crafts, stuffed animals, stamp collections, bronze statues and also a fine chapel.

From here, we visit Paro Rinpung Dzong – which means the fortress on a heap of Jewels. It was built during the reign of Shabdrung in 1646. The Dzong, which houses the Paro Monastic School and office of the civil administration, is rich in architecture. The famous Paro Tsechu is held here in the courtyard of this Dzong every year in spring.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

All meals included.

Have breakfast at 7 am, then start hike at 0730am to the famous Taktsang Monastery, a.k.a the Tiger’s Nest.

The Monastery is theatrically perched on the edge at 10,000 ft high cliff above the valley floor, creating an impressive sight. Tiger’s Nest is undoubtedly the unofficial symbol of Bhutan and a must visit the place during your trip. The total trip up and down will take about 4 hrs. It’s also possible to take a pony ride about half the journey up, but for the balance of the trail and return trip down, the pony ride is not advisable.

OPTIONAL: Traditional Herbal Bath

With advance notice, experience a traditional Hot Stone Bath in a farmhouse. Hot stone bath is a Bhutanese traditional method of curing arthritis, skin ailments, joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders, and many other minor diseases. Even if you don’t have any of these issues, after the day’s laborious hike, the hot stone bath will make you feel relaxed. It costs around USD $50 per person, and advance notice is required.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Bangkok.

From Bangkok, board your connecting flight home.