This unique cultural tour will introduce you to the breathtaking Himalayan kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Balance the joys of these countries while you visit cities such as Lhasa, Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu with a private guide. Starting in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, visit the Potala Palace which is perched on the top of the Red Hill dominating the skyline of Lhasa. Immerse yourself in total serenity and tranquility in Lhasa's sacred temples and monasteries. Continue your journey to Kathmandu, a fabled mountain city. Here you will find endless Hindu temples including Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu temple built in 400 A.D. Finally, make your way to Bhutan where you will feel as time is standing still. The country has not shied from the good that modernity has to offer. It is this ability of the Bhutanese people that fascinates the visitor. From an unforgettable flight over the Mt. Everest to hiking the Tiger's Nest monastery in Bhutan, this trip is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.

Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of Chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Fairmont Beijing Hotel is within a short driving distance to Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, the Embassy District, Oriental Plaza or Wangfujing, and China World Trade Centre. The hotel offers natural-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling-windows that are furnished in contemporary Chinese style. The gate-form architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artworks, creating a sense of space and luxury living in the heart of China.

Overnight at Fairmont Beijing Hotel .

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).

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa.

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.

Situated in eastern Lhasa city, Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa is on the Lhasa River and faces Jiangsu Avenue. Its location is a 10-minute walk from the Jokhang Temple and Barkhorn Street and only an eight-minute drive from the Potala Palace. Experience friendly, honest service as the staff welcomes you to beautiful Lhasa city. Three dining venues provide everything you need to make your stay complete.

Overnight at Sheraton Four Points (4*).

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 Sheraton Four Points (4*).

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 Sheraton Four Points (4*).

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 Sheraton Four Points (4*).

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.

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

Fly tpday from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Approximate flight time 2 hrs.

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

This city tour of Kathmandu begins at one of the most unique protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durbar Square is the religious and social heart of Kathmandu's old city, and is a complex of palaces, temples, shrines, statues and courtyards built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings of Nepal. The square is a lavish assortment of the old and the new - elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs provide shelter for cows, beggars and weary tourists; Brahman priests and painted Sadhus perform rituals and pose for photos, while souvenir sellers and rickshaw drivers compete for attention among the crowds. Stone lions guard the gates to the Old Royal Palace that contains a number of courtyards and several museums. Set into the palace wall is a 17th-century stone inscription written in 15 languages; it is believed that milk will flow from the spout below if anyone deciphers the entire inscription. On the other side of the square, the Kasthamandap temple is an open pavilion topped by a pyramidal tower, said to be created from the wood of a single tree. It is purportedly the valley's oldest building, and the city of Kathmandu derives its name from this ancient temple.

The impressive, and stunning traditional facade of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is set amongst some pleasant gardens, in the old interesting district of Bodhnath. It is within a 10 minutes walk from Kathmandu’s famous Boudhanath Stupa and various souvenir shops and restaurants. The airport is an approximate 10 minutes drive away, while the city centre and Thamel is a 10 km drive away. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to the city centre, shopping and tourist areas of Bhatbhateni, Durbar Marg, Thamel and Kantipath. The Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has a good variety of recreational facilities such an outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and a top class spa. The spacious, wooden floored guestrooms are well appointed with wooden furniture and traditional Tibetan handmade carpets.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency.

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.

Enjoy a cultural Nepalese show with deluxe dinner.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency.

Visit Patan's museum which exhibits cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history and some rare objects are among its treasures. They belong both to Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Most of the exhibits have been cast in bronzes and have Gilt Copper repose work, for which Patan is famous.The golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhunath stupa is adorned with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch all those who ascend the worn stone steps. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley's mythical beginning.

Nagarkot is 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, on the northeast edge of the Valley at an altitude of 2,175m. It is best to view the mountains in the early morning because it is more likely to be clear. Among all the places for mountain viewing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is usually considered to be the best. On a clear day one can see Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) from Nagarkot.The fresh and chilly breeze makes the visitors feel good in the resort town of Nagarkot. Nagarkot, historically, used to serve as the summer retreat for the royal family and many other aristocrats from Kathmandu.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency.

Paro, with Bhutan’s only airport, is the gateway to the kingdom for most visitors. Along the main street is a complex of traditional architecture: two lines of richly decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions and restaurants. Paro Dzong is a fortress-monastery overlooking a beautiful valley. Ten kilometres from Paro by road you will see in the distance the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff.

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

Enjoy your flight from Kathmandu to Paro today. The flight duration is approximately two hours.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Gangtey Palace, Bhutan is a unique hotel surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Paro valley. 

Overnight at Gangtey Palace.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. Alternatively, you could be spend the day going to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Overnight at Gangtey Palace.

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. Dechenphu, Tango and Cheri monasteries, and Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city.

Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation's bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Hotel Jumolhari is newly renovated and has firmly established herself as the leading hotel in Thimphu. The charm of her traditional Bhutanese hospitability combined with a distinctive boutique style décor makes Hotel Jumolhari one of the most distinguished addresses in Thimphu. Located right in the heart of the city center with easy access to all shopping areas and places of interest. Marvel at the grandeur of snow capped hills and the willow lined "Thimphu Chu" (river) meandering past.

Overnight at Jumolhari Hotel.

Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation's bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Overnight at Jumolhari Hotel.

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

Today is your departure from Thimphu Bhutan aboard Druk Airlines. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and bid their farewells there. Your journey to Bhutan ends today

Enjoy your flight from Paro to Bangkok. The flight duration is approximately four hours.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is situated only a short walk from Bangkok's international airport. Novotel Suvarnabhumi is 10 kilometers from the Hua-Ta-Kae Train Station and 25 kilometres from the city center. The hotel boasts 612 spacious bedrooms that are tastefully furnished and decorated in contemporary fashion. Attentive room service is also provided for your convenience. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves delectable Thai, international as well as Japanese cuisine. After a tiring day, unwind at the cozy bar with a cooling exotic drink. Work out in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, relax at the solarium or pamper yourself at the sauna. Also, avail the massage service for full relaxation.

Overnight at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport (4*).

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).