If it’s a clear day when you are flying into Kathmandu, then your tour begins right from the skies itself. The sights from the windows of our jet show us glimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out down below us, giving us the first thrills of our just begun vacation, sparking off a whole reaction of unforgettable experiences that stay with us for some time to come. As soon as your plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expedition office local Tour Guide and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Your Guide will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms and refreshing ourselves we will be briefed about our daily activities. The rest of your time is free to move around the neighborhood and get familiar with your surroundings.

Overnight: Kathmandu    Elevation:1,400 m (4,600 ft.)      

Hotel:  Marriott Hotel/ Yak and Yeti Hotel     Meals: Breakfast

Optional: One Hour Everest View Mountain Flight

After a good night’s sleep and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we proceed for our tour of Swayambhunath (popularly known as Monkey Temple) “Swayambhu” means “self-created” and refers to the myth that the hill sprung up suddenly from a great lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. This place offers a majestic view of the entire Kathmandu valley. Stupa of Swoyambhunath epitomizes Buddhism. Your guide will enlighten you with detailed historical and cultural information about the place.

After this, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. Locally Old royal palace area is called Basantapur Area or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. You will get a glimpse of Kumari, the Living Goddess, at Kumari Ghar in Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Our next sightseeing will be at Boudhanath (the biggest & Largest Buddhist Stupa in the World). The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudha is huge and dominates the skyline in the area. With numerous monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. In this area, our guide will show you a few Buddhist Monasteries and stop for lunch Break. If the weather is clear you can see the nearest Mountain of Kathmandu- Ganesh Himal from the top of the Restaurant.

After lunch, we will visit the biggest Hindu temple Pashupatinath. This Temple is one of the seven UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is also a cremation site where the last rites of Hindus are performed. The rituals of cremation are not for the faint-hearted; still, visitors are seen watching curiously from across the river from the hillside. Visit Pashupatinath Temple for an out-of-this-world experience. After this, your tour for today is over here. Free day to relax or explore yourself. In the early evening, we will organize a special Nepali cultural dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Kathmandu   Elevation: 1,400 m (4,600 ft.)      

Hotel:  Marriott Hotel/ Yak and Yeti Hotel     Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After a healthy breakfast at 5* hotel, we drive to Patan city for a sightseeing tour - a UNESCO-protected marvel of the Newari design. One of its fascinations is the Ancient Royal Palace. In Patan, We also visit a local handicraft center as well as the Tibetan Refugee Camp.

Patan is a city of 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries, and its artisans are known for their fine metal works. The city celebrates countless festivals both Hindu and Buddhist, many of which like the Rato Machhendranath Jatra and the display of Dipanker Buddhas are outstanding. Patan takes pride in creating great thangka and Pauba painters whose works are exported to many countries

After the Patan tour, we drive to Bhaktapur, which was the capital of Nepal during the 9th through 14th centuries and has managed to preserve its ancient medieval look. The extraordinary architecture, the beautiful woodcarvings, and metal craft that can be seen around the city take one back to the time of the Malla rulers who patronized art like no other dynasty. The pagoda-style temples rise above the Bhaktapur skyline.

The Pottery Square, the Palace (Durbar) Square which dates back to the 12th century, where devotees still celebrate their centuries-old festivals, and the temple squares that still remain vibrant, are Bhaktapur’s major attractions.

Afterward drive to Nagarkot, which is one of the most popular hill stations for experiencing Himalayan views from the luxury of your hotel terrace. Just 13 km from Bhaktapur, the village is packed with hotels lining a ridge, allowing one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya, with eight ranges visible (Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest & Numbur). The best seasons are October to December and March to April, when clear skies are likely.

Overnight: Nagarkot   Elevation: 2,175 m (7,136 ft.)    

Hotel: Hotel Club Himalaya/ Country Villa  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today's tour from Nagarkot is about a six-hour excursion to the rural Newari towns of Bungamati, Khokana & Kirtipur. It's an exceptional chance to learn about the societies of the rural inhabitants whose families have thrived here since ancient times. These are the Newars, people who are original to the Kathmandu Valley. Even today they live modestly, in much the same way as their forefathers.

Visit Kirtipur for a real experience of Newari culture, the native culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Walk along its narrow lanes to witness the life of its residents who have preserved their age-old customs and beliefs to this day. This city is also best for trying out some traditional Newari food that hasn’t been changed by outside influences.

Kirtipur is located on a ridge 8 km southwest of Kathmandu, overseeing the valley. The prehistoric Newar Township with its brick-paved paths lined with typical red brick houses and tiled roofs, and shrine squares, is a natural fortress. Overnight stay in Kathmandu

Overnight: Kathmandu    Elevation: 1,400 m (4,600 ft.)      

Hotel:  Marriott Hotel/ Yak and Yeti Hotel     Meals: Breakfast 

Morning you will fly for about an hour over the panoramic Himalayan ranges to the capital of Tibet (Lhasa). Lhasa at an altitude of 3,650 meter/ 11,975 feet is the situated on the north bank of Kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means “Place of the God”, the resident of Dalai Lama, on arrival you will be meet by the local representative and transferred to your respective Hotel (60km/hr). Free to wonder around the city. Overnight accommodate at 5* Hotel.

Overnight: Lhasa   Elevation: nearly 3,600 m (11,800 ft.)

Hotel: St. Regis Hotel Meals: Breakfast

After healthy and buffet breakfast at hotel, start the day with the fantastic Potala Palace, which historically served as the winter home of the Dalai Lama. Potala Palace in one of the most beautiful monuments in Tibet with 1,000 room and 13 stores to explore this is undoubtedly the most admired tourist attraction in Tibet.It was first used in the 7th century by the 33rd king of Tibet. The most precious collections in the Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of the former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After lunch, we enjoy a tour of Jokhang Temple, which was also founded in the 7th century by the 33rd great king of Tibet to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni as he was at the age of twelve – this is possibly the most respected object in Tibetan Buddhism. Make a “Kora” (a religious circuit around the Barkhor street) with pilgrims and locals. Finish the day with after exploring Barkhor market, which is also a great place to pick up locally made handicrafts and souvenirs. See the Tibet from a unique and magical perspective with our Local Tibetan guide.

Overnight: Lhasa    Elevation: nearly 3,600 m (11,800 ft.)

Hotel:  St. Regis Hotel     Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at our 5* star hotel, this morning we will visit the Drepung Monastery. Which is one of the great three Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Established in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, on Tosngkhapa’s main disciples, the Drepung Monastery is home of Ganden Palace, which previously served as the Dalai Lama’s palace before later moving on to the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon we head out to explore another of the famous three of the Gelug monasteries in Tibet – the Sera Monastery. Founded in 1419 by another main follower of Tsongkhapa, Jamchen Chojey, the main fascination of this monastery is the lively scene of the monks debating Buddhist scriptures in the courtyard behind the monastery in the afternoon. This monastery is dedicated in the fundamental precepts of Buddhism.

Sera survived the ravage of the Cultural Revolution with light damage, although many of the lesser colleges were destroyed. We also explore nearby lhasa and meet local Tibetan, try Tibetan butter tea and experience Tibetan culture.

Overnight: Lhasa   Elevation: nearly 3,600 m (11,800 ft.)

Hotel:  St. Regis Hotel     Meals: Breakfast

Departure to Gonggar airport and fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel– Back to Katmandu for a free day. 

You can relax at your hotel or just explore your own. We are in a really nice 5* Hotel which is located centrally.

Overnight: Kathmandu   Elevation: 1,400 m (4,600 ft.)      

Hotel:  Marriott Hotel/ Yak and Yeti Hotel     Meals: Breakfast 

As our flight nears Bhutan we can experience incredible views of the Himalayas including the holy Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, a representative from Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions will meet you and will Transfer to Thimphu and visit the National Memorial Chorten. Later, see Tashichho Dzong, a 13th-century Buddhist monastery and fortress.You undergo a wonderful transition on this morning’s included flight. Leaving behind one of the big city, you step from your plane into a land of otherworldly calm.

Shrines dot the emerald-green Paro Valley. Terraced rice fields defy common sense as they climb the hillsides to forests of rhododendron and pine. Bhutan wears Buddhism on its sleeve, and we’ll get early lessons in the vocabulary of its structures. Remember stupa. It’s the Sanskrit word for a mound-like structure that shelters relics, and it’s sometimes called a chorten.

On a single stop, we’ll see Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese styles gathered at the union of two rivers. And a dzong is the classic Himalayan fortress whose high walls enclose a complex of courtyards and temples. The oldest is Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627, where we pay a guided visit.

Our destination is Thimphu, the nation’s capital. With our local guide, we’ll stroll the city’s streets to the King’s Memorial, circled by an endless string of Bhutanese, murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. 

Overnight: Thimphu    Elevation: 2,320 m (7,656 ft.)

Hotel: Le Meridian Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, we will drive over the Dochula Pass, seeing the colorful prayer flags en route to Punakha. Stop at Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), continuing to Punakha Dzhong.

Back at lower altitude, we follow a path through mustard and rice fields. Along the way we pass through the rural villages, pausing at the tiny settlement of Pana where our guide arranges meeting the people who live here. Then it’s on to Chimi Lhakhang, reminiscent of a stout pagoda and perched on a hillock in the middle of the river valley.

Punakha was chosen as the country’s winter capital because it sits in a warmer-than-typical valley. The mild climate explains the groves of oranges, mangos and bananas we see. After settling into our hotel, we’ll explore the town. It’s quite typical to share the streets with the Layap, yak herding tribespeople who trek down from their high- altitude villages, dressed in conical bamboo hats and black woolen coats.

As at all of our meals, we’ll dine on Bhutanese specialties. The nutty- tasting local rice is a staple. The national dish is ema datshi, a stew of chilis and cheese. Bhutan tradition has it that, when offered food, you cover your mouth and decline...after another invitation or two, you accept!

Overnight: Punakha   Elevation:1,242 m (4,075 ft)             

Hotel: Dhensa boutique hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive overland to Paro, stopping to visit local farmers at their farmhouse, an opportunity to better understand their traditional way of life. Once in Paro, view the religious thankga (scroll) paintings and the natural history collection at the National Museum. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a monastery and fortress along a mountain river.

As Bhutan’s rivers tumble down from the mountains, they roll and smooth the rocks, creating white cobbled banks of stone. Where the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River) meet, Punakha Dzong – one of the country’s grandest structures – stands guard. Damaged by fires and earthquakes over the past four centuries, it has been fully restored by the current king.

It’s no wonder the Paro Valley holds divine sway over Bhutan. Snow Mount Chomolhari soars over its northern reaches. Intensely blue glacial melt roars down through deep gorges to water the fertile valley, famous for its red rice. It seems like every pine copse and hillock comes with its own myth or legend. To breathe in the beauty, we take a woodland walk that leads to one of the distinctively arched covered bridges, a stone inlaid path and Rinpung Dzong.

Overnight: Paro    Elevation: 2,200 m (7,200ft).                   

Hotel: Meridien Paro Riverfront     Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you may choose to attempt the climb to Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”). This hike is intentionally difficult, intended as an arduous pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees. The walk up to the famous Tigers Nest takes about 2.5 hours along a good trail through the forests.

It is uphill all the way. If you don’t feel like straining yourself, you can take (hire) a pony ride till the halfway point. Ponies are only allowable up to a certain area. You will have to cover the remaining part of the journey on foot. The trail goes through a dense forest filled with pine trees. Once on top, the view from this temple is incredible. This is one of the holiest places in Bhutan and it is a miracle how the Bhutanese managed to build it on this location. Legend says Guru Rinpoche gave them a helping hand. . Later, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Overnight: Paro     Elevation: 2,200 m (7,200ft).                   

Hotel: Meridien Paro Riverfront Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we fly to Kathmandu from Bhutan. Our expert local guide will drive you to the Paro International Airport on time to catch your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. As the plane departs from Bhutan, feast your eyes for the last time on the green Bhutanese landscape. Savor magnificent views of snowcapped mountains and rolling green hills. In less than an hour, you reach Kathmandu.

Afternoon, we visit a local food market where locals buy, clothes, fruits, vegetables & grains. We also visit local markets like Ason, Chettrapati as well as Thamel areas.

Ride by Ride by rickshaw to Thamel and stroll through the bazaar and old city. Visit the Garden of Dreams, a peaceful oasis if you are looking for a quiet time in the middle of a bustling city. Stop at the cafe for a delightful lunch. Enjoy you’re, Last minute shopping around the local market. This evening, enjoy a lecture by a Mount Everest Sherpa & Enjoy dinner with the Sherpa family. 

Overnight: Kathmandu   Elevation: 1,400 m (4,600 ft.)      

Hotel:  Marriott Hotel/ Yak and Yeti Hotel     Meals: Breakfast & Dinner with Sherpa Family

Our adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! A representative from Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.

Included meals:Breakfast