SPLENDOURS OF TIBET & THE “SHOTON” YOGURT FESTIVAL

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a waiting vehicle.

18:00 Hrs: Meet with our representative for a brief orientation about the upcoming tour. Following the briefing, you will be driven to a traditional Nepali restaurant to enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic local cuisine.

After dinner, return to your hotel by private vehicle for an overnight stay.

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar

Meals included: Dinner

Today we are visitng three UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the morning we’ll visit   Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of the monkeys that guards the hill where it lays. It is situated on the top of the hill 4 kilometers away from west of Kathmandu. It is believed the stupa is of 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

After sightseeing of Swayambhunath tour, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City, a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that dates back to the 12th and 18th century.

The major tourist attractions on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace of the Mala Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and was a ceremonial palace of the Shah dynasty. Important traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal used to be conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.

After the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Halt for the Lunch

After Lunch, board the waiting vehicle and drive to the ancient Patan city also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five Kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk.

It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel. After sightseeing tour return back to the hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar

Meals included: Breakfast

09:00 HRS: After breakfast met by the guide at the hotel lobby and board the waiting vehicle and proceed for the full day’s sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple & Bhaktapur City. Firstly we will visit Boudhanath Stupa which is approximately 5 kilometers from central Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa, a colossal stupa, just beyond the Pashupatinath Temple. It is an imposing structure standing about 36 meters and is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. The stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platforms surrounded by colorful family style houses. The stupa is said to have been built in the 5th Century and is a sight of great veneration. Now the stupa is surrounded by houses of Buddhist from Nepal and Tibet. Many followers from different part of the world come to visit Boudhanath Stupa.

 After the sightseeing tour of Boudhanath board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pashupatinath Temple for the sightseeing. Pashupatinath temple is approximately 03 kilometers from Boudhanath.  

Pashupatinath Temple - is the most sacred Hindu Temple in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here. 

Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only             fruits, flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Baghmati River and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means, a direct passage to heaven. 

After the sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath temple proceed to Bhaktapur which lies 12 kilometers east. It is shaped like a conch shell and Pottery, weaving and thanks painting are its traditional industries. 

The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include:

The Durbar Square is the main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla the Picture Galley, the Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 windows, the Bastille temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent. 

The National Art Gallery contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist school depicting Tantrics of various period and descriptions.

The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is the masterpiece of wood carving. 

The Natyapola Temple is a five storey pagoda built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces, squat a pair of figures, two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghiani, Singini – the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Continue on to the Dattareya Square to visit the old Pujari Math considered one of the oldest maths (dwelling of a priest) in the Kathmandu Valley. It has now been converted into a Woodcarving Museum. 

Since the early Licchavi period (300-789 AD), the woodcarvings are present everywhere in the Nepal architecture. Woodcarving is specifically a Newari art and Bhaktapur is one of the most famous for it.  In the Bhaktapur district alone there are some 500 active wood crafters. The peacock window is world famous. 

After the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city board the waiting vehicle and drive back to the hotel.

Rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the city. 

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar

Meals included: Breakfast

This day is kept free for the Visa Processing.

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali GharMeals included: Breakfast

Upon arrival met by representative at the airport and later board the waiting vehicle and drive to Lhasa.

Lhasa - capital of Tibet at an altitude of 3650m is situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River in the province of U (central Tibet). Two high craggy hills stand up in isolation from the valley floor. One, Red Hill, is topped by the Potala Palace and the other, Chockpori or Iron Hill, is crowned by a tall antenna. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Place of the Gods" and Potala Palace " the residence of the Dalai Lama (the god king), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet’s political, religious and cultural centre it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, is people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.

Lhasa consists of two district parts consisting of different architecture, population and lifestyle. Old Lhasa, the Tibetan section, centers on the Jokhang Temple. Its streets are narrow, between white washed stone houses whose walls slope inward as they rise. Windows are framed in black trapezoids, with protruding fan shaped eaves above. Many houses have brightly painted woodwork. The Chinese section was built in the last 30 years around the base of the Potala. It is characterized by straight, broad streets and utilitarian buildings that house Chinese style department stores and all kinds of government houses. 

In spite of its forced pace of modernization, Lhasa has not lost it’s soul. It is a friendly city where a Tibetan will always return a smile.

Upon Arrival at Lhasa, Check into Hotel

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Jokhang Temple is situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, SongtsenGompo.

JOKHANG dates back from the 7th century A.D. Legend says that Songtsen Gampo, who built the temple, threw his ring into the air, promising to build a temple where it landed. The ring fell into a lake and struck a rock where a white stupa miraculously appeared - an auspicious sign. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.

PM: VISIT Potala Palace:

This architectural wonder - a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 meters above the valley floor and can be seen from all directions for miles around. The Potala Palace was built mainly during the Fifth Dalai Lama's reign in 1645-1693 and remained the centre of political and religious power for the Dalai Lamas until the 14th.

With over 1000 rooms, it contains the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas and their magnificent golden tombs after their death. Regents, tutors and other high lamas had apartments in the palace too. The Potala held the offices of government, a huge printing house and a seminary run by the elite order of monks who surrounded the God-King to train government officials. Hundreds of elaborately decorated chapels and shrines, halls and corridors contain thousands of gilded statues - Tibet's pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons. 

Today the Potala is a statue museum with 35 caretaker monks, but to thousands of Tibetan pilgrims, it remains a beloved shrine.

Barkhor Kora: Surrounding the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is a bustling marketplace and a popular pilgrimage circuit. Stroll along the vibrant street, browse through shops selling traditional Tibetan goods, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's a great place to buy Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and other souvenirs.

After the Completion of Kora, back to Hotel.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

The Shoton Festival is a traditional time-honored festival held on the 6th lunar month according to the Tibetan calendar. It is one of the most important festivals in Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism with a history of over 300 years. According to folk legends, the Buddhist monks were forbidden to kill living beings and when the when the weather started to get warmer in Spring and Summer, plants and insects were awaken and sprung to life. During this time of year, the monks avoided going out in fear of stepping on insects which violated their taboo of killing. At the end of June of the Tibetan calendar, the monks came out to reunite with nature and the local villagers rewarded them with yoghourt, outdoor feast and Tibetan opera at the celebration and prayed for blessing and good harvest.

During the grand Tibet Shoton Festival, all the main genres of Tibet operas from various regions of Tibet gather in Norbulingka, western suburb of Lhasa to perform in competitions, bustling with music and excitement. The most solemn activity is the unfurling (exhibition) of the Buddha thangka (religious painting) which takes place in wee hours of the morning at the Drepung monastery.

Set out (part way by vehicle and part way on foot) to the Drepung Monasery founded in 1416 which lies 5 Kilometers (3.1 miles) on the outskirts of Lhasa. It was once Tibet's largest and most influential monastery with over 10,000 monks. Today, Drepung houses about 700 monks and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, the Drepung Monastery is known to be the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery) of Tibet.

At 8:00 hrs: The grand Thanka of Sakyamuni (religious scroll) is unfurled.

After the unfurling of the Thanka and taking blessings, proceed to the Norbulingka Palace to witness the Tibetan opera performance from 11:00 until dusk every day. Besides local Tibetan opera troupes, many other Tibetan opera troupes from other provinces such as Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan come to Lhasa and learn from each other.

Norbulingka served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the 14th Dalai Lama's exile in 1959. Part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", Norbulingka is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was added as an extension of this Historic Ensemble in 2001. It was built by the 7th Dalai Lama and served both as administrative and religious center. It is a unique representation of Tibetan palace architecture. Norbulingka Palace is situated in the west side of Lhasa, a short distance to the southwest of Potala Palace and covers an area of around 36 hectares (89 acres) and includes of one the largest man-made garden in Tibet.

After the sightseeing tour drive back to the hotel and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the city.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

AM: Visit Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is 5 kms (3 miles) north of Lhasa. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks, it was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. The restored monastery sits below the brow of hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. One of the monk’s disciples began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few years later.

Drive towards Ganden for the sightseeing tour.

Ganden Monastery: Ganden monastery denotes the Paradise of Tushita and the abode of Jampa, the future Buddha. Ganden is the foremost Monastery of the Gelugpa Sect. It is also the most devasted. of all the Great Six Monasteries (Ganden, Sera, Drepung, Tashilumpo, Labrang and Kumbum) of the Yellow Hat sect, none suffered as disastrously as Ganden. The ruins here, a result of the Cultural Revolution when artillery and vast quantities of dynamite were deployed, are the most extensive in Tibet. Over the last decade, herculean efforts have gone into the rebuilding. Before the holocaust, over 2000 monks lived here. Now there are 300.The monastery, one of Gelugpa’s Great six was built on a ridge called Gokpo Ri, the site where Tsong Khapa first meditated in order to choose a place for the main monastery of the sect. Ganden’s foundation was laid in 1409.

After sightseeing tour of Ganden Monastery board the waiting vehicle and drive towards Lhasa. Upon arrival at the hotel rest of the evening is free to relax.

20:15 HRS : Drive for about 30 minutes to the Tibet Outdoor Theatre to watch Princess Wen Cheng’s Musical Journey, a musical extravaganza about the story of princess from China to Tibet more than a thousand years ago to marry King Songsten Gampo.

Crossing deserts, hailstorms, and snow-capped mountains, she brought Chinese cultures and all kinds of influences to Tibet. With her gentleness, wisdom and compassion, she captured the hearts of many in the land of snows and left behind her legacy in the world famous Potala Palace in Lhasa.

From the majestic Tang Dynasty to the vast mystical land of Tibet, this musical artistically depicts a historical epic with enchanting music and songs, intricate dance movements, spectacular scene change, backdrops and props, and over 200 sets of newly designed colorful ethnic costumes from traditional Tang China and Tibet.

Later return to the Hotel.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, take the train ride to Shigatse. The railway line from Lhasa to Shigatse, an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, was put into use on August, 2014. The rail extension starts from the capital city of Lhasa and trail south along the Lhasa River to Doilungdeqen, and Quxu. Then it follows the Brahmaputra River and passes the canyon to reach Nyemo, Rinbung, and finally gets to Shigatse. There are 6 railway stations designed between Lhasa & Shigatse.

Shigatse – A Granary of Tibet is the famous cultural city with a history of more than 500 years, 3,800m above sea level. It has been a place in which Panchen lamas of various historical stages were authenticated.

Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery.  Tashilhunpo Monastery was founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist Hierarchy. The 5th Dalai Lama in declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and the Panchen Rinpochhe. Tashilhumpo has one of the world’s largest statues - a 9 storey gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, the future Buddha.

Rest of the day is free to explore the local market.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast drive to Gyantse via Shigatse. Enroute, visit the Shalu Monastery which lies 22 km south of Shigatse. Founded in 1040AD by Chetsun Sherab Jungnay, one of Tibet's greatest scholars and teacher about Buddhism scriptures, it was renowned as a center of scholarly learning and psychic training for centuries. Its mural paintings were considered to be the most ancient and beautiful in Tibet. Shalu was the first of the major monasteries to be built by noble families of the Tsang Dynasty during Tibet's great revival of Buddhism, and was an important center of the Sakya tradition.

After the tour, continue drive to Gyantse and check into the hotel.

Gyantse retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Younghusband, who led British Expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a crossroad on the principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellent carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain.

Later proceed to the sightseeing tour of Gyantse Khumbum, one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting of 6 storeys complete with a Buddhist Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15^th century, it has withstood all battles and beatings since. We also visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery located near the Gyantse Khumbum founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of its founding.

The rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Set out of Gyantse for Nagartse (100 kms) near Lake Yamdrok passing the Simi La (4200 m) and driving on a trail with fantastic views of the turquoise blue waters of the man-made lake caused by the dam for the hydro project. Later we also cross the Karo La (5010 m) and the drive to Nagartse, a small village near the Yamdrok lake and an ideal place for a lunch stop.

Then drive along the picturesque trail of the colorful Lake Yamdrok, the Tibetan lifeline of the river Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo). Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake is a lake of a glaring blue that radiates a near mystical charm. It is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale less fish in its non-saline waters.

From Nagartse, drive another 90kms to a place Dajiang, from where the road to Lhasa and Samye separates. From Dajiang, take right hand side route (G349) towards Samye, which takes about 03 hrs of drive for 133kms to reach Tsedang.

As we need to get the permit for Samye in Tsedang, we will continue our drive towards Tsedang. As you pass samye, then you will pass through Lhunzhub County, known for its agricultural fields and traditional Tibetan villages. Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the traditional Tibetan architecture seen in the villages along the way.

Tsedang, also known as Tsetang. Tsedang is the third-largest city in Tibet and serves as the capital of the Shannan Prefecture. The town is steeped in Tibetan history and is known for its ancient monasteries.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

AM: Visit the castle of Yambulakhang, the oldest known dwelling in Tibet and the home of Yalung Kings. According to legend the castle is supposed to have been built by King Nyatri Tsenpo around 130 B. C. We also visit Trandruk Monastery built by Songtsen Gompo in 7^th century – it is one of his three main surviving monasteries, the others being Jolhang and Romoche. This is a Gelugpa Monastery. One of the chapel houses tapestry of Sakyamuni said to have been made by Wen Cheng, Songtsen Gompo's Chinese wife.

From Tsedang, drive back to Samye and take a right-hand side route towards Lhasa.

Sightseeing tour of Samye Monastery, which is the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. It was probably first constructed between 775-9 CE under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism, which had declined since its introduction by King Songtsän Gampo in the 7th century. The monastery is in Dranang, Lhoka prefecture. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri in what is now Bihar, India.

The 18th century Puning Temple of Chengde, Hebei, China was modeled after the Samye Gompa.

According to tradition, the Indian monk Santarakṣita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism.

Finding the Samye site auspicious, he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive tulku in a nearby river making trouble.

After the visit to Samye Monastery, drive back to Lhasa.

Overnight at the Lhasa Saikang Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast met by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and drive to the airport to catch the flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport met by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Hotel.

EVE: FAREWELL DINNER

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3hrs before flight time)

***END OF ARRANGEMENT***