Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet in one adventure

Arrive in Chengdu on your own. Complete immigration and customs formalities and take the shuttle van to the hotel. Pick up your Tibet entry permit when you check into your room.

Today we spend a full day enjoying the Naadam Festival. First, we visit the National Stadium to watch the opening ceremony of the Naadam festival. which consists of local dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians. The festival celebrates Mongolia's independence and its rich cultural heritage with a festival of sports and revelry in Ulaanbaatar. The distinctly Mongolian feel and flair of the Naadam Festival make it a wonderful spectacle, a joyous time, and an intriguing cultural event. Colorful ceremonies and parading soldiers, including the dancers, athletes, horse riders and the band of musicians march into the field as the festival kicks off. 

There also will be the first round of wrestling, archery and ankle bone shooting competitions. Until now, wrestlers are only men but you can see both male and female archers.

Following breakfast, we check out hotel as we travel to Khui Doloo to see the horse racing and then we go to Hustai National Park for overnight stay.

Khui Doloo is the site for the horse racing which is the major part of Naadam Festival. The horse racing is cross-country type and the race course is 10 to 20 miles long and the horse complete the course based on their age. The youngest horse runs the shortest distance. Interestingly, the jockeys are children and youths between 5 to 13 years old. There is a lot of singing and music during the race.

Afternoon, we travel to Hustai National Park (40 miles). After we settle into our ger, our guide and driver will take us for a short ride in the park to explore the wildlife. Of course, the only main attraction here are the herds of wild horses, called Przewalskii’s horses (Equus przewalskii) . Locals call them "Takhi". It became extinct in the wild in 1969 and, since 1992, has been successfully re-introduced in Hustai NP from zoos around the world. This has been an international effort monitored by The Foundation for the Przewalskii Horse, based in the Netherlands and MACNE (Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment).

The national park boasts rolling steppe mountains with rather large patches of birch and aspen forests. There are also visible remains of Neolithic graves. In addition, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wolf (Canis lupus) have increased quite a bit during the last few years, as well as Mongolian gazelle. Species existing in Hustai but rarely seen include Lynx, Argali Sheep and Roe Deer.

Today: Tibet. After an early morning breakfast, take a shuttle van to the Chengdu International Airport. It's two hours 20 minutes long flight. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you are met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel in the city (1 hour).

At Lhasa’s altitude of 3,650 meters or 11,972 feet, symptoms of altitude discomfort and sickness are common. The symptoms include headache, lightheadedness, breathlessness, disorientation, and loss of appetite. So, today, we take it easy and rest. It’s advisable to drink plenty of water and take liquid food in meals. The hotels also can supply oxygen pillow on request. Discomfort should go away in a day or two; but if the symptoms persist or worsen, please see a doctor immediately.

We start early today to make the most of our time. First, by car to Dickey Lam (Deji Zhonglu in Chinese) to join the hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims heading to the Potala Palace. The trail takes us through the rock carvings, and a Chorten built entirely of the carved mani stones. At the intersection of Beijing Road and Dickey Lam, we might see devout Tibetans rubbing their backs, shoulders and hips against a series of holy rocks! We walk past to the Golden Yak statue and, if time permits, we can climb the viewpoint on the way to Potala Palace, Lhasa's cardinal landmark.

Potala Palace, situated atop a 130-meter hill, is among the most magnificent architectures of the world. It was the power center of Tibet until the Dalai Lama's departure to India in 1959. The complex has two palaces – white and red. The White Palace contains the throne rooms of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, a reception hall, meditation room, and the bedrooms used by Dalai Lamas. The Red Palace houses various chapels and the tombs of several Dalai Lamas. A visit to Lhasa is incomplete without visiting Potala Palace.

The other great Gelugpa monastery of Lhasa is the Sera Monastery, our next stop. Founded by Sakya Yeshe, the disciple of Tsongkhapa, the monastery in its heyday, the monastery was home to 5,000 monks; now only 500 live there. Yet, the monastery has not lost its charm. One notable part of the Sera Monastery visit is the Monks’ debating ceremony each afternoon. Beforehand, we might want to visit the various chapels of the monastery. Enthusiastic hikers can also hike on the monastery’s pilgrimage path.

We set out after breakfast to explore the rural areas of Lhasa. Today, visit the Drak Yerpa Hermitage, a cave retreat 18 miles northeast of Lhasa. Many Buddhist teachers including Guru Rinpoche and King Songtsen Gampo mediated here. The site is peaceful, with stunning views, and an experience of rural Tibet that is away from the crowds of Lhasa.

We retrace our drive to Lhasa and visit the old town of Barkhor and the Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century, and now the most revered of all the religious shrines in Tibet. Thick with the smell of butter lamps, burning incense, the murmur of sacred Tibetan mantras, prostrating Tibetan devotees, visiting the Jorkhang is a unique Tibetan experience. We’ll make time for a walking tour of the old town, unaffected by the modern influence, and full of craft workshops and back-street chapels, and on the pilgrimage path with the Tibetan devotees spinning prayer wheels or counting beads with the utterance of sacred mantras. The complete circuit can take up to 3 hours but you may cut it short and return to Barkhor Square from anywhere if you choose.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s a beautiful one hour and a 30-minutes long scenic trip over the vast Himalayan mountains. On a clear weather day, you will be able to see Mount Everest on the right side!

You can apply for a Nepal visa upon arrival if you don't have one yet. Bring one passport-size photo and prepare US$25 cash for the visa fee. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be greeted outside the airport by your Nepali guide and driver. The drive into the city takes about 30 minutes. 

You will have time to settle into your room before we leave for sightseeing. We start with 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. Then to Durbar Square of Kathmandu, in the heart of the old town. The Durbar Square includes the former Royal Palace complex and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples, all rich in art and architecture. We visit the Kumari House, the residence of the Living Goddess of Nepal. The last earthquake in Apr 2015 destroyed the palace, and some temples here and restoration works are currently underway, but there are quite a few other monuments to see around.

We’ll walk through the vibrant markets of Indrachowk and Assan, then to Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu, and home to all manner of budget accommodations, restaurants, and curio shops.

Our day ends in a typical Nepali restaurant, for a welcome dinner and folklore dancing.

After breakfast, 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." We begin from Patan's Durbar Square, with former Royal Palace complex and an array of ancient and medieval temples – Golden Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, and Macchindranath Temple.

Now, we drive to the traditional Bungamati Village of Newari, untouched by modern influences. We walk on the narrow alleys and visit the Machhindranath Temple in the center of the village. 

Our final destination of the day is Kirtipur-a historic town just 3 miles outside Kathmandu that lives with faded glory and impressive temples, back-alleys and courtyards. UNESCO listed the city as a temporary cultural heritage in 2008.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we transfer to the traditional town of Thimi- one of the ancient, cultural and historical places along the trade route from Bhaktapur to Kathmandu. Now, we proceed to Changu Narayan Temple (1 hr.). This temple claims to be the oldest functioning Hindu Temple in Nepal, and it's also a UNESCO world heritage site. The last earthquake damaged the temple a bit, and so restoration work is underway. 

Now, we begin our hike to Nagarkot. If you want to pass the hiking part, your driver can drive you to the hotel. The initial part of the walk is through the jeep track, and then the trail goes through villages and farmlands. We will see on the way people busy in farming or harvesting, tending livestock, living in the joint family and maintaining a close bond in the neighborhood. We will be surprised to see just how much the local life is laid back and still keep the culture and traditions. Walking is comfortable on fairly leveled paths, and we will enjoy the mountain views from most of the trail. Later, we follow the jeep track to our hotel in Nagarkot.

On a clear weather day, Nagarkot offers a spectacular sunrise view over the Himalaya and valley panorama.  

After breakfast, we travel back to Kathmandu with stops along the way in Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa.

Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. We enter the city from its eastern gate and walk through the pottery street and arrive at Dattatreya Square with an ancient temple and a monastic complex. All the houses and temples exhibit beautiful wood carving. The peacock window of Pujarimath Complex is the masterpiece wood carving in Nepal.

Continuing on the brick paved street, we arrive at Taumadhi Square where rises an impressive five storied Nyatapola Temple that survived two major earthquakes of Nepal. Finally, we enter the Bhaktapur's Durbar Square that constitutes the former palace and many temples with intricate wood carving and beautiful stone sculpture. The Golden Gate-the main entrance is the masterpiece metal work of Nepal. We will visit the palace museum, the courtyard and the Royal Bath Tank of the palace complex.

Next stop will be at Pashupatinath Temple- the holiest Hindu Temple of Nepal. The temple sits on the bank of sacred Bagmati River which is also one of the tributaries of holy Ganges. Admission to the main temple sanctum is for Hindus only, but you can view the temple and activities in its courtyard from another side of the river.

The final stop of the day: Boudhanath Stupa- which is claimed to be the tallest Buddhist stupa in Asia! The stupa is believed to be one of the "must visit" site for all Buddhists in their lifetime. There are a number of monasteries belonging to different schools of Buddhism. The area is predominantly Tibetan and reminds of Barkhor area of Tibet.

It's a one-hour long spectacular flight to Paro Bhutan! By luck, the weather favors, and we can enjoy the spectacular views of Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest and other majestic peaks!

On arrival at Paro, Bhutan, airport, meet your guide and driver after clearing immigration and customs. After introductions, your guide and driver will transfer you to a restaurant for lunch, followed by a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital, with a stop for a short walk at the 13th-century temple of Tamchog Lakhang. The temple-built by the famous Tibetan iron-bridge builder Thangthong Gyalpo –an architect, physician, teacher, and a saint! Till today, his descendants own and keep the temple.

In Thimphu, we’ll have time to settle in and take rest before a walking tour of the tiny city. Thimphu is probably the only capital in the world without any traffic lights! We will leisurely take a stroll and visit the Memorial Chorten (shrine) of the 3rd King of Bhutan Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, and whatever else time and our interest allow.

After breakfast, with our guide and driver, the adventures begin as we get a feel for the city. On the weekend, it's worth visiting the weekend market. Archery is the Bhutanese the national sport, and we’ll hope for matches while we’re there.

Next, visit the National Institute Zorig Chusum that offers a six years course on Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts that include painting, wood carving, embroidery, and statue making (Closed on Sunday and public holidays). Then, visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, a living museum of Bhutan, resembling a typical village that promotes the cultural heritage and local lifestyle. Here, you will have a chance to wear traditional Bhutanese costumes and pose for photographs, if you wish.  

Afternoon, take a short 10-minute hike through the forest to visit the Takin Sanctuary. Takin – a kind of sheep by way of antelope, are the National animals of Bhutan and believed to exist only in Bhutan Himalaya. On the way back to our hotel, we’ll stop at the Zilukha Nunnery in Drubthob Goemba, home to 40-60 Buddhist nuns.

Thimphu's latest addition is Buddha Dordenma, a massive 177 ft tall Buddha statue on a ridge overlooking the valley.

Time permitting, visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a dispensary of traditional Bhutanese herbal and other medicines, the textile academy that preserves the centuries-old living art of Bhutan. 

Hiking option: hiking enthusiasts keen to experience a monastic lifestyle away from the crowds of town can take a half-day hike to Tango Goemba monastery. You’ll miss some sights listed above, though. Tango Goema Monastery is Bhutan's highest learning center for Buddhist studies. All Je Khenpo, the religious head of Bhutan, must complete a nine-year program here and a three-year, three-month, three-day in mediation at the nearby Cheri Goemba Monastery! With luck, the monks will be in recess, and we can join them for tea. (If you are a part of the group, the decision to hike must be unanimous)

On our way back, we can stop at Pangri Zampa Temple-an astrology school for the state clergy. More than a hundred monks study astrology in this center, and they welcome the public for astrology consultation if anyone is interested. A week-advance notice is requested for scheduling purpose, though. 

In the evening, a Bhutanese parliamentarian or government official joins us over dinner for an informal talk on Gross National Happiness, a doctrine introduced by the 4th King of Bhutan that emphasizes the prosperity of the country based on the happiness of the people, rather than the mere commerce of gross domestic product!

(77 km/ 48 miles, 3 hrs.).

Following breakfast, we begin a scenic drive to Punakha, the former winter capital of Bhutan. As we leave Thimphu behind, the road gradually winds up through villages and pine forests to Dochula Pass (3100m/10168 ft.), marked by 108 Buddhist shrines, flickering with sacred prayers flags offered by the Buddhist devotees. We’ll hang our prayer flags. On a clear day, the pass provides a superb panorama of the snow-capped mountains and the valleys.

From Dhochula Pass, the road drops slowly through the changing vegetation to the sub-tropical lowland of the Punakha and Wangdue, and we arrive at our hotel in two hours. 

We will have time to settle into our room and have lunch before we go hiking to Khamsung Yuelley Temple. We cross the Mochu River by a suspension bridge, and then we begin our walk. The initial hike is through the rice paddies, and then the trail spirals up a hill where on the top stands the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Temple. Built by the Queen Mother, Khamsum Yuelley Temple is an example of Bhutan's traditional architecture. Our well-deserved rest will include this impressive structure and beautiful views of the valley below. The total trip should take about one hour or less.

Rafting opportunity: If you want, you can experience a thirty-minutes long rafting trip down Mochu River (Grade II or III). The rafting put in point is just below the suspension bridge, and it's taken out near the Punakha Dzong. (Cost: US$ 150 for a group of six persons)

Next, we visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, probably the most impressive of all the Dzong (fortress) architectures of Bhutan. It has served as the winter capital of Bhutan, and even today the chief abbot moves there from Trassichoe Dzong in Thimphu. 

(142 km/89 miles, 4 hrs). 

This morning, we visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery on a hill overlooking the valley. The nunnery houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig Chagtong Chentong), Buddhas and Taras. The temple complex also houses a permanent center of higher learning and meditation for nuns. The nuns here also learn skills such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making, and thangka painting.

Next, a short and easy hike leads us to Chime Lhakhang. It's less than 15 minutes from the main road, and the trail goes through paddy fields and villages. The houses here show phallic arts on the walls and doors! You might even see the door handles or knobs carved out in the shape of a phallus! Ask your guide why. The temple is nick-named as 'Fertility Temple,' and it's associated with the Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is famous as the Divine Madman!

Now, we retrace our drive across Dhochula Pass to Paro. Shortly before the pass, we can stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden that preserves the rich fauna including Rhododendron flowers. After a lunch stop in the Dhochula pass, we will continue to Paro.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

A special day, with an early start. After breakfast, we’ll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, a highlight of any trip to Bhutan. The monastery sits on the edge of a 4000-foot cliff above the valley floor; it is an unbelievable sight. The hike up is less than three hours. With a prior arrangement, ponies can take us two-thirds of the way up, but no further. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche by Tibetans and Bhutanese, flew on a tigress from Tibet and landed at the monastery’s site. Guru meditated in a cave here, it is said, and subdued the local demons and established the supremacy of Buddhism in Bhutan.

On the way back to the town, we will detour to the ruins of the historic Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in the 16th century to mark the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invaders. 

This afternoon, visit a Bhutanese farm family and their colorful farmhouse, made up of wood without the use of a single nail! With prior arrangement, we can share a traditional meal with the family.

Experience Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional):

After such an active day, we recommend a traditional Bhutanese Hot stone bath, an ancient Bhutanese method of curing skin ailments, joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders, arthritis, and many other diseases. Your guide needs one-day advance notice to book the hot stone bath. The estimated cost is $25 per person.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in time for our flight to Bangkok or other destination.