Adventure Tour in four Himalayan Countries: India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet-21 days

Potala Palace

Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Boudhanath Temple

Pashupati Nath Temple

Red fort, New Delhi

Tajmahal, Agra

Trip Introduction

Make an ultimate journey into the Himalayas with Himalay Glacier's travel package encompassing the four Himalayan countries: India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. These four countries cover almost all of the Himalayas and are a traveler's paradise, a heaven on earth. The magnetic surprise comes at our walk through the ancient and medieval streets full with architectural wonders of the East. The package includes such exotic places as the colorful town of Jaipur and the Mecca of Love or the Taj Mahal of Agra, to the pagoda structures in the medieval streets of Thimphu, Kathmandu and Lhasa. Thus, from Taj Mahal to Potala, tour package encompasses the kaleidoscopically diverse Himalayan civilization. This is a journey that takes us up from the lowlands of the Ganges to the dizzying heights of Tibet.

The India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet Tour starts from India's capital Delhi. From Delhi, we drive to the historic towns Jaipur and Agra. Then we fly to Paro of Bhutan. We further drive from Paro to Punakha and retreat back to Paro. From Paro, we fly to Kathmandu. After making two full days of sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with its many medieval towns, we drive for Tibet along the Friendship Highway. During the rest days of the journey, we discover Tibet's highland including the Everest Base Camp, the spiritual air, an unearthly mystical land of Buddhist culture and philosophy.

Note: We have to start our tour on Sunday from Delhi in India to accommodate the flight schedules to Paro, Kathmandu and Lhasa.

Our other trans-border Himalanyan adventure tours include: Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet Tour -14 days, Druk Yul and Nepal Tour - 9 days, Dzogchen valley, birthplace of Namkhai Norbu and Lhasa: from Kham to Kathmandu overland tour - 17 days, Tajmahal to Potala Palace via Nepal - 15 days.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Delhi (India): Sunday
At arrival in Delhi airport, local guide from Himalayan Glacier escorts us into hotel. After refreshment, we stroll through traditional bazaars as well as historic and monumental sites in Delhi. Overnight at Delhi hotel.

Day 02: Delhi to Jaipur -- 258 km, 6 -7 hrs
Today, we take morning breakfast and visit Laxmi Narayan Temple and Giant Shiva Statue. Then we drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, we will be transfered into hotel. In the evening, we make a stroll around Jaipur Bazar and Hawa Mahal. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 03: Jaipur Sightseeing
After morning breakfast, we make an excursion to the 16th century Amber fort. We also enjoy elephant ride at Amber Fort. The fort was built by Akbar's Rajput Commander, Raja Man Singh. We further visit and shop at textile industry. Other attractions of Jaipur are the City Palace of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace and Jantar Mantar or Observatory which was built by Raja Jai Singh. Also we visit at Laxmi Narayan Temple. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 04: Drive Jaipur to Agra - 240 km, 5 hrs
At the daybreak we visit Amber fort in the morning. Then via Fatehpur Sikri, we drive to Agra. Mughal Dynasty's Fatehpur Sikri with magnificent red sandstone building, built by the Moghal Emperor Akbar to commemorate Saint Salim Chisti, who blessed Akbar with three sons. We visit at graceful buildings of the Jami Masjid, the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Diwan I Khas and other palaces. The monuments are examples of the fusion of Islamic architecture with Hindu and Jain decorative art. Overnight in Agra.

Day 05: Agra to Delhi: 210 km, 4 - 5 hrs
After taking morning breakfast, we make a sightseeing tour of Agra. we visit the Taj Mahal, a finest amalgam of love and architecture - one of the wonders of the world. We also visit Agra Fort, a large fortified strategic point of Mughal Empire. In the afternoon, we drive to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we visit the monuments of Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Parliament House, Birla Temple, and Raj Ghat. In the evening, we will be escorted into our hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 06: Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast, we make a historic sightseeing tour of Delhi. We visit the majestic Red Fort or Lal Kila, the beautiful marvels covered in red sandstone. We further make our trip to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan of the Taj Mahal fame. Another important site we visit is Rajghat - a memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. After exploring the Old Delhi monuments, we visit Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the India Gate - a memorable monument built in the honor of Indian soldiers, and Qutub Minar - one of the tallest towers in the world. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 07: Fly Delhi to Bhutan (Paro)
Crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, the flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon our arrival we will be greeted by the guide at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After lunch, we visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. Then we walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Next we visit to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Our next visit would be the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day, we can see Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314m. Overnight in Paro.

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Drive Paro -Thimphu (2350m / 7710ft) - 54 km, 2 hrs
After breakfast, we hike for Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche (8th century Indian saint) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900m above Paro Valley. The hike to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Our lunch will be served in the cafeteria on the way. In the afternoon we drive to Thimphu. In the evening we explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. We also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 09: Thimphu - Punakha (1250m/4100 ft): 76 km, 2 - 3 hrs
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100m), where on a clear day we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. We arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overhere we receive a special fertility blessing from Lama's wooden phallus if we wish. After lunch we visit Punakha Dzong, stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha - Paro: 140 km, 4 hrs
After breakfast, we drive back to Paro via Dochula pass. At this juncture we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. We will stop at Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, we continue drive to Paro. In the evening, we can stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Fly Paro to Kathmandu
Today, we bid farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and would enter the recently declared republic of Nepal and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore after taking breakfast,we fly for Kathmandu. We again enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 12: KTM Sightseeing Tour: Kathmanu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Boudhanath
At our breakfast in Kathmandu, we start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13: Sightseeing Tour: Patan and Bhaktapur
We start our tour of two more UNESCO World Heritage Site cities' adjacent to Kathmandu: Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan is also known as The City of Fine Arts. Patan Durbar Square is one of the places in the Kathmandu Valley where the medieval arts and architectures still remain intact. The Durbar Square is full of ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings, mostly the Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Similarly, the medieval town of Bhaktapur, or the Town of the Devotees, preserves medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle to this date. We are sure to feel like travelling back into the past while walking along the Bhaktapur thoroughfares, squares and streets. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 14: KTM-Nylam (3,750m/12,300ft): 153 Km, 5 hrs
After morning breakfast we start our journey along the Friendship Highway for the Tibet border. We will have lunch at the border. Then we pass through the Nepal side of the customs and immigration to be at Tibet! Then we take a 30 minute drive from Kodari to Zhangmu, where second immigration formalities have to be completed. From Zhangmu to Nylam we dirve for another hour through scenic views. Overnight in Nylam.

Day 15: Morning Acclimatization, Nyalam to Lotingri/old Tingri (4050m/13,284 ft): 147 Km, 5 - 6 hrs
In the morning, we stroll around Nyalam which would help us to acclimatize with the high altitude. Then we rest for some time, take our breakfast, and head for Tingri. We cross two spectacular passes: Nyalam pass (3800m/12,464 ft) and Lalung La pass (5082m/16,668 ft) where we enjoy the fabulous views of the high mountains including, Mount Everest (8848m/29,028 ft) Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m/27,761 ft) and more. Overnight at Ms. Snow Leopard or a similar category hotel in Lotingri/Old Tingri.

Day 16: Lotingri/old Tingri to Rongbuk (5050m/16564ft): 105 Km - Visit Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft)
After breakfast, we head with easy and short drive to Rongbuk. Rongbuk monastery is the highest monastery in Tibet. we enjoy the unique view of Mt. Everest also known as Mount Quomolangma in the Tibetan side. It's certainly a great experience to be face to face with the greatest mountain on earth. We make about 16km round trip around the Everest base camp. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest are more than compensating. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 17: Drive to Sakya Moanstery, evening arrive in Xigatse (3800m/12,464 ft): 345 Km
At morning drive to Sakya, we visit at famous Sakya Monastery. Sakya Monastery is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was founded by Khon Konchog Gyalpo of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), also the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Sakya, means "Grey Soil" in Tibetan. The monastery represents the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the evening. we arrive in Xigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet. Overnight at Xigatse.

Day 18: Drive Xigatse to Gyangtse to Lhasa (3650m/11,972 ft): 365 km, 7 hrs
At dawn, we visit for Tashilunpo Monastery. After breakfast, we embark on a pleasant 2 hours drive to Gyantse. At Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery. From Gyantse, we continue to Lhasa: cross the Karo La (5010m/16,432 ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15,725 ft) pass and lake Yamdrok Tso(Turquoise Lake). we further cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 19: Lhasa sighsteeing: Potala, Sera, Jokhang Temple
Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter will guide us through this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Then we visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Market which will be quite different from other visits as we roam around the city. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 20: Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepang Temple, Norbulinka Palace
Like the previous day, we experience invaluable insights during our visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. The 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 21: Final departure from Lhasa or extend our tour
Our adventure tour of the four Himalayan countries comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If we have more time we can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking will escort us to the airport for our onward journey. We can either get back to Kathmandu or continue to mainland China on our way to home.

What's Included

INDIA

All airport pick ups and drops
Accommodations on Twin sharing BB Basis
All Ground Transportation on private A/C Car.
English Speaking local tour guides on each place

Hotels: Hotel Lemon Tree or similar in Delhi, Hotel Red Fox or similar in Jaipur, Hotel Howard Park or similar in Agra

BHUTAN

All meals, tea & snacks
Government approved A & B category hotels on twin sharing basis
All airport pick-ups and drops as per itinerary
Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle
Experienced English speaking guides and local staff
All city tour with permits and entrance fees for museums and monuments
All government taxes
Bhutan Visa fee

Hotels: Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro, Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu, and Meri Puensum Resort or similar (B category) in Punaka.

NEPAL(KATHMANDU)

All airport pick-ups and drops as per itinerary
Twin sharing accommodation in 4-star hotel with breakfast
Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle
Experienced English speaking guide
All city tour as per itinerary with permits and entrance fees for temples and monuments
All government taxes

Hotel: Hotel Shankar in Kathmandu

TIBET

Airport pick-ups/drops and hotel transfer
All necessary Tibet travel permits
Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
Getting Chinese visa and Tibet Travel permit
Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp - Zhang-Mu transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota)
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
English speaking Tibetan guide
All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Include

INDIA

Other Personal expense
Temple, Fort, monuments entry fee
Meals except breakfast
Indian Visa
Tips for staffs
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Things not mentioned in "Trip Cost Includes"section

BHUTAN

Airfare to/from Paro ( Delhi-Paro and Paro-Kathmandu around USD 640 PP)
Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet , laundry etc.)
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Tips for Staff (guide and driver)
Things not mentioned in Trip Cost Includes section

NEPAL

Nepal Visa (carry small denomination USD cash)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
All meals except breakfast
Extra night accommodation if needed
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses

TIBET

Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US client and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fees are subject to change without prior notice)}
International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and China to Lhasa
Travel insurance
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
Tips for guides and driver
Nepal visa
Train ticket from China to Lhasa

HOTELS: Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyangtse, Hotel Shigatse or similar in Shigatse, Qomolangama Hotel or similar hotel in Shegar, Everest View Hotel or similar hotel in Rongbuk and Zhangmu hotel or Caiyuan Hotel in Zhangmu.

Accommodations

All accommodation has been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. Accommodation during the 4-countries trip are on twin sharing basis and are of different category according to the place of visit. During the tour, the following hotels served us:

India: Hotel Lemon Tree or similar in Delhi, Hotel Red Fox or similar in Jaipur, Hotel Howard Park or similar in Agra

Bhutan: Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of our booking, Himalayan Glacier provides A grade hotels in Paro and Thimphu and B grade hotels in Punkha. Himalayan Glacier employs Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro, Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu, and Meri Puensum Resort or similar in Punakha.

Nepal: We will be served at Hotel Shanker or similar rating hotels in Kathmandu.

Tibet: Hotel Kyichu or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar in Gyantse, Shigatse Hotel or similar in Shigatse, Qomolangama Hotel or similar hotel in Shegar, Everest view hotel or similar hotel in Ronbuk (optional: tent guest house in Everest base camp ), and Zhangmu hotel or similar hotel in Zhangmu. Single supplement will be served on request and it will cost extra.

We should keep in mind this trip is based on standard accommodation basis. So for private or upgraded accommodation on the tour, or for single supplement options, please contact at Himalayan Glacier.

Visa and Travel Procedures

India Visa: Needed to be organized by client from home country

Nepal Visa: Available upon arrival at Kathmandu airport

Bhutan Visa: Himalayan Glacier Trekking organizes

Chinese Visa and Tibet Permits: Himalayan Glacier Trekking organizes

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Adventure Tour in four Himalayan Countries: India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Best Season

The Adventure Tour in the four Himalayan Countries, India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet - 21 days, will be best from mid March to May in spring and again from September to November in autumn. In India, comparatively it will be hot in Spring time, but rest of the other destinations have perfect weather both in Spring and Autumn.

Trip Start Dates & Price

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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Trip Facts

Price From

$ 5488 USD

Trip Code

HGTIN-0182

Activities: Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, 4x4 Driving
Trip Duration:21 Days
Altitude:Max:5,250m/17,220ft
Accommodation: Two or three star hotels in India, A or B category hotels in Bhutan, four-star hotels in Kathmandu, two or three star hotels and basic guesthouses in Tibet.
Transportation: We will be served by private vehicle.
Group Size: Minimum 2 people