Tour the Cultural Wonders of Kathmandu and Lhasa
We will see two lovely capital cities Kathmandu in Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet. We will visit World Heritage temples and palaces in Kathmandu, explore ancient squares and the blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. We will explore such sites as Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa and observe every day candle, incense, and prayer flag worship. We shall visit the heart of the Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa. We will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor area where pilgrims walk and pray. We will also meet some friendly local people to know about local food and local lifestyle. This cultural experience is one of the main highlights of the Nepal and Tibet tour.
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
We will explore two of the most holy treasures in Tibet in a day, the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. We will slowly climb the steps of the Potala palace, see the great halls and the golden shrines of the previous Dalai Lamas. On the top, we will get a beautiful view of the city of Lhasa and the mountains in the distance.
We will later go to the Jokhang Temple where butter lamps and soft chanting fill the air. We will see the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue and participate in local pilgrims as they revolve around the temple to worship. Such trips will give us a glimpse of the spiritual inner world of Tibet and they will leave great memories of religion and calmness.
Drepung and Sera monasteries
We will also explore two excellent monasteries around Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, to understand more about the monastic life in Tibet. We will visit serene courtyards, big prayer rooms and beautiful murals at Drepung Monastery. We can find monks reading, chanting or smiling at us as we pass by. We will then go to Sera Monastery, which is known due to lively monk debates after lunch.
We will see monks clapping and talking about the teachings of Buddhism in the courtyard, full of energy and happiness. Although we may not know the language, the air will be filled with the spirit of learning and faith. These tours will provide us with a cozy understanding of the living Tibetan practices and spiritual resilience.
Barkhor Market and Pilgrim Circuit
We shall walk softly round Barkhor Street, the centre of old Lhasa. In this case, we will accompany local pilgrims who walk clockwise around Jokhang Temple. And we will witness men turning prayer-wheels and muttering mantras, and displaying great piety. We will visit colourful market stalls with prayer flags, jewelry, incense and hand made crafts on our way.
We may make polite conversation with the local shopkeepers, take a hot cup of Tibetan tea, or just have fun. The voices of prayer, the odor of incense, and the cheerfulness of pilgrims will make it a really moving experience. A walk around Barkhor will make us feel like members of the daily Tibetan life, simple, earnest, and spiritual.
Australian Camp and Himalayan Views at Pokhara
We will also have some of the best mountain sceneries in Nepal without any trek. In Pokhara, we will get up early and go to Sarangkot and see the sunrise over the Himalayas. The golden rays will first hit Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). It will be a calm and encouraging experience.
We will make another brief, easy stroll to Australian Camp later, through fields and wood. On top of the mountain, we will sit silently and observe the splendid view of the Annapurna range. We will drink hot tea, listen to mountain air, and watch the silent beauty of nature. These mountain experiences will remain in our hearts even after the trip.
Nepal and Tibet Cultural Experiences
In both Nepal and Tibet we will get numerous opportunities to explore local culture. We will explore Nepal by walking through ancient towns, artisans working, and trying traditional foods such as dal bhat and momos. We will have a cultural dinner, music, dance, and will know more about Nepal and its numerous traditions.
We will find friendly locals in Tibet, as well as family households (where possible) and enjoy a cup of butter tea as we get to know more about the daily life. We will walk with pilgrims, visit in various colourful markets, and hear the stories of our local guides. These little, authentic experiences will make us relate to both cultures in an emotional manner. We will not only feel as visitors but also as friends, by the end of our journey.
Is This Trip Beginner-Friendly?
Yes, we will have a smooth and comfortable ride that anybody, including first-time travellers, will be comfortable. Our trip will be primarily by air and by car, with brief and comfortable walks. In Nepal, we will be at low altitude and any hiking like Australian Camp will be optional.
In Tibet, we will rest on the first day in Lhasa to adapt to the altitude. Our pace will be slow, we will drink much water, and rest when we must. Our loving guides will never leave us without checking our condition and give some friendly guidance. This tour is easy to join by many families, seniors and new travelers. We will go at a slow pace and enjoy every spot in full comfort.
Private Trip vs Group Tour
You will have two travel options: a small group tour or a private tour. When you travel with a group, you will travel with friendly people. you will have experiences, spend time together, and have cheaper prices. There will be a good plan and our guide will make sure that everything is fine. In case you want a personal trip, you can have our guide, driver, and complete freedom.
You may delay till later, or have more time at the place you prefer, or make minor adjustments to the plan. Tours that are privately arranged are a bit more expensive and more personal. Whether in a private or a group travel, you will enjoy a warm care, attention and a memorable trip throughout.
Trip Extension
We will be glad to offer an extension trip to anyone who wants to see more of the Himalayas after this 10 days Nepal and Tibet adventure. The experience is so motivating to many Travelers that they desire to keep on discovering more. You can stay longer in Nepal with a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park, sightseeing flights over the mountain in Everest, or day tours to Bhaktapur and Patan to learn more of the heritage of the valley.
In case you like to hike, then we can include short walks like Poon hill or even longer walks like the Annapurna Circuit or even Everest Base Camp. We can continue your trip to Gyantse, Shigatse or even to the northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet, where we can also have a wonderful view.
We can organize the sacred Mount Kailash pilgrimage or a connecting visit to Bhutan to those who have more time. Whichever you want, we will take care of all the logistics, flights and permits making your extension an easy and pleasant complement to your main tour.
Photography & Drone Rules
During our Nepal and Tibet trip, we will get numerous opportunities to capture beautiful photographs but we must do so in a respectful manner. We will never take close photos of local people without seeking their permission or capture pictures of police, soldiers or restricted places.
Photography is generally not restricted in Nepal, but there are certain temples such as Pashupatinath or the house of Kumari which cannot permit photography. In Tibet, Some monasteries allow photos only in certain areas (sometimes for a small fee), but parts of sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are strictly no-photography.
We will not also disturb the prayer of monks or pilgrims. Drones are tightly regulated in the two countries and we highly recommend not to carry one. Our ground observations will produce great memories of the temples, people, and mountain scenery, and we will remain respectful and safe during every moment.
Cultural Festivals on the Trail
This will give us a great opportunity to attend local festivals provided that our travel schedule is in line with the festivals. Festivals celebrated in Nepal such as Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Indra Jatra bring colour, lights, and happiness to the streets. We will observe the decoration of temples, happy families, and traditional dances and music. The festivals in Tibet like Losar (New Year), Saga Dawa, and Shoton are very spiritual.
We can even come across pilgrims strolling along Barkhor, monks with giant thangkas, or families praying and celebrating. In case we are in town during one of these events, we will reschedule to allow us to participate or spectate in good taste. Both Nepal and Tibet festivals demonstrate the beauty of their religion and community spirit, and leave us with a memorable cultural experience in our trip.
Tips for First Time Traveler
Our first time trip to Nepal will be an adventure and a travel full of good hospitality. The Nepali people are polite and friendly, and you should meet them with a smile and Namaste with our palms together. You should also dress decently, take off shoes when visiting temples or houses and use the right hand whenever giving or receiving something.
You should be watchful in the areas with many people, keep our valuables locked up, and use the road closely because the traffic is not always free. You should consume bottled or filtered water, dine out in clean restaurants, and keep hand sanitizer in your pockets. You can change money at the counters, retain small notes to be used locally and keep in mind that tipping is welcome but not compulsory. You can keep in touch with your family and friends by purchasing a local SIM card or by Wi-Fi.
Above all, you should not violate local customs and traditions, take photographs without asking, or be unkind in every place you go. You should also appreciate the beauty, culture, and people of Nepal with patience, an open mind, and it will become your first visit to Nepal safe, smooth, and unforgettable.