Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
Land at Kathmandu International Airport where a representative will greet you and help with hotel check-in. You'll have the rest of the day free to walk around this historic and lively city at your own pace. Take time to get your bearings and maybe grab a meal somewhere local to start getting a feel for the place.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Explore Kathmandu city
- Day 2
Kathmandu to Lhasa
Board a trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Gonggar Airport, and this route ranks among the world's most beautiful flights with views over Everest and Kanchenjunga visible from your window. After clearing immigration, you'll drive for about 1.5 hours (93 km) to reach Lhasa. Given the city's high altitude of 3650 meters/11,975 feet, it's best to take things slow for the rest of the day and let your body adjust.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Everest Kanchenjunga 
- Day 3
Lhasa
Start at Sera Monastery with its distinctive white-washed walls and golden roofs, then head to Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. From there, walk through Jokhang Temple, an important sacred site that reveals deep elements of Tibetan Buddhism. Later, check out Barkhor Markets where local vendors sell goods and you can observe Tibetan culture and customs firsthand. Head back to your hotel by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Sera Monastery
- Visit Norbulingka (Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama)
- Visit Jokhang Temple
- Explore Barkhor Markets
Landmarks Sera Monastery Norbulingka Jokhang Temple Barkhor Markets 
- Day 4
Lhasa
Tour Potala Palace, a 17th-century structure that offers views across the entire city from its location, including the Dalai Lama's private quarters, grand state rooms, and numerous chapels. After that, drive to Drepung Monastery, constructed in the 14th century and historically home to around 10,000 monks. This site holds deep spiritual significance for Tibetan people and the scale of it really shows that history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Potala Palace
- Visit Drepung Monastery
Landmarks Potala Palace Drepung Monastery - Day 5
Lhasa
Drive out to Ganden Monastery to see very detailed and fine murals and sculptures, including an ornate armor decorated with gems that Emperor Qianlong once wore and gave to the monastery. In the afternoon, head toward Drayerpa Cave, which sits about 35 km from Lhasa, to visit local Lamas living in their cave dwellings. You'll explore some of the 30+ caves carved into the valley with nice surrounding views, then drive back to Lhasa as evening approaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ganden Monastery
- Visit Drayerpa Cave and meet local Lamas
Landmarks Ganden Monastery Drayerpa Cave - Day 6
Lhasa to Kathmandu
Take one final look at Potala Palace before heading to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. This gives you a chance to reflect on the temples, monasteries, and cultural sites you've seen during your time in Lhasa.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
Landmarks Potala Palace - Day 7
Kathmandu
If you'd like to extend your trip, this day is available for additional activities. Talk with your tour operator about options like national park game drives, rafting, mountain biking, or organized tours heading to India or Bhutan from the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Game drive at national parks
- Rafting
- Mountain biking
- India tour
- Bhutan tour
