Himalayan Mountain Kingdoms

There is mystery and magic in the Himalaya, in the eerie chanting of maroon-robed monks in brightly painted monasteries, in the snow plumes trailing from high peaks, and in the smiles of Buddhist pilgrims at ancient temples. We experience this extraordinary world in three Himalayan lands, discovering Tibet through the immense power of places like Samye Monastery, exploring Nepal, whose ancient past lingers on in the temple-filled streets and vibrant bazaars of Kathmandu, and savoring the flourishing kingdom of Bhutan, where we visit temples of singular beauty and hike to the famous cliffside hermitage of Taktsang. Throughout, we encounter an array of Himalayan peoples, from nomads to lamas, and relish some of the most majestic mountain scenery on earth.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-5
Lhasa, Tibet / Yarlung Valley / Samye (Fall Festival Departure)

Our journey begins in Lhasa, Tibet’s holy city, where we explore the massive Potala Palace and admire the candle-lit altars at Tibet’s most sacred temple, the Jokhang. Heading out of Lhasa, we explore the imposing Ganden Monastery for a chance to walk the kora (sacred circuit) along with groups of Tibetan pilgrims. In the hauntingly beautiful Yarlung Valley, we visit the spectacular 8th century Samye Monastery, whose remarkable collection of wall paintings vividly depict the legends and religious history of Tibet.

Day 1, April 15
Lhasa, Tibet (11,830')

From Chengdu, China, fly to Gongkar, the airport that serves Lhasa, the long-forbidden capital of Tibet. On arrival, we transfer via a 60-mile drive across Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa. We meet our Trip Leader at the hotel and gather for a welcome dinner this evening. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa...LD

Accommodations in Tibet: Please note that hotels in Tibet are somewhat basic. We choose our hotels for their optimum location and services, and while they are the best available, they may be simpler than hotels you may have experienced in other regions of Asia.

You must arrange your travel plans to arrive in Chengdu, China, at least one day before Day 1 of the trip. Extra overnight(s) in Chengdu can be arranged on your own or by Wilderness Travel (an “on your own” expense).

Day 2, April 16
Exploration Day / Lhasa

A day of exploring major sites of the holy city of Lhasa sets the stage for our introduction to the ancient cultural heritage of Tibet. We visit massive, ancient Potala Palace, join pilgrims who gather at the candle-lit altars at the Jokhang (Tibet’s most sacred temple), and walk the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Jokhang. We also hope to visit some of the many small temples tucked off the main thoroughfare, places other travelers rarely visit. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa...BLDLhasa & the Lhasa Valley: Tibet’s colossal Potala Palace is a striking thousand-room monument that dominates the Lhasa skyline. From the roofs of the Potala (13-stories high), the view over Lhasa is unforgettable. On its roof terraces are the Dalai Lama’s residences and courtyard. Eight Dalai Lamas are buried in this famous building. The original parts of the Potala date back to the 7th century. Jokhang, Tibet’s most sacred temple, draws multitudes of pilgrims from all over the country. It houses Tibet’s most revered statue, a magnificent image of Jowo Sakyamuni. The Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Jokhang, serves as Lhasa’s central bazaar, where one finds everything from precious Kham amber to prayer flags. Norbulingka (“Jewel Park”) was the official summer residence for the Dalai Lamas and their families since the mid-18th century. It is a park-like enclave surrounded by trees, ponds, and pavilions on the outskirts of Lhasa. The current Dalai Lama lived here until he fled to India in 1959 and his residential quarters have been left untouched, remaining furnished as they were at that time. Drepung Monastery, a former Buddhist university, is cradled in rock ridges five miles west of Lhasa. Drepung was once the largest and most powerful of the six great Gelugpa religious centers in Tibet. The kora (a pilgrim trail circling a sacred place) around Drepung offers a panoramic one-hour walk with views of the Lhasa Valley and the monastery grounds. There is always something interesting to observe at Tibetan monasteries and temples, from monks engaging in ritual philosophical debates or chanting prayers to pilgrims in their devotional activities.

Days 6-8
Kathmandu, Nepal

In Kathmandu, we discover an ancient city where Hindu and Buddhist worlds intertwine. Small golden shrines are adorned with garlands of marigolds, beautifully carved wooden windows and doorways overlook narrow alleys, and the scent of exotic spices fills the air. Our explorations include the thriving Buddhist center at Bodhnath, where monasteries encircle a massive stupa painted with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha.

Days 9-12
Paro, Bhutan / Punakha / Wangdue

Gold-roofed monasteries, emerald valleys, deep, rustling forests—Bhutan’s landscape is so enchanting it seems taken from the pages of a storybook. In this tiny kingdom, the presence of Tibetan Buddhism is everywhere, from fluttering prayer flags dotting the countryside to exquisite hilltop lhakhangs (temples). In Paro, we visit the 17th century Paro Dzong and the National Museum, with its collection of ancient artifacts, and hike up to the famous hermitage of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” Journeying across the 10,200-foot Dochu La, we head to the peaceful Punakha Valley, where the stunning and labyrinthine Punakha Dzong sits at the spectacular confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu (the Mother and Father rivers). In the Punakha Valley, we hike to hillside chortens (shrines), and in the nearby district of Wangdue, we attend the colorful Tsechu Festival with its masked dances, an occasion when Bhutanese dress in their finery and renew their faith in a traditional celebration of community. One of the HIGHLIGHTS is the ceremonial unfurling of the thongdrol, an enormous thangka (cloth mural).

Days 13-15
Thimphu / Paro

Heading to Bhutan’s charming capital, we have a chance to view Thimphu’s Tsechu Festival before departing via Paro on Day 15. (The spring departure features a different itinerary.)

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 2+, Easy to Moderate. It features vehicle-based sightseeing with day walks and hotel/lodge accommodations throughout. Our optional day hikes take place at altitudes of 4,000-13,000 feet. All hiking is with a daypack only, and you always have the option to skip any hike you don’t want to undertake. This trip is appropriate for anyone in good health living an active outdoor lifestyle. Although you carry only a daypack on the walks, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

Even though this is not a strenuous trip, the shape you’re in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of it. Make special efforts to get in good physical condition for the trip by hiking, running, bicycling, swimming or participating in other forms of exercise beyond your normal routine.

Explanation of Trip Levels