Spiritual Adventure Travel

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Jagadamba Holidays representatives will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport with a Jagadamba Holidays placard (Jagadamba Holidays signboard). In case of late night arrival, private transportation to the hotel will be arranged by the representative. Clients will be notified of tour briefings and group meeting times by a representative. In the meeting we discuss the travel plans and services and introduce the trek or tour guide as per the itinerary. You must completely fill up a legally binding travel form and a non-liability disclaimer form. If any person’s tour payment is due, such person must pay at this meeting. Overnight stay at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel and the room will be according to your booked category.

After breakfast, we will drive for one hour to reach Sundarijal. Sundarijal lies at the foot of the northeastern range of the Kathmandu Valley and is the starting point of Helambu Circuit Trek. The trek starts from Sundarijal to Chisapani, which takes 4 to 5 hours. The trail takes us to Shivpuri National Park. After walking 1,895 meters and 600 meters from Sudarijal, you will reach Mulkhara, a settlement of Tamang village. We will take a short break at Mulkharka for tea and snack. We then walk along the ridge and through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. During spring, the forest will bloom with multicolored rhododendrons. We walk through the forest until we reach Chisapani. It takes about one and a half hours from Kathmandu to Sundarijal by private vehicle.

During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 1050 meters and descend 270 meters. The walking distance is about 10 km and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the destination. We arrange your stay at the lodge (Plan: Bed, Dinner and breakfast).

We wake up early to watch the magnificent sunrise from the Chisapani view. Watching the early rays of the sun fall on the Himalayan range will be a sight to behold in your lifetime. After breakfast, we proceed to Kutumsang, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. The trek passes through many grasslands and agricultural fields as you enjoy stunning views of the Langtang hills. We then descend the cliff to the small and pleasant village of Pati Bhanjyang. We begin the trek to Gul Bhanjyang, climbing a rock to a pass. Another downhill walk from the pass takes you to Kutumsang which is your destination for the night. During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 1290 meters and descend 970 meters. The walking distance is about 16 km and it takes about 7-8 hours to reach the destination. We arrange your stay at the lodge (Plan: Bed, Dinner and breakfast).

After breakfast at the lodge, we head north to get beautiful views of the snowy peaks ahead. We climb steep paths through pine and rhododendron forests in an uninhabited area to reach to the destination. The forests are lush, dense and blooming with Nepal’s national flower – the rhododendron. The trek continues to Yurin Danda, allowing you to enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas. Soon, we reach a few lodges in Magen Goth, which are located on the edge of the meadow and offer spectacular mountain views. We arrive at Tharepati on foot. During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 1300 meters and descend 130 meters. The walking distance is about 11 km and it takes about 6-7 hours to reach the destination. We arrange your stay at the lodge (Plan: Bed, Dinner and breakfast).

After breakfast at the lodge, our journey will begin. Today’s walk will be enjoyable as you will get a chance to observe the different culture and lifestyle of the people of the local ethnic community. This walk will take about 5 hours. First, we head east from the ridgeline, and descend to reach the charming village of Melamchi. The village has many sacred Buddhist stupas, shrines and monasteries visited by Guru Rinpoche. This village is inhabited by Sherpas, but these Sherpas are slightly different from those who live to the east in Solu Khumbu.

We then drove through some Sherpa settlements to Tarke Ghyang enjoying the view of the Himalayan peaks. You will also visit the Old Monastery at Tarke Ghyang, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region. The village is called Helambu as most of the inhabitants belong to the Hyolmo caste. Literally Helambu is a term used to refer to a collection of Tamang and Sherpa villages in the area of the Helambu Valley. During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 760 meters and descend 1750 meters. The walking distance is about 11 km and it takes about 6-7 hours to reach the destination. We arrange your stay at the lodge (Plan: Bed, Dinner and breakfast).

After breakfast at the lodge, our journey will begin. A pleasant trek awaits you as we do not gain much altitude. The route through Tarke Gang offers stunning views through dense forests, streams and waterfalls. During today’s trek you will come across many small villages between Parachin and Sherpa villages. From Gangyul, you will trek further to reach Sarmanthang. It is a beautiful settlement with many Buddhist monasteries. Tonight we will stay in Sermathang. During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 380 meters and descend 420 meters. The walking distance is about 11 km and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the destination. We arrange your stay at the lodge (Plan: Bed, Dinner and breakfast).

After breakfast at the lodge, our journey will begin. Melamchi Bazaar is the end point of this trek and can be reached after a 5 hour mostly downhill walk from Sermathang. During the trek, lunch will be arranged in between or at the destination depending on your appetite. In today’s walk we will climb 80 meters and descend 1850 meters. The walking distance is about 16 km and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the Melamchi Bazar.

We will travel 71 km from Melamchi Bazar to Kathmandu by public bus and it will take around 4 hours. A scenic route that follows the Melamchi River for some time, offering panoramic views of the countryside and farmland. Private transfer from Melamchi to Kathmandu is also possible instead of public transfer. There are no private vehicles in Melamchi, so to pick up from Melamchi, you have to book a vehicle and send it from Kathmandu. Overnight stay at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel and the room will be according to your booked category.

Note: We will probably have a Tibet tour group briefing today at 6pm in the hotel lobby and hand over the necessary travel documents to you.

After breakfast at the hotel, our overland journey to Tibet will begin. Early in the morning we start our journey through the beautiful countryside of Nepal via Trishuli Bazar, Dhunche, Syabrubesi, and Timure to Rasuwagadhi checkpoint. Upon arrival at the border, proceed to enter Tibet and complete immigration formalities. After completing the necessary border formalities in Nepali immigration and passing the bridge process for all the necessary formalities in Chinese immigration, proceed to Kerung / Kyirong Town. The distance between Kathmandu and Kerung via Rasuwagadhi Pass is 145 km and it takes 7 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. Stay overnight at Kerung Hotel in Kyirong Town.

Today’s journey will start after breakfast at the hotel. Start your journey with the World’s Rooftop Experience, offering panoramic views of the world’s highest plateau, weather permitting, the Tibetan landscape, Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m), Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m) and the Himalayan mountain range. During today’s journey one can also see the beautiful Lake Paiku /Paiku Tsho Lake (4,591 m). Admire stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and the majestic Himalayan range as you navigate the scenic route. With a stopover at Nyalam Tong La or Yakrushong La (5,100 m), you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking mountain views. After a day of sightseeing, relax and rejuvenate at the hotel in Tingri. The distance between Kerung and Tingri is 235 km and it takes 6 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. Stay overnight at Hotel or Guesthouse in Tingri.

After breakfast at the hotel, today’s journey will continue to the scenic views by crossing Gyatchu La (5,259 m) towards to Shigatse. On this route you will pass Gyatso La (5,259 m), a five thousand high pass sometimes known as Jiao Tsuo La on maps. Either way, you’ll get closer to the Himalayan ridge with Mt Everest in the foreground. Lhatse is the road confluence between Lhasa and Kailash. Behind Lhatse is a major crossroads, where the road leads through western Tibet to Kashgar and skirting the sacred mountain of Kailash. The distance between Tingri and Shigatse via Lhatse is 245 km and it takes 6 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. We will accommodate you in a hotel in Shigatse.

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey will begin. Visit the Panchen Lama’s Tashilunpo Monastery before heading to Gyantse. Along the way you can see many Tibetan farming villages. After arriving Gyantse, you will visit heritage town Gyantse Old Street and Perklor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa. Then you will also see Manak Dam Lake, Korola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake on your way to Lhasa. From Gyantse to Lhasa we will travel through Yamadrok-tso Lake and the Tibetan lifeline river Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo).The distance between Shigatse and Lhasa via Gyantse is 350 km and it takes 7 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. We will accommodate you in a hotel in Lhasa.

Today’s tour takes you first to the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It was introduced by the 33rd Great King of Tibet from the 7th century. The Potala Palace’s most valuable collections are the golden burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation caves of the 33rd Great King of Tibet. After completing the tour of Potala Palace you have one hour lunch break time.

After lunch, the second part of the tour will begin with a visit to the Jokhang Temple, founded by the 33rd Great King of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (“Sage of the Shakyas“) at the age of 12. Outside, you can see pilgrims in front of the Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is the Barkhor Street, where you can join pilgrims and locals in the kora (religious enclosure on the building or hill), and explore the old bazaar. Moreover, we can taste Tibetan tea with the locals at the tea house. We will accommodate you in a hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guided sightseeing tour will begin. In the morning, you are going to visit Dadong, the most beautiful village in Lhasa. Dadong Village is a well-preserved ancient Tibetan village surrounded by a valley located 25 km southwest of the center of Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will visit Nyimatang Monastery (built in the 11th century), take a gentle walk through the village, and see what rural life is like in Lhasa. You will also meet a local Tibetan family and enjoy lunch offered by the family.

Drepung Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Gephel which is one of the “Great Three” Gelug University Gompas in Tibet. Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery are two other large monasteries in Tibet. Drepung is the largest monastery in Tibet and located at the foot of Gambo Utse Mountain, about five kilometers from Lhasa city, from a distance, the monastery looks like a pile of rice, and the name actually means “rice collection”.

After an in-depth visit to Nyimatang Monastery and Drepung Monastery, in the afternoon, tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries in Tibet. A hot attraction is the monks debating in the courtyard of the ceremony. In addition, you will see colorful rock paintings of Buddha and three sand mandalas at Sera Monastery. After that, you will visit the Tibetan religious text printing house. In the evening, you will enjoy our last meal in Lhasa. We will accommodate you in a hotel in Lhasa.

Today, we will continue driving to Shegar, where you will spend the night and you can enjoy the beautiful view of Himalayas, lakes and local settlements. The distance between Lhasa and Shegar via Lhatse 655 km and it takes 9 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. We will accommodate you in a hotel or guesthouse in Shegar.

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey to Kathmandu will begin. Today we continue our journey to Rasuwagadhi Nepal & Tibet border via Kyirong, where you will check out from China (Tibet), you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas and Gangdise mountain range. Today, the Tibetan tour guide will drop you at the border bridge, you have to walk yourself to cross the 50m long border bridge, then check into Nepal.

You can get an arrival stamp in your passport (if you have a Nepal multi-tourist visa). If you don’t have Nepal re-entry visa then you need to pay Nepal visa fee which is around 30 USD. A passport size photograph should also be prepared to get Nepal visa. At the next stage, a representative of Jagadamba Holidays will meet you at the exit point of the border bridge. After meeting him, you should follow him to go to Kathmandu. The distance between Shegar and Kathmandu via Kyirong 425 km and it takes 10 hours by private vehicle to reach the destination. After reaching Kathmandu, proceed to Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel. Overnight stay at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel and the room will be according to your booked category.

After breakfast, you should check out of your room (check out time: 12:00 hrs.) and store your luggage at the hotel and relax in the hotel lobby or explore the nearby local market for last minute shopping for friends and family. Transportation to Kathmandu International Airport will be provided for your return flight home.

Due to limited space at Kathmandu Airport, all airlines have requested to report at the check-in counter three hours before the actual flight departure time. Therefore, we will pick you up from the hotel three and a half hours in advance, as the estimated travel time to the airport is around half an hour. We hope that your visit to Nepal and Tibet the activities you do during your visit will remind you to visit Nepal and Tibet again in the future. As per the service policy of Jagadamba Holidays, your journey will conclude with a farewell at the airport. Have a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you, see you again!