Sri Lanka, Nepal and Tibet Tour

Once you arrive at Colombo Airport, the Sri Lankan chauffeur guide escorts you to the hotel. Freshen up and rest at the hotel. If time permits, visit one or two major attractions of Colombo in the evening. Continue sightseeing in Colombo the next day or on the last day. Some of the major attractions include the 100-year-old clock tower, the Dutch Hospital, Galle Face Green, the bustling Pettah Bazaar, Gangarama Temple, and Arcade Independence Square. Spend the night in a hotel.

In the morning, you complete Colombo Sightseeing and head toward the next destination Habarana (Sigiriya). Admiring the scenic views, after a few hours reach Habarana. Start the Hiriwadunna Village tour. Take a short Tuk Tuk ride which takes you to the man-made reservoir called Hiriwaduuna Lake. Enjoy a Catamaran boat ride over the lake and admire the picturesque scenery of the surroundings such as green forest, marshlands, and vegetables which are organic.

Arrive at Hiriwadunna Village, and experience the traditional village life of the locals. Enjoy the simple foods prepared by the local women using homegrown crops and vegetables. They demonstrate different skills in cooking using the available fresh crops. All the process is done in front of you. Enjoy the process and organic food.

After enjoying food, interact with the locals and try to understand their culture and lifestyle. Then, take a short walk and ride on a Jeep for Safari. Relish the Jeep Safari in the vicinity of a Hurulu Forest Reserve. This forest reserve signifies Sri Lanka’s dry evergreen forest. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna where you witness giant Elephants, peacocks, green vegetation, and other species. After completing the excursion, return to a hotel. Spend a night in a hotel.

Early in the morning, a short hike to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya was named after the Sri Lankan words for lion and mountain. The major highlights of this Fortress are ruine halls, a citadel, the Mirror Wall, and ancient Frescoes. It was built by King Kashyapa after he moved his capital to Sigiriya. The gardens and moats surround this beautiful rock fortress. The climb to the top takes an hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The site is historically and archaeologically significant, with a 180m column of granite rock dominating the area.

After a fabulous hike, travel to Anuradhapura for exploration. There are many attractions in Anuradhapura such as Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Thuparamaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Monastery Complex, Archaeological Museum, Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Isurumuniya Temple, and Samadhi Buddha Statue.

One of the largest stupas in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanweliseya Stupa. The large paved courts and platforms surround this stupa. It is a very significant stupa for the Buddhists.

The Abhayagiri Monastery Complex in Anuradhapura is a stunning and impressive ruin that includes a grand-scale monastery. The main stupa, which is the second-largest on the island, was built over the footprint of Gautama Buddha. It's a significant place for a fraternity of Buddhist monks who preserve their records, traditions, and way of life. Some other attractions are Abhayagiri Stupa, Moonstone, Guard Stone, Museum, Twin Ponds, & Eth Pokuna.

Sri Maha Bodhi is an ancient tree in the Mahamevnāwa Gardens. The statues, water canals, and golden fences surround this ancient tree. This tree is associated with Gautam Buddha as its cutting was brought from Bodh Gaya where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. This is considered sacred by all Buddhists and has been preserved for many years.

Isurumuniya, a Buddhist temple features impressive architecture and sculptures depicting the artistry of the time. Originally built as a dormitory for 500 children, the structure evolved into a temple, combining elements of both a temple and a fortress. Isurumuniya is popular for its internationally acclaimed inscriptions, including The Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond, and The Royal Family.

After an excursion to some beautiful places in Anuradhapura, return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

You travel to Kandy for the exploration. Kandy is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka. It is both an administrative and religious city. The city is renowned for the Temple of Tooth Relic. Stop at Dambulla to visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also popular as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The most well-preserved and extensive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with five main caves. It contains numerous statues of Lord Buddha, kings, and Lord Vishnu. The temple is part of the 'Cultural Triangle,' which includes Sigiriya and Kandy. To reach the temple, you must climb the Dambulla Rock. Get spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Each of the five caves has its significance and history that provides visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's evolving culture.

After a mesmerizing cave temple visit, continue to travel to Kandy. On the way to Kandy, Visit the famous Spice and Herbal Gardens where you can study and see many different spices and herbal plants. The spicy gardens are famous in Sri Lanka. The specialty of these gardens is their high-quality organically-farmed spices. Take a short tour and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, cleaning, and packaging of 15 different spices. You can taste unique flavors and learn how to distinguish the taste of different spices. If you wish, you can also buy fresh, exotic, and delicate organic spices, traditional remedies, and natural cosmetics made by local experts.

After the Spicy Garden visit, continue the drive to Kandy. Upon reaching Kandy, take a rest and freshen up. Have lunch or light snacks. Then, head to the renowned Tooth Relic Temple or Dalada Maligawa. This is the highly admired Buddhist temple in Kandy. It houses the tooth of Buddha in a golden chamber within the royal palace complex. The ambiance of the temple is magical. Other attractions feature a museum, royal gardens, a palace, and meditation grounds. The very significant temple in Sri Lanka is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a spiritual visit to the sacred Tooth Relic temple, enjoy some time around Kandy Lake in the evening. You can also enjoy Kandy Cultural Dance Shows. 12 different types of folk and traditional dances are performed. The show time usually starts at 5:30 pm and lasts for an hour. Spend a night in a hotel.

From Kandy, make your way to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, just 6 km away from Kandy. This garden is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is famous for its impressive collection of orchids, including an Orchid House and a picturesque Avenue of Palms. With over 400 plant species, including medicinal plants and over 110 endemic plants, this botanical garden is a nature lover's paradise. One of its major attractions is the massive Javan fig tree that is sure to leave you in amazement. Continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is a delightful destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its great combination of natural beauty, colonial heritage, and modern amenities. The city is popularly termed as ‘Little England’. There are several attractions but Tea plantation is the prime highlight which looks stunning as it surrounds hills and valleys. En route stop at the local tea factories and learn about the tea-making process. If you wish, get some tea as souvenir as it is one of the finest qualities. Spend a night in a hotel.

Embark on an exciting train ride to Ella after having a delicious breakfast. Board the legendary blue train for a scenic journey through Sri Lanka's gorgeous landscapes. It's an experience you won't want to miss as you pass through rolling rice fields, green tea estates, appealing villages, towering mountains, colonial-era viaducts perched above verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. So sit back, relax, and adore the ride as you make your way to the scenic town of Ella that promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Upon reaching Ella, take a short rest at a hotel and have some light snacks. Then, proceed to Little Adams Peak for a scenic hike. Situated at an elevation of 1141 m it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Ella Valley. A popular hiking spot which takes an hour to reach is the vantage point which is perfect for picturesque views of region’s lush tea plantation and towering mountains in the backdrop. After appreciating the vistas, head to Nine Arch Bridge.

Nine Arch Bridge also renowned as ‘the Bridge in the Sky’ is a remarkable piece of architecture built during the British colonial era. It includes nine arches which is prominent for its unique design. This bridge is famous for its breathtaking surrounding lush green valley views and landscapes. Take a leisurely walk admiring its beauty. Return to a hotel to stay overnight.

Experience the majesty of Galle Fort's impressive architecture, precisely preserved in its original glory. Take a leisurely stroll along the fortifications to admire the imposing structures. Relax at one of the amiable cafes or restaurants and treat in local and international cuisine. Galle Fort is an ideal destination for all history buff, foodie, or beach lover and not to be missed.

After spending some quality time at Galle Fort, head towards Bentota. A beautiful coastal town famous for its beaches, villas, Turtle Hatchery, and water sports. Water sports includes river cruises, tubing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, speed boating, and banana boating. Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka's countryside with a river Boat safari in Bentota's Mangrove forests. Witness exotic aquatic fauna and spot wildlife such as herons and kingfishers. Enjoy a ticklish fish spa activity along the way, making remarkable memories.

End the trip with a visit to the Kasgoda Sea Conservation Project. Witness the magic of protecting these endangered Turtle creatures in the hatchery. Here, eggs are collected, protected, and finally released into the ocean, increasing the chances of survival for the hatchlings. Don't miss this chance to be a part of an important conservation project. Nurture sea turtles including weak and disabled and release baby sea turtles back into the sea. Spend some time here and admire the beautiful sunset views. Spend a night in a hotel.

Enjoy some time at the beach or continue sightseeing in Colombo if you have missed some places in the beginning.

You engrossed in the diverse cultures of this enchanting country Sri Lanka. From breathtaking scenery to the warm hospitality of the locals, we believe your Sri Lankan adventure has undoubtedly left an everlasting impression on you. Transfer to the Colombo Airport for final departure as this Sri Lanka tours come to an end. We are confident that you will treasure these cherished memories for many years to come.

Land at Kathmandu international airport. Our staff will receive you and accompany to the hotel. Today you can relax or enjoy the traditional and crowded markets of the Kathmandu city. You will definitely enjoy realizing how a congested market holds every detail items that attract the people. Old shops with traditional items are the best experience for most of the people in these local markets.

*Please note that entering Tibet from Kathmandu, it is necessary to apply for a Tibet Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which typically takes a minimum of 4 working days to process. As part of this process, your original passport will be retained by the Chinese Embassy, and you will also need to visit the embassy for biometric verification. During this period, while your Tibet Visa application is being processed, you will have the opportunity to do sightseeing tours around Kathmandu. We will apply your Tibet Group visa today.

The first day in Kathmandu begins with sightseeing around Swayambhunath Stupa. Have breakfast and then, we head towards the stupa. This stupa is popularly known as ‘Monkey Temple’. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley from the hilltop. In the surroundings of the Stupa, there are numerous Buddha statues, a big Vajra, small chaityas, a small museum, and monasteries. You can see many monkeys roaming around the premise. The huge spiral stupa with wisdom eyes symbol and beneath is a big white dome looks very impressive. The fragrance of butter lamps and incense creates the surrounding atmosphere more blissful.

Then, visit the Chinese Embassy to apply for the Tibet Visa with all the necessary documents. It is necessary to apply for at least three days before the Tibet visit and Kathmandu is the only International destination to go to Tibet besides China.

Have lunch and we head to Patan Durbar Square for sightseeing. One of the three durbars in the Kathmandu Valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient King’s palace, ancient old temples, Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum, beautiful courtyards, and artistically beautiful decorations in the architecture are impressive attractions here. Take some photos and back to Kathmandu.

Next, we visit another World Heritage Site Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar Square in the middle of the city offers ancient heritages of the medieval period. The ancient palaces, in the vicinity there is the living Goddess Kumari, Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Museum, and Gaddi Baithak are some major attractions. In the evening, enjoy walking and exploring the streets and trying out some foods in the food court.

We continue the Kathmandu sightseeing. After breakfast, we visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple. One of the most essential Hindu temples in Nepal is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This World Heritage Site temple is situated on the bank of the Bagmati river. In the surroundings of the temple, there is a huge statue of the Ox. Visit the small shrines and other temples, and see the Sadhus.

Not far from there is another World Heritage Site called Boudhanath. This stupa is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal. This holy stupa is of great significance to Tibetan Buddhists. Many people perform the kora ritual by circulating the big dome in a clockwise direction. In the surroundings, you can also visit other monasteries. You can hear Tibetan praying chants, and smell the fragrance of butter lamps and incense which makes the place very delightful. You can also do some souvenir shopping and explore the markets as well as enjoy Tibetan cuisine.

From Boudhanath, drive to Thankot and take a cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley, and the surrounding countryside. Visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site. Relax and rejuvenate in this tranquil setting, and take in the fresh air and sunshine.

After breakfast, we proceed towards beautiful and ancient Bhaktapur city for sightseeing. This is also listed in the World Heritage site which is one of the best examples of architecture and well-preserved culture. The Durbar Square has several attractions such as the 55-window palace, Nyatpole Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, the Golden Gate, the National Art Museum, and so on. Besides this, get an amazing view of skillful porters making pots, wood carvings, and many handicrafts goods. You can buy some goods if you wish to or like. Also, try the famous Juju Dhau which is King Curd is special curd or yogurt prepared by locals. For memories, click some pictures and back to Kathmandu. Overnight in a luxury hotel.

Next, we will visit Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 15 km east of Bhaktapur. The temple was built in the 6th century and is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. The temple is known for its intricate wood and stone carvings. After visiting the temple, we will drive to Nagarkot, a hilltop village with stunning views of the Himalayas. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Nagarkot.

We will start our day early with a beautiful sunrise view over the Mountains from Nagarkot. An observatory tower here at an altitude of 2,175 meters gives us the perfect view of the Himalayas. Starting from Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west we can have a great view of Everest (8,848m.), Lhotse (8,516m.), Cho Oyu (8,201m.), Makalu (8,463m) in a clear sky from here. After the sunrise, we will return to the hotel for breakfast.

From Nagarkot, we will drive for a couple of hours out from the valley and visit the Nambuddha monastery. The monastery is one of the most beautiful ones in Nepal with many legends linked to it. We can take a short nature walk in the premises and enjoy the landscape from Namobuddha. If you are here from March to May, you can get a fantastic view of blooming Rhododendron forests surrounding the area. Next, we will head for the ancient town of Panauti. Also, one of the most preserved cultural areas near Kathmandu, Panauti showcases you the traditional farming lifestyle of the locals. We will visit some of the old temples here and head towards Dhulikhel, specially for Mountain Views. In the evening, drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

*Your Tibet group visa will be ready. Collect your original passport and visa from Chinese embassy of Kathmandu and start the remaining tour.

Our overland tour starts today from Kathmandu to Kerung/Gyirong. We will do all the necessary preparations and leave the valley following the Trishuli highway. The road is smooth in the first segment in the hills followed by some gravel segments. Similarly, we will also face some off-road portions as we get near to the Chinese border. In the way, we will stop for lunch at local settlements and continue driving in this scenic highway. After reaching Kyirung, we will have our documents checked at both Nepalese and Chinese immigration offices and drive to our hotel.

You will start for the longest and most scenic drive of the whole trip to the Rongbuk monastery near EBC. The landscape shift is wondrous as we shift into more barren and snow-covered regions from here. We will drive pass Pelkutso lake and a vast grassland in the first portion of today. Taking small short stops to admire nature and view, we will continue our drive to the Gyawula Pass (5200 m). A bit windy, but absolutely beautiful, we can view the Himalayas clearly from here. From the pass, it is a couple of hours to reach Rongbuk monastery.

*Important Note:
- Accommodation in Rongbuk/EBC is very limited. Since Rongbuk is a remote area, expect the accommodation to be very basic. There are a few guesthouses that provide twin-sharing rooms with bunk beds and the bathroom is also outside the guesthouse.
- In Shegar, There are also no luxury hotels or resorts. The best options are locally 3-star hotels with attached bathrooms. We will provide you with the highest one. We recommend to stay in Shegar instead of Rongbuk. Shegar to Rongbuk Monastery distance 100KM with 2 hours driving.
- If you will stay at Shegar, next day early morning drive to Rongbuk Monastery to view sunrise with Mt. Everest then drive to Shigatse.

Overnight at Shegar or Rongbuk Monastery.

We will wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise of a lifetime from the Rongbuk monastery over Mt. Everest. After this amazing experience, we will explore the monastery premises for a bit before continuing our road journey to Shigatse. We will be traveling in a bit bumpy road for the first part of the trip. From here we will stop at the small Tingiri town. The views of Cho Oyu and Everest is majestic from the town here. Next, it is a couple of hours of highway drive to the G318 National highway milestone (5,000 m) in Lhatse, and there we'll take some pictures. After driving to Shigatse from Lhatse, we will freshen up and visit Tashilupo Monastery. This monastery, which is the seat of the Panchen Lama of Tibet is also one of the most significant ones here.

Today will be the last day of driving exploration in Tibet, and we will cover many cultural destinations in the way. The road is in good condition, and we will make shortstops in the small farmer villages lying in the way. After reaching Gyantse, we will take a brief exploration tour of some majestic sites here. This heritage-rich town has a lot to offer, and we will visit the Perklor Monastery, Kumbum stupa, and Gyantse Old Street here. The next portion of the drive takes us beside the Holy Yamdrok Lake (One of the three significant holy lakes in Tibet). We will also enjoy the views of Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier before reaching Lhasa in the evening.

Today we have a list of places for sightseeing. Morning tour starts with a visit to Potala Palace, a Museum and a world heritage site at present. It was the house of Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India. The towering portion of this Palace is also referred as Red Palace. Next on the list is Sera Monastery the art in this Monastery is the most beautiful sight to view. The hall holds scriptures written with golden powder and debates are also held in these halls.

Jokhang temple, it is the most famous Buddhist Temple in Tibet and is a world heritage site. it was also known as the house of mysteries in the past. You can see Indian approach in style but a combination of Nepalese and Tibetans can also be seen. The bronze roof and statues of golden deer are best experiences to observe in this tour.

We start our day by visiting Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet.The foundation of this Monastery was laid on 1416. It is one of the great three Monastery, the other two are Ganden and Serahen.

Norbulingka Palaces: built on 1755 as a summer residence by Seventh Dalai Lama is the most beautiful site to visit. The Palace became more attractive after the 14th Dalai Lama added Chappels and fountains. The Palace built by 14th Dalai Lama is the most attractive as it is a blend of Tibetan and Western culture. Norbulingka is the world heritage site and a lovely place to visit.

The fun-filled memorable Luxury tour ends here. Your guide drops you at the Lhasa Gonggar International Airport for your departure. The guide bids adieu at the airport for your scheduled flight to your next destination.