Uncovering Kaifeng's Jewish Heritage: Cultural Journey Through Time
Rewritten Itinerary: From Lhasa's Spiritual Heights to Kathmandu's Ancient Temples
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa - Acclimatization to High Altitude
Our guide will welcome you at Gongar Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Lhasa, situated at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, requires careful acclimatization. Spend the remainder of the day resting and adjusting to the high altitude environment.
Meals: No meals Accommodation: Tangka Hotel
Day 2: Lhasa Cultural Immersion
Begin your exploration at the Tibet Museum, a modern institution showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. After lunch, visit Sera Monastery to witness the fascinating Buddhist doctrine debates among monks. Conclude your day at Norbulingka Park, the beautiful former summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
Today features two of Tibet's most significant sites. Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, the former religious and political center of Tibet. After lunch, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple at the center of the old city, followed by a walk through the bustling Barkhor Street and a visit to a local nunnery.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyangtse
Journey to Gyangtse, stopping en route at the stunning Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes. Witness the impressive Karola Glacier before reaching Gyangtse to explore Palkhor Monastery, where multiple Buddhist sects coexist harmoniously. Continue to Shigatse for overnight stay.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Gasar Hotel
Day 5: Shigatse to Dingri - Monastic Treasures
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in Shigatse and traditional seat of Panchen Lamas. Explore the New Palace of Panchen before traveling to Dingri, stopping at Sakya Monastery along the way to admire its extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts and manuscripts.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Everest Hotel
Day 6: Everest Base Camp Expedition
Embark on the challenging journey to Everest Base Camp. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world and an excellent viewpoint for Mount Everest. Return to Dingri before dark, having experienced one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Dingri to Gyirong - Border Journey
Experience a full day's drive (6-7 hours) through rugged terrain from Dingri to Gyirong near the Nepal border. The journey offers dramatic landscape changes as you descend from the high Tibetan plateau.
Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Gyirong Hotel
Day 8: Crossing into Nepal - Gyirong to Kathmandu
Cross the China-Nepal border at Rasuwagadhi. After completing border formalities, meet your Nepalese guide and begin the scenic drive to Kathmandu, descending through the Himalayan foothills.
Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Manaslu Hotel or Manang
Day 9: Kathmandu Valley Heritage
Begin your Nepalese exploration at Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu complex. Continue to Bhaktapur Durbar Square to admire medieval Nepalese architecture, then visit Patan Durbar Square and conclude at the Golden Temple, one of Kathmandu Valley's most famous Buddhist monasteries.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Kathmandu's Spiritual Diversity
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient royal palace complex. Ascend to Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) for panoramic city views. Visit Buddhanikantha Temple with its remarkable reclining Vishnu statue, and conclude at Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable Himalayan journey from Tibet to Nepal.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast