DESCRIPTION:

Discover the Himalayan Kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan in a single, unusual trip. The ancient cultures that flourished in the remote valleys and mountain plateaus of the Himalaya were once hidden to the outside world. They reigned in splendid isolation with gorgeous vistas, peaceful farms, and deep religious convictions on the rooftops of the world. Nature worship and the conservation ethic have been an integral part of Himalayan life. No other chain can boast of peaks of 26,000 feet.

In Lhasa, Tibet's long forbidden capital city, become immersed in the kora, a clock-wise circuit around the temple grounds, an exotic and inspiring experience as we become a part of a forest of colorful prayer flags, clouds of sandalwood incense, and experience the immense devotion of the Tibetan people. Despite an intense modernization campaign by the Chinese government, Tibetans retain a transcendent spiritual quality which informs every aspect of their lives.

Take a breathtaking flight over the trans-Himalayas to Kathmandu, Nepal, an unforgettable melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Nepal also boasts some of Asia’s best wildlife viewing and natural scenery and we will spend two nights at the award-winning Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge at UNESCO-listed Chitwan National Park, home to 400 rhinos and 80 tigers, plus 50 other species of mammals and over 400 types of birds.

Finally, in pastoral Bhutan, walk past terraced rice fields, explore the Paro Valley, the town of Punakha with its huge monastery set by the river, and the capital city of Thimphu. Centuries of isolation from the outside world has made Bhutan one of the most unusual travel destinations on Earth.

CONSIDER:

This is a rigorous program with extensive travel at high elevations ranging from 7,000 to over 15,000 feet. The highest points on the itinerary are Kyzyl Art Pass at 14,050 feet and Ak Baital Pass at 15,270 feet.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.