Day 1 and 2 Flight Helsinki-Doha-Kathmandu
Meeting the tour leader at Helsinki-Vantaa airport. We fly with Qatar Airways Helsinki – Doha – Kathmandu. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. After freshening up, we will briefly review the programme and have the evening free to explore the city.
The hotel is located in the famous and safe Thamel district, where walking through the narrow alleys is an experience in itself. The area also has a myriad of small shops selling local handicrafts, trekking equipment, jewellery, clothes, Nepali art, etc. at very reasonable prices.
Day 3 Rafting down the Thishuli River
After breakfast, we set off early for an early drive towards the water adventure.
We get to test nature’s own rollercoaster ride in gentle waves and breathtaking scenery. No previous experience is needed to ride rubber boards, as a professional skipper will instruct you and take good care of you.
Before setting off on the river, we will have lunch and review safety issues.
We return to Kathmandu in the early evening and have the evening free.
Day 4 Kathmandu valley
After a tasty breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of the sights of Kathmandu. Our guide will take us to the city’s most famous sights, including the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world. The huge stupa is surrounded by a Tibetan community and village. Around it, you can buy jewellery and clothes made by Tibetans. Flagpoles stretch across the sky towards the top of the stupa. A devotional atmosphere, with the background music of a matra sung by monks. One of Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrines, the fascinating Pashupatinath temple area is famous for its beautiful pagodas, monuments and shrines. There is also an open-air crematorium where Hindus prepare the bodies of their loved ones for the afterlife and set the dead on fire.
Day 5 Lhasa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Lhasa, the kingdom of mountains. On the flight we will see an impressive panoramic view of the world’s highest mountains in the picturesque Himalayan landscape.
After arriving at Lhasa airport, our guide and bus will take us to our hotel.
The first evening should be taken calmly and allow your body to get used to the high altitude in peace. Free time
Day 6 Lhasa – Potala Palace
After breakfast, we will visit Tibet’s most famous site, the Potala Palace, which is the spiritual centre of Tibet and was also the administrative centre in the past. The palace is located in the centre of the capital Lhasa, on a high hill.
Known as the Dalai Lama’s winter palace, the Potala Palace, the former residence is now a museum of Tibetan Buddhism and the Lama’s institution in Lhasa. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, the red and white walls of the palace rise imposingly from a mountainside west of the city centre. The 13-storey palace is as high as 110 metres and houses thousands of rooms.
We continue our city tour to Barkhor Square in the centre of Lhasa and the street of the same name, which is full of street vendors, pilgrims and tourists.
Barkhor Street can be found in the heart of Lhasa, surrounded by the Jokhang Temple. Many call Barkhor the window of Tibet, as it is a typical reflection of Tibetan life. The street is a magical place, full of Tibetan mysteries and wonders.
We will also visit inside the Jokhang Temple, considered the most important shrine in Tibet. The four-storey temple has a soothing atmosphere, with the smell of incense and Buddhists chanting their mantras. An evening to yourself.
Day 7 Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we visit two of the most famous monasteries in Lhasa, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
At Sera Monastery, monks gather daily to debate the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the monastery park. The one sitting on the ground defends himself while the one standing asks questions.
Day 8 Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The world’s highest mountain range covers an unimaginably large area of land. From the plane window, you can admire the snow-capped mountains, one after the other, from very close up. In the evening, a farewell dinner with local dance performances.
Day 9 Departure for home
An early breakfast, followed by a transfer to the airport for your transfer home.
Flight path:
- QR 304 16.04.2019 09:50 – 15:40 Helsinki – DOH
- QR 648 17.04.2019 01:35 – 08:55 DOH – Kathmandu
- QR 649 24.04.2019 09:55 – 12:30 Kathmandu – DOH
- QR 307 24.04.2019 15:45 – 22:05 DOH – Helsinki
