Depart London Heathrow, flying Jet Airways via Delhi (8½ hours) to Kathmandu (1½ hours).

Arriving this afternoon into Kathmandu, Nepal’s fascinating capital city, your Tour Manager will meet you and transfer you to the Radisson Hotel for 2 nights.

With a free day in Kathmandu there are a number of optional excursions available to make the most of this engaging city.

Morning flight across the Himalayas to the mystical city of Lhasa (1 hour), the ‘Place of the gods’ and Tibet’s lofty capital. Lying amidst the serenely barren landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau (3,660m) and surrounded by spectacular mountains, this is the cultural heart of Tibet and has been since 633 AD, when the city was founded. Three nights at the Lhasa Hotel.

Today visit the sacred site of Jokhang Monastery. Built by King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country. A short drive north of Lhasa this afternoon to the remarkable 15th century Sera Monastery, a historic centre of learning and monastic training.

Today explore the imposing majesty of the Potala Palace, perched on Marpo Ri Hill, it is Lhasa’s iconic centrepiece and the former home of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon continue to the Drepung Monastery, which once housed 10,000 monks and the Norbulingka Summer Palace, the former retreat of the Dalai Lama.

Crossing the Tibetan Plateau today traverse passes that reach over 5,000 metres, past the breathtaking turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok, travelling towards Gyantse (256 KM/ approximately 8 hours including stops). Overnight at the Gyantse Hotel.

A morning visit to the golden capped Kumbum Stupa presents one of the most magnificent structures in Tibet. Continuing to Shigatse (90 KM/approximately 2 hours), on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, see the vast Tashilumpo Monastery built in 1447 and which was the former home of the Panchen Lama . Overnight at the Shigatse Hotel.

Today drive to Tsetsang (341 KM/approximately 9 hours) for 2 nights at the Tsetsang Hotel.

Visit the 7th century Trandrul Monastery and the Yumbu Lagang Palace, two of Tibet’s most ancient structures. Tandrul is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, dating back to the reign of Songsten Gampo, whilst Yumbu Lagang can trace its history back some two millennia. We also visit Samye Monastery, said to be the first monastery in Tibet with a history dating back 1200 years.

Drive to Lhasa airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Continue to the hill resort of Dhulikhel (32 KM/approximately 1½ hours) for 2 nights at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.

Today has been left free to relax; there is an opportunity to enjoy an optional guided walk into the beautiful surrounding countryside.

En route back to Kathmandu visit the spectacular settings of Pasupatinath, Bhadgaon and Bodnath. Overnight at the unique Dwarika’s Hotel, where this evening there will be a special 9-course dinner.

Morning departure on Jet Airways via Delhi back to London, arriving this evening.