This is exitcing 19 days tour which starts Captital City of Nepal -Kathmandu. We visit fascinating temples, old durbar palaces and stupas and fly to Lhasa- the capital of Tibet, visiting sera monastery, Jokhang temple, Potala Palace and overland tours to Nepal visitng Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar crossing friendship bridge to Kathmandu and fly to Paro, Bhutan visiting Bhutan - the last shangrila- take a flight to paro, visit Thimpu, punakha, tigers nest etc. and fly back to Kathmandu, our last part of the trip is visiting Chitwan National park in search of one horned rhino and bangal tigers before flying back to your country.

Day 01/03: Kathmandu.
Day 04/11: Tibet Tours.
Day 11/12: Kathmandu.
Day 13/16: Bhutan Tour.
Day 16/18: Chitwan National Park tour.
Day 19: Departure.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel. O/N at Hotel. (D)

Day 02: Kathmandu
It's an experience not to be missed - wake up in the early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise outlook from the hotel before breakfast serving. The next, we head for Kathmandu and keep half day valley sightseeing’s with Kathmandu Durbar Square, the place of the Malla and then the Shah Kings of Nepal, visiting Kumari Temple, house of the virgin goddess, visiting Swoyambhunath, a stupa on the top of hill - from here you can overlook the scenery of Kathmandu Valley and another half day Visit to Patan city, famous city features of arts and crafts - the highlight of trip is the Shikara (Krishna Temple), Patan Durbar with Royal bath, Hiranya Varna Mahavir (Buddhist Monastery). O/N at Hotel. (B/D)

Day 03: Kathmandu
After breakfast, start the trip to visit Kathmandu Valley with its various important religious centers; Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), nearby along the banks of the Bagmati River, where is the cremation area for the dead, Boudhanath is possibly the largest stupa in the world and the center for Tibetan school of Buddhism. Followed by driving onto Bhaktapur, the medical city of devotes and the best preserved of all the ancients cities of Kathmandu Valley. O/N at Hotel. (B/D)

Day 04: ARRIVE LHASA (3650m)
Fly from Kathmandu, to Gongar Airport, Lhasa in Tibet.
Upon arrival you will be met by your Tibet Guide and transferred (90 Kms) to Lhasa. Hotel.  (B/D)

Day 05: LHASA SIGHTSEEING (3650m)
Guided sightseeing tour of Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama; Drepung, the biggest monastic university of Tibet & Nechung Monastery, temple of the State oracle of Tibet. Hotel.  (B/D)

Day 06: LHASA SIGHTSEEING (3650m)
Guided sightseeing tour of Jokhang, the central cathedral of Tibet, Barkhor, the bustling Lhasa market encircling the Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Medical Center & Norbulinka Palace. Hotel. (B/D)

Day 07:  LHASA-GYANGTSE (3990m, 350 Kms).
Drive via Yamdrok Tso, the Turquoise Lake, to Gyangtse across Kampa-la (5050 m) & Karo-la (5045 m) passes. Visit Kubum Stupa & Pelkor Chode Monastery. Hotel. (B/D)

Day 08:  GYANGTSE- SHIGATSE (3860m, 90 Kms).
Drive to Shigatse. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd in the Tibetan Buddhist religious hierarchy & Shigatse Market. Hotel.  (B/D)

Day 09: SHIGATSE-SAKYA-SHEGAR (4350m, 232 kms)
Drive to Shegar across Tsou-la pass (4500 m) & Gyatso-la pass (5220 m). En route visit Sakya Monastery. Hotel. (B/D)

Day 10: SHEGAR-ZHANGMU (2300 m, 160 Kms)
Drive over Lalung-la pass to Zhangmu. En route visit Milarepa Cave. Hotel.  (B/D)

Day 11:  KODARI- KATHMANDU (125 kms)
Walk across Friendship Bridge to Nepal & transfer to Kathmandu. (B/D)

Day 12: Kathmandu
Full day at leisure. Free for shopping etc. O/N hotel (B/D)

Day 13: Kathmadu / Paro (Bhutan)
Arrival at Paro airport, you are met by your guide and driven to Thimpu, 2.5 hrs. Check in hotel and after refreshment, stroll in the township. (B/L/D)

Day 14: At Thimpu
Explore the fascinatingly colorful town of Thimphu . You will visit the Arts and Crafts school, Traditional Medicine Institute, King Jigme Doreje Memorial Chorten, traditional paper factory, Botanical Garden where you can watch yak and the National animal of Bhutan-Takin. In the afternoon, you will explore downtown Thimphu on foot and will visit Handicrafts Emporium. If you are in Thimpu on week-end days, do not miss week-end market.  (B/L/D)

Day 15: Thimpu to Paro
Early morning, drive back to Paro and embark on sightseeing tour. Visit 200 year old Watch Tower (Ta Dzong), the ruins of historical Drugyel Dzong, Drugyel High School and Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the valley built in 7th century. After lunch we drive up-to Chelila Pass (Alt. 12,402 ft.) to view the spectacular scenery of Mt. Jumolhari as well as Haa and Paro Valley . (B/L/D)

Day 16: Paro/Kathmandu/Chitwan
Transfer to airport for your fly to next destination or fly back to Kathmandu. Uppon arrival at Kathmandu meet by us and drive to Chitwan National Park (190 kms – 5 hrs drive). (B/L/D)

Day 17: Chitwan
Full day Jungle activities. O/N Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 18: Chitwan/Kathmandu.(190 kms – 5 hrs drive).
After early jungle activities. Drive back to Kathmandu. O/N hotel (B/D)

Day 19: Kathmandu/Departure
Free till departure, departure transfer to airport to connect onward flight. (B)

B: Breakfast.
L: Lunch
D: Dinner

Includes:

Nepal:
- All arrival/departure transfers using pvt. Car.
- All sightseeing tours accompanied by local Italian or English speaking guide.
- Hotel accommodation at respective hotels on MAP (Breakfast+Dinner) at all places except in Chitwan on Full board basis.
- Necessary entrance fees and national park fees.

Tibet:
- Tibet Travel Permit, entrance fees
- Twin share accommodation at respective hotels.
- Tours and transfers with English/Chinese speaking guide;
- All land transport using Pvt. Land cruiser/coach.
- Breakfast and Dinner everyday.
- Transfer from Kodari (Nepal/Tibet border) to Kathmandu using appropriate vehicle.

Bhutan:
Twin share accommodation on full board on best available hotels, airport transfers  in Bhutan, all transfers & s/seeing with an English speaking guide as per the itinerary.
The Cost Excludes:
- Nepal visa fees (if applicable - please note GRATIS visa fee for Nepal for max- 3 nights is free)
- Airport taxes and excess baggage charges.
- EXTRAS - as applicable (given above)
- Lunches if not included  some places.
- refreshments, bottled/alcoholic drinks;
- Any tips (hotels, restaurants, guide, driver, etc.);
- Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites;
- Nepal re-entry Visa (if applicable)
- Extras cost for up-grading rooms at hotels if/when applicable;
- Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, delays due to landslides, road blockage etc (clients have to brone directly a the spot).
- Personal Insurance etc.

Terms and Conditions:

Visa for Tibet - The clients must arrive Kathmandu at least two days prior to departure to Tibet tour as visa working days in Chinese embassy are - Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday only between 0900-1100 hrs.

Visa for Bhutan: Visa approval paper is given by the Foreign Ministry 3-4days before the travel date which we pass on to the clients.  Though Druk-Air always gets one copy from the FM it is better if the clients carry their copy along in order to avoid last minute problems at the airport on the travel date.

In order to book a particular tour to Tibet we need the following details in advance with scan copy of passport by email or by fax.
1) Full name as it is in the passport
2) Passport number
3) Date of Birth
4) Sex
5) Occupation
6) Nationality
7) Passport expiry date

PHOTOGRAPHY - Still Cameras, home video Cameras, and 8 mm movie cameras are allowed into China but special permission is needed for 16 mm and 35 mm movie cameras. There are strict control over taking pictures inside the monasteries, but upon paying certain fees , a monk may allow to take few pictures.

INSURANCE -  We recommended that you insure yourself against sickness, EMERGENCY RESCUE, accident, hospitalization, cancellation etc. as we accept no responsibility for damages and expenses which may arise from mishaps to persons or their belongings during these pilgrimages.

MEDICINE AND HEALTH - At present no health certificates or inoculations are required for entry into Tibet. However because of the rugged mountainous terrain, high altituded and non availability of good medical facilities, we require that you be certified by a Doctor to be medically fit for high altitude travel. It is advisable to carry the following medicines: insect repellents, band aids, throat lozenges, antibiotic ointment, aspirins, sleeping pills and medication for body ach, cold and antimotion sickness. At altitudes it is advisable not to exert oneself and drink plenty of fluids but little alcohal.

SEASON - May to Sept -Best time for visit. Though there can be landslides but can be overcome.
Apr & Oct - Moderate
Nov to Mar -Very cold

CLIMATE - The climate in Tibet can be extreme varying from 25 C. in the day time to -5 C to -10 C. at night. Winds blow at a speed of 50-60 kms. per hour, and at times.

RESPONSIBILITY - All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the China Tibet Tourism Bureau (CTTB), a government organization, CTTB reserves the right to change itineraries without advance notice, depending on the weather and road conditions.

REFUND - If CTTB doesn’t operate particular tour, a full refund will be made of the tour and such refund will absolve Friendship Nepal Tours and Travels(P) ltd, Kathmandu. of any responsibility.

PAYMENTS - A 20 % deposit must be sent at least 15 days before in favour of Friendship Nepal Tours and Travels(P) ltd, Kathmandu. The balance payment must reach us 10 days from the date of departure.  The payment options are as follows:

Option 01- Telex transfer to our bank account;

BANK DETAILS:
Beneficiary Name: Friendship Nepal Tours and Travels (P) Ltd.
Address:  Jyatha Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P O Box 8974 CPC 449

USD Current A/C No: 001 00998390038

Name of the bank: Himalayan Bank Limited
Address: Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Swift Code: HIMANPKA

Option 02: IF by credit card: (follow the link below)  - Please note if you are using credit card then there will be 4% extra in total bill.

http://www.friendshipnepal.com/card_accept.php

LIABILITY
Friendship Nepal Tours and Travels (P) Ltd, while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way, responsible or liable for any accident, damages, loss, delay, international flight cancellation/delays, or inconvenience caused in connection with the travel facilities arranged by the company its employees or agents. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond our control.
Clothing Accessories:
From Oct.-March warm clothes are required to fight the frostily cold and from April-September light clothes to shun the scorching heat. However a jacket and sweater are advised through out the years as the weather may unexpectedly changes at any time. The recommended items are: A domestic first aid kit; water purification tablets (mineral water can be bought as well) toilet and tissue papers, flashlight, sleeping bag, comfortable walking shoes, dust masks, utility knife, sun hat, sun glasses, suntan lotion and a limited number of clothes. A good guide book on Tibet, Kathmandu - Lhasa route map

Details of Clothes and other Accessories:
From May to September, we advise you to carry light clothings such as T-shirts and jeans. However, from October to April, warm clothings are advised. Please bring clothings and accessories as follows:

MAY to SEPTEMBER                                       OCTOBER to APRIL

Friendship Nepal  Tours and Travels (P) Ltd reserves the right to modify any arrangements required by and made on behalf of clients and to cancel the same without prior notice.

CANCELLATION - Due to the travel policy of the Chinese authorities, the following cancellation charges will be applicable on individual tour departure.

Less than 20 (twenty) days ----50% of the tour cost & airfare.
Less than 10 (Ten) days ----No refund on the tour cost & air fare.

Re routing/alteration of programme:
Alternation of tour could be necessary, at any time, due to the weather, political restrictions or any other cause which are beyond our control. Such changes will always be at the discretion of Friendship Nepal Tours (P) Ltd/its employee and agent . No refund or compensation will be available for any changes to services

RESTRICTIONS - Do not carry any Dalai Lama's pictures , free Tibet posters or T shirts, Tibetan flags or any political Magazines or book.
Vehicles in Tibet:
We will provide comfortable coach transfer from Kathmandu to Border (Nepal/Tibet Border). And in Tibet we will provide appropriate Coach/Jeep depending on the size of the group