Arrive in Lhasa by air or train. Your guide will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Rest and acclimatize to the altitude of 3,650 meters. Stay hydrated and avoid any strenuous activity on your first day in Tibet.

Full day exploring Lhasa's most sacred sites. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the iconic 13-story winter residence of the Dalai Lamas perched on Marpo Ri Red Hill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains over 1,000 rooms filled with priceless Buddhist murals, thangkas, and jeweled stupas. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet built in 647 AD, housing the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Walk the Barkhor kora circuit.

Visit Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery housing up to 10,000 monks, with its white buildings cascading down the hillside. Explore the main assembly hall and the Ganden Phodrang Palace. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks debating session from 3-5 PM, where maroon-robed monks debate Buddhist philosophy with animated gestures.

Scenic drive south crossing the Karo La Pass at 5,010 meters. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake for photos. Continue past the Karola Glacier to Gyantse to visit the magnificent Kumbum Stupa, a 35-meter high chorten with nine floors and 108 chapels. Arrive in Shigatse at 3,900 meters.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama, featuring the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha at 26 meters tall. Drive south through dramatic mountain scenery to the Gawu La Pass at 5,200 meters for your first breathtaking view of Mount Everest north face. Continue to Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp for sunset. Overnight at guesthouse.

Early morning sunrise over Mount Everest. After breakfast begin the drive west to the Gyrong/Rasuwa border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. The drive takes you through spectacular mountain scenery as you descend from the Tibetan Plateau. Complete border formalities and cross into Nepal where your new guide will meet you.

Drive from the Nepal-Tibet border to Kathmandu, a scenic 6-hour journey through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. The road winds through terraced hillsides, traditional villages, and subtropical forests as you descend into the Kathmandu Valley. Pass through the Langtang National Park area with its stunning mountain views. Arrive in Kathmandu and check into your hotel in the lively Thamel district.

Full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa the Monkey Temple with its all-seeing eyes and panoramic valley views, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world with its iconic painted eyes.

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan, one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. As the plane approaches Paro, you will have breathtaking views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan's own sacred peaks. Upon arrival your Bhutanese guide will meet you and drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Explore the unique capital city of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Visit the Memorial Chorten dedicated to the third King of Bhutan, the magnificent Tashichho Dzong housing the throne room and government offices, and the National Library with its ancient Buddhist texts. In the afternoon visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal.

Drive back to Paro valley and visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower with its excellent collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts. In the afternoon visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress monastery that serves as the administrative center of Paro district. Stroll through the old town of Paro.

Today is the highlight of your Bhutan visit. Hike to the iconic Taktsang Palphug Monastery, better known as the Tiger Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor. The 5-6 hour round trip hike takes you through beautiful pine forests with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this cave on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century.

Free day in Paro to explore at your own pace. Options include visiting the Paro Weekend Market, taking a traditional hot stone bath, exploring the peaceful Kyichu Monastery, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century, or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning Himalayan scenery that surrounds you.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. You have experienced three unique Himalayan countries on one unforgettable journey. Tashi Delek Your guide will assist with your transfer to the airport or train station according to your departure schedule, ensuring you arrive with ample time for all check-in and security procedures. End of services. Tashi Delek! We hope this journey through the Roof of the World has enriched your understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, and that the memories of the majestic mountains, sacred monasteries, and warm-hearted people will stay with you for a lifetime.