Nepal is a destination renowned all over the world for the hospitality of its people, for the highest mountain range on earth – the Himalaya, for diverse flora and fauna and also for its rich cultural heritage. Incentive and Meeting planners can offer a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to their clients seeking an alternative, off-the-beaten-track MICE venue.
The capital city of Kathmandu boasts of world class brand names like Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza and Radisson in its hostelry. For nature lovers mountain resorts in Nagarkot, Pokhara or Jomsom offer comfort above the clouds. Tiger Tops defines the jungle experience in the sanctuaries that are home to the Royal Bengal tiger and One-horned Indian rhinoceros.
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival We are transferred to our hotel in our luxury coach. Welcome drinks and ceremony at hotel. Welcome Dinner with traditional fare and cultural show.
Day 2: Kathmandu Morning half day of sightseeing tour to take in the important historical and cultural attractions of old Kathmandu - the palace of the medieval Malla kings "Hanuman Dhoka" and the temple dedicated to the living goddess "Kumari" are the highlights. We then proceed to Bouddhanath Stupa. Lunch After lunch sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur City, translated as the "City of Devotees" and classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Return to Kathmandu and visit Thamel, the tourist hubbub of Kathmandu with souvenir shops, bars and restaurants famous in guide books as the hippie haven of the seventies.
Day 3: Kathmandu-Lhasa. We take our flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu International Airport. The flight of Air China using brand new Boeing 757 aircraft is breathtakingly spectacular, flying over the Himalayan range onto the Tibetan plateau. We arrive in Gangor airport where we are met by representatives of MARCO POLO and then drive for 2 hours to Lhasa. We relax today in our hotel as a measure against high altitude sickness, which can be induced by exertion. (3 meals included)
Day 4: Lhasa. In the next two days we visit all the important religious and cultural sites of Lhasa: Potala Palace, the official residence of the exiled Dalai Lama, Jokhang Temple famous for housing the statue of little Buddha, the Jowo; Norbulinkha, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama; Sera and Drepung Monasteries; Barkhor Bazaar to visit the local market-place and shop for souvenirs Our representative in Lhasa will hand us our exact tour itinerary in Lhasa. (3 meals included)
Day 5: Lhasa. We continue with our tours today (3 meals included).
Day 6: Lhasa-Gyantse. We start our road journey today crossing the Karo La pass (5010 m) which takes us though many interesting villages and towns and eventually back to Nepal over the Himalayan passes. Our first stop is at Gyantse, a town on the old trade route between Shigatse and Yadong. The Gyantse Fort, Palkhor Choden Monastery and Kumbum stupa are the highlights. (3 meals included)
Day 7: Gyantse - Shigatse. Today we come to the second largest town in Tibet after Lhasa and the seat of the Panchen Lamas. The Tashilumpo Monastery which houses the 86 ft. tall statue of Maitreya or the coming Buddha is the highlight. (3 meals included)
Day 8: Shigatse - Xegar. Today we arrive at the trade post of Xegar or old Tingri north of the Himalayas. This is the launching site of Himalayan expeditions in Tibet. (3 meals included)
Day 9: Xegar - Zhangmu. Today we drive over the high Lalung La pass (5050 m.) and pass from the arid Tibetan plateau to the greenery of the sub-Himalayan region. We come to Zhangmu at the Nepal border and spend a night. (3 meals included)
Day 10: Zhangmu - Kathmandu. We cross the international border into Nepal at Friendship Bridge Kodari. Transfer to International Airport and depart or continue journey in Nepal. (Breakfast only included)
