9 Day Kingdoms of the Clouds

9 Day Kingdoms of the Clouds

Please note that entry to Tibet is not possible from December 15 to April 15 annually.

Ancient wonders, mountaintop abodes, temples, gardens, and serenity on the edge of the sky: For travelers looking for a high-altitude attitude adjustment, this entrancing, life-altering journey to the heart of the Buddhist world is the pinnacle of adventure.

We begin in Beijing with a private tour of two of China’s most treasured monuments. First, explore the lavish grounds of the 717-acre Summer Palace, an elegant compound of pavilions and gardens on the shores of Kunming Lake. Then, get an up-close glimpse of the most ambitious architectural project of the ancient world at Mutianyu, a restored section of the Great Wall amid the picturesque hillsides of the Huairou District.

The journey continues some 2,000 miles to the west – and 11,975 feet up – in Lhasa, the holy city of Tibetan Buddhism. After adjusting to the altitude, you’ll visit the historic Drepung and Sera monasteries with a private guide, then spend a full day marveling at the immense hilltop Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple (home to Jowo Rinpoche, one of Buddhism’s most treasured artifacts), and Bhakor Street, the ancient pilgrimage route bedecked with prayer flags and market stalls.

Our last stop, Kathmandu, needs to be seen to be believed (and even then, you might not be wholly convinced). First, meet its enormous neighbors on a scenic flight over the Himalayas, from which you’ll spot some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Lhotse, Makalu, and mighty Everest itself. Later, investigate the fascinating Nepalese capital itself on a privately guided tour of the UNESCO-protected palaces, shrines, and temples of Durbar Square, including the Old Royal Palace and the fabled Kasthamandap temple, from which the city itself is named. But Nepal is more than a single city. Later, head out into the Nepal Valley with a private guide to explore the art and culture of Bhaktapur, the Pashupatinath (Nepal’s holiest Hindu pilgrimage spot), and Boudhanath, home of one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. The adventure concludes in the most picture-perfect place imaginable: gazing out across the Kathmandu Valley at sunset from Nagarkot, the one-time retreat of Nepalese royals.

Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.