Kensington
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.
| Day 1 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 2 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 3 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 4 |
One of the world's highest plateaus (approximately 12,000 ft. above sea level). Home to the Potala Palace, former living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Visit one of Tibet's holiest shrines, the revered 7th century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to prostrate themselves before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, lavishly enthroned in silver and gold. |
| Day 5 |
One of the world's highest plateaus (approximately 12,000 ft. above sea level). Home to the Potala Palace, former living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Visit one of Tibet's holiest shrines, the revered 7th century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to prostrate themselves before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, lavishly enthroned in silver and gold. |
| Day 6 |
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and situated in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains. Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion. Be sure to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the optimal starting point for exploring this historical and vibrant city. |
| Day 7 |
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and situated in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains. Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion. Be sure to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the optimal starting point for exploring this historical and vibrant city. |
| Day 8 |
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and situated in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains. Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion. Be sure to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the optimal starting point for exploring this historical and vibrant city. |
| Day 9 |
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and situated in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains. Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion. Be sure to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the optimal starting point for exploring this historical and vibrant city. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/29/18 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $5,985 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
