Bhutan and Tibet are connected by their Buddhist culture but are scenically very different. In Bhutan visit some of the finest monasteries in the country, including impressive Taksang temple the Tiger's Nest clinging to the side of a cliff and the magnificent Dzong at Punakha, scenically set at the confluence of two rivers. As we travel over high passes we will also enjoy some spectacular Himalayan mountain vistas.

In Tibet we visit Tsedang, the "Valley of the Kings", and Samye Monastery, the cradles of Tibetan civilisation before continuing to busy Lhasa, perhaps joining devout pilgrims to do a traditional 'kora' around the Potala Palace or joining the throng making its way through the ancient Jokhang temple. Supplementary to all these treats is the spectacular flight right past Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants.

Tibet is a Plateau region in Central Asia and the indigenous home to the Tibetan people. With an average elevation of 4,900 metres, it is the highest region on Earth and is commonly referred to as the "Roof of the World ." Tibet is today part of the People's Republic of China with a small part, depending on definitions, by India . As an exclusive mandate, Tibet is also officially claimed by the Republic of China ( Taiwan ).

In the Tibetan sovereignty debate, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Tibet in Exile disagree over when Tibet became a part of China , and whether this incorporation into China is legitimate according to international law. King Songtsän Gampo united many parts of the region in the seventh century.

From the early 1600s the Dalai Lamas, commonly known as spiritual leaders of the region, are believed to be the emanations of Avalokitesvara in Tibetan, the bodhisattva of compassion. Between the 17th century and 1959, the Dalai Lama and his regents were the predominant political power administering religious and administrative authority over Tibet from the traditional capital Lhasa , regarded as Tibet 's holiest city.