Tibet is magical and mysterious. Travelling overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu is an incredible journey in which you can see the world’s highest mountains with vast breath-taking panoramas, travel on the world’s highest plains, meet nomadic Tibetan pilgrims, and walk amidst the burning butter lamps and chanting monks of Tibet’s ancient and legendary Buddhist monasteries. A visit to this land is a much rewarding holiday experience. While travelling in Tibet, you should not have high expectations regarding the accommodation and the services.
Day 01: To Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Meeting and assistance at the airport with flower garland and transfer to your hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu
Morning tour of Kathmandu old city. Visit Swoyambhunath, perched on a hillock west of Kathmandu. In the afternoon, visit Patan also known as Lalitpur or the “city of fine arts”.
Day 03: To Lhasa (3650m)
Transfer to the airport and board on a spectacular flight over the great Himalayan barrier across Mt. Everest and its many surrounding peaks to Gonggar airport in Lhasa. Upon arrival at the airport, drive along the banks of the Yarlung river to Lhasa. Rest of the day is free to relax in order to acclimatise to the thinner air.
Day 04 & 05: Lhasa
Explore the beauty and mysteries of Lhasa, from narrow winding streets and bazaars to palaces and temples. The tour includes the visit to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the religious and geographical center of Lhasa, the magnificent Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Visit Drepung and Sera Monasteries, two of Tibet’s largest religious centers. A visit to the Norbulinka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, reveals a large complex of small palaces and chapels within a lovely walled garden. Walk through the narrow circular lanes of Barkhor, the old market place of Lhasa, which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Day 06: To Gyantse (3950m)
Drive along the Yarlung river then over the high pass Khamb-la 4794m before descending to the Turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso. Then ascend along a winding road to cross the Karo-La pass (5045m) and then descend to the Gyantse valley. (261kms/7 hrs)
Day 07: To Shigatse (3900m)
Visit Kumbum Chorten and Pelkhor monasteries and drive on to Shigatse (90kms/2 hrs). Afternoon, visit the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the largest and the most magnificent amongst all monasteries in Tibet. Also visit the temple of Lord Buddha, which is 26m high and gilded with gold.
Day 08: To Xegar (4350m)
Drive along the flat Tibetan plateau via a few typical villages of Lhatse and Lulu and over Lhakpa-La pass (5220m) to Xegar (240kms/8hrs).
Day 09: To Zhangmu (2500m)
Today’s drive is picturesque and offers one of the best views of the world’s tallest peaks such as Langtang (7245m), Dorje Lakpa (6980m), Makalu (8463m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m) and Gauri Shankar (7134m). Also, drive over Lalung-La pass (5050m) and arrive in Zhangmu, a small settlement clinging to a hillside (244kms/7 hrs). As the road approaches Zhangmu, it follows the deep Gorge of Bhotekoshi river with high and spectacular waterfalls.
Day 10: To Kathmandu
Drive down to the friendship
bridge (Nepal/Tibet border) and return to the warm and moisture rich air of Nepal. Before reacing Kathmandu, stop in Dhulikhel which offers the panoramic views of central Himalayas (114 km/5 hrs). Rest of the day is free.
Day 11: Depart
Transfer to the airport for onward journey.
