Tibet 'the Roof of the world', Tibet is the highest plateau in the world with an average altitude in excess of 3500 meter. Lying to the north of the great Himalayan range which separates it from its neighbors India, Nepal and Bhutan, Tibet is an untamed land of nomads (Drokpas), monasteries, yaks, sand dunes, and high altitude desert.
On this Tibet overland tour you have three days (i.e 4 nights) in Lhasa to acclimatize and to absorb the exoticism of the Tibetan heritages and to explore this history-laden city. You will be expertly guided around the most significant and ancient Gompas (monasteries) of Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse by your Tibetan guide, who will instruct you on the intricacies of Tibetan Buddhism. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet is a remarkable place to visit.
You drive Friendship highway by Toyota Landcruiser 4 wheel drives passing through small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks.
A highlight of this trip is the visit to Everest base camp where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Everest’s north face.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
Arrival Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. Short briefings.
Day 02: Kathmandu
½ day sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lhasa (3660m)
Fly to Lhasa, about 1 hour flight offer panoramic Himalayan views including Mt. Everest. And other mountains ranges. Pick up from Gonggar airport, after finished immigration formalities it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes drive along 93 km road leading to Lhasa. It is advisable to rest in Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast you will visit to Sera Monastery, Norbulinka (summer place of Dalai Lama), Jokhang temple and Barkhor markets. You are introduced about the interesting monastery, religion and market by our Tibetan guide. Finally, you head back to your hotel late afternoon for refreshment. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, we take you to the Potala Palace (the palace for Dalai Lama) towering above city of Lhasa. Later in the noon after lunch, you will visit beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery. You can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. Finally you return to the hotel for delicious dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) – 259 km
Takes about 8 hours drive for 261 km, Passing through beautiful pass Khamba-La (4794m) with majestic views of Yamdrok-Tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa standing proud at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another Karo-La pass at 5045m. If you glance at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. As you getting closer beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible the town of Gyantse.
Day 07: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m) – 90 km
Morning visit to Kumbum Stupa and free market of Gyantse. You will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is a major attraction of Shigatse. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) – 244 km
Today you will transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m) – 68 km
You will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can see the majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for 68 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 10: Rongbuk to Tingri (4390m) – 65 km
This morning you have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp, 5150m. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you.
No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you can walk the 9kms or take a horse cart. After Base Camp return to the friendship highway and drive to Tingri. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Tingri to Zhangmu (2300m) – 181 km
You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Zhangmu to Kathmandu (1300m)
After finished border clearance few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge, walk across the bridge to meet Nepalese escort to drive to Kathmandu. About 5-6 hours drive along 123 km road take you to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure
Price includes/Does not include
Cost includes:
Kathmandu:
Transportation (Pick up and drop to international airport)
Sightseeing with Nepali guide according to the itinerary
Accommodation in twin sharing room on bed and breakfast basis
Tibet:
Accommodation in twin sharing room on bed and breakfast basis
Transportation by Land-cruiser / Mini coach as per group size
Sightseeing with Tibetan guide as per itinerary
Monastery entrance fees
Tibet visa and travel permit
Cost does not include:
Kathmandu
Food
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tibet
Food (Lunch and dinner)
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Air fare (Kathmandu / Lhasa / Kathmandu)
Tibet visa fees
