This tour is one of the best way to explore Tibet. Deeply religious, Tibetans are an open, spontaneous people, good humored and quick to joke. Visitors to Tibet invariably marvel at the non-stop smiles. Travel in Tibet is not always easy, but it rewards with glimpses of a land and life unlike any other.
An 8-day exploration of Tibet including sightseeing in Lhasa (Drepung, Sera, Potala Palace, Barkhor and Jokhang) and visits to Xegar, Xigatse, Sakya monastery and Gyantse. Depending on the time of year we fly into Lhasa and drive out across the Tibetan plateau to the Friendship Bridge on the border with Nepal, and on to Kathmandu, or the other way round.
Day 01 – Arrival Kathmandu
Today is your arrival day we welcome you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu or your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur). Arrival city briefing follows after Hotel check in concerning the necessary formalities on your tour and trek program. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/countryside areas or resting. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali Welcome dinner in an authentic Nepali Restaurant with the cultural dances. Overnight in Hotel
Day 02 – Half Day Cultural Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage sights where your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kapan Monastery and the unique fusion shrines of Newari architectural Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting ancient golden era of the glories. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest with your guide or in your own or take a rest. Our Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for the trek briefing while we finalize your VISA. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03 – Kathmandu – Zhangmu (2300m)
A six-hour drive delivers us to the ‘Friendship Bridge’. From here there is a 4WD to Zhangmu. We stay in the famous Zhangmu Hotel in our First night in Tibet.
Day 04 – Zhangmu – Xegar (4350)
From Zhangmu the road follows the beautiful, deep valley of the Bhote Khosi. The Nielamu Pass provides views of the Jugal Himal. After passing through Nielamu we cross our first 5000m pass, the Lalung Leh; from here it is usually possible to see Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and Shishapangma – five of the world’s highest mountains. All of their summits reach for more than 8000m into the sky. The road then descends for several hours to Xegar (Shegar). We will all feel the effects of high altitude this evening. Enough drinking water, nutrient food and warmth yourself help a lot to acclimatize in this starting day.
Day 05 – Xegar – Xigatse (3900m)
This morning we drive over our second 5000m pass to reach Lhatze. Road conditions then usually allow us to detour to, one of Tibet’s oldest and most important Bon Po monasteries at Sakya. Xigatse (Shigatse) is reached in the afternoon. The nearby Tashi Lumpo Monastery was the seat of the Panchen Lama until his death in 1989.
Day 06 – Xigatse – Gyantse (3950m)
We have time this morning to visit the Tashi Lumpu Monastery and its attendant 26m-high temple of the future Buddha. We then visit the market and old town and after lunch settle back for the short drive to Gyantse, a small bustling town steeped in history. In the 15th Century it served as a capital of a small kingdom, and was the focal point for Young husband’s British Expedition to Tibet in 1904 when his soldiers defeated 5000 Tibetans. The fort was destroyed by cannon fire. It can be very rewarding to have a look around this typical Tibetan town.
Day 07 – Gyantse – Lhasa (3650m)
A long drive across two more high passes is necessary before we catch our first sight of Lhasa in the afternoon. We stay at the Holiday Inn Hotel.
Day 08 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
On this second day morning we will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple. This temple is the most revered shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout worshippers. We will also be given the opportunity to shop in Barkhor, the crowded central market of Lhasa. In the afternoon we will visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls. This well preserved monastery is located just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to several hundred monks. Its famous debating activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly every day, so remind our guide not to miss it.
Day 09 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
A trip to Tibet would not be complete without experiencing the vital Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa’s cardinal landmark and is a wonder of Eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive structure will be a magical moment remembered for years to come. It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once home to the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery. Once the world’s largest monastery, housing 10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left untouched throughout so many hundreds of years.
Day 10 – Lhasa – Kathmandu.
The seventy-minute flight crosses the Himalayas between Kanchenjunga and Makalu, the world’s 3rd and 5th highest mountains respectively. Everest and other Himalayan giants can be seen during the flight; catch a window seat if you can!
Day 11 – Leisure in Kathmandu
Leisure time in Kathmandu. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic heritages in your own or with us or with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere.
Day 12 – Departure Kathmandu
Our Tour officer meets you in Hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport. We will be always welcoming you back to Nepal for various other stunning Trekking or looking forward to serving you in our other country travel arrangements.