(10 Night 11 Days)
With an average altitude in excess of 3600m, Tibet can truly be described as the roof of the world. Lying to the north of the great Himalayan range which separates it from its neighbors India, Nepal and Bhutan, much of the country is high-altitude desert. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet is a remarkable place to visit. On this trip, You will begin your overland journey from Kathmandu via Zhangmu, Nyalam, Tingri, Xeger, Xigatse, Gyantse and to Lhasa. The distance covered is roughly 1000 km on four-wheel drive vehicles . Although the road from Kathmandu to Lhasa was opened in 1984, it has not yet been metalled. Since the road is mostly over a mountainous and remote area repairs are difficult and costly and landslides and floods frequently damage major portions, which are usually repaired as soon as possible. We spend 3 nights in Lhasa, staying right in the centre of the city. This will allow both plenty of time for acclimatization and easy access to the city’s main attractions – the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Leaving Lhasa in our Land Cruiser 4WD, we’ll travel through this amazing country, staying in the traditional hotels Tibet has to offer. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse we explore further monasteries and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture. Inspiring landscapes and mountain views combined with its rich Buddhist history and culture, make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience.
ITINERARY:
Day 01: Kathmandu ( It must be Thursday or Sun or Tue )
Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. The tour manager will give pre-tour briefing. Rest of the day is leisure. O/N at Hotel.
Day 02: Full day tour of Kathmandu Valley. (B)
Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple – the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.And then transfer to Hotel.
Day 03: KATHMANDU – KODARI – ZANG BU 123 km (B)
Wake up in the early morning & then dirve to Kodari (114km). Breakfast en-route in Dhulikhel. Probably we will reach Kodari at 10 o’clock. We Finish immigration formality (Nepal side) and meet our Tibetan team (Landcruiser,driver,guide). After immigration formality we drive up to Zhang Mu for overnight.
Day 04: ZANG MU-NYALAM – XEGAR 206 km(B)
Our first stop on the Tibetan plateau will be on the 5200 m. high Lalung la pass from where we have a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and Shisabangma, the highest peak in Tibet. While having lunch in Lao Tingri, the peaks of Mt. Everest (Qomolongma in Tibetan) and Cho Oyu can be seen. This day our journey is long but the spectacular Tibetan plateau will make you forget time.Altitude 4342 m.,
Day 05: XEGAR – SHIGATSE 150 km(B)
A four hour drive brings us to Tibet’s second largest city, Shigatse-.A traditional capital of Tsang. Shigatse has long been an important trading town and administrative center. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the once imposing heights of the Shigatse Fortress-the present ruins only hint at its former glory- and the fort later became the residence of the governor of Tsang. Here we visit Tashilumpo monastery,the seat of the Panchen Lama,hence one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.Altitude3900m.
Day 06 : SHIGATSE – GYANTSE 90 km(B)
After a stroll through the old city we depart for the two and a half hour drive to Gyantse. While approaching the small farming town we can clearly see the old fort that was captured by Younghusband during his 1904 raid into Tibet. Here the main attraction is the Kumbum monastery with it’s extraordinary architecture.Altitude 3900 m.
Day 07: GYANTSE – LHASA 261 km(B)
This will be a long drive but on the way we cross the Karo la with the beautiful glacier, we see Yamdrok tso which is named the Turquoise lake and cross the Kamba la from where we descend to the main road which brings us all the way to Lhasa.Altitude 3650 m.
it is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers’ distance to the southwest of Lhasa. it is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 metres. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms. That is why it is called “the Fish Store of Tibet”. The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make it an intoxicating quite picture.
Day 08: Explore Lhasa (B)
Visit Potala palace- gold roofed palace built in the time of fifth Dalai Lama. And explore Jorkhang temple- spiritual center of Tibet founded in 7th century by the King songtsen Gompo and then continue to Barkhor- a colorful market. Finally vivit Norbu Lingkha the summer palace of Dalai lama. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Explore Lhasa (B)
Excurssion tour to Drepung- is the largest monastery in Tibet which was founded in 1416. Then continue to Sera Monastery- one of the great institution of Gelugpa Sect. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: FLIGHT LHASA – KATHMANDU(B)
After breakfast drive to Lhasa airport (55 Km). Fly to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu at 09:45 Am and transfer to Hotel. One can fly out same day too.
Day 11: Kathmandu-Home (B)
Departure
