From the lowlands of Nepal to the high Tibetan plateau, a journey overland to Tibet is in keeping with Tibet's pilgrimage culture. Inside the Chapels and monasteries, seemingly vast quantities of wall paintings and statues fascinate not only as artistic expressions but also as living religious objects. Here traditions integral to the life of the people are still preserved. Complimented by clear mountain air and magnificent views, embark on a voyage of knowledge and discovery.

Day 01 - Kathmandu

Arrival Kathmandu. Check into hotel

Day 02 - Kathmandu

Spend day sightseeing the Kathmandu valley.

Day 03 - Zhangmu

Take an early morning 5 hr drive out of Kathmandu to Kodari on the Nepal - Tibet border. Drive to Zhangmu across the border into Tibet.

Day 04 - Shegar

Leave Zhangmu and ascend onto the Tibetan plateau. A dramatic ascent up a steep gorge past waterfalls & evergreen canyons brings you to the village of Nyalam. Drive over the Lalungla pass at 5124 m with amazing views of Shishapangma and other Himalayan giants. Continue to Shegar and its fortress ruins. Spend the night in a local hotel.

Day 05 - Shigatse

Depart Shegar Dzong for Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city. Enroute make a brief stop at the fortress-like Sakya monastery, its ruins and renovated chapels. Continue onto Shigatse.

Day 06 -Shigatse/Gyantse

AM Shigatse, capital of Tsang is the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Visit the sprawling Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. A 3 km pilgrim walk along the ridge is a rewarding feature with sweeping views of the city and the ruins of Shigatse Dzong. Also visit a Tibetan carpet factory.
PM Drive to Gyantse, staging point of the old caravan trade route to India and Bhutan

Day 07 - Gyantse/Lhasa

AM visit Palkhor Choide, the great temple of Gyantse and the unique Kumbum Stupa. Retaining a deeply Tibetan character Gyantse is timeless and gives you a glimpse of an irretrievably lost era.
PM Drive to Lhasa past scenic Yamdrok Tso Lake, over the Karo La and Khamba La passes complimented with amazing vistas.

Day 08 - Lhasa

AM Your first day in Lhasa the “holy city” begins with a visit to the most monumental of structures, the Potala perched on ‘Marpori’ or red mountain. Former residence of the Dalai Lama and his large entourage, this was the seat of the Tibetan government and where all ceremonies of state were held. From the top of the Potala, views of the city are quite remarkable.
PM Visit Drepung, Tibet's largest monastery located 8kms west of the city. Renowned as a great centre of learning and in its heyday housed a staggering 10,000 monks making it the largest monastic institution in the world.

Day 09 - Lhasa

AM Visit the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest shrine and focus of devotion by multitudes of pilgrims. This is the spiritual centre of Tibet and the heart of Lhasa. Visit the Barkhor market bustling with shops, stalls, street vendors and numerous pilgrims.
PM Located on the outskirts of the city spend a pleasant afternoon visiting Norbulingka or “jewel park” and its gardens, numerous trees, palaces and ponds.

Day 10 Departure

AM Transfer to Gongkar airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Day 11 Depart Ktm/or extension

N.B.
Trips to Tibet operate between the months of April thru October only

In order to make the travel experience more convenient and confortable, we have selected the following hotels in the various stops.

Cost includes Accommodation in Tibet with breakfast, all transfers, sightseeing with English speaking guide, Tibet (Chinese) normal visa.

Cost does not include Three nights hotel accommodation while in Kathmandu, expense of a private nature i.e. laundry, drinks, telephone calls, meals (unless specified), insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, Tibet (china) urgent visa fee US$ 35, excess baggage charges and all manner of gratuities. A surcharge of US$87 per person to use Toyota land cruisers 4WD from Lhasa to Nepal border based on maximum 4 persons per land cruiser in case of bad road condition.

Special Intructions: All Tibet tours depart Kathmandu on Saturday s or Tuesdays. Passengers must arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days before departure in order to process your Tibet permit. At the end of the tour allow for an additional day in Kathmandu.

Based on minimum of two persons- Costs are per person