TIBET TOUR
When people think of Tibet, the image that usually comes to mind is of the holy city of Lhasa, Mt. Everest, the Potala Palace or perhaps the Dalai Lama in their red clothing. The mystical, magical, incomprehensible Tibet can easily overload the senses. It is a journey of scenic and religious discovery, overwhelming culture, impressive ceremonies and monasteries all located in the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas. It is one of the most adventurous, scenically stunning and physically demanding trips in the world, through harsh conditions with the gaspingly thin air, past sacred mountains glinting with ice, numerous crystal holy lakes, and remote high altitude deserts to the Rooftop of the World. Visitors will witness the devotion of Buddhist pilgrims, the lively and welcoming monasteries, the intricate patterns of the colorful Tibetan art, the improbability of the ancient architectural wonders clinging to perilous hillsides and even the prayer flags flying in the wind! That is Tibet, in its purest form.
DAY 01: KATHMANDU-ZHANGMU / NYALAM (3700M)-156 KM
Departure from Mount Meru Treks Thamel, early morning at 05:30. We drive through the scenic beautiful Nepalese countryside for about 5hrs. After completing the necessary border formalities at Kodari in Nepal side, we change our vehicle and start an hour adventurous uphill drive to Zhangmu (Chinese immigration) for official entry in Tibet/China. If time permits the driving, continue to Nyalam (30 km). Overnight Guesthouse
DAY 02: NYLAM- TINGRI / LHATSE (4350M)-244 KM
While driving uphill to the highest plateau of the world around Lalung La pass(5,050 m), one can have the breathtaking panoramic view of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) & Mt. Xixapangma (8012m).From Tingri, view of Mt. Everest (8,848m). Overnight at Guesthouse
DAY 03: LHATSE-XIGATSE (3900M)-244 KM
Drive to Xigatse, the place of the famous Tashilumpo monastery, the second largest monastery in Tibet and the seat of Panchen Lama. Overnight at hotel
DAY 04: XIGATSE-GYANTSE (3950M)-90 KM
Visit Tashi Lumpo monastery and Xigatse Bazaar in the morning. 2hr drive to Gyantse, which lies 261km southwest of Lhasa. In the 15th century, it served as the capital of a small kingdom. Visit Kumbum stupa, which was built around 1400 AD. It later became the main center for trade with British India. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 05: GYANTSE-LHASA (3650M)-261 KMS
8hr drive takes you to Lhasa crossing the Karo La Pass (5010m) and Kamba la pass (4794m). The Karo La climbs between two lofty mountains, Nozing Khang SA (7223m) and Ralung (6236m). While driving you will see the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), which takes approx 1 hour to drive around, after passing Kamba La, Lhasa valley appears towards the north. Overnight at hotel
DAY 06, 07: IN LHASA
These days you will be engrossed with sightseeing and excursions of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Lhasa is now a fascinating modern city. There are many wonderful things to see and do around Lhasa, which helps tells the story of Tibet's unique past and the intertwining of religion with history. Most of the holy temples retain magic and mysticism and demonstrate the absolute faith in Tibetan Buddhism so integral to the character of the Tibetan people.
DAY 08: LHASA-KATHMANDU
In the very early morning after breakfast, drive 2hrs to airport. Around 10:00 am (Chinese standard time) fly to Kathmandu (arriving 09:00am local time). Air China’s 1hr flight provides great views of Himalayan peaks including Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), and Mt. Everest (8848m).
