Detail itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300) -Kerung Border (145 Km) 05-06 hours drive
Early in the morning scenic drive to Kerung Border (Nepal-Tibet Border) through the beautiful Nepalese countryside and after necessary border formalities at Nepalese immigration, an hour adventurous uphill drive by Bus & jeep(normally) or 2 hour walk uphill (in case of landslide to Chinese immigration, check-in to hotel or Continue drive to Kerung. Stay overnight at the Guest House.
Day 02: Kerung - Tingri (4300m) / Lhatse (4,350m): 225 Km/244 Km
Day drive uphill to the highest plateau of the world with the typical view of Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world. from where, weather permitting, a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt Cho Oyu (8201 M) & Mt Xishapagma (8012M) but dwarfed by the Vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From TINGRI, one can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8,848 M). Stay overnight at Guest House
Day 03: Tingri/Lhaste - Xigatse (3,900 M): 244 Km
Continue scenic drive crossing Over Getchu La (5,220M), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse from where a road to Mt Kailash bifurcates to the west. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 04 Xigatse / Gyantse (Drive)
This morning we will visit the Panchen Lama's Tashilhunpo Monastery, and continue on our drive to Gyantse (90 Kms) - is a pastoral town between Lhasa and xigatse. It is 264 Kms. southwest of Lhasa, and still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. As a crossroad on the principal trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence of its carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain. Later in the day visit the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 05 Gyantse / Lhasa (Drive)
We continue on a full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola Pass at 5,010m, Kambala Pass at 4,794 m. and a colourful Yamdrok Lake, sometimes along the Tibetan lifeline river Brahmaputra also known as yarlung Tsangpo, to the capital town Lhasa (264 Kms).
Day 06 Lhasa
After Breakfast: Take the challenge of climbing up to Potala Palace (3,650m above sea level) and get a great view of Lhasa’s urban areas. Great photographic opportunities along the way up as you will have a great view of the traditional Tibetan architecture. Hear the story of the Dalai Lamas and see chapels that the Dalai Lamas studied, rested and worked in. Pass former Dalai Lamas’ graves which are decorated with beautiful treasures.
Continue your tour to Jokhang Temple, which is within walking distance from Potala Palace. It is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. You will see many pilgrims worship within or nearby the temple. Enter the first floor of the temple and absorb the religious atmosphere, you will see pilgrims are donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha. While learning about more Buddhas and Lamas than you can possibly remember you will gain a feeling for the vast history of Tibetan Buddhism. You might also hear red-robed Lamas praying. Walk up to the roof of the temple, take some pictures of the gold roof and enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Lhasa while observing pilgrims praying in front of the temple.
Finally, join locals in a traditional pilgrimage route by taking a relaxing walk in a large circular path around Jokhang Temple at Barkor Street. The street is filled with pilgrims taking part in religious activities and street vendors selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods and religious items. If you like you can also ask your tour guide to take you to visit a Thangka workshop to marvel at the fabulous Thangka art work. There are cafes along the street as well. You can relax and enjoy life in Lhasa on a lazy afternoon.
Day 07 Lhasa
After breakfast, you are driven to visit the Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience one of the most holy sites in Tibetan Buddhism while soaking up the rich history. Next, come to Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery housing 10,000 monks in its heyday. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks.
Your tour ends at Sera Monastery, where you will get the chance to experience “Buddhism Scriptures Debating”. These debates are unique to Sera and are quite famous. Enjoy the debates!
Day 08 Lhasa to Kathmandu flight
Transfer to airport 02hr.drive Representative will assist you. Departure of flight to Kathmandu would be approx 10.00 hour. China Standard Time and arriving Kathmandu at 09hr.