Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
12Days
Start / End
Kathmandu
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
12Days
Start / End
Kathmandu
A journey of a life time, at the roof of the world with exciting adventure en-route, crossing over 4,800 to 5000 meter passes with stunning picturesque scenery of the landscape, rural villages, people, monasteries and breathe-taking views of range of snow capped mountains. This is truly a stunning trip starting with a panoramic flight over the gigantic Himalayas, a tour of great historical cities of Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse and Shigatse in the comfort of the spacious land cruiser and standard Hotels that Tibet has to offer.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight stay in Hotel
After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight stay in Hotel
Fly from Kathmandu to Gongar Airport near Lhasa, if the weather is clear enough you can have the spectacular view of World’s highest peaks including Mount Everest. Early morning after breakfast you will be transferred from the Hotel to the International Airport a short drive of 20-30 minutes, after the necessary security formalities (keep your pen-knife-lighter matches and other sharp cutting items including scissors in the bigger baggage not in hand bags) board in the large Boeing 757 China Airline for the sweeping panoramic flight to Tibet, on arrival you will be received at the Gongar Airport by our Tibetan Agents. After a great panoramic flight few hours’ drive to the Hotel at Tsedang. Tsedang, is 60 miles / 96 km east of the Gongar Airport, in a region of Southern Tibet known as Lhoka. Due to the relatively low elevation of the Yarlung Valley and which is almost 400 feet 120 meter lower than the Lhasa Valley. This is why we chose Tsedang on the very first day of this Tibet trip which is an ideal location to spend the day and to get acclimatize on this high altitude and getting in shape for the rest of the Tibet tour. On reaching Tsedang transfer to Hotel Tsedang, afternoon free at leisure or walk to the local market. Overnight stay in Hotel
After a relaxing easy day at Tsedang, our tour begins after breakfast in the Hotel.Our Tibetan guide will pick you for a short drive to Samye Monastery after an hour drive to the bank of the great river Yarlung Tsangpo (Bhramaputra) here we cross the river on a ferry which takes about twenty minutes on reaching the other side of the shore, we take a truck or whatever vehicle is available for a short ride to the Samye Monastery area. Samye Monastery, this was the first monastery established in Tibet, located on the north bank of Yarlung Tsangpo River, south east of Lhasa. It was constructed by Padmasambhava (Guru Ringboche) and Santarakshita between A.D. 763 and 775 in the reign of King Dristen Detsen. The Samye monastery was modelled on the university of Odantapuri in India and was made on a plan representing the mount Sumeru(Rirab) which is considered the axis of universe. The four pagodas in white, blue, green and red represents the four worlds in the north, south, east and west of the universe. Smaller temples represent the island between the worlds. The main temple is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Chenresi). According to a legend, Padmasambhava magically compelled Tibetan demons to collect stones and wood each night for construction by men during day. The Nagas (serpent deities) procured the funds. This famous monastery was the site of a major Buddhist council called "Council of Samye' held there in 792-794, Two learnt teachers, one from India and the other from China participated in the debate. India was represented by Kamlasila and China by Hashang. After the tour of Samye and its ancient Monastery and we drive back to Yarlung-Tsangpo (Bhramaputra River), after crossing this large river on a Ferry run by the motor engine, after 40 minutes of scenic float brings to the bank where our vehicle will be waiting on the Lhasa to Tsedang main highway. From here an hour and a half drive to Tshedang the growing city. Tshedang in the early century use to be the actual capital of the northern Tibetan Kingdom before it was shifted to Lhasa. Once back in the Hotel, time for another afternoon tour of the ancient monastery and Yambu lagang, the palace of Tibet's first king and the oldest building in Tibet. Many of the historical sites and monasteries near Tsedang are now mostly in ruins or have disappeared. Ancient Tibetan legend belief is that near Yarlung Valley, there is one of the four most sacred peaks in Tibet. Near its summit is the cave where the bodhisattva Chenriz, in the form of a monkey-king, mated with an ogress to create the first Tibetan people. The name Tsetang means "Play ground," the place where offspring played. Overnight stay in Hotel
Our tour continues with an overland scenic drive towards the City of Gyantse, we will travel for about five to six hours. From Tsedang we drive on the same road to the Aiport for a while, after reaching the bridge, our route continues towrds south.During this day we cross two high passes, including the Khamabala (4,800m) and Karo La (5,200m/17,000ft). At the top of Khamba la pass, which offers stunning scenery of the surrounding landscapes and the snow capped peaks in the distance and as well of the deep turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tsho Lake down below, where our route follows. After a great moment here at the top, drive continues passing through the exquisite lake of Yamdrok Tso, and then reaching to the highest pass of this trip at 5,200 metres. It can be cold here situated in between the massif snow capped peaks, amazing views of the glacier and ice fall of Mt.Nzongkhangsa.7, 206 m. Time for short break or for possible lunch break at this lovely sight, at this place Drok-pa or the nomads dwells, but at present they have made a permenant house and tents on the nice grassy meadow herding yaks and sheeps and selling some semi precious crude stones and quartz to the tourist. From here it is almost downhill ride passing the village of Ralung, and wonderful valley, passing through a series of colourful Tibetan villages, and fianlly coming to Gyantse. Gyantse is another important town, almost a city which was until recently the third largest settlement in Tibet. At Gyantse visit the Kumbum stupa. This was built in the early 15th century and contains thousands of frescoes and overnight at Hotel Gyantse one of the finest Hotel around this town. In Gyantse you have time to visit the Kumbum monastery and its market. Overnight stay in Hotel
Our journey continues towards Shigatse the second largest city in Tibet after Lhasa. Today's ride covers 95 kilometers. The road has recently been improved from the bumpy and rutted portion. After leaving the Gyantse The road follows the Nyang Chu River passing through many scattered farm villages and fields, enroute Shigatse we take off from the main highway for a while, to visit the old Shalu Monastery built by the Mongolian Emperor, which is situated in a tributary valley of the Nyang Chhu, about 4 kms south of the Gyantse-Shigatse Highway. The turnoff is a few hundred yards beyond a small village called Tsunde, near the base of a barren ridge. The peaked roofs of Shalu can be seen rising above the flat plain from the highway. The courtyard of Shalu Monastery is a dazzling display of colour amidst the naked reddish brown hills surrounding the valley. The site was established as a religious center in the 11th century, though the main temple in the courtyard, all that remains of the monastic complex, was built in the early 14th century. Tiled peaked roof lines and intricate wood working of Shalu are not typical of Central Tibetan architecture and reflect the strong influence of the Mongol dynasty during that era. After an hour here, our drive takes back on the main highway towards Shigatse, when in Shigatse we visit the very large complex of Tashilumpo monastery. This is the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama and contains a 27m high gold plated Buddha known as Matria (the future Buddha). The hotel in Shigtase is quite large and comfortable. Overnight stay in Hotel
Today depending upon the time of arrival on Day 06, we may go for a tour at Tashilumpo Monastery this morning before the drive to Lhasa. Our route today takes the west north highway, which is much shorter drive to Lhasa from Shigatse by this route. Journey continues on the good level road and then finally arriving at Lhasa after a good 3-4 hrs drive. At Lhasa we take the comfort in the Lhasa Hotel. Overnight stay in Hotel
Today, we go for city for sightseeing of Sera Monastery, one of the most important and old monastery of Tibet, as well a school for Tibetan Buddhism. The Jorkhang Temple is another interesting place to visit as it boasts a lot of historic importance and tales. Conclude the day tour by visiting Bharkor Bazaar and back to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight stay in Hotel
We again ready for city sightseeing today in the morning. Visit to Potala Palace, originally built during 640 AD. The 13 storied palaces stand 117.19m high with 1000 rooms, big and small. Afternoon we visit Drepung Monastery; the largest of all monasteries in Tibet and back to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight stay in Hotel
After breakfast early morning we drive for 2 hours to the Gonggar Airport. An hour scenic flight back to Kathmandu over the majestic Himalayan range with the spectacular view of Everest, Makalu and some of its adjoining peaks. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, our staff will transfer you to the Hotel and simply relax at the hotel in Kathmandu.
A free day in Kathmandu for individual activities such as explore the Thamel or shopping or relax at the hotel, if you are interested for extensions your days, contact with us and you can join in our extension trip.
Today keep in mind your international flight time, so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal.
Curate trips with a blend of vibrant local festivals Immersing yourself in the heart of cultures and experiencing the rhythm of life in celebrations.
Do what locals do.
Enhance your experience with add-ons that let you explore and learn about the life of the local artisans and commoners.