Arrival in Lhasa [3658m]
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel / hostel in Lhasa. Afternoon have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple
Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery & Norbulingka summer palace
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa /Yamdrok Lake /Gyantse [4040m] /Shigatse[3836m], 360KM, 7hrs
Morning drive up to Kambala pass[4794m high], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso there, which is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy to Gyantse, short stop at Karo La pass[5100m] which is overlooked by MT. Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. Visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Shigatse / Sakya / Lhatse, 200KM, 4hrs
Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, monks in this monastery are nice looking in their hand-made traditional shoes-'Tsomba' in Tibetan. Late morning drive to visit Sakya Monastery which is the main monastery of Sakyapa sect, houses around the monastery are also in a typical gray colour. Hike around the monastery northern ruins and drive back to Lhatse. Overnight at Lhatse.
Lhatse/ New Tinggri [Shegar,4500m]/ Rongbuk Monastery[5000m]/ E.B.C[5250m], 190KM, 4hrs
Early morning start driving to Rongbuk via Shegar, cross over Gyatsola Pass[5200m] and Gawu la pass[5200m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spetacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu[8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everst[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama[8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to Rongbuk. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and it consists both monks and nuns, it is also a good point to see Mt.Everest. Afternoon trek from local tent guesthouses community to E.B.C, it takes about 2 hours(6km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus(25rmb/per person, round-trip). Overnight at distinguish featured local tent guesthouse. Note: It is a bit cold within that valley and windy too, you'd better to take your sleeping bag with you. Please prepare your own package food for Rongbuk stay.
Lhatse/ New Tinggri [Shegar,4500m]/ Rongbuk Monastery[5000m]/ E.B.C[5250m], 190KM, 4hrs
Early morning start driving to Rongbuk via Shegar, cross over Gyatsola Pass[5200m] and Gawu la pass[5200m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spetacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu[8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everst[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama[8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to Rongbuk. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and it consists both monks and nuns, it is also a good point to see Mt.Everest. Afternoon trek from local tent guesthouses community to E.B.C, it takes about 2 hours(6km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus(25rmb/per person, round-trip). Overnight at distinguish featured local tent guesthouse. Note: It is a bit cold within that valley and windy too, you'd better to take your sleeping bag with you. Please prepare your own package food for Rongbuk stay.
Rongphu/ Old Tingri/ Zhangmu, 280KM, 7-8hrs
Morning after see the sunrise at E.B.C, start driving to Zhangmu via Old Tingri & Nyalam, crossing Thongla[5300m] pass, savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma[8020m], Cho Oyu[8201m], Menlungtse and Gauri, the road driving over the pass of Tongla is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and it is like a road to the sky. Overnight at Zhangmu.
Zhangmu/ Kodari( Nepal Boarder)/ Kathmandu, 122km, 5hrs
After breakfast, our guide will help you clear the customs, your Nepalese guide / driver will pick you up there, after you check in at Nepali Immigration office, then drive about 5 hours to Kathmandu city, enjoy the scenery of great white waters along the way. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, end the trip.
