DRIVE KATHMANDU [1300m]-ZHANGMU [2100m]
Please get up and leave Kathmandu early this morning, as it is a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (China / Nepal border).
Our guide from Lhasa can only meet you and pick you up at the Kodari of the China side.After completing the border formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese immigration posts, we will drive to Zhangmu. Overnight stay at guesthouse or hotel.
Zhangmu-Old Tingri
Today's drive takes us from the lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, if weather permits, you can enjoy the panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan Range on the way to Old Tingri. Stay overnight in guesthouse.
Old Tingri-Mt. Everest Base Camp-Shegar (altitude - 4050m/ 13,284ft) 244km
The road from Old Tingri to Mt.Everest is not good.After hours of driving we arrive at the highest monastery of the world, the Rongbuk monastery.
Later, start trekking from Rongbuk to E.B.C , it takes about 2 hours. Or you can take animal carriage .Overnight at E.B.C tent Guesthouse.(dorm beds) or Shegar. If the weather works, you will get a chance to see the sunset.
SHEGAR - SHIGATSE(altitude - 3900m/ 12,792ft) 245km
Continuing along the Friendship Highway, we pass by lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders. We then cross the highest pass of our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m] before descending once more to the barren splendor of the plains. Tonight, we stay in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet at either the Mansarovar Hotel or Wutse Hotel.
SHIGATS- GYANTSE (altitude - 3950m/ 12,956ft) 90km
This morning we have time to visit the Tashilungpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, before setting off on the relatively short drive to Gyantse. Once arrive in Gyantse, we can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Our overnight hotel is newly built Wutse Hotel (2 star) in Gyantse or guesthouse.
GYANTSE - Yamdrok Tso Lake-Tsedang
Drive from Gyantse through Karo-la pass at 5010 meters (16,432ft) and onto the Khambala pass at 4794 meters (15,729ft). The former climbs two lofty mountains, the Nozing khang sa (7223m/ 23,691ft) and the Ralung (6236m/ 20,454ft). On this day, you will also see the wonderful Yamdrok Tso Lake (turquoise lake) and the Brahmaputra River as well as the ever-present views of the interesting and unusual landscape. In Tsedang, Visit Yumbu Lagang the first palace in Tibet. Spend the night in a guesthouse or hotel.
Tsetang-Samye Monastery-Lhasa (altitude - 3650m/ 11,972ft) 220km
In the morning we drive to Samye Monastery which is the first Buddhist monastery erected in Tibet. The first floor is of the Tibetan style and the second the Han style and the third the Indian style. Head to Lhasa.
In Lhasa
On this second day morning we will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple. This temple is the most revered shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout worshippers. We will also be given the opportunity to shop in Barkor, the crowded central market of Lhasa.
In the afternoon we will visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls. This well preserved monastery is located just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to several hundred monks. its famous debating activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly every day except Sunday, so remind our guide not to miss it.
In Lhasa
A trip to Tibet would not be complete without experiencing the vital Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa's cardinal landmark and is a wonder of Eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive structure will be a magical moment remembered for years to come. It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once home to the Dalai Lama.
This truly amazing day will ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery. Once the world's largest monastery, housing 10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left untouched throughout so many hundred of years.
LHASA /KATHMANDU/BEIJING/CHENGDU/SHANGHAI/OTHER CITIES
Leave Lhasa early for the 2 hour drive to Gonggar Airport and take a flight to Kathmandu or your onward destination.
Or take the train from Lhasa to Xining/Xi’an/Beijing/etc.
