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/NYALAM/SHEGAR (altitude - 4050m/ 13,284ft) 244km
oday's drive takes us from the lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. We cross several high passes including the Lalung La (5050m/ 16,564ft) from which, [weather permitting], you will see the Jugal mountain range, Mt. Xixapangma (at 8013m/ 26,282ft, the highest peak in Tibet), Mt. Makalu (8463m/ 27,766ft), Mt. Everest (8848m/ 29,028ft), Mt. Lhotse (8516m/ 27,940ft) and Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201m/ 26,899ft). Stay overnight in guesthouse or hotel.
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 - LHASA (altitude - 3650m/ 11,972ft) 265km
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. Spend the night in a guesthouse or hotel in 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.
RELATED INFORMATION
CHINESE VISA & TRAVEL PERMIT: You are requested to submit us the following passport information at least 20 days before trip departure for visa procedure. At least 2 days before tour commencement, original passports must reach to our office in Kathmandu.
1. Name in full (as in passport)
2. Sex
3. Nationality
4. Passport Number
5. Date of birth
6. Occupation
TEMPERATURE & CLOTHING: Tibet will have it's average temperature between 5-20 degree Celsius in the month of April through October. During trekking season, the night temperature in the mountain often falls below freezing. Therefore, you are required to have adequate warm clothes to save from extreme cold. Further, it will be better to dress in layers that can be easily put on & off as required. It is often advisable to carry raincoat because snow or rain can also occur sometimes.
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES RECOMMENDED:
- Thermal underwear, woolen or silk long sleeve tops & bottoms
- Woolen shirts, pullover, pants, socks, hat, gloves & scarves
- Down jacket or wind breaker
- Good walking boots or shoes
- Sun hat, sun glass, suntan lotion, torch light, pen knife
- Medicine for common colds, headache, diarrhea & diamox
against altitude sickness
HEALTH: It is necessary to be physically fit & healthy for the participate on Tibet tour. Even if, there is no particular age limit guideline, child below 8 years or elderly people exceeding 70 years or more are not advisable to take participation. Doctor's medical certificate is essential for trip participation. Further more, those who are sufferer of high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetic are not recommending for tour.
INSURANCE: It is most advisable all clients to have full insurance against medical and person accident risk, natural calamities, political instability, etc.
Notes:
Best months for travelling: April, May, June, July, August, September
Price includes:
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley as per above programs.
- 4WD with experienced driver during the tour.
- Tibet travel permit.
- English speaking guide during the tour.
- Twin sharing accommodation during the tour (inclusive of breakfast).
- Monasteries entry permits.
- Lhasa city tour as per the program.
- Bus transfer from Kathmandu to Kodari boarder (boarder of Nepal & Tibet)
Price doesn't include:
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Nepal visa
- Nepal Re- entry visa
- Airfare from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
-Chinese visa
- Travel insurance
