8 DAYS OVERLAND KATHMANDU TOUR
Day 1 - Arrival in Lhasa [3680m]
You will be greeted by our local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to relax.
Day 2 - In the morning visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures and many rooms. Built in 637AD, the Potala has been home to the HH Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. Afterwards visit Jokhang temple, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front of the Jowo Buddha statue inside temple. Afterwards walk through the Barkor which is the most popular market and sacred walk for all Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3 - visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa - once home to as many as 10,000 monks. Afterwards visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. Visiting Drepung and Sera monasteries will enhance your understanding about the Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
Day 4 - Lhasa-Gyaltse-Shigatse [3950m] 380km approx 8hrs.
Begin your adventure out of Lhasa. Along the way cross over the Kamba la pass [4794m] and the Karo la pass [5039m], which boast spectacular views. Along the way cross over the Kamba la pass [4794m] and the Karo la pass [5039m], which boast spectacular views. After Kamba la, arrive at Yamdrok lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. View Nyenchen Kangsar glacier above [7100m]. Time permitting, visit Pelkor Chode with Kumbum stupa, which was built in 15th century and a beautiful local king's castle "Dzong", continue drive through Nyenchu river valley and arrive in Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5 - Shigatse-Sakya town [4300m] 160km, approx 3hrs.
In the morning, visit Shigatse Tashi Lhupo monastery which was founded by the first Dalai Lama "Gedundrupa" in the 15th century. Gedundrupa was one of the main disciples of master Tsong Khapa and this monastery is the biggest Gelukpa learning centre in the Tsang region. After the second Dalai Lama, Tashi Lhupo became the main monastery of the Panchen Lama and his successors. Also here is one of the largest bronze statues of Future Buddha "Martriya". Continue drive through Tso la pass [4500m] and arrive in Sakya town. Overnight in Sakya.
Day 6 - Sakya-Rongbuk monastery [5000m] -EBC [5200m] 245km, approx 8hrs.
In the morning, visit Sakya monastery which is unique because of its medieval Mongolian architecture. Sakya was an ancient capital of Tibet (13th century). Walk up the Kora path alongside the monastery to see the ruins of the older buildings, with great views of the monastery and surrounding valley. Continue driving over Rocky Mountain, will reach Rongbuk monastery, where you will have a fabulous view of Mt Everest (Chongalungma). Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world. Rongbuk monastery to Tent guest-house is about 4km and Tent guesthouse to Everest base camp is about 4km. Stay the night in a warm Yak hair tent guest-house run by a Tibetan family, or Rongbuk monastery guesthouse. Note: during the off season buses don't run and tent guest-houses are closed.
Day 7 - Everest base camp-Zhangmu border [2300m] 260km, approx 8hrs.
In the morning, drive or hike to Everest base camp where you will have plenty of photo opportunities. On the way to Zhangmu border you will cross the spectacular Himalayan range, viewing water falls and a beautiful river from Himalayan crossing to Nepal. Overnight at Zhangmu border.
Day 8 - Zhangmu-Kodari - cross Tibet-Nepal border (Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge).
After breakfast, go through Chinese immigration, cross the border and say good-bye to your Tibetan guide and driver. Continue your journey to Kathmandu (own arrangements).
Tour cost includes:
- All necessary travel permits in Tibet
- Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program.
- Private transportation in Tibet: 4WD land cruiser, van or bus depending on the group size and trip route.
- Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide.
- Lodging: Available from 5 star to budget guesthouse.
- Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning and end of the tour.
- Lodging and meals for guide and driver.
- First aid kit.
- Travel Liability Insurance.
Tour cost excludes:
- Travel insurance to cover trip cancellation and emergency evacuation (recommended).
- Expenses of personal nature.
- International and domestic flight/train. Note: we accept flight and train tickets bookings in advance. Please check the updated cost and ticket availability with your travel consultant.
- Tip for guide and driver. -
- Food: depending on your preferences, food is approximately 60-120¥ for per person per day.
