On this Tibet overland tour you have three days (i.e., 4 nights) in Lhasa to acclimatize and to absorb the exoticism of Tibetan heritage and to explore this history-laden city to its core. You will be expertly guided around the most significant and ancient Gompas (monasteries) of Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse by your Tibetan guide, who will instruct you on the intricacies and mysticism of Tibetan Buddhism. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet would certainly be a unique mystical destination to visit.
You drive down Friendship highway by a vehicle passing through small Tibetan settlements where you get upfront views right from your vehicle of nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains amidst a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain peaks.
A special highlight of this trip is the visit to the Everest base camp where you will be rewarded with panoramic and breath-taking views of Mount Everest from the north side. This overland tour will be a mystical delight that will be remembered by the fireside for many winters to come.
On arrival at Gonggar airport you will be met by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities take a 1.5-hour drive along 93km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude. Check in at the Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the Hotel commence the sightseeing tour of Sera monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang temple and Barkhor market. Once you relinquish your delicious breakfast, you straightaway make arrangements for your sightseeing tour. Your experienced guide accompanies you to the famous monasteries of Tibet. On your awe- inspiring visit to Sera Monastery, you are introduced to the important aspects of Buddhism. After lunch, you once again continue exploring Tibetan ancient cultures and civilizations as you pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang temple provides yet another exciting and educative tour. Wandering around Barkhor Markets is another major highlight of the day. Finally, you head back to your hotel for relaxation and refreshments.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
After breakfast at the Hotel commence the sightseeing tour of Potala Palace and Drepung monastery. On this day you get more acquainted with the mystiques of Lhasa. In the morning you will set off to view majestic Potala Palace towering above city of Lhasa. You get to witness unique, pristine and overwhelming array of intricate Tibetan murals, temples, stupas, and tombs of eight past Dalai Lamas from a perfect vantage point. Ancient Tibetan cultures come alive with your every exploration. Later in the noon after lunch, you will visit beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery. You can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses After this religious journey, you eventually return to your hotel for delicious dinner and well-eared peaceful sleep. Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
This day is for you to spend it as your wish. Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery, go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a café and watch pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang. There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Moving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4794m/15340ft, with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m/23206ft. On turning westwards, you come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m/16144ft. If you look at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, taking a 90km drive, you will arrive at Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet that lies at an altitude of 3900m/12480ft. Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the major attraction of Shigatse.Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m/16704ft. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16480ft. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for 68km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m/16000ft. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. A guest house is available for overnight accommodation. Overnight at Guest House.
Meals: Breakfast.
This morning you have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5150m/16480ft). The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensates for it. It truly is an awe- inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m/16396ft and Shug La pass at 5200m/16640ft. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181km, you find yourself amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300m/7360ft.
Overnight at Hotel.
A few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi river brings you to the Immigration Control in Kodari. Here, you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet your Nepalese escort who will drive you to Kathmandu. After driving 5 hours for 123km, you finally arrive in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast.
