Tibet to Kathmandu Tour

You will arrive in Lhasa either by direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If you decide to fly from Nepal, you will enjoy a scenic one-hour trans-Himalayan flight that will take you over Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8,536 meters) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If you choose to arrive in Lhasa via mainland China, you can fly from any major Chinese city or take the world’s highest railway to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, our representative will transfer you from the airport or train station to your designated hotel in Lhasa, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. It is advisable to get plenty of rest for the rest of the day to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Spend the night in Lhasa.

Maximum: Altitude: 3,650m/11,9776ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)

After breakfast, you will begin your tour of Lhasa. Today is the day to visit the beautiful Potala and Norbuling Palaces. Built in the 17th century, the Potala Palace offers amazing views of the entire city and houses the Dalai Lama’s private residence, numerous magnificent state rooms, and chapels. The Norbuling Palace is the Dalai Lama’s summer palace and is considered the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, you will visit the Tibetan Traditional Hospital, which is a center for treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine. Spend the night in Lhasa.

Driving: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Built in the 14th century, Drepung Monastery is believed to have once housed around 10,000 monks but has now declined considerably resulting in only a few hundred remaining. The history, culture and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are firmly anchored and concentrated in this amazing monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery with white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site that reveals the deep secrets of Tibetan Buddhism. You will further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops and throngs of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Driving: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will take a leisurely drive through Gyantse to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. You will pass over the Khamba La Pass (4,794 m) and enjoy breathtaking views of Yomdrok-Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the sacred lakes in Tibet, and Mount Najin Kang Sa (7,252 m). To the west, you will encounter another pass, Karo La (5,045 m), and enjoy amazing views of majestic glaciers. Upon reaching Gyantse, you will visit the Khumbu Stupa, Falkot Monastery, and Gyantse Dzong (fortress), one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet. From Gyantse, you will continue to Shigatse, enjoying the enchanting mountain scenery along the way. Overnight in Shigatse.

Distance: 367 km Driving: 8-9 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Gesar Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit the most popular site in Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery, which holds both historical and cultural significance as it was founded by the First Dalai Lama Gendun Drup in 1447. Then, you will travel to Shegar via Shakya. In Shakya, you will visit Shakya Monastery, which is the ancestral temple of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Today, you will also cross the Tso La (4,500 meters/14,763 feet) and Gyatso La (5,220 meters/17,125 feet) passes. You will reach the small town of Shegar in the evening and spend the night there.

Distance: 240 km Driving: 4 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning you will depart from Shegar for Kathmandu. On the way, you will cross the Lalung La (5,124 m/16,068 ft) and Shung La (5,200 m/17,056 ft) passes that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlung Tse and Gauri Shankar. You will then descend gently from the dry Tibetan plateau to the lush vegetation of Zhangmu. A few kilometers drive from Zhangmu to the Friendship Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River will take you to the immigration control at Kodari where you are expected to complete some customized formalities. After a drive of about 4 hours through deep valleys, you will reach Kathmandu. In the evening, you will enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine at your farewell dinner hosted by AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions.

Distance: Distance: 365 km Driving: 7-8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast