Best Of Tibet Tour

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland tour is an exotic journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa and vice versa which will let you enjoy the Hindu cultural sights of Kathmandu and Buddhist monasteries of Lhasa. This fascinating journey will let you enjoy some of the best Himalayan scene and cultural settlements of the high lands of the Himalayas. Lhasa (3650m) the capital city of Tibet is rich in cultural and natural beauty along with ancient cultural artifacts. Some of the famous sites of Lhasa are Potala palace, Sera monastery, Drepung monastery, Jokhang Tempale, Barkhor market and Norbulingka Palace, Summer Palace of Dalai Lama. Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland tour starts with a classic exploration of Kathmandu city and exotic Himalayan flight to Lhasa. Upon your arrival we will assist you throughout your travel. Enjoy cultural programs, evening sightseeing around the city and delicious dinner. Commencing tour into the Himalayan kingdom of Tibet will let you explore the natural and historical sightseeing and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Tibetan inhabitants.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Kathmandu (1300) -Kerung Border (145 Km) 06-07 hours drive — Morning Departure from Kathmandu: Start your journey early in the morning from Kathmandu. Drive to Rasuwagadhi (Kerung) Border: Travel by road from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi, the border crossing between Nepal and Tibet. The distance is approximately 130 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours by road. Arrival at Rasuwagadhi: Reach Rasuwagadhi by late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and traffic. Border Formalities: Complete immigration and customs procedures at the border checkpoint. Accommodation: Spend the night in Rasuwagadhi or nearby Kerung town. There are limited accommodation options available in this area Day Day 2: Kerung to Shegar (New Tingri) — Morning Departure from Kerung: Start your journey early in the morning to make the most of the day. Drive to Tingri: Travel by road from Kerung to Tingri. The distance is approximately 250 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. Scenic Route: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you traverse through the Tibetan Plateau. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning landscapes along the way. Altitude Gain: Tingri is situated at an altitude of around 4,300 meters (14,100 feet), so be mindful of altitude sickness. Take it easy upon arrival and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Accommodation in Tingri: Upon reaching Tingri, check into your accommodation. There are several guesthouses and hotels available in Tingri to suit various budgets. Rest and Acclimatize: Spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Avoid strenuous activities and allow your body to adjust gradually. Morning Exploration: After breakfast, explore Tingri town and its surroundings. Tingri is a small Tibetan town with a laid-back atmosphere, offering glimpses of local Tibetan life and culture. Tingri Monastery: Visit Tingri Monastery, located on a hilltop overlooking the town. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the monastery. Hiking or Excursions: Depending on your interests, you can embark on short hikes or excursions in the surrounding areas. Consult with your guide or local authorities for recommendations and safety tips. Cultural Interaction: Take the opportunity to interact with local Tibetans and learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions. Day Day 3: Shegar (New Tingri) to Shigatse, 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) 270Km 7/8 hrs — Route Overview Distance: Approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles) Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by road, depending on road conditions and weather Altitude of Shegar: About 4,300 meters (14,108 feet) above sea level Altitude of Shigatse: About 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level Morning Departure: Start your journey early to maximize daylight hours and enjoy the scenery along the way. Shegar (New Tingri): Located near the entrance to the Everest Base Camp region, Shegar is a small town often used as a base for those visiting Everest. En Route Highlights Scenic Drive: The route from Shegar to Shigatse offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau, including panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, rolling valleys, and traditional Tibetan villages. Gyatso La Pass: This high mountain pass stands at about 5,220 meters (17,125 feet) and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. It's one of the highest points on the journey. Photographic Opportunities: The route provides ample opportunities for photography, especially of the high-altitude landscapes and traditional Tibetan architecture. Arrival in Shigatse Tashilhunpo Monastery: Upon arriving in Shigatse, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the six great Gelugpa institutions. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and houses numerous impressive structures, including the giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Shigatse Dzong: Explore the remains of the Shigatse Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Local Market: Spend some time at the local market to experience the vibrant local culture and shop for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. Day Day 4: Drive to Gyantse, visit Khumbum Stupa & Pelkhor Chorten — Morning Departure from Xigatse: Start your journey in the morning to make the most of the day. Drive to Gyantse: Travel by road from Xigatse to Gyantse. The distance is approximately 90 kilometers, and the journey takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. Scenic Route: Enjoy the scenic drive through the Tibetan countryside, passing by picturesque villages, barley fields, and the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Gyantse Kumbum: Upon arrival in Gyantse, visit the Gyantse Kumbum, a unique multi-storied structure adorned with thousands of murals and statues. Take your time to explore the intricacies of this architectural marvel and enjoy panoramic views from its upper levels. Pelkor Chode Monastery: Next, visit Pelkor Chode Monastery, located adjacent to the Gyantse Kumbum. Explore the monastery's chapels, assembly halls, and courtyards, and learn about its history as a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Gyantse Dzong (Fortress): Explore the ruins of Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fortress overlooking the town. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Gyantse and the surrounding landscape. Lunch in Gyantse: Take a break for lunch at one of the local restaurants in Gyantse, where you can sample Tibetan cuisine and relax before continuing your journey. Gyantse Old Street: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along Gyantse Old Street, lined with traditional Tibetan houses, shops, and tea houses. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and interact with residents. Day Day 5: Gyantse - Lhasa 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) 260 km. 6/7 hrs — Morning Departure from Gyantse: Start your journey early in the morning to make the most of the day. Drive to Lhasa: Travel by road from Gyantse to Lhasa. The distance is approximately 260 kilometers, and the journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. En Route Attractions: Along the way, you can visit some attractions: Yamdrok Lake: Enjoy breathtaking views of one of Tibet's most sacred lakes, known for its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains. Karola Glacier: Make a stop to admire the impressive Karola Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Tibet. Gyantse Kumbum: If you didn't visit it earlier, you could stop to explore this unique multi-storied structure adorned with thousands of murals and statues. Altitude Change: As you travel from Gyantse to Lhasa, you'll be descending in altitude. Lhasa sits at around 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), so continue to acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated. Accommodation in Lhasa: Upon reaching Lhasa, check into your accommodation. Lhasa offers a range of hotels, guesthouses, and Tibetan-style lodges to suit various preferences and budgets. Evening in Lhasa: Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and adjusting to the lower altitude. Take a leisurely stroll around Lhasa, perhaps visiting local markets or enjoying Tibetan cuisine at a local restaurant. Day Day 6: Sightseeing In Lhasa — Potala Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the iconic symbol of Tibet, the Potala Palace was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Perched atop Marpo Ri Hill, it offers breathtaking views of Lhasa and houses numerous chapels, halls, and artifacts showcasing Tibetan art and history. Jokhang Temple: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jokhang Temple is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. Located in the heart of Lhasa, it attracts pilgrims from all over Tibet. Marvel at its ancient architecture, intricate murals, and the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Barkhor Street: Surrounding the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is a vibrant and bustling market where you can experience traditional Tibetan culture. Shop for souvenirs, religious items, handicrafts, and taste local Tibetan cuisine. Norbulingka Palace: The summer residence of the Dalai Lama, Norbulingka Palace is a serene retreat with beautiful gardens, pavilions, and ponds. Explore the various palaces and chapels, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Sera Monastery: One of the three great monasteries of Lhasa, Sera Monastery is known for its debating courtyard, where monks engage in lively philosophical debates. Explore the monastery's chapels, murals, and learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in the world, Drepung Monastery is a significant Tibetan Buddhist site. Explore its numerous chapels, assembly halls, and learn about its history as a center of learning and meditation. Tibet Museum: Learn about Tibet's history, culture, and art at the Tibet Museum, located near the Potala Palace. The museum's exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays showcasing Tibetan heritage. Ganden Monastery: Located outside Lhasa, Ganden Monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Explore its various temples, including the main assembly hall and the tomb of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Nechung Oracle Temple: Visit the Nechung Monastery, the seat of the Nechung Oracle, who plays a significant role in Tibetan religious and political affairs. Witness traditional oracle ceremonies and learn about Tibetan divination practices. Drak Yerpa: Located outside Lhasa, Drak Yerpa is a complex of caves and meditation retreats used by Tibetan Buddhist masters for centuries. Explore the caves, chapels, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Day Day 7: Visit Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery — Drepung Monastery Location: Approximately 8 kilometers west of central Lhasa Altitude: About 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) Significance: Once the largest monastery in the world, Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden, one of Tsongkhapa’s disciples. It served as a major center for Gelugpa learning and housed over 10,000 monks at its peak. Visiting Details Morning Visit: Start your day early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the morning light for photography. Entrance Fee: Typically around 60 CNY, but prices may vary. Guided Tour: Consider hiring a guide to gain deeper insights into the history, architecture, and religious significance of the monastery. What to See Ganden Palace: Originally the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built. Coqen Hall: The main assembly hall where monks gather for prayer and ceremonies. Nechung Oracle Temple: The seat of the state oracle of Tibet. Chapel of Jampa: Houses a large statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha). Lhagpa Ri Chapel: Known for its beautiful murals and statues. Tips Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees. Photography: Photography is generally allowed outside the buildings but usually prohibited inside the chapels and assembly halls. Altitude Sickness: Be mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly and stay hydrated. Sera Monastery Location: Approximately 5 kilometers north of central Lhasa Altitude: About 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) Significance: Founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, another disciple of Tsongkhapa. Sera Monastery is known for its debating monks and is one of the three great Gelugpa university monasteries in Tibet. Day Day 8: Drive to airport fly back to Kathmandu or to onward destination — Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel. If your flight is early, check if your hotel offers a packed breakfast option. Check-out: Complete the check-out process at your hotel. Make sure to settle any outstanding bills and retrieve any valuables kept in the hotel safe. Transfer to Airport: Arrange for transportation to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Most hotels can help organize a taxi or shuttle service. The airport is about 62 kilometers (39 miles) from central Lhasa and the drive typically takes about 1.5 hours.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Kathmandu (1300) -Kerung Border (145 Km) 06-07 hours drive — Morning Departure from Kathmandu: Start your journey early in the morning from Kathmandu.+