Tibet Overland Tour

Normally a Nepal-Tibet tour starts with a scenic flight over the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The situation is unique this time as this is an overland tour, which means we will be driving through the Himalayan terrain instead. We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning for the first part of the drive up to the Nepal China border at Kodari. We will cover a distance of almost 120km on the 3-4 hour journey. Once we reach there, we will take care of all procedures and eventually cross the border to Tibet side. We will have lunch at Zhangmu before moving on to Nyalam. The drive will be only half hour or so but we will ascend quite high and cover around 30km distance. Here, we will check in to our hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon in leisure.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

We will start our day with a 3-4 hour drive to the high altitude town of Shelkar. Also known as Xegar, this town located at the foot of Gyatso La is only 60km or so away from Everest! We will get to enjoy some stunning views across the Tibetan plateau today. As long as the weather is decent, we will get to view peaks ranging from Cho Oyu and Makalu to Shishapangma and of course, Everest.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

Our Tibet Overland Tour continues with the 240 km drive from Shelkar to Shigatze today as we cross the highest pass on our route, Gyatso La (5,200m). Our overnight stay will be at the hotel in Shigatze.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

Our day starts with a sightseeing tour to the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpu monastery. After some exploration there, we will head out on the road once again for a 1-2 hour drive to Gyantse. Here, we will once again have some exploration with the visit to the Khumbum stupa & Phalkor Monastery.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

If we haven’t visited the Khumbum Stupa & Phalkor Monastery already, we will do so today. Otherwise, we will head out after breakfast for the drive to Lhasa. The total drive of around 250 km takes us around 5-6 hours. We will pass various interesting locations including Karo La pass (5,010m), Yamdrok Lake, Yarlung Tsangpo (Bramha Putra) river and more. Since we will be a little tired today, we will simply rest at the hotel during our free time and save the sightseeing for tomorrow.

Accomodation: Lodge

Meals: B L D

Get ready for an exhilarating day of sightseeing and touring around Lhasa and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our first destination is one of the most famous locations in Lhasa, the Potala palace. This 16^th century palace/fortress used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Situated at 3,700 meters altitude in the center of the Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace is one of the most amazing exhibitions of Tibetan architecture. Our second destination for the day, Norbulingka is another fascinating show case of architecture and culture as well. As the counter part to the Potala Palace, it used to be the summer residence for the Dalai Lama until his exile. Built around a century after the Potala Palace, Norbulingka is considered largest man made garden in Tibet. After the full day of sightseeing, we will head back to our hotel for overnight stay.

Visit Potala Palace, Ramoche Monastery and Norbulingka. The Potala Palace, the erstwhile home of the Dalai Lama, was built in 637 AD atop a single hill by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Norbulingka, the erstwhile summer palace of Dalai Lama meaning ‘Jewel Park', is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of around 3,60,000 sq. mt. making it the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

For the second day of sightseeing in Lhasa, we will visit the various monasteries including Sera Monastery and Jokhang Monastery. Situated a few kilometers north of Lhasa, Sera Monastery is one of the great three university monasteries and hermitage of Tibet. Jokhang Temple / Monastery is considered as the most important and sacred temple in Tibet. The oldest parts of the temple were built almost 1,500 years ago, and it has come to be a beautiful assimilation of Tibetan, Indian Vihara as well as Nepalese architecture. After we visit the spiritual center, we will take some time to explore the Barkhor Square and Market. As usual, our overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Visit Sera Monastery, Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Market. The Sera Monastery, 5 km north of Lhasa, is one of Lhasa's prettiest monasteries and once upon a time sheltered a community of more than 5,000 monks. Jokhang Monastery, situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Sakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wencheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at hotel.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

After an early breakfast, we will pack our stuff and drive to the Lhasa Airport. There, we will catch the scenic flight back to Kathmandu where you can enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas. With this, the Tibet Overland Tour is now concluded. Farewell!

Accomodation:

Meals: B