August 31st / Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]
Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.
September 1st / Day 2: Lhasa
Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to as many as 10,000 monks, the enormous monastic complex is the site of many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is the Nechung temple, the former home of the state oracle. Afterwards, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, walk the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.
September 2nd / Day 3: Lhasa
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 in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located in Barkhor square in Lhasa. The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang. From the roof of the monastery you will have a view of prostrating pilgrims. Afterward, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center. If time allows, explore the alleys of the Tibetan quarter and visit traditional workshops and handicraft stores.
September 3rd / Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Yumtso Lake – Karo-la Glacier – Gyantse [3950m], 268km, 5.5 hours
Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas, drive to Gyantse. Along the way cross over the Kamba-La (4794m) and the Karo-La passes (5010m), which boast spectacular views. After Kamba-La, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Stay the night in Gyantse.
September 4th / Day 5: Gyantse – Shigatse [3836m], 90km, 1.5 hours
In the morning, visit the Pelkor Chode Kumbum and Gyantse Monastery followed by a two-hour drive to Shigatse. Here, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilhunpo monastery. Time allowing, join pilgrims in walking the long circumambulation path around the monastery, or explore the city streets. Spend the night in Shigatse.
September 5th / Day 6: Shigatse – Rongbuk monastery (4980 m) – View of Mount Everest, 370km, 8 hours
In the morning drive further west to the Himalayas. Along the way we will drive through Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m) where you will have a great view of Mt. Everest and other mountains of the Himalayan mountain range. After passing through scenic valleys and driving over rocky mountains, we will reach Rongbuk (Rongphu) Monastery, where we will have a fabulous view of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk monastery is the highest monastery in the World. It is worth to do a small kora (circumambulation) around the monastery, making amazing photos of Mt. Everest. Spend the night near the Rongbuk monastery (or in Old Tingri depending on availability).
September 6th / Day 7: Rongbuk Monastery or Old Tingri – View of world’s highest mountains – Peikutso Lake – Kyirong town [4200m], 310km, 7 hours
Catch a sunrise view of the Mount Everest, and continue driving along the world’s highest mountains. You will see spectacular Himalayan ranges along the way to Nepal border including several world’s highest mountains which are Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), Mt.Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt. Shishapangma (8027m). etc as a highlight, you will also visit Peikutso Lake which is a Krystal clear lake in the middle of the wilderness. Then ascending up to Gongtang La pass which is 5300m / 17400ft. After pass this last highest point of the tour, you are descending dramatically in the greenish forest. Finally, we will reach Kyirong town. A newly built town close to the border between Nepal and China. This town is bigger than you expect. There are several hotels, money exchange, banks, Nepal, Chinese and Restaurants and many other facilities. There are also several interesting attractions around the town. We will visit Pakpa monastery if time allows. We stay in this beautiful town of Kyirong tonight.
September 7th / Day 8: Kyirong – Nepal border – cross the border
Today, we drive 23km to the China customs from Kyirong town. Once at the border, cross over, pass through immigration and continue on to Kathmandu. Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
