9 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Highlights: Today upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at Kathmandu airport and escort you to hotel. Rest or explore the interesting streets of Kathmadu on your own.

Highlights: Today you will have a city tour to visit Durbar square, Swoyambhunath stupa, Bouddhanath stupa

Durbar square: Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City.

The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels an. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Which is the oldest holy shrine in the Kathmandu valley. As these Swayambhunath photos show, the Stupta, with its piercing eyes, is a captivating sight. You'll find Swayambhunath Stupa atop a hill a short distance west of Kathmandu. Get there by taking a taxi, or Safa tempo number 20 from the main post office in Kathmandu's Sundhara district. There are two entrances to the Stupa, on the eastern and western sides. The eastern side involves a long climb up a steep stairway, but it's much more picturesque. It's possible to walk back down the hill from Swayambhunath to Durbar Square in around 30 minutes.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Which has been an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists & local Nepalis. It is located on what was a major trade route between Nepal & Tibet. Many traveling merchants used it as a resting place. It is also a popular tourist site. In 1979, Boudha became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Stupa of Boudhanath is the focal point of the district. There are at least 29 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries & Nunneries) around Boudhanath. The culture is very much Himalayan with a strong presence of Tibetans & Sherpas, as can be evidenced by the number of restaurants selling momos, thukpa & other Tibetan favorites.

Distance: 210km    Drive: 11hrs    Elevation: 2700m 

Highlights: Our staff will pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu in the early morning and then we will drive along small mountain road to the Rashuwaghadi---the border between China-Nepal, crossing the border you will meet our Tibet guide, then drive to Gyirong town; 

Tips: 

1)Today the road is not very good condition, so it will be long drive. 

2)It is recommended that you can do some excises at home, such as building climbing, mountain climbing, jogging, etc.

3)Please take DIAMOX for the trip, this medicine helps you to acclimatize. 

4)When you are in Tibet , please do avoid strenuous activities or alcohol drinking. You need to drink more water, have enough rest, keep the mind relaxed and do not be afraid of the altitude . 

5)There will be emergeny oxygen in the vehicle, but it is better to let your body acclimatize gradually without the rely of oxygen.

Highlights: Today we will drive to Old Tingri. On the way, you will enjoy the distant view of Mt. Everest and other peaks. 

Tips: 

For visitors coming from Kathmandu(2700m), it is too dangerous to stay overnight at the Everest base camp(5200m) on this day, so we will not visit the Everest base camp, instead we will view Himalaya peaks including Everest from distance, which is also amazing. 

Distance: 240km    Drive: 8hrs    Elevation: 3900m 

Highlights: Today we will drive to Tibet's 2nd biggest city--Shigatse, and visit the famous Tashilumpo Monastery there. 

Tashilunpo Monastery: As one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa sec, Tashilunpo Monastery is the manjor attraction in Shigatse and regarded as the Tibetan Buddhist centre of Rear Tibet. Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery was expanded by successive Panchen Lamas. Covering an area of nearly 300,000 square meters and accommodating 800 lamas,  Tashilhunpo monastery is a must-see spot for travelers and buddhist followers and plays a very important role for Tibetan Tourism.

Distance: 380km    Drive: 12hrs    Elevation: 4441m 

Highlights: Today you will be driven to Lhasa, on the way you will visit Pelkor Chode Monastery, Yamdrok-tso Lake, Karuola Glacier. 

Pelkor Chode Monastery: Founded in 1418, Pelkor Chode Monastery is the main monastery in Gyantse of Tibet. The highlight inside is the Kumbum, which has 108 chapels in its four stories. As an important center of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism,  In 1904, the Gyangtse town and the Pelkor Chode Monastery were attacked by British army, although most of the damage was later restored, bullet holes from this attack still remain in the monastery.

Karola Glacier: At 5,560m above sea level, and with an area of 9.4 sq km, this imposing glacier is visible from the highway which links Lhasa and Shigatse. The glacier has been divided into black and white layers due to smoke pollution from motor vehicles, which gives a distinctive colors to this great glacier. 

Yamdrok Lake: Which is one of the 3 most sacred lakes in Tibet. It is a lake of 72km long, fed by numerous small streams and sourrounded by snow covered mountains. The two long arms of water, makeing it look like a scorpion from the sky. According to legend, Yamdok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.

Tips: 

1) The road condition from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake is rough road around mountains. 

2) The altitude is over 4,000m in some places, and it is long drive, so if necessary, you may ask the guide to stop somewhere for a break and stretch your body.

Elevation: 3500m 

Highlights: Today you will visit the famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street 

Potala Palace: Which is known as the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the residence of the Dalai Lama lineages. Stands 13 stories high and owes over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues, the Potala Palace formed a small world in it. 

Jokhang Temple: Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace,Jokhang Temple is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. The temple is a four-storey timber complex with a golden top, with the combination of  Tang Dynasty, Tibetan and Nepal architectural styles. Every day, pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet worship here, make it a perfect site for photograpers.

Barkhor Street: As the oldest street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street is considered as the center of the old city, and a perfect place to lear Tibetan culture, economy, religion, and arts. The street is full of handicarfts, such as ornaments, knives, tangka,  religious musical instruments, gold and silver ware, masks and a lot more. If you intend to buy some souvenirs for friends or famiy, Barkhor Street will be an ideal place.

Tips: 

1) Some visitors might feel a bit hard to breath when climbing the Potala Palace, so please climb slowly. 

2) Some places are not allowed to take photos, please kindly inquire your guide for details. 

3) When shopping around Barkor Street, you can compare and bargain for the unique souvenirs 

4) During the summer time, the musical fountain show at the Potala Plalace Square is 19:30—22:00PM. 

5) Please bring water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses for today’s tour as you will be at outside for a long day. 

Elevation: 3500m 

Highlights: Today you will visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and enjoy the debate. 

Drepung Monastery: Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given the name 'Drepung‘, which, in the Tibetan language, means 'Collecting Rice.. 

Sera Monastery: Which is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. From of Mon ~ Fri, every afternoon, you ll be able to see monks debating at Sera Monastery.

Tips: 

1) Today's road condition is good. The tour involves some easy walking and climbing

2) Please bring water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses for today’s tour as you will be at outside for a long day. 

Highlights: Today our guide will send you to train station or airport for your next destination. Your lifetime Tibet tour is completed now.