Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m).

Settle in to your hotel to relax and adjust to high altitude.

Day 2: Lhasa (Visit Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple).

In the morning, we will visit the Potala Palace, the greatest wonder of Tibet architecture. The Potala was built in the mid-7th century by the famous Tibet King, Songtsen Gampo. The Potala Palace is 130m and 13 stories high, and it commands a view of all Lhasa. The Potala has been the residence of the Dalai Lama Lineage for hundreds of years. After lunch, we’ll visit the Jokhang Temple, also known in Tibet as the Tsuglhakhang, the most important temple in Tibet. Every year thousands of pilgrims come to Lhasa from every corner of the Tibetan plateau to visit Jokhang Temple. This temple was built in the7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, and is more than 1300years old. From the roof of the Temple, there is a wonderful view of the Potala Palace and the bustling Barkhor.  

Day 3 Lhasa (Visit Norbulingka Palace & Ramuche Temple).

We’ll visit the Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas, and the Potala Palace, known as the winter residense of the Dalai lineages. The Seventh Dalai Lama founded the first summer palace in the Norbulingka in 1755, Norbulingka is literally translated “ Jewel Park”. Later the 8th Dalai Lama expanded its gardens and dig the lake, in the afternoon we’ll visit one of the oldest temple in Lhasa, which was constructed at the same time as the Jokhang Temple in the 7the century by Songtsen Gampo and in the Chinese style. Unfortunately the temple has been badly damaged through the years.  

Day 4: Lhasa (Drepung monastery & Sera monastery).

After breakfast, we’ll meet your guide in hotel and he or she will lead you to visit one of the three most famous monasteries in Tibet. The Drepung monastery, literally translated as “rice heap”, was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Choje, and was once home to as many as 10.000 monks. Ganden Palace was established by the second Dalai Lama, the Palace was home to the Dalai Lamas until the fifth Dalai Lama built the Potala. Afterward, we’ll visit Sera Monastery, where you can watch monks debate Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in the debating courtyard.

Day 5:  Lhasa- Yamdrok Lake-Gyantse- Shigatse 3836m /368kms / 7 HRS.

In the morning, we’ll drive to Gyantse, along the way cross the Kamba-la pass(4700m). Stopping for some dramatic views of Yamdrok Lake; from the top of the Kamba-la, you have fabulous views of the holy turquoise-colored lake with Mt.Nojin Kangtsang(7190M) in the far distance. Afterward, at Nangartse we’ll stop for lunch; then we will continue to drive to Gyantse, on the way we’ll cross the 4967m Karo-la, with its awesome views of the Nojin-Kangtsang Glacier. In Gyantse, we’ll visit Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum. This town was a major centre for the trade of wood and wool between India and Tibet, Gyantse carpets are considered the best in Tibet. Next we will drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

Day 6: Shigatse--Sakya---Shergar(New Tingri) 4500m / 240kms / 5 HRS.

In the morning, we’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, which is one of the six great Gulugpa institutions. You’ll see the most impressive of Tashilhunpo’s sights: the world’s largest gilded statue of Jampa(Maitreya) the Future Buddha. It’s 26m high. Then we’ll drive to Shegar via the ruined Sakya Monastery, The monastery is 25km off the Southern Friendship Hwy, it’s really worth the detour! We’ll cross over the Gyatso-La pass 5252m). on the way to Shergar, where we will visit Shergar Dzong and Shergar Chode Monastery. all of which are well worth a visit.

Day 7: Shergar—Rongbuk monastery --Mt. Everest Base Camp 5250m / 100kms / 3 HRS.

In the morning, we’ll drive to Mt.Everest Base Camp, passing over the Pang-la 5050m). From the summit of the Pang-la there are breathtaking views of the Himalaya ranges and the magnificent North Face of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. Also there are five or six peaks over 8000m. Next we’ll take the dirt road up the wide valley, passing through small villages to Rongbuk Monastery, At the Monastery, there are spectacular views of the Mt. Everest. From Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp is about 8km. You can spend the night at Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse or at yak-hair tents run by Tibetan families.

Day 8: EBC—Old Tingri—Peiku Lake - Gyirong(Nepal border) 2300m / 335kms / 6 HRS.

We must get up in the early morning to witness the sunrise behind the tallest peak in the world and then we’ll drive to the Tibet-Nepal border along the Friendship Hwy. On the way you will see breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayan ranges, and if the weather is clear, you will also see the graceful peak of Shishapangma. From Peiku lake to Gyirong the landscape is one of Tibet’s great natural wonders, especially from Tibetan Plateau into a deep gorge of evergreen forests and waterfalls. Stay overnight at Gyirong border.

Day 9: Cross the Nepal border.

After breakfast, we’ll drive down to the border, go through immigration to The Nepal side and head to Kathmandu. End your pleasant Himalaya journey.

Map coming soon...