
Tibet Tour
True to its nickname, “the Roof of the world”, Tibet is the highest plateau in the world with an average altitude in excess of 3500 meter. Lying to the north of the great Himalayan range which separates it from its neighbours India, Nepal and Bhutan, Tibet is an untamed land of nomads (Drokpas), monasteries, yaks, sand dunes, and high altitude desert.
On this Tibet overland tour you have four days in Lhasa to acclimatize and to absorb the exotic Tibetan heritage and to explore this history-laden city. You will be guided around the most significant and ancient Gompas (Monasteries) of Lhasa , Gyantse & Shigatse by your Tibetan guide, who will instruct you on the intricacies of Tibetan Buddhism. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet is a remarkable place to visit.
You will drive through small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks on a 4WD land cruiser.
ITINERARY
Day 01 – Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 02 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 – Free / acclimatization day in day in Lhasa
Day 05 – Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Day 06 – Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
Day 07 – Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km
Day 08 – Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km
Day 09 – Explore Everest base camp & drive to Tingri (4390m) 65km
Day 10 – Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km
Day 11 – Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 123km
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)
You have options to arrive in Lhasa. You can join the trip in Kathmandu and fly to Lhasa or arrive ib Lhasa from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and other Chinese cities. (Please see option detail on ‘general information' section)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, take a 1.5-hour drive along 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa 's altitude.
Day 02 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Firstly, your tour begins with a visit to SERA MONASTERY. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts you to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting is the tour of NORBULINGKA, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. JOKHANG TEMPLE is another important sacred site which unravels more mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visiting to BARKHOR Market can be quite a change from other visits as you roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition.
Day 03 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to POTALA PALACE and DREPUNG MONASTERY. This 17th century Potala palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but there has been a decline in the number of monks over the years to just few hundreds.
Day 04 Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization
You get an entire day free for acclimatization. After proper rest, you can either indulge in sightseeing, shop or do whatever you fancy. You also get an option of undertaking an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this will incur extra cost.
Day 05 Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Following Friendship Highway , you drive past Khamba La pass at 4794 meter with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa standing proud at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. If you glance from the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. At the end of this scenic drive you will entre the town of Gyantse. O/N in Gyantse.
Day 06 Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
Gyantse prides on GYANTSE DZONG and KUMBUM. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley . Kumbum has large golden-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an altitude of 3900 meter, you find yourself at Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet . TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is a major attraction of Shigatse. O/N in Shigatse.
Day 07 Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.
Today you will transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. O/N in Shegar.
Day 08 Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km
Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for 68 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest . A guest house is available for overnight accommodation. O/N in Rongbuk.
Day 09 Explore Everest base camp & drive to Tingri (4390m) 65km
This morning you have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp, 5150m. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you can walk the 9kms or take a horse cart that will cost about $3-5 per person. After lunch, you return to the Friendship Highway and drive to Tingri. O/N in Tingri
Day 10 Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km
You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m with enchanting views of the Mount Shishapangma, Cho Oyu , Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. You are now descending from the arid Tibetan Plateau to the lush and green vegetation of Zhangmu at the Tibet/Nepal boarder. O/N in Zhangmu.
Day 11 Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 123km
From Zhangmu you take a short drive to the Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River where you entre Nepal. At the border town of Kodari you will say good bye to your Tibetan guide and driver. You will be met by the Nepalese escort and driven to Kathmandu.
The Cost
Contact us for more information about this tour. See Contact us and Booking
Itinerary Rating: Busy with a lot of travel but how else can you see Tibet.
Lhasa Tour 5 days
This tour offers a wonderful chance to explore cultural heritage and historical places in and around Lhasa. Two blissful days are packaged in your trip for exploring the charismatic wonders of Lhasa and a day is kept free for your own exploration. Lhasa, most popularly known as ‘Sunlight City ', is regarded as the heart and soul of Tibet and hence is the number one tourist destination in Tibet. Visits to white and ochre fortress of Potala Palace and Jokhang temple can be spiritually rejuvenating experiences. Potala Palace is a UNESCO world heritage site and features an overwhelming array of intricate murals, temples, stupas, tombs of eight past Dalai Lamas, exquisite Tibetan Mandalas and other relics of Tibetan history. Jokhang temple lying 2 km to the east is another Tibetan religious site. If you wish to glimpse Tibetan culture, what could be more insightful than exploring Barkhor markets! As you wander around the markets, you witness Tibetan arts, culture, custom and tradition. With so much to see and explore in Lhasa, this will truly be an unforgettable experience.
ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
Day 02 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 - A free day in Lhasa
Day 05 - Depart from Lhasa
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities take a 1.5-hour drive along 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa 's altitude.
Day 02 Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, you straightaway make arrangements for your sightseeing tour. Your experienced guide accompanies you to the famous monasteries of Tibet . On your visit to SERA MONASTERY, you are introduced to the important aspects of Buddhism. After lunch, you once again continue exploring Tibetan ancient cultures and civilizations as you pay a visit to NORBULINGKA, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang temple provides yet another exciting and educative tour.
Day 03 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Today, you get more acquainted with the mystieries of Lhasa . In the morning after breakfast, you will set off to view majestic POTALA PALACE towering above city of Lhasa . You will see unique, pristine and overwhelming arrays of intricate Tibetan murals, temples, stupas, and tombs of eight past Dalai Lamas from a perfect vantage point. Ancient Tibetan cultures come alive with your every exploration. After lunch you will visit beautifully landscaped DREPUNG MONASTERY. You can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious ceremonies. After this religious journey, you eventually return to your hotel for delicious dinner and well-eared peaceful sleep.
Day 04 Free day in Lhasa
Today is leisure in which you are free to explore further, revisit a favourite monastery or simply sit in a café overlooking the Barkor market. There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery.
Day 05 Final departure from Lhasa
You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight.
The Cost
Contact us for more information about this tour. See Contact us and Booking
Itinerary Rating: Gentle
Lhasa Tour 7 days
This central Tibet tour is to assist travellers explore the cultural wealth of Tibet. Besides seeing the stunningly well preserved architecture of cultural heritages and historical places, you also find a perfect getaway to cleanse yourself spiritually. As you bask in the grandeur of Potala palace, you bond with Tibetan culture and history. You can stroll along Barkhor markets to observe colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, culture, custom, tradition, lifestyle and cuisine. Visits to Jokhang temple and Drepung Monastery further add to your intrest and understing. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse you have an exclusive opportunity to explore monasteries and fully immerse yourselves in the Buddhist culture. On this tour, you are in for an experience of a lifetime.
ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
Day 02 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 - Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Day 05 - Drive Gyantse – Shigatse (3900m) 90 km
Day 06 - Drive Shigatse – Lhasa 280 km
Day 07 - Depart Lhasa
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities take a 1.5-hour drive along 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa 's altitude.
Day 02 Sight seeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, your experienced tour guide escorts you to the major attractions of Lhasa namely SERA MONASTERY, NORBULINGKA and BARKHOR markets. The guide briefs you on the historical, geographical and cultural background of the places. Artistically adorned Sera and Norbulingka monastery epitomize Tibetan Buddhism and are sacred sites for Tibetans. Chanting of mantras, aroma of license, graceful movements of prayer wheels and sights of monks performing religious ceremonies make this religious journey more fascinating and interesting. Another attraction of the trip is a visit to Barkhor markets. As you wander around the markets, you witness and experience Tibetan culture.
Day 03 Sight seeing in Lhasa
You spend another day entirely exploring the exotic locales of Lhasa . Your first stop will be POTALA PALACE which overlooks magnificent views of the city. Potala Palace houses unique and rare historical Tibetan murals, temples, stupas, and tombs of eight past Dalai Lamas from a perfect vantage point. As you will be accompanied by a tour guide, you shall have all the information while touring around the city. You later punctuate your trip for a brief lunch. Thereafter, you are chauffeured to DREPUNG Monastery where you get familiarized with ancient Tibetan culture and religion. At the end of the sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel.
Day 04 Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Traveling by jeep along the Friendship Highway you cross the Khamba La (4794m) pass from which there are stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). You continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La (5045m) where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages you arrive in the town of Gyantse. O/N in Gyantse.
Day 05 Drive Gyantse – Shigatse (3900m) 90 km
Before leaving Gyantse you will be guided tour to the GYANTSE DZONG and GYANTSE KUMBUM. Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley . The Kumbum is a large golden-domed stupa with many small chapels and house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Shigatse is only 90 km from Gyantse and is the second largest city in Tibet. On the way to Shigatse you will visit SHALU Monastery founded in 11th century. It is noted for its 14th century murals which fuses Chinese, Mongol and Nepalese style painting. O/N in Shigatse.
Day 06 Drive Shigatse – Lhasa (280 km)
After hearty breakfast at hotel you will be guided to explore the local market and the TASHILHUNPO Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monastery in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. After a detailed visit of Shigatse you will be driven back to Lhasa. O/N Lhasa.
Day 07 Departure to Lhasa
You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight.
The Cost
Contact us for more information about this tour. See Contact us and Booking
Itinerary Rating: Gentle
Lhasa – Everest Base Camp Tour
ITINERARY
Day 01 – Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 02 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 – Free / acclimatization day in day in Lhasa
Day 05 – Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Day 06 – Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
Day 07 – Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km
Day 08 – Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km
Day 09 – Explore Everest base camp & drive to Tingri (4390m) 65km
Day 10 – Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km
Day 11 – Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 123km
Lhasa Tour 5 days
ITINERARY
Day 01 – Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
Day 02 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 – A free day in Lhasa
Day 05 – Depart from Lhasa
Lhasa Tour 7 days
ITINERARY
Day 01 – Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
Day 02 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 03 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 04 – Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Day 05 – Drive Gyantse – Shigatse (3900m) 90 km
Day 06 – Drive Shigatse – Lhasa 280 km
Day 07 – Depart Lhasa