Description
Lhasa, whose name means “the Land of Gods” in Tibetan, located at an altitude of 3,700 meter is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Due to its sufficient sunshine annually, it is also famed as “The Sunshine City”.It is considered to be highest region in the world and is often called as “The Roof of The World”. Offering the spectacular Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Street and Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa serves as the popular destination for the traveler. Lhasa has many sites of Historic interest, including Potala Palace which was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour takes you to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Palace which are included in UNESCO world heritage sites.
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour is a package tour which begins with the drive from Kathmandu to Kerung then passes through different old cities such as Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse and halts at Lhasa. The majestic city Lhasa offers the spectacular sightseeing of fabulous heritage sites like Norbulingka Palace, Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple along with the numerous merchants and vendors offering wide variety of Local Tibetan arts, crafts and tasty cuisines, the picturesque sight of Sera and Drepung Monasteries is also included in the tour. The way through Gyantse to Lhasa also encounters the holy Lake Yamdrok.
What to Expect?
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour takes you through different old cities such as Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse and Lhasa. The majestic city Lhasa offers the spectacular sightseeing of fabulous heritage sites like Norbulingka Palace, Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple along with the numerous merchants and vendors offering wide variety of Local Tibetan arts, crafts and tasty cuisines, the picturesque sight of Sera and Drepung Monasteries.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300m)-Kerung Border
Early in the morning we drive to Kerung Border (Nepal-Tibet Border) through the beautiful Nepalese countryside enjoying the rivers, hills and landscapes. After completing necessary border formalities at Nepali immigration move forward to an hour adventurous uphill by Bus or Jeep or walk for two hours. Then continue our drive to Kerung. Overall we cover the distance of 145 km. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kerung-Tingri (4,300m)
Today we drive to the highest plateau of the world covering the distance of 225 km with the typical view of Tibetan landscape offering absolute feeling of standing on the roof of the world which offers the breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Choyu (8,201m) and Mt Xishapagma (8,012m). Tingri propounds the spectacular view of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848m). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Tingri-Shigatse (3,900m)
Today on third day of Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour, after breakfast we continue our scenic drive towards the Shigatse (3,900m) which is about 244 km from Tingri. We cross over Gyatchu La (5,200m), which is the highest pass route to Lhasa via Lhatse and Mt. Kailash lies to the west of Lhatse. Overnight at the hotel in Shigatse.
Day 04: Shigatse-Gyantse (3,950m)
After breakfast we head for Gyantse (3,950m) which is 95 km from Shigatse and might take about 2 to 3 hours. We encounter the beautiful Shalu Monastery on the way to Gyantse. The monastery is very popular for its murals and paintings that you can find inside the chapels and assembly hall and this is the only monastery that consist both Tibetan and Han arts inside the Monastery. Overnight at the hotel in Gyantse.
Day 05: Gyantse-Lhasa (3,650m)
Today we drive for Lhasa (3,650m) which is 325 km from Gyantse and might take about 5 to 6 hours. We pass the route via Karo La Pass and Yamdrok Lake. The scenery between Yamdrok Lake and the glacier is truly spectacular. As you go around the lakeshore to stop in Nangartse, you see snow peaked mountains contrasted with blue sky and turquoise waters, yaks and Tibetans. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.
Day 06: Sightseeing in Lhasa
On the sixth day of Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour we observe the famous place of Lhasa like Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Museum. The Potala Palace situated in the Red Hill by the side of the Lhasa River is a treasure house where you can see precious arts and learn Tibetan arts, crafts and tasty cuisines. Norbulinka Palace located on the west of Lhasa is a short distance to the southwest of Potala Palace. It is regarded as the summer palace of Dalai Lama and it’s well preserved murals, superb mandalas and frescoes are fascinating sights not to be missed. It is the largest garden, with the best scenery and the most historical sites in Tibet. Tibet Museum is located in the southeast corner of Norbulingka and covers an area of 23,508 square meters. The museum building is a pioneering institution in the history of the region. The complex is a wonderful combination of Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Excursion in Lhasa
After breakfast we continue our tour at Lhasa visiting Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Sera and Drepung Monasteries. The Sera Monastery is located 5 km north to Lhasa. The magnificent monastery covers an area of 114,946 square meters (28 acres). Its main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and Kamcun (dormitory). The Drepung Monastery lies 8 km west of Lhasa and is largest Monastery in the Tibet that occupies over 10,000 of Monks. The ground of monastery is organized on the caves and temples for Jamyang Qoigyi, together with two magnificent white pagodas. The Jokhang temple is located in Central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. It is four-storey timber complex with a golden top. The Jokhang temple is surrounded by the Barkhor Street which comprises a series of circular streets that encompass numerous merchants and vendors offering a wide variety of local Tibetan arts, crafts and tasty cuisines. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Lhasa-Kathmandu
Your Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour terminates today so, early morning drive to Gonggar airport or train station for your departure flight to Kathmandu or to your onward destination to Mainland China.
Cost Includes:
- Private transportation as per the group size.
- English speaking Tibetan Guide.
- Accommodation on twin sharing room basis except guest houses.
- Daily breakfast.
- Everest base camp entry permit.
- All Monastery entry fees as per your itinerary.
- Tibet travel permit.
Cost Excludes:
- Lunch & Dinner.
- Train or Air fare of any sectors.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Natural or political disturbance which beyond our control.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charge etc.
- Nepal re- entry visa fee (If coming to Nepal)
Trip Note
During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factor, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!
