Kathmandu to Lhasa

The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa, over spectacular Passes and revealing views of the majestic Himalayas, takes five-days over the “Friendship Highway”. The drive is well worth it as you encounter some enchanting Buddhist monasteries and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. While approaching the city you will be able to notice the Potala Palace, a vast white and ochre fortress that dominates the Lhasa skyline. The historical seat of Tibetan power and the location of the tombs of previous Dalai Lamas, the Potala Palace has been reduced to serve as a symbolic feature for Tibetan aspirations.

Himalayan prayer flags

The Jokhang temple, 2 km to the east of the Palace, has become the spiritual hub of the country. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled Tibetan experience. The medieval Barkhor Bazaar with crowds, street performers, hawker’s stalls selling everything from prayer flags to jewel-encrusted yak skulls and the devout touching their foreheads to the ground at every step to Jokhang is an exotic brew that few newcomers can resist. A visit to Drepung monastery is well worth the effort and for some can be a very enlightening experience. The Norbulingka Palace (summer palace of the Dalai Lamas) along with a round of the Sera monastery is the other highlight of this package. Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour journey ends with two days sightseeing tour around Lhasa

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 01: Kathmandu to Nyalam – [3,750m/12,300ft]-162Kms.

Early morning drive (Approx. 5 hours) from Kathmandu to Kodari (1,873m/6,140ft). After completing immigration and custom formalities drive up hill to Zhangmu (2,300m/75,44ft). This is Tibetan border town. The Tibetan Guide will meet the Group on arrival at the check post and we drive further road climbs and climbs to Nyalam for overnight. On the way you will see fantastic view of deep valley with some overflowing waterfalls.

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 02: Nyalam to Lhatse – [4,350m/14,270ft]-220Kms.

Drive (Approx. 6 hours) to Xegar crossing two spectacular passes. Nyalam pass (3,800m/12,464ft) and Lalung La pass (5,082m/16,670ft). This drive offers fantastic view of the high mountains including, Mount Everest (8,848m/29,021ft) Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m) etc. Overnight in Lhatse.

Nepalese monk painting

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 03: Lhatse to Shigatse – [3,900m/12,790ft]-244Kms.

Drive (Approx. 6 hrs) to reach Shigatse, the place of famous Tashilunpo Monastery and seat of Panchen Lama until his death in 1989 with its huge Thangka wall which is clearly visible from the north side of the road . Overnight in Shigatse.

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 04: Shigatse to Gyantse – [3,950m/12,955]-90kms.

In the morning visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Xigaste. After lunch embark on a pleasant 2 hours drive to Gyantse. Here you visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery. Overnight in Gyantse.

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 05: Gyantse to Lhasa – [3,650m/11,970]-259kms.

The drive to Lhasa takes 7 hours, crossing 2 passes The Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) pass and Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. Overnight in Lhasa.

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 6: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour

Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts we to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we 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. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.

Little girl I got pencils!

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 07: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour

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 as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Kathmandu to Lhasa DAY 08: Final departure from Lhasa or extend your tour

From today you are free; so make your own itinerary or contact us to extend your trip. You are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China. However, if you would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, we can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.