Tibet in depth 16 days

Potala Palace Lhassa Kathmandu to Lhassa

Our fully escorted Tibet in depth, encompasses Tibet’s historical, adventurous and spiritual highlands have long captured the hearts and minds of the travel enthusiasts around the world. Tibet, the origin of Mahayana Buddhism and home of the Dalai Lama is target of devout pilgrimages as well as adventurers. Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land and crosses spectacular passes through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country.

Inspiring landscapes and mountain views combined with its rich Buddhist history and culture, and contrasting with the recent development make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience. From Lhasa’s streets to medieval towns of Tibet to ancient monasteries including world’s highest monastery- the Rongbuk Monastery, and to the Everest Base Camp with the sheer grandeur of Everest’s north face – the tour has combined everything that visitors wish to squeeze out in two weeks.

Tibet in depth includes Lhasa’s historical landmarks as well as other famous places such as Tsedang, Namtso Lake, Sakya and Everest Base Camp. Lhasa, a thriving city at such an altitude functions as the religious, cultural and economic hub of Tibet.

In Lhasa we visit most holy Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth-wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and more. After sightseeing in Lhasa and around, we visit other famous monasteries such as Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave and Reting Monastery. We also make a detour to one of world’s highest lakes – the Namutso Lake. Then we drive toward Everest Base Camp with stops in Gyantse, Xigatse and Sakya along the way to Rongbuk. Rongbuk is the home of the highest monastery in Tibet.

Monks in Tibet Kathmandu to Lhassa

Tibet in depth: Day 1: Kathmandu arrival (1350M)
Today is your arrival day, a representative of our company will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to either relax in your hotel or explore the exciting city of Kathmandu
Overnight Shankar Hotel or similar

Tibet in depth: Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing (1350M)
After breakfast, we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
Overnight Shankar Hotel or similar

Tibet in depth: Day 3: Drive to Tibet: 123 km, 4-5 hrs (2300M)
After breakfast we have about 4 hours drive through deep valleys takes us to the border with Tibet.
We cross the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-China border across Bhote Koshi River, complete our customs formalities.
Overnight at hotel Caiyuan in Zhangmu.

Mount Everest Tibet

Tibet in depth: Day 4: Drive up to Tibetan Plateau: 245 km, 4-5 hrs
We leave the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu around 180km we climb to the Tibetan Plateau, savouring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar peaks. Eventually climbing to Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m.
Overnight at Everest View Hotel in Rongbuk.

Tibet in depth: Day 5: Drive to Xigatse (3900m/12797ft), visit Everest Base Camp 112 Km, 2 hrs.
Early morning departure with a stop along the way so we can then view the spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. We further have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5,250m) No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so we have to walk around 16km round trip to visit Base Camp. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest are worth the effort. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us. We driver up to Pang La Pass at 5150M along the drive we can bask in majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma finally arriving into Xigatse
Overnight at Shengkang Hotel or Manasarover Hotel in Xigatse

Tibet in depth: Day 6: Drive to Gyantse (3900m/12797ft), en route visit Shalu Monastery: 112 Km, 2 hrs
On arrival to Shigatse the second largest city in Tibet, we explore the local market and make a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Next along our drive Dzong fort dates from the 14th century where we can view amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.
Overnight at Gyantse Hotel.

Tibet in depth: Day 7: Drive to Lhasa via Yamtso Lake, visit Pekhor Monastery: 265 Km, 5 hrs
After leaving Gyantse we visit the famous Pekhor Monastery, drive through colourful Tibetan villages, pass beautiful valleys before driving up to Khamba La pass at 4795m from where we can see the stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). We continue westwards drive over Karo La (5045m) Pass. At the pass, we will have the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. Continue along the Friendship Highway to Lhasa where we get our first glimpse of this magical city.
Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Tibet in depth: Day 8: Explore the Lakeside, & back to Lhasa via Yabachen Hot spring: 220 Km
Today, we have a relaxing day sightseeing around Lhasa and beyond, taking lunch at Yangbachen village before we visit the famous hot spring where weather permitting we can see all the way accross North Tibet Grasslands and the mountains beyond.
Overnight at lakeside guesthouse.

Kathmandu to Lhassa scene

Tibet in depth: Day 9: Drive to Namutso Lake (4700 m): 160 Km
After breakfast we drive to Namutso Lake the highest lake in the at 4,700m above sea level. It is 72km long from east to west and 30km wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square km. It is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives respect among the local people. On the Tibetan year of sheep, pilgrims from faraway come here to walk around the lake. It takes more than 10 days to circle the lake once. After lunch we walk around the lakeside and enjoy one of the highest and more beautiful lakes in Tibet.
Overnight at lakeside guesthouse.

Tibet in depth: Day 10: Drive to Reting Monastery (4100m): 180 Km
Today, we explore Damxung county via Reting Monastery (180 Kms, off road). The monastery is the special temple for high Lamas as Dalai lama`s teacher. After exploring the monastery, we continue our explorations of this magical part of Tibet before returning to our hotel.
Overnight at local Guesthouse.

Tibet in depth: Day 11: Drive to Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Drigung Tel & Terdrom Hot spring (4400 m)
After breakfast, we drive to Mozugongar County via Drayerpa Cave where we visit the Gandan Monastery where we take the lunch and drive to Drigung Tel Monastery. From the monastery we continue our drive to Terdrom hot-spring (75 Kms, off road) Overnight stay in a basic guesthouse.

Tibet in depth: Day 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa
One of the highlights during our Lhasa sightseeing, Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an amazing view of the entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Further, ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks. Tibetans’ respect and belief are tied with this monastery as we will find out.
Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Tibet in depth: Day 13: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Aas the excitement builds we tour Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site, which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. After, we visit Barkhor Market a photographers dream and a great place to unwind and explore. As we roam around the city savouring every tiny detail of the back streets from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition, sales and display we are also immersed in Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as we return to the comforts of our hotel.
Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Tibet in depth: Day 14: Morning Sightseeing and afternoon drive Lhasa (3650m): 90 Km
After breakfast we visit Yongbulakhang Palace which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. At our visit to Tibet King’s Tomb, we drive for Lhasa, en-route we visit the famous Mindrolin Monastery which covers a large area of over 100,000 square meters (approx. 119,599 square yards). It is one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhism monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect. The monastery was originally built in the late 10th century and has been renovated several times. Overnight at Yalung River Hotel.

Tibet in depth: Day 15: Morning visit Changzu Monastery, afternoon drive to Samye Monastery: 130 Km
Our exploration of Lhasa and surrounds continues with a visit to the palace of Yambulakhang which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Next, we will visit Chedruk Temple to round off our visit to Tsedang, afternoon drive 65 Kms to Samye Monastery (5050 m) which is on hill offering marvellous views.
Overnight at Kyuchu Hotel or similar in Lhasa

Tibet in depth: Day 16: Departure Lhasa (3650 m), transfer to airport: 95 Km
Today is departure day, we bid our final farewells whilst enjoying astonishing views of the Himalaya, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan valleys. We will be transfer to Gonggar Airport for our onward travels