For centuries, Tibet has fascinated mankind. This land beyond the mighty Himalayas on the highest plateau of the world, was hardly accessible to the outside world and has always been a challenge to all mortal beings.This "land of mysteries", a "forbidden land", forbidden not only by man but also by nature, appeals to so many explorers, scholars, pilgrims and adventurers in the past, hoping to find probably a real "SHANGRI-LA". In the past, Lhasa, the capital and centre of Tibetan culture, religion and Lama theology, was so far from anywhere and the journey to it so arduous from any direction, that only the hardiest souls, impelled by the strongest motive or curiosity, penetrated this holy city.
DAY 01: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)Your tour starts with your arrival in Lhasa today. There are two ways to arrive Lhasa - one is via Nepal and another via mainland China. If you choose to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa you will have 1 hour 10 minutes Trans-Himalayan flight which is considered one of the most beautiful air route in the world that takes you over the Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks. If you are coming via mainland China, you might fly from any major cities or take the world's highest train route to reach Lhasa. You will be received by our Tibetan guide at the airport/train station. Approximately 1.5 hours drive along 93 km road, from the airport/train station, you will reach Lhasa. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.
DAY 02: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft): Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery with an experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts. This is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting rhythm 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 Markets can be quite a different experience from other visits, as you roam around the city testing every details around the stalls and you may purchase some goods that displays Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Overnight in Lhasa.
DAY 03: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft): Today your visit to Potala palace and Drepung monastery will bestow invaluable insights. From the Mar Po Ri Hill where the Potala Palace, the 17th century great monumental structure stands, you can get an awesome view of entire city. Potala Palace, an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Your next visit will be to Drepung Monastery, a residence of Dalai Lama before Potala Palace which was built in 14th century and used to shelter around 10,000 monks some time ago. Tibetans' immensely believe and respect this monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.
DAY 04: Yamutso Lake--Gyangtse--Xigatse (3800m/12,464 ft): 365 Km/6 hrs, Enroute visit Pekhor MoansteryFollowing Friendship Highway, while driving past Khamba La (4794 m), you will have a break to appreciate majestic views of YamdrokTso Lake, a lake deep blue in color and Nazin Kang Sang glacier standing proud at 7252m. Ahead to westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. Glance through the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, you enter town of Gyantse where you will see beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages. After enjoying and exploring the Pekhor Chode Monastery in Gyantse, we drive further to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.
DAY 05: Monring visit Tashilunbu Moanstery, afternoon to EBC (5,250m/17,220ft):enroute visit Sakye Monastery:329 Km/hrs In the morning, we visit the Tashilunbu Moanstery of Shigatse. Then we transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. Visit the Sakya Monastery, which has world's largest book written in gold inside Sakya's great library. In the afternoon we reach Shegar. Drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16890. We eventually reach Rongbuk from where we get spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. Drive to EBC. EBC is allowed only for expeditions, so you need to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Everest Base Camp. Also visit Ronbuk Monastery, the highest Monastery on Earth. Overnight in Rongbuk.
DAY 06: Morning enjoy sunrise, Drive back to Lhasa: 599 Km/ 9 hrsIn the morning, we enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. After taking our breakfast, we start today's long journey back to Lhasa. We trace our route via Xigatse and Gyangtse, finally arriving at Lhasa in the evening. From Gyantse, we continue to Lhasa: cross the Karo La (5010m/16,432 ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15,725 ft) 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.
DAY 07: Final departureYour adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking will take you to the airport for your onward journey. You can extend your trip if interested in further discovery or continue to Kathmandu or mainland China on your way to home. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and we are sure you will be back for a trip to the Himalayas again.
