Kathmandu to Tibet Tour - 12 Day Overland Cultural Adventure

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will start the sightseeing for today. Your sightseeing today will be at Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. After your full day sightseeing in Kathmandu, you will return to your hotel for the night. 

Today is your free day in Kathmandu. You will have a last time short briefing about the itinerary and requirements. After the short briefing, you may feel free to shop or grab last-minute items that you might require during the journey. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
 

Today, you will wake up early to start your journey towards the Nepal-Tibet border, Kerung. The road passes through the enchanting forest of Langtang National Park. The distance between Kathmandu and Kerung is about 180 km.

Following the Trishuli River bank to the stunning landscapes of Langtang National Park, and a brief passing glimpse of the mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal on the way, will make the journey more memorable. The road until Dhunche is well-pitched and maintained but the road ahead of Dhunche is not well maintained and dusty. The route then proceeds to Ghatte Khola, where the Nepal Immigration office will inspect the documents and luggage.

After inspection, you will proceed towards the Rasuwagadhi Border. After having the permits checked, you will enter the enchanting land of Tibet. Driving for two more hours, you will reach Kerung. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kerung. 

After breakfast, you will start driving uphill towards the highest plateau in the world, also known as the “Roof of the World”. Enjoy the fantastic view of the Tibetan landscapes. Later, cross the pass at Lalung La (5,050 m) from where you can see a breathtaking panorama of the beautiful Himalayan Range, including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Sishapangma (8,027 m). It is majestically apparent to grow out of the rocky brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Overnight at a hotel in Tingri County.

The scenic drive continues by crossing over Gyatchu La (5,220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse, from where a road to Mt. Kailash bifurcates to the west. Shigatse is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 352 km west of Lhasa at an elevation of 3,950m. The drive will be approximately 6 hours to reach Shigatse, where you will be staying overnight.

On this day, you will visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, a traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, who is the second-holiest man in Tibet, built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. Enjoy a Tibetan family visit and share the tea with local friendly Tibetans. Then we continue the drive to Gyantze, a pastoral town between Lhasa and Xigatse. Upon arrival, visit Palkhor Monastery and the Ten-thousand-Buddha Pagoda. Overnight at Gyantse.

After a hearty breakfast, you will take a long drive, approximately 6 hours. On the way, you will be crossing the Karo La (5010m/16432ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15724ft) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso. You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river and finally reach Lhasa for an overnight stop. Upon arrival, you can have a magnificent view of the glistening Potala Palace in the evening.

In the morning, you will visit the Potala Palace. The palace was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The present one was built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. The Potala is full of elaborate artwork and frescoes that tell many stories. They portray religious subjects as well as the customs and traditions of Tibet. In Lhasa, you will also visit Norbu Lingka (the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas), Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and after lunch, we will visit Jokhang Temple, situated in the old section of Lhasa. King Songtzen Gampo built this temple in the mid-7th century A.D. Now it is the most sacred place in Tibet. Pilgrims come here to pay homage from all over Tibet.  Overnight at Lhasa.

In the morning, you will visit Drepung monastery, the sacred land of the Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416, and where the second, third, and fourth Dalai Lama once resided. "Drepung" in Tibetan means "the hill of rice”, because this white Monastery looks like a big hill of rice.

Afterwards, visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. The visit then continues towards Sera monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. This monastery is also known as “the court of wild roses” because roses are planted everywhere in the monastery. The Sera Monastery is a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges.

Today, as per the flight schedule, the guide will assist you to check out from the hotel and transfer to Gongkar airport to fly from Lhasa (3650m) to Kathmandu (1350m). Enjoy the super scenic flight of 1 hour 40 minutes with majestic view of the High Himalayas, including Mt. Everest. 

After having an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will be going to the airport for your departure. Hope your spiritual journey with Walk Mountain was profound and happy. Have a safe flight back home!