7-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Kathmandu (1500m) to Chinese Border (2250m), then to Nymlan (3900m)

Attraction & Activities:

Meals:

No meal

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Hostel in Nymlan

Tour starts from Kathmandu, you will be sent to China by private vehicle and meet your Tibetan tour guide at Zhangmu. Have a good rest in Zhangmu after lunch to acclimatize the altitude gradually. Then continue go up to Nymlan, where is 3900m high. (Nymlan is a county near the border and you can easily find hospital for if high altitude sickness happens)

From the border to Nymlan, you will go through a steep winding road which passes through a mossy gully with cascading waterfall.

Nymlan(3900m) to Tingri (220km, 4-5 hours driving)

Attraction & Activities:

Meals:

Hotel Breakfast

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Tingri Everest Hotel or similar

Tingri to Shigatse (250km, 4-5 hours)

Attraction & Activities:

Tashilunpo Monastery

Meals:

Hotel Breakfast

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Tsangba Hotel

Shigatse-Gyantse-Lhasa (375km,7 hours driving)

Attraction & Activities:

Pelkhor Chode Monastery,Yamdrok Lake,Karola Glacier

Meals:

Hotel Buffet Breakfast

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Mandala Hotel

This morning our guide will bring you to visit Pelkhor Chode Monastery after breakfast. The hor Chode Monastery, also known as Palcho Monastery, lies at the foot of the Dzong Hill in Gyantse County, Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet. It is built in the beginning of the 15 century and is a monastery that blends three sects of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa. ThePelkhor Monastery is famed for its long history, exquisite architectures, unique religious value, and the numerous delicate murals and sculptures preserved there. Its architectures are specially respected as they are combinations traditional Chinese, Tibetan and Nepali styles. You will appreciate its most stunning architecture Pelkhor Chode which is also called as the “Kumbum”.

Next we will proceed to appreciate the marvelous scenery at Yamdrok Lake. The Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, with the other two being Namtso Lake and Lake Manasarovar. It is the largest inland lake on the northern foot of Himalayas with a surface altitude of 4,441 meters. Yamdrok is reputed for its beautiful and charming scenery of pure lake, snow mountains, islands, vast pastures, hot springs, wild animals, monasteries and other landscapes. There are numerous islands around and in Yamdrok Lake, among which dwelling birds and fish.

After that we will move to enjoy the great sight of Karola Iceberg. The Karola Iceberg is located in the boarder of the Langkazi County and the Gyangze County of Shannan Prefecture of Tibet. It is about 71 kilometers (about 44 miles) from Gyangtse County and about two hours away from Yamdrok Lake. Karola Iceberg is popular for its breathtaking views. The sharp contrast between the majestic pure white glacier and the pure blue sky forms really striking scenery.

Afterwards, our guide will transfer you to Lhasa and take you to the hotel for check in.

Lhasa

Attraction & Activities:

Potala Palace,Jokhang Temple,Barkhor Street

Meals:

Hotel Buffet Breakfast

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Mandala Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, the first place to visit is Potala Palace, the landmark of Tibet. The Potala Palace is located in the northwest of Red Hill in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. It is a large-scale castle-styled building with 13 floors and 110 meters tall, 3750 meters above sea horizon. The whole building occupied over 100,000 square meters and the steps of the palace are leaned to Red Hill from foot to peak. This antique castle is not only famous of its remarkable construction, but also for its valuable cultural relics.

Next we will move to visit the Jokhang Temple, it is the religious heart for Tibetan Buddhism and there are many devout Buddhism adherents come from other places around Tibet to show their sovereign respect here by using their knees and hands pray on the floor.

Then we visit Barkhor Street. It is the most famous street in Tibet. The Barkhor Street was built to circle the sacred Jokhang Temple, making it one of the most sacred places in Tibet. There are pilgrims from everywhere to worship and chant in the street. Strolling along this street you will have a quick view of Tibet and Tibetan life.

There are houses and buildings of Tibetan styles standing alongside the street. Along Barkhor Street there are more than 300 stores and stalls selling various kinds of commodities and you can buy various kinds of souvenirs and gifts.
 

Lhasa

Attraction & Activities:

Drepung Monastery,Drak Yerpa,Sera Monastery

Meals:

Hotel Buffet Breakfast

Accommodation: Tourist ★★★Mandala Hotel

Today, we will visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, the Drepung and the Sera.

The Drepung Monastery is one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. Located at the foot of Mount Gephel, the monastery is only 5 kilometers from western suburb of Lhasa. With an occupation of 250,000 square meters and a house of 7,700 monks, Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in the world.

Sera Monastery will be arranged as the last destination to see today. The Sera Monastery is one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. It is located at the foot of Taipu Hill at the northern suburb of Lhasa. Besides the magnificent construction, Sera Monastery has collected a large number of cultural relics like Buddha statues, Thangka, sutras, and many other religious tools. Sera Monastery is especially famous for its unique debate Buddhist doctrines. You will have chance to witness the debate.
 

Departure from Lhasa

Attraction & Activities:

Meals:

Hotel Buffet Breakfast