Tibet has enthralled travellers for centuries and a drive over the vast arid plateau coupled with a chance of meeting its people allow travellers of today a glimpse into what Tibet might have been before the Chinese occupation. The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa promises to be an experience of a lifetime as you get to look at the stunning landscape, architecture and the spiritual populace of Tibet. When flights to Lhasa aren’t operating the only way to travel there is by road from Kathmandu. However when flights are operating some prefer to go by road one way and fly the other.
 
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. 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.

Trip Itinerary :

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.

Day 02 Nyalam to Lhatse -4,350m (14,270ft)-220Kms.
Drive (Approx. 7 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

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.

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.

Day 05 Gyantse to Lhasa -3,650m (11,970)-259kms.
The drive to Lhasa takes 08 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

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.

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.

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.

Trip Cost Includes :

  • Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits
  • Getting Chinese visa
  • Kathmandu – Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) transportation by comfortable vehicle
  • Zhang-Mu – Lhasa transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD TOYOTA)
  • Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (except in Nyalam) with breakfast
  • English speaking Tibetan guide
  • Sightseeing and Monastery fees as per itinerary
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Trip cost does not Includes :

  • Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fee is subject to change without prior notice)}
  • Nepal visa
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
  • Tips for staff
  • Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
  • Flight Lhasa/Kathmandu (USD 400 ) and flight tickets or train tickets to china