Lhasa Overland Tour

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 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.

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.

This fascinating journey ends with a Trans-Himalayan flight - one of the most spectacular flights in the world, flying over towering Himalayan Peaks such as Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga

 
DETAILS 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 06/7:Lhasa Sightseeing Tour.
Visit the Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace, Drepung & Sera Monastery, Lokhang Temple & Markhor Bazaar. Overnight in Lhasa

Day 08:Lhasa to Kathmandu Trans Himalayan Flight.
Transfer to Gonggar Airport, which takes 2 hours driving. The flight duration is 1hr and 10 minutes and it is one of the most beautiful flights in the world. On your flight (don’t forget to get right side seat) you shall see the Yalung Tsangpo River, Lake Yamdruk, kancenjunga (8,586m/28,160ft), Makalu (8,463m/27,760ft) and Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,021ft).

 
Cost included:
  • Kathmandu - border & Nepal - Tibet border Change transfer & Tibet Jeep transport in a 4 wheel drive.
  • Accommodation in Bed & breakfast double bed room with shearing basis.
  • Sight seeing tours with English speaking guide.
  • Monument entrance fees.
  • Tibet visa, Travel Permit.
  • Our Service Charge.
 
Cost not included:
  • Nepal re-entry visa fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in Tibet.
  • Bar Bills & Beverages.
  • Photographic charges of some monasteries.
  • Travel insurance, gratuities, Personal Expenses.
  • Visa fee: - US $. 45.00
  • Lhasa - Kathmandu Flight Fare US $. 273+73
  • Kathmandu - Lhasa Flight Fare US$ 273+61
  • Lhasa Air port Tax: US $. 12.00 Or, 90 Yuan
 
Special offer:- complementary for group leader group size above 15 Plus
 
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