Tibet Overland
The Classic Route Across the ‘Roof of the
World’
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.
Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!
Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.
From the tiny monastery at Rhongphu the view of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) is absolutely magnificent as it stands alone at the head of the valley - a walk or ride to Base Camp brings you even closer.
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some of the wonders of Kathmandu.
OR
Days 1-2
Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich
cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.
Day 3
The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.
Days 4-6
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.
Day 7
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.
Day 8
In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.
Day 9
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. After lunch drive via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the seat of political power in central Tibet from the 10th to mid 14th century. The fortified monastery is still head of one of the most important schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 10
Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here is utterly spectacular!
Day 11
Trek or drive the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes.
Day 12
Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu – on the China- Nepal border.
Day 13
Completing border formalities the drive back to Kathmandu continues down the Bote Khosi valley.
Days 14-15
Back in Kathmandu you have a full free day to continue sightseeing or shop for marvelous souvenirs – jewelry, carpets, clothing… On Day 15 you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.
Tour cost includes
Not included in the tour cost
Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the
discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.
Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!
Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.
From the tiny monastery at Rhongphu the view of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) is absolutely magnificent as it stands alone at the head of the valley - a walk or ride to Base Camp brings you even closer.
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some of the wonders of Kathmandu.
OR
Days 1-2
Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich
cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.
Day 3
The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.
Days 4-6
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.
Day 7
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.
Day 8
In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.
Day 9
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. After lunch drive via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the seat of political power in central Tibet from the 10th to mid 14th century. The fortified monastery is still head of one of the most important schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 10
Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here is utterly spectacular!
Day 11
Trek or drive the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes.
Day 12
Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu – on the China- Nepal border.
Day 13
Completing border formalities the drive back to Kathmandu continues down the Bote Khosi valley.
Days 14-15
Back in Kathmandu you have a full free day to continue sightseeing or shop for marvelous souvenirs – jewelry, carpets, clothing… On Day 15 you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.
Tour cost includes
- Accommodation as per itinerary (Chengdu, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse - twin share. Other accommodation twin or multi share)
- Land transport as per itinerary
- All airport transfers
- Sightseeing as per itinerary (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, Sera, Pelkor Choede, Tashilumpo, Sakya, Qomolangma National Park)
- English speaking interpreter/guide
- Permits & vehicle fees
Not included in the tour cost
- Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry and souvenirs.
- Meals
- International flights and departure taxes
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Emergency evacuation
- Tips and gratuities
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Shiva Outdoors (eg. Landslides)
Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the
discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.
Photos
Trip Highlights
- Jokhang Temple - spiritual heart of Tibet
- Potala Palace, residence of the Dalai Lamas
- The university monasteries of Drepung and Sera
- The towering Maitreya and ornate reliquary stupas in Tashilumpo Monastery, Shigatse
- Pelkor Choede & the unique Gyantse Kumbum, Gyantse
- The fortified monastery at
- Sakya, once the political heart of Tibet
- The world's highest monastery & Everest Base Camp
- The vibrant, colorful, chaotic city of Kathmandu.
Best Time
April - November
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