Tibet Overland Tour
Itinerary
Day 01 : Saturday
Kathmandu-Zhangmu-Nyalamu (2112-3750m/123 km)
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (approx 6 hours). After completing immigration and customs formalities drive up to Zhangmu. The Tibetan guide will meet the group on arrival at the check post. Proceed to Nyalamu. Overnight at hotel in Nyalamu.
Day 02 : Sunday
Zhangmu-Xegar (4207m) 214 km.
After breakfast we leave for Xegar. There is rough rugged alpine country along the deep valley of the Bhote Kosi River with waterfalls and Rhododendron trees, opening up to the dramatic mountain desert of the Tibetan plateau.During this drive a visit the Milarepa cave and monastery is recommended. The road climbs up to the Lhalunga pass (5200m) where fine views of Shishapangma (Gosainthan in Nepali) to the east, and the Nepalese peaks of Langtang Lirung, Jugal Himal and Guarishanker are visible. As we near the village of old Tingri, which was once a thriving trading village at the north end of the Nangpa La, we get our first views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and other giant peaks. A little further on we reach Zegar where we spend the night at a hotel.
Day 03 : Monday
Xegar-Shigatse (3900m) 244 km
Today we drive to Shigatse, which starts at the confluence of the Yarlung Tsango and Nyanchu rivers. During the drive we pass several 5000m passes amid the sweeping changing grand landscape and the Lhatse hot springs we stop for lunch before continuing to Shigatse. Depending on road conditions and time available a visit to the Sakya monastery (26 km off the main highway) is possible. Sayka is one of the orders of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is built in a unique style with a magnificent assembly hall where hung tree trunks support the roof. We reach Shigatse in the late afternoon and overnight at a hotel. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and the seat of the Panchen Lama whose impressive Tashilunpo monastery dominates the city.
Day 04 : Tuesday
Shigatse-Gyantse (3950m) 90km
After visiting the Tahilunpo monastery and the old market of Shigatse we drive to Gyantse, a town rich in history and an important treading centre during the caravan trade with British India. In the 15th Century it was once a kingdom and ruled by a prince who commissioned the Mandala shaped multi- tiered Kumbum (thousand images) stupa, a fine example of 15th century newari art, it is also Tibet’s largest stupa.
Day 05 : Wednesday
Gyantse-Lhasa (3650m) 259km
Drive to Lhasa takes 8 hours crossing two passes (the Karola at 5010meters and the Kama La at 479 meters). We also pass lake Yamrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the in the distance the Potala palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06-07 : Thursday/ Friday
Lhasa Sightseeing Tour.
Visit Potala palace, Norbulinka Palace, Drepung and Sera monasteries, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Overnight in hotel.
Day 08 : Saturday
After breakfast we drive to Gonggar airport (90kms) for our flight to Kathmandu.