Insight Nepal | TIBET - Roof of the World

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Tibet Fixed Departure Tours from Kathmandu :

Overland Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa

This journey by road gives an opportunity to visit the old towns and monasteries along the way. It also goes through some of the best landscapes in Tibet. There are 5 passes of over 5000 meters high to cross in the 950 Km from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The sheer vastness of the landscape even seem to dwarf the huge Himalayan ranges giving rise to the feeling of standing on the roof of the world.

The Chinese Government and tourist agency controls the overall operation of the tour to Lhasa from the Nepal - China boarder onwards including accommodation, transportation, guides, etc. The trip is considered "Luxurious" by Chinese standards, a definition with which you may not agree. In the past many travelers have been disappointed with the accommodations and the rough roads. Nonetheless, for those more adventurous, ready to face some inconveniences with the type of accommodation and meals for several days while on the road, it will seem very trivial compared to the overall experience of traveling from Kathmandu, over the Tibetan plains to Lhasa. However, forewarned is to be forearmed and most will have better experiences when they know what to expect.

Kathmandu to Lhasa - By Road, Return by Air [ 7 Nights / 8 Days ]

Saturday	:	KATHMANDU - ZHANGMU (2,300 meters) An early start (about 5 hours of normally rough drive) to the border and after border formalities; drive on to Zhangmu. If clear- en route there are fine mountain views of Langtang to the north, and Gauri Shanker, Melungtse and the Khumbu Himal (range) to the east. Driving east, the road drops down and joins the Sun Koshi River. From the Kodari border and Friendship bridge there could be a 530m climb to Zhangmu if the road is closed due to heavy rains or landslides. O/N at Zhangmu
Sunday	:	ZHANGMU - XEGAR CHECK POST (4,350 meters) From Zhangmu the road follows the deep valley of the Bhote Kosi on a spectacular road with lots of waterfalls on both sides of the valley. From Nielamu Pass (3,800 m) there are spectacular views of the Jugal Himal. The next high pass is the Lalung Leh (5050 m) from where a very long range of mountains may be visible - Langtang (7,245 m), Xixapangma (8,013 m) and Dorje Lakpa (6,980 m) in the west. And in the east, Makalu (8,463 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and Gauri Shanker (7,134 m). So five peaks of more than 8000 meters high can be seen. The night stop is at Xegar Check Post. O/N at Xegar.
Monday	:	XEGAR CHECK POST - XIGATSE (3,900 meters) Xigatse is about a 7-hour drive crossing over a 5,220 meters hight pass. If the road condition is good, there is a possible two and a half hour detour to Sakya Monastery, which is 26 km. off from the main road. Sakya is one of the oldest and most important Bon Po monasteries. O/N Xigatse.
Tuesday	:	XIGATSE - GYANGTSE (3,950 Meters) Visit the Tashi Lumpu Monastery in the morning. Afterwards it is interesting to visit the market place of this old town. The drive to Gyangtse is a pleasant 2 hours. Usually immediately after arriving Gyangtse, a tour to Khumbun and Pelkor Chode is made. Then it can be very rewarding to explore around the typically Tibetan Town or even try climbing to the top of the fort for a great view of Gyangtse. O/N Gyangtse.
Wednesday	:	GYANGTSE - LHASA (3,650 meters) It takes 8 hours to drive from Gyangtse to Lhasa crossing the Karo La (5,010m) and Kamba La (4,794m). The Karo La climbs between two lofty mountains, Nozin Khang Sa (7,223m) and Ralung (6,236m). Look out for Nozin Kang's big hanging glacier on the left side 300 meters away. The descent leads to Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). A beautiful drive of about one hour around the lake is followed by a steep climb away from the north side of the lake to the Kamba La from where Lhasa valley is seen to the north. From the pass, it takes at least an hour to twist and turn down the mountainside to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra river) where the hard top road is met and an hour of drive to Lhasa.
Three nights are spent in the Lhasa.
Thursday & Friday	:	LHASA (3,650 meters) Arranged sightseeing includes visits to the Potala Palace, the Jokhang and surrounding Barkhor market, Drepung Monastery and perhaps Sera Monastary or Norbulinka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace.
Saturday	:	LHASA - KATHMANDU FLIGHT The drive to the airport takes about 2 hours. The flight takes one hour ten minutes and it is one of the most beautiful trans Himalayan flights in the world. You get to see 8 of the highest summits in the world that exceed 8000 meters, all on this single flight.

Lhasa Tour [ 3 Nights / 4 Days ] (Saturday to Tuesday)

Saturday	:	MORNING FLIGHT TO LHASA. On arrival received at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Sunday & Monday	:	AT LHASA (3,650 meters) Two full day of sightseeing tour in Lhasa includes visits to the Potala Palace, the Jokhang and surrounding Barkhor market ,Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery or Norbulinka,the Dalai Lama’s summer palace.
Tuesday	:	FLY FROM LHASA TO KATHMANDU The drive to the airport takes about 2 hours .The flight is one hour ten minutes of one of the most spectacular trans Himalayan flights. You get to see all 8 of the highest summits in the world which exceeds 8000 meters all in this single flight.

Lhasa Tour [ 4 Nights / 5 Days ] (Tuesday to Saturday)

Tuesday	:	MORNING FLIGHT TO LHASA On arrival received at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday	:	AT LHASA (3,650 meters) Three days of sightseeing tour in Lhasa to include Jokhang Temple & Barkhor market place, Potala Palace, Drepung & Sera Monasteries, Norbulinka & nunnery, etc.
Saturday	:	FLY FROM LHASA TO KATHMANDU The drive to the airport takes about 2 hours .The flight is one hour ten minutes of one of the most spectacular trans Himalayan flights. You get to see all 8 of the highest summits in the world which exceeds 8000 meters all on this single flight.