Himalaya Adventure from Tibet to Nepal

Today, let’s embark on an excursion in the western suburbs of Lhasa, where you’ll be welcomed by Drepung Monastery first. Built in dense layers against mountains, it is not only the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple but also the most prestigious one of the Gelug Sect. After visiting the three-story flat-roofed Ganden Potrang, which was once the home of the second to fifth Dalai Lamas, we will come to the ‘heart’ of the temple, the Coqen Hall. Walking inside, you may find that even though butter lamps are lit in front of Buddha statues, it is still dark, perhaps because there are too many big hangings. While admiring its walls decorated with exquisite Thangka murals, your eyes will also be drawn occasionally by the Tibetans who are adding the butter contained in their own bottles to each lamp. This is their unique way of paying homage to the Buddha and praying for blessings. Then, in various Zhacangs, that is, academies, also observe the lamas’ daily study of the classics. If your Tibet trip is in July or August, you’ll have a chance to rejoice in the traditional Tibetan Shoton Festival, also known as the ‘Yogurt Day’, which is celebrated with great fanfare here every year. Apart from appreciating a giant silk tapestry of the Buddha, expect to enjoy fascinating Tibetan operas and folk music and dance as well.In the afternoon, move to Sera Monastery, which is the last of the ‘Three Great Monasteries’ of Lhasa (the other two being Drepung Monastery and Gandan Monastery) to be built. In 1415, when Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), was ill, Jamchen Chojey, a disciple of Master Tsong Khapa, went to the imperial palace to perform religious rituals for him, was awarded a large fortune after his recovery, and then began to build the Monastery in the fourth year. Until now, it has always been the most famous place for holding debates on Buddhist doctrines. At 15:00 every afternoon except Sunday, the wooden door of the debating courtyard would be pulled open with a creak, and then the red-robed monks would file in. “Pop!” A clap of hands breaks the silence. When dozens of red-clad lamas gather in pairs under the shade of trees to loudly discuss the Dharma, the ‘flames’ of speculation that emanate from them might instantly ignite your most fresh perception of Tibetan Buddhism! Although you can’t understand their language, seeing that intense scene, their excited expressions, and exaggerated movements, you are sure to be shocked.

Can’t wait to treat your stomach to some authentic Tibetan dishes? Then let’s make a beeline for a well-regarded local restaurant right now and enjoy a welcome dinner we have carefully prepared for you.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar

This morning, go on a pilgrimage in an aflame mood to the Potala Palace, the most iconic holy land in Tibet and even throughout the entire Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Listed by UNESCO as the highest palatial architecture in the world, it stands on the summit of the Red Hill, not only like a golden castle shining in the sun but also like a giant majestically overlooking the Lhasa city. From a distance, the white walls, the red halls, and the azure sky complement each other, creating a very beautiful sight. As you climb up the mountain, maybe turn the row of prayer wheels lined by the wall to pray for good health and spiritual cleansing like the locals. On the Potala Palace Square, find specially designed mirrors on the ground to take the magnificent reflection of the palace as well. Stepping approach its chapel complex, the strong smell of milk will fill your nostrils. It is said that in the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar every year, believers or citizens will use the paint, which is a mixture of milk, honey, brown sugar, and saffron, to coat the walls here. Thus the Potala has also been given the elegant title of the world’s ‘sweetest palace’. Inside those halls, feast your eyes on the nearly a thousand gold stupas of successive Dalai Lamas, as well as a large number of murals, Thangkas, Buddha statues, and cultural relics, each of which exudes the brilliance of Tibetan culture and the exquisite craftsmanship of Tibetan folk artists.

► Due to the tight supply of tickets for the Potala Palace, we cannot fully confirm the reserved date in advance, which may lead to a slight adjustment to the visiting order of the itinerary. But please rest assured that we’ll ensure you enjoy a seamless journey without missing any sights.

Next, we will go down to Zongjiao Lukang Park at the foot of the palace, where there are many people dressed in ethnic costumes dancing the traditional Guozhuang to the pleasant Tibetan music every day. They form a circle on the square with white shed, constantly swinging their hands, turning their waists and raising their legs, as if they are freely showing their talents on the grassland under the white clouds.

After lunch, follow our guide to explore the Jokhang Temple, which is Tibet’s most refulgent structure surviving from the Tupo Period in the 7th century, integrating architectural styles of Tibet, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) of China, Nepal, and India. Interestingly, there has been a widespread Tibetan saying that “The Jokhang Temple first, then the Lhasa City”. Over 1,300 years ago, to enshrine the life-sized statue of eight-year-old Sakyamuni brought from Nepal by Princess Chizun, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet planned to build a temple. He tossed his ring to determine the site - on a lake, which was later filled with earth carried by goats. After the temple was built, it was named Resa (‘re’ means ‘goat’ and ‘sa’ means ‘earth’ in Tibetan) in commemoration, which eventually evolved into the current city name, Lhasa. Here, the golden roofs of the main hall glitter brightly in the sunlight, the prayer flags on the walls flutter in the gentle breeze, and the bells at the four eaves jingle, making you feel as if you were in an unparalleled Buddhist kingdom.Top the day off with a leisurely stroll down Barkhor Street that surrounds the temple. The primitive appearance of ancient Lhasa city is relatively well-preserved, with residences hanging with door curtains, on which simple patterns such as lotus flowers or birds are hand-embroidered. At the stores or stalls, all kinds of carpets, clothes, handicrafts, medicinal herbs and spices that unique to Tibet will make you dazzled. Also, get a glimpse of Tibetan social culture and lifestyle while tasting a cup of tea at a sweet tea house.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Tea break
Accommodation: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set out for a comfortable drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. En route, we won’t let you miss the Yamdrok Yumco Lake, one of the Great Three Holy Lakes in Tibet, which looks like an azure ribbon nestling in the arms of rolling mountains. With our guide, ascend the Gampala Pass Platform, where the best panoramic view of the Lake is offered. Looking down from the top, the lake water shows various shades of blue, as if the rarest colors on a palette have been generously painted on this plateau by nature. When taking a walk along the lakeside, with each step on the soft grass and the gurgling sound of the flowing water in your ears, you may get a moment's peace of mind. Go into a local family, enjoy a sumptuous farm lunch, and learn from them to pronounce their classic greeting words - Tashi Delek!

Keep moving forward for a short while, the ice tongue of the Karola Glacier, just a few hundred meters away from the road, will come into view. The blue-white ice surface is covered with some dark brown glacial tills, which are right the marks left by the glacial movement. Looking up, you’ll feel as if the entire glacier is about to rush down towards you from the mountains with the biting cold. However, alas, there is a distinct triangular gap on the ice tongue, which is said to be an unhealable scar left by explosives in pursuit of the so-called ‘avalanche effect’ during the shooting of the Chinese film ‘Red River Valley’. Also, you can have a distant view of the vast barley fields at the foot of the glacier, presenting a natural artistic beauty as the terrain undulates. When arriving at Shigatse, check in at the hotel and have a good rest.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Farm house Lunch
Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse (3 stars) or similar

Start today with a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest temple in Shigatse, which has been the residence of successive Panchen Lamas since the fourth generation. Here, the awe-inspiring historical structures, combined with the resplendent Buddha statues, lifelike murals, and devout monks scattered everywhere, jointly create a solemn and peaceful atmosphere. Get ready to be blown away by the world’s largest gilded bronze seated statue of Maitreya Buddha, measuring 26.2 meters (86 feet) high. 

Afterward, continue our journey to the Himalayas. It is the ‘backbone’ of the planet we live on, which spans over 2,400 kilometers (1,491 miles), and also the natural border between China and other countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Boasting 110 peaks over 7,000 meters, including the world’s highest Mt. Everest, it is a paradise for adventure. Standing on the Dingri or Gawula View Point, you’ll see Mt. Everest, which stands proudly at an altitude of 8848 meters (29,028 feet), as if it were a giant finger of the earth reaching towards the sky, wanting to touch the mysteries of the universe. When looking up it, what wells up in your heart may be the endless admiration of the marvelous work of nature. Later in the evening, we’ll finally arrive at the Everest Base Camp, a small community consisting of tents where we are going to stay tonight and some small restaurants that offer simple food. It is a perfect place to get close to Mt. Everest, and if the weather is fine, you’ll have a chance to view the fabulous sunset of golden Everest Peak.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: EBC Tent Guesthouse (no private washroom)

If Mt. Everest itself is already attractive enough, then its sunrise is even more unforgettable. As the night fades, the sky begins to turn fish-belly white, and then a red sun rises slowly, tinting the mountain a warm orange. Such a stunning scene may make any language seem pale and powerless. After enjoying that accompanied by our guide, pay a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the temple with the highest altitude in the world. This 120-year-old divine site of the Nyingma Sect is also the only place where monks and nuns live together, and just like other Tibetan temples you have visited, it is always filled with melodious chanting, a faint aroma of butter, and a continuous stream of pilgrims. It is also worth mentioning that it is constantly ‘growing taller’ at a rate of approximately 0.07 centimeters (0.03 inches) per year as the Himalayas on which it sits uplift.

After that, hop in our vehicle again and head to Gyirong Town via Dingri. Along the way, marvel at the natural beauty of Peykuzo Lake, which is known as the ‘Sapphire at the foot of Mt. Everest’, the primitive forest, deep canyons, and other amazing snow-covered mountains.  Upon arrival, our guide will send you to a local hotel and help you with check-in.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Pingcuo Kangsang Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Your 7 days Tibet group tour to Nepal comes to an end today. After having a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred by our Tibetan guide to the Gyirong Border, where our Nepalese staff would wait to assist you with the entry formalities and drive you to Kathmandu of Nepal. So far, all of our services have been completed. Hope you had a great time with us!

► Kind Note:
The transfer charge from the Gyirong Border to Kathmandu is not included in our tour price, so you need to pay an extra USD 60 per person if you need this transfer. If you would like to check out more highlights of Kathmandu or other cities in Nepal, please feel free to contact our travel consultant to extend the trip or customize new ones to your satisfaction. If you don’t employ the shuttle service we provide, you can take a public bus from the border by yourself to the bus station of Kathmandu.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast