Tibet to Nepal Discovery

506: 11 Days Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Dingri - Everest Base Camp - Dingri - Gyirong - Kathmandu
Tour Type: Private Tour, any parts of the itinerary can be customized
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches

Highlights:
  • An overland adventure trip from Tibet all the way to Kathmandu
  • Full insight visits of the sacred Potala Palace and pure land of Tibet
  • Marvel at the stunning views of the Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world
  • Appreciate the artistic carvings and statue of the historic spots in Kathmandu
Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa
Our clients at the Norbulingka Park
Our guide will be expecting you outside the Arrival Hall at Gongar Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world with an average altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. Some clients may feel a little bit uncomfortable when arriving in this land, so we suggest you make full use of the remainder of the day to have a good rest and acclimatize yourself to the high altitude.

Meals: No meals, advice freely available
Day 2 Lhasa
In the morning, you will start your Tibet tour to Kathmandu with Tibet Museum. As the first modernized museum in this area, it is an important window to introduce the glorious local culture. After having a palatable lunch, continue to visit the Sera Monastery, which is famous for the large collection of Buddhist statues, sutra and murals. Besides, it is quite interesting to see the special activity in the monastery - lamas debating on Buddhist doctrines. Then visit the Norbulingka Park, a large and beautiful artificial garden.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Lhasa
Pilgrims in front of Jokhang Temple
Today's private visit starts from the magnificent Potala Palace - a complex palace of castle style. It consists of two parts - the Red Palace as the center and the White Palace as the wings. Since the 17th century, it has become the religious and political center of this land and now a must visit landmark. After lunch, continue to visit the Jokhang Temple at the center of old city. Decorated with Tibetan murals and carvings, this temple has adopted an integrated architectural style of Nepal, India and the ancient Chinese in the Tang Dynasty. You will then walk along the bustling Barkhor Street and pay a visit to a Nunnery.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse
We will transfer you to Gyangtse today. En route, we are going to visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. Known as the 'Swan Lake', it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, boasting marvelous scenery of crystal lake, endless meadow and distant snow mountains. Not far from the lake, there is the Karola Glacier which will impress you by the huge glacier and various shapes of ices. When getting to Gyangtse, you will be accompanied to visit the Palkhor Monastery, which plays a special role in Tibetan Buddhism because the Buddhist three major sects coexist harmoniously in the temple. Then, you could take a walk along Gyangtse Old Street. 

After about one-hour's drive, you will get to Shigatse and our guide will help you check into the best local hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Shigatse - Dingri
After breakfast, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Shigatse and the residence of Panchen lamas. Standing on the Buddha Basking Platform, you can overlook the entire monastery and have a nice view of Shigatse city. Then proceed to the New Palace of Panchen. Built in 1954 as a summer palace for Panchen, the new palace is reputed as an ideal summer resort and boasts a large collection of historical items and artistic works. 

After that, we will head for Dingri. Passing by the Lhatse County and Sakya County, you will visit the Sakya Monastery along the way. As the first Sakyapa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, the Sakya Monastery houses extensive collections of priceless treasures including murals and handwritten sutras. When getting to Dingri, you will check into the best local hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Dingri - Everest Base Camp - Dingri
Mt. Everest Base Camp
Mt. Everest Base Camp
Traveling to the Everest Base Camp is a big challenge both physically and mentally. Please pay attention to the weather and follow your guide's suggestions. In July and August, sweaters are sufficient, but coats and warm clothing are indispensable for the rest of the year. Then continue to visit the Rongbuk Monastery which is the highest monastery in the world and one of the best spots to have a full view of the Mt. Everest. Before dark, you will return to the hotel in Dingri.

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Dingri - Gyirong
Today you will experience a long drive about 6 to 7 hours from Dingri to Gyirong. Due to the limited conditions, the road here can be bumpy and muddy; the hostels are not so well-equipped; and the food cannot meet our serving standard, so it is advisable to take some snacks or chocolates to replenish the energy. Stay over in Gyirong Hotel tonight.

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Gyirong - Kathmandu
Your Tibet tour to Kathmandu will start today after you go through the Rasuwagadhi on China-Nepal border. After about 10 hours'driving, our Kathmandu guide will pick you up in Rasuwagadhi on Nepal side and transfer you to the hotel.

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Kathmandu
Your first destination is the Pashupatinath Temple which is one of the holy temples of Hinduism. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, you can clearly see the temple and the activities in the temple from the eastern bank of the river which flows in front of it. The next stop is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Standing on the square, you can see many ancient towers and pagodas. The most spectacular site is the ancient palace of the Malla Kingdom, which is considered to be the treasure of Nepalese art during the Middle Ages. Then continue to visit the Patan Durbar Square where traditional Nepalese architecture is the most distinctive mark. Today's last stop is the Golden Temple, one of the most famous viharas in Kathmandu Valley.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 Kathmandu
Kathmandu
In the morning, you will first visit Kathmandu Durbar Square which is known as the site of ancient royal palace and presently a venue for many important ceremonies such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. Then proceed to the 2,000-year-old Swayambhunath Temple. Located on the hill, it is famous for the Swayambhunath Pagoda which has a white base and a golden upper part. You can even enjoy the breath-taking view of Kathmandu City in the temple. The journey will be extended to the Buddhanikantha Temple where you can see the remarkable statue of Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. The last stop in Kathmandu is Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 Departure from Kathmandu
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Have a pleasant trip home!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
 Friendly Tips

This travel route can also be arranged in reverse order by starting from Kathmandu and ending in Lhasa. You can take the popular overland trip from Kathmandu to Tibet and enjoy the enchanting scenery that is incomparable. Alternatively, you can take flight from Kathmandu directly to Lhasa. The flight time is around 1.5 hours and the schedules are 3U8720 1130/1510 or CA408 1210/1600 (there is time difference). For details, please refer to Tibet Adventure from Kathmandu. 
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
DestinationsLuxury HotelsStandard Hotels
LhasaShangri-La Hotel Taehf Phodrag Tibet Culture Theme Hotel
ShigatseGasar Hotel - VIP BuildingGasar Hotel - VIP Building
DingriEverest Hotel Everest Hotel
GyirongGyirong Hotel Gyirong Hotel
KathmanduYak and Yeti or Annapurna or Radisson Manaslu Hotel or Manang
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