Across Himalayas : Kathmandu to Lhasa tour

Click to Enlarge

Duration: 13 Days

Trip Grade:

With visit to Rongbuk monastery and Everest view point.

Join-in Departure 2024 Across Himalayas : Kathmandu to Lhasa tour of 13 Days is a classic overland road journey now possible through the newly opened entry and exit point at Rasuwa Gadi, Nepal and Kerong, Tibet TAR China across the Himalayas to Lhasa. High passes, beautiful landscapes of highland Tibet, Yamdrok lake, Yarlung Tsangpo river, stupendous views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Xixapangma makes this a special trip. Combined with culture in major towns enroute and excursion to visit Rongbuk monastery & Everest "Chomolongma" Base Camp.  This is a journey to the highlands of Tibet at its best before ending in Lhasa to experience the imposing Potala Palace.

D1 : Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, check-in and refresh.  Afternoon tour of Kathmandu's old Durbar Palace Square, Kumari Living Goddess residence and Swayambhunath stupa.

Night in Kathmandu

D2 : Kathmandu tour

Today enjoy a full day sightseeing to the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its many beautifull squares, Golden gate, Nyatapolo square. It is one of the most well preserved of the valley's cultural heritages. Later stop by Boudhanath stupa to visit this iconic landmark in the shape of a teardrop. Join in circling around this holy site with pilgrims.

Night in Kathmandu

D3 : Kathmandu – Batar Nuwakot

Transfer to Batar Trishuli via Naubise, enjoy drive through terraced farmlands and village landscapes. 

Night in Batar

D4 : Batar – Nepal / Tibet China Border – Kerong Town 2800m

Today leave early morning to begin the transfer through small mountain road to the border on the Nepal side, enroute enjoy the waterfall, rivers, farming villages and forest to Rasuwa Gadi on Nepal-Tibet China border.

Complete customs & immigration formalities and cross the border. Meet the Tibet Tour Guide and Driver at the check point, transfer to Kerong town on the Tibetan plateau.

Night in Kerung.

D5 : Kerung – Pekutso – New Tingri aka Shegar 4050m

Start the journey to new Tingri passing by the sacred cave of Milarepa Yogi dating back to 11^th century and also his birth place. Continue to Gongthang La pass at over 5000m and along Pekutso Lake to old Tingri. The drive is scenic with Mount Shisa Pangma to the right and Pekutso on the left. In clear weather there are views of Mt. Everest on the drive.

Night in Shegar.

D6 : Shegar Via Rongbuk Everest View Point to  Shigatse 3950m

An earlier start is recommended on this day to Rongbuk monastery and Everest view point driving across high passes Gyantso la 5,200mts and Tsola 4,500mts leading upto the Rongbuk Monastery Everest View Point. After enjoying the magnificent views of this majestic mountain head back to Shegar.

Travellers who do not wish to visit Rongbuk EVP stay at Shegar and wait for the group.

Night in Shegar.

D7 : Shegar – Shigatse 3950m

Continue journey heading North East to Shigatse 2nd largest city in Tibet and most important after Lhasa in terms of religious significance. Arrive and later take a walk in this bustling town with its many stores and market places. Spend a more relaxed time.

Night in Shegar.

D8 : Shigatse - to Gyantse 3950m

Today start tour of the sprawling Tashilunpo monastery with its many prayer halls and chapels.  Keep a lookout for the giant gilded image of "Maitreya" or Future Buddha.  Continue to Gyantse once a thriving trading town. Visit Pelkor Chode stupa and Kumbum monastery. In the afternoon, explore the old town of Gyantse.

Night in Gyantse.

D9 : Gyantse – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa 3650m

This is a spectacular drive to Lhasa across 3 passes, Simi La, Karo La and Kampa La. Karo La is the highest pass at over 5000m with its beautiful glaciers, view immense Yamdroke Lake with its turquoise blue color from the top of Kampa La pass. The highway winds its way down at first to the Lake and then climbs over Kampa La before descending on the other side to Chusul valley and continues along the Yarlung Tsangpo river to Lhasa city.

Night in Lhasa.

D10 : Lhasa tour

Exciting day with visit to Potala the imposing 13th storied winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas dominating the skyline of the city, Norbulingka Summer Palace, the 7th century Jokhang Temple and explore the bustling Barkhor market always bustling with vendors and pilgrims.  

Night in Lhasa.

D11 : Lhasa tour

Another day of fine touring to Drepung Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery. It has many historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, arts & crafts. Transfer to Sera monastery on a slope north of the city. It is one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa city. Later walk through Lhasa's old city and visit Ani Sakung nunnery always vibrant with activities.

Night in Lhasa.

D12 : Lhasa - Kathmandu flight

After breakfast transfer to Gongar Airport for the most awe inspiring flight over the Himalayas with views of Mt Everest and other Himalayan giants.

Night in Kathmandu

D13 : Kathmandu departure

A leisurely morning before transfer to airport for onward departure.

2024 : January, February, March, November, December

Cost per person US$ 1600

Departure Terms & Conditions Apply*

Airfare Lhasa – Kathmandu US$ 530* per person (please check for fare at time of request)

*Airfare is subject to change without notice as per airline policy.

Includes : standard tourist hotel on Bed & Breakfast on twin share, all tours, transfers by private vehicle, one English speaking local guide.  Supplement apply if a single room is required.

Extras visa and tour entry fees.

Options : those who do not wish to fly back to Kathmandu on D12 have the options to travel onward from Lhasa to other mainland China cities : Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou or Kunming. Train service is also available to these destination on one of the most amazing "highest rail journeys" in the world with unmatched views of the highland pastures, remote lakes and stunning landscape.

DEPARTURES :

2024 : 03 Jan - 15 Jan, 14 Mar - 26 Mar, 11 Apr - 23 Apr, 02 May - 14 May, 09 May - 21 May,  30 May - 11 Jun, 13 Jun - 25 Jun, 04 Jul - 16 Jul, 01 Aug – 13 Aug, 12 Sep – 24 Sep, 10 Oct - 22 Oct, 24 Oct - 05 Nov, 07 Nov - 19 Nov, 28 Nov - 10 Dec.

Departure Terms & Conditions Apply* : Conditions apply with minimum guaranteed departure of 3 persons. Supplement apply if there 2 pax or 1 person in the departure.

Please enquire to set your own private departure and for trade enquiries.

Hotel - based on Standard Tourist Accommodation, upgrades available in Lhasa and where available.

Local Trip Leaders - all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Tibet Trip Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

Visa arrangements : travellers are requested to arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 days prior to departure for visa arrangements.  

Pre Tour Hotels & assistance : those who wish to tour Nepal prior to the trip departure can do so, please enquire for making these arrangements.

Book Join-in Departure Across Himalayas : Kathmandu to Lhasa 13 Days to experience a classic trip visiting stunning landscapes, unique culture and amazing heritage!

You may also like this

Highlights of Tibet

Duration: 8 Days

Trip Grade:

Join-in Departure 2024 Highlights of Tibet 8 days has been designed to allow travellers to enjoy not only the rich cultural heritage but also to ...

» Read More