Lhasa to Kathmandu

Lhasa to Kathmandu 14 Days

Trip Code : SR/T-03

Accomodation : Hotel / Guesthouse

Trip Duration : 14 Days

Grading : Easy

Maximum Altitude : 5250 m

Activity : Cultural wonders

Overview

Tibet is roof of the world and Lhasa is the heart of Tibet. It offers so many historical, cultural and religious sight to explore and it is a right place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, as well as best place for spiritual practice. Potala palace is landmark of Tibet; Jokhan is holiest temple, likewise Drepung and Sera Monastery known as the place of spiritual and religious practice. This 8 days Tibet tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp offers a unique mystery and allure. This tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crossing spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country, likewise to the Base of the highest mountain of the world Mt. Everest (8848m.) without any hard walking and trekking, all highlights of Tibet in such short duration. Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa crossing over the Himalaya, during the good weather or drive via 'Friendship Highway' to Kathmandu, along the river, passing through the different settlement and greenery landscape are an unforgettable experience in our life.

Highlights

Enjoy the view of Mt. Everest from Rongbuk and hike to Everest Basecamp
Visit the world famous Potala Palace, holiest temple Jokhang and many other monasteries, like Drepung, Sera, Tashilimpo etc.
Explore the both Nepali and Tibetan culture within a trip
Fantastic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa crossing over the Himalaya
Sightseeing tour of Historical, Cultural, and religious UNESCO Heritages sites of Kathmandu valley.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Nepal and Namaste!

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our office will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel and help you check in. You will then be briefed about your daily activities. In the evening, we have welcome dinner and we'll talk a little about Nepal and our program. (-/-/D)

Day 2: today is great Sightseeing through UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu City:

Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization. Then afternoon we drive to holy place of Buddhist, Swayambhunath said to be around 2000 years old, and this Buddhist Stupa sits on the top of hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. We will get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Pashupatinath and Baudhanath)

First of all we visit the hindu temple Pashupatinath, which is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple was built in Pagoda Style with gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February or March. We also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the bank of Bagmati behind the temple. Then we drive to the holiest place of Buddhist, Boudhanath Stupa one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 37 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colorful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Day 4: Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650m.)

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly to Lhasa. This spectacular flight offers us stunning view of Uncountable Mountains of Himalaya including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchanjungga and many others Himalayan Peaks, if weather is clear and we arrive at Lhasa Gonggar airport. After clearing immigration and customs formalities, we will be welcomed at airport by our Tibetain staff and about 45km. drive, we will be taken into our arranged hotel in down town Lhahsa. Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 5: Sightseeing of Potala and Sera Monastery

This Morning we explore the Potala Palace, which is built around the 7th century by King Shrangchang gampo and it dominates the city of Lhasa. There are two sets of Palaces in Potala: the White and the Red Palaces. This spectacular building, containing private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. Afternoon we visit the Sera Monastery which is the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet, within its white-washed walls and golden roofs speak of Tibetan Buddhism’s ancient wisdom and tranquility, where several hundred monks live and study. Sera monastery is famous for the "monk debates" which take place nearly every day of the week. The monks gather each afternoon to debate Buddhist teachings and philosophy. Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 6: Sightseeing of Drepung, Norbulinka and Jokhang

his Morning, we visit first of all Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century, which is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa Order in Tibetan Buddhism and used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery and then after we drive to Norbulinka, which is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, which constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art and architecture. After Lunch we visit the Jokhang Temple, which is most important sacred site and unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. After that we explore the surrounding Barkhor, which is only glimpse of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition.

Day 7: Drive to Gyantse (3950m, 259 km.) Via Yamdrok Tso

A spectacular drive will take us crossing the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river, over the Khamba La (4794m), which offers beautiful view of Mountains and Lakes. Our Road follows continue bank of a beautiful turquoise lake, the Yamdrok Tso, passing through the small developing town of Nagartse, crossing the Karo La (5010m.), where we are treated to the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road.Then drive further to the beautiful city Gyantse. Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 8: Sightseeing in Gyantse and drive to Shigatse (3900m, 90 km.)

Early in the morning, after breakfast we explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. Kumbum has large gold domed 35m high chorten(stupa) and houses with several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Kumbum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. After exploring Gyantse, we will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is the highlight of Shigatse, as it is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and seat of the Panchen Lama. Overnight in Shigatse at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 9: Drive to Shegar (4150m, 280 km.) Via Sakya Monastery

Early in the morning, we follow the Friendship highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. and further drive to Sakya Monastery, which is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and here we can see the largest book in the world in Sakya's great library written in gold. It is historically, Religious and culturally significant site of Tibet. At the evening, we reach in Shegar. As the landscape opens into vast plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in the distance. Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 10: Drive to Rongbuk (5050m, 190 km.) and explore the Everest Basecamp (5200m.)

We drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m, along the drive, we can enjoy around in the splendor of majestic views of snowcapped peaks such as Makalu and Shishapangma. Upon driving for 190 km, we eventually reach Rongbuk from where we get spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. At noon, we drive towards Base Camp by local bus and walk to base camp. The base camp itself is dry, but the views of Everest more very impressive. If weather is clear we can enjoy the sun set view of Everest in the evening. Overnight in Rongbuk at Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 11: Drive to Shigatse (3900m. 252 km.)

Early in the morning, we enjoy the sunrise view at Mt. Everest and after breakfast visit Rongbuk monastery, which is Tibet's highest monastery (5050m). After visit the Monastery, we drive back to Shigatse via crossing again Pang La pass at 5150m, along the drive, we can enjoy again around in the splendor of majestic views of snowcapped peaks such as Makalu and Shishapangma, Cho Yu and Mt. Everest. We follow the Friendship highway amidst picturesque landscape and continue driving through small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m to the Shigatse.

Day 12: Drive to Lhasa (250 km.)

We leave Shigatse today and drive to Lhasa for about four hours. The road continues today along Yarlung Tsangpo (Bramhaputra) through various villages to Lahsa. In the afternoon we can take a walk through the city or time for shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa (B / L / D)

Day 13: Flight Lhasa to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive about 45 km to Lhasa Gonggar airport and we fly crossing the Himalaya to the Kathmandu. This one hour trans Himalayan Flight will give us an opportunity to have an aerial view of the Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchanjungga and many others Himalayan Peaks, if weather is clear. After clearing immigration and customs formality, we drive to Hotel and relax at Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Today, we enjoy the sightseeing of Bhaktapur

Today we drive to Bhaktapur (Bhatgaon), also known as city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. This place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. In Bhadgaon, we will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style. After enjoy the sightseeing of Bhaktapur, we drive to Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel. (B/L/D)

What's Include

All airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 stars hotel)
All meal Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees as per Itinerary
Transport for sightseeing in private vehicle
China Visa Fee
Kathmandu to Lhasa flight
Hotel/Lodge accommodation including full board during Tibet tour
Government licensed holder English speaking Nepali Tour leader
English speaking Tibetan Guide and transport with driver
All entrance fees in Tibet as per Itinerary
Alpine Himalaya friendship Treks, down jackets sleeping bag during the Tours (returnable)
Alpine Himalaya Friendship Treks Trekking luggage (yours to keep)
First aid medical kit
Government taxes and office service charge

What's not Include

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate US $ 40 cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance
All bar bills like Alcohol, cold drink and hot drinks, except tea or coffee with breakfast
Cost differences in the case of early return from the Tour than the scheduled itinerary
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, if early arrival, late departure, and early return from the Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry etc.)
Tips for Leader, Tibetan guide and Drivers