| Day 01-02: |
Arrive Kathmandu 1340m
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread
out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to
your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to
some of the highlights of Kathmandu |
| Day 03: |
Fly to Gongkar
drive to Lhasa 3658m
The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is
about 1½ hours' drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley. |
| Day04-06: |
Lasha
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions. |
| Day 07: |
Gyantse 3950m
A long, yet scenic day's drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along
the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town,
Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old' Tibet. |
| Day 08: |
Shigatse 3900m
In the morning visit Gyantse's monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse. |
| Day 09: |
Lhatse 4050m
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. After lunch it is a 4-hour drive to Lhatse. |
| Day 10-12: |
Saga 4600m
Paryang 4750m
Darchen 4675m
Long, yet spectacular days as we head west. Even along the road settlements are
few as we cross vast, open valleys and prayer flag topped passes. Depending on
the season there may be families of nomadic dropka moving their herds of sheep, yaks, goats and horses across the plateau. |
| Day 13-15: |
trek Dira Phuk 5210m
trek Drolma-La 5636m
trek Zutrukphuk 4810m
trek Darchen 4675m
drive Chiu Gompa 4588m
The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point, both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second day.
On day 15 it is a short walk to Darchen before heading to Chiu Gompa on the shores of Lake Manasarovar to soak in the hot springs.
|
| Day 16-17: |
drive Paryang 4750m
Saga 4600m
The drive retraces the outward route as far as Saga. |
| Day 18: |
Nyalam 3750m
Another long day's drive, but again scenically magical as we take a barge-ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo and head south via Pelkhu Lake. Rejoining the Friendship Highway cross the Lalung Pass and head to Nyalum. |
| Day 19: |
Kathmandu 1300m
Dropping suddenly and steeply off the Tibetan Plateau descend through the
Himalaya to cross the China/Nepal border at Zhangmu – Kodari before continuing the descent to Kathmandu. |
Day 20: |
Depart |
Extend your trip –
Everest Base Camp
Days 1-17 as above |
| |
Everest Base Camp Extension |
| Day 18: |
Lao Tingri 4390
Another long day's drive, but again scenically magical as we take a barge-ferry
across the Yarlung Tsangpo and head south via Pelkhu Lake. Rejoining the
Friendship Highway turn east to the small town of Lao Tingri. |
| Day 19: |
Rhongphu & Base Camp 5200m
Lao Tingri 4390m
Make a day trip to the tiny monastery of Rhongphu. The drive is magnificent and the views of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) are stunning, as the mountain stands alone at the head of the valley. Either drive or walk the last 7kms up to Base Camp. Return to Lao Tingri. |
| Day 20: |
Zhangmu 2300m
Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave
the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu – on the China-Nepal border. |
| Day 21: |
Kathmandu 1340m
Completing border formalities the drive back to Kathmandu continues down the
Bote Khosi valley. |
Day 22: |
Depart |
