A good option for travelers operating in a limited time frame, this tour – one of our most popular – takes advantage of the so-called ‘Friendship Highway’ between the two capital cities. Highlights en route are Sakya, the largest monastery in Tibet, Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city, Tashilungpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama, Shalu Monastery, Gyantse (Tibet’s ancient trading hub) and the beautiful Turquoise Lake, Yamdruk Tso, which is Tibet’s largest freshwater lake.
Arriving in Lhasa on Day 5, we will provide you with two days of guided sightseeing, encompassing all the major historic landmarks including the Potala Palace, Norbulinka, the Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor bazaar.
On Day 8 you have the option of flying back to Kathmandu or extending your holiday by flying from Lhasa to mainland China. Another popular choice now is to take the new train trip from Lhasa to Beijing (40 hours), which is the highest railway journey in the world.
This tour is available all the year round. Please note that the tour comes in two versions – a basic tour for those on a limited budget, or a more deluxe tour for those with a little more money to spend.
If you prefer a tour tailored to your individual requirements, we can arrange this for you following the same itinerary, but offering you stays in better quality (usually three-star) hotels, a luxury standard Land Cruiser and a personal guide whose services will be available to you at all times throughout your trip. This kind of tour is recommended for individual travelers and small groups or families.
Whichever tour option you select, you are at liberty either to ask us to plan your onward trip from Lhasa – or to make your own independent travel arrangements.
Mode of transport: Land Cruiser (TOYOTA: MODEL 4500)
Accommodation in Tibet: Economic
Tour departure: On your request
Day 1
KATHMANDU TO NYALAM (3750 m.)
Early morning drive, from Kathmandu to Nepal-Tibet border (Kodari) by private vehicle. After finishing immigration formalities both Nepal & China side, you will continue up the steep switch back road to Nyalam.
- Kathmandu to Kodari – 115 km – 4 &1/2 hrs
- Kodari to Zhangmu – 10 km – ½ hours
- Zhangmu to Nyalam – 30 km – 2 & ½ hrs
Overnight at Nyalam Guesthouse
Day 2
NYALAM TO LHATSE (3950 m.)
After breakfast, we commence our journey to our further destination, Lhatse. We visit Milareppa cave (10 km further drive from Nyalam) on the way. This cave-monastery is located down side of the highway and it requires only a 10 minutes walk to reach there.Our further journey goes across the Tibetan plateau with Spectacular Mountain views from Lablung-La pass (5050m). Passing through the old town of Tingri there are more views of the Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu.
- Nyalam to Lhatse: 7 hours drive
Overnight at Lhatse Guesthouse
Day 3
LHATSE TO SHIGATSE (3900 m.) VIA SAKYA MONASTERY
Morning after breakfast, we set off for our further journey to Shigatse. On the way, we visit Sakya Monastery which is one of the largest Monastery in Tibet for Sakya sect of Buddhism. Sakya situated 21 km off the friendship highway.
Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet and the seat of Panchen Lama. The famous Tashilhunpo Monastery is situated in Shigatse. This is the official throne of Panchen Lama.
- Lhatse to Shigatse: 6 hours
Overnight at Hotel Everest Friendship
Day 4
SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE (3950 m.) VIA SHALU MONASTERY
After visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, it’s a short drive to Gyantse with its amazing sites – Khumbum, Palkhor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Dzong. On the way to Gyantse, we visit Shalu Monastery.
- 93 km- 2 hours
Overnight at Hotel Zongsan
Day 5
GYANTSE TO LHASA (3650 m.) VIA YAMDRUK LAKE
The highlight of this day is the beautiful turquoise lake (Yamdruk Tso). After crossing the Kamba- La, Karo La and the Yarlung River (Brahmaputra), the journey ends in Lhasa.
- 370 km- 7 hours drive
Overnight Hotel Flora
Day 6
LHASA SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa – you will visit Jokhang temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace (the summer Palace of Dalai Lama).
Overnight at Hotel Flora
Day 7
LHASA SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Guide sightseeing tour of Lhasa – you will visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery and Tibetan medical center. .
Overnight at Hotel Flora
Day 8
TOUR FINISH…..
SERVICE INCLUDES:
01. All necessary Tibet travel permits
02. Tibet group visa
03. Transportation in Tibet with 4WD Land Cruiser
04. Accommodation (economic) in Tibet on room sharing basis with breakfast
05. Two days guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa
06. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
07. Monastery entrance fees / sightseeing entrance fees
08. Flight ticket, Lhasa to Kathmandu + airport tax
09. Kathmandu to Nepal/Tibet border (Kodari) transfer by private vehicle + office representative
10. All applicable taxes and service charge
SERVICE EXCLUDES:
01. Lunch & dinner in Tibet
02. Nepal re-entry visa fee (US $ 40 per person)
03. Your travel insurance
04. Insurance for any loss and damage
05. Personal tip for guide and driver
06. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
Extra cost for extra services other than mentioned above.
01. Single supplement: US $ 140.
Note:
1. If you are an American citizen, the visa fee is: US $ 142.
The above package cost covers basic/budget accommodation in Tibet. If you like to upgrade to the middle class accommodation, the supplement cost will be US $ 200 per person.
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