13 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu via Eastern Tibet Tour

Highlight:
• Enjoy the enchanting window view from Mainling Airport to Nyingchi;

Enjoy the non-stop flight from Chengdu/Chongqing to Nyingchi Mainling Airport; our hospitable Tibetan guide and friendly drivers will be expecting you with auspicious hada. Leave your weariness behind and enjoy our transfer to the hotel in Bayi Town, Nyingchi. You may have a good rest or explore the surroundings of the hotel. Our Tibetan guide will help you check-in and give you a briefing about tomorrow’s tour plan.

Meal: Not included.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Baiyi, Nyingchi.

Insider Tips:
With an average altitude of 3100, Nyingchi prefecture has the lowest elevation across Tibet, with dense forest. While Bayi Town, the main city of Nyingchi, has only around 2800m above the sea level. So, there is worry to worry about having the altitude sickness.

Highlights:
• Closely observe the gigantic ancient cypresses in Cypress Nature Reserve;
• Enjoy the vista of lofty Mt. Namjia Bawa;
• Enjoy the panorama of Lulang Forest at the view platform;
• Explore the diverse vegetation in Lulang;

Today, firstly we are about to visit the Great Cypress Nature Reserve Area, which is 15 kilometers southeast of the Bayi Town, The king cypress in the reserve is about 50 meters tall and is about 2,500 years old.

Then we will drive to Sekyim la Pass (4720m) and enjoy the great Mt. Namjia Bawa (7,700m) in the distance.

After that, continue to drive to the bushy Lulang Forest with an elevation of 3700m, and it is a typical highland meadow strip, with dense bushes, spruce trees, and pines from the rolling castle-like peaks on both sides. The distant clouds, the snow-capped mountains, the endless pines, and the quiet pastoral displayed a beautiful landscape.

Then we will reach Bomi.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Bomi.

Insider Tips:
Do wear hiking shoes and jacket, high viewing point can get quite cold. It’s highly recommended to try the shiguoji (or stone-pot chicken).

Highlights:
• Watch the otherwordly ice fall at Midui Glacier;
• Photograph the tranquil Ranwu Lake;

In the morning, we will set off to our destination today - Ranwu Lake.On the way, we stop at Midui Village to visit Midui Glacier famed as the most beautiful glacier in China. Midui Glacier was converged by two icefalls, and there were primitive forests between the two icefalls.

Then we continue heading to the Ranwu Lake, which is situated at the southwest 89km from Basu County. Ranwu Lake is the main headstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo River confluent. The snow-capped mountains, forests, and lakes are all combined together here to make it beautiful as paradise.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Lodge around Rawo.

Insider Tips:
Ranwu Lake consists of upper, middle and lower lakes. You may follow guide’s advice to visit all of them. The power outage does happen sporadically in this region.

Highlight:
• Watch the spectacular sunrise of Ranwu Lake;
• Enjoy the contrasting landscape on the way back to Bayi;

We will get up early today to enjoy the sunrise of Ranwu Lake. After taking photos here at Ranwu lake, we will drive back to Bomi via G318 China National Highway.

From Ranwu to Palongzangbu of Bomi, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Sichuan-Tibet overland road. We recommend you stop on the way frequently to take pictures because there are snow-capped mountains, forests, and lakes along the way. Then drive back to Nyingchi (Bayi) town.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Bayi Town, Nyingchi.

Insider Tips:
The weather can get pretty cold, esp. in the early morning and at night. So, do dress warmly and wear down jacket and windbreaker to protect you from the biting wind.

Highlights:
• Visit the turquoise Darksum-tso Lake;
• Explore the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism on the island in the mid-Darksum-tso Lake;

Travel Westward, we follow the scenic ride to Darksum-tso ( or Basom tso Lake) which is around 360km east of Lhasa. Darksum-tso, situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, originates from Nyching Tangha Mountain and is dozen kilometers long.

Snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and trees are reflected upon the lake’s rippled surface. You can visit the small islands in the middle of the lake with Lamaist temples built upon them. The piecturesque view gives you the illusion of traveling in the Swiss-Alps.

Having done the sightseeing at Darksum-tso, we keep moving to Tsedang, the capital city of Shannan Prefecture which is reputed as "the cradle of Tibetan Civilization".

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Tsedang.

Insider Tips:
With time permitting, you may choose to enjoy the exhilarating motorboat tour on the lake of Darksum-tso or go for a leisurely trek around it.

Highlight:
• Enjoy the magnificent view of Yarlung Valley from Yumbulhakhang;
• See the murals and pearl thanka made by Wencheng Princess in Trandruk Monstery;

Begin our day tour in Yumbulhakhang, the first imperial palace on the rocky hill for a first Tibetan king. You may enjoy the relics that display the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism while listening to chanting of monks. The panorama of Yarlung Valley from the top of Yumbulhakhang will take your breath away.

Then, we head to Trandruk monastery, built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It has a history of 1,300 years. The vivid murals and precious Thangka made of perals are definitely some of the best highlights.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Tsedang.

Insider Tips:
If you feel intimidated by the steep walk to Yumbulhakhang, the horse ride is readily available, with an extra charge by the local groom.

Highlight:
• Enjoy the beautiful stupa, Buddhist statues and exotic architecture;
• Explore the influence of Nepali and Indian culture to Tibetan Buddhism;

You are about to visit Samya Monastery which is the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, built in the 8th century. A unique monastery layout was designed in the form of a giant mandala,a representation of the Buddhist universe. The main temple in the center represents Mt. Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe. The four continents in the ocean around Mt. Meru are represented by the four temples at the cardinal points, each flanked by two smaller temples to symbolize islands in the ocean.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Tsedang.

Highlights:
• Get the best panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake at Gangbala Pass (4794m);
• Enjoy the quiet village views along the riding;
• Enjoy the views of Yarlung Tsangpo River;
• Get a glimpse of Potala Palace and holy Lhasa city;

Enjoy a short scenic ride from Tsedang to the holy Yamdrok Lake. On the way, you will be amazed by the picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo River. When we arrive at Gangbala Pass(4800m), you will enjoy a perfect panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake at the viewing platform.

At noon, you can have a rest in Zhamalong village. In the afternoon, we will provide you with the mountain bike, you may follow our guide and cycle along the turquoise Yamdrok Lake to the beautiful Dongla Village and the amazing Yamdrok Lake will make your day. Finally, you may enjoy our transfer from Yamdrok to Lhasa.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
Since you are cycling on the plateau, it will be a bit challenging. However, the cycling route is well-chosen and quite manageable to travelers of all ages, and our guide and staff will closely follow your health condition.

Highlights:
• Explore the White House and Red House in Potala Palace;
• Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Lhasa city from Potala;
• Visit the sandalwood statue of Sakyamuni in Potala; the life-size statue of Sakyamuni in Jokhang;
• Experience the famous Barkhor Kora;
• Taste Tibetan sweet tea and other local food;

Our first stop is to visit the Potala Palace, the UNESCO world heritage site and the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Walking slowly along the long stone steps to the White and Red Palaces, you can explore the former residence of Dalai Lama and his meeting room and religious chamber. You can see the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. A bird's-eye view of Lhasa city and Lhasa valley from the top of Potala Palace will take your breath away.

After we have lunch and then we will head to holy Jokhang Temple.It's the most sacred Buddhist site in Tibet. Outside the temple, you will witness pious Tibetan pilgrims, young and old, prostrating themselves in front of Jokhang and long lines of Tibetans following the Barkhor circuit. Inside, traveling in dim butter light, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve,perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism.You may reach the top of Jokhang Temple to enjoy the panorama of old Lhasa city and great vista of Potala Palace.

Then we may do the kora by circling the Barkhor Street with pilgrims and locals and buy some souvenirs. Never miss the chance to enjoy the tasty sweet tea in local tea house and visit Tromzikhang, the famous farm produce market.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Lhasa.

Highlights:
• Enjoy the hike and panorama of Lhasa Valley and witness huge monk kitchen and Thangka display platform in Drepung Monastery;
• Experience the lively monk debate and colorful sand mandala in Sera Monastery;

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which was one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The highlight is the monks’ debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
The grand Shoton Festival (July 1st on Tibetan calendar); the steps are steep for the hike in Drepung. Walk slowly to prevent acute mountain sickness;

The Monk Debate in Sera Monastery (3-5p.m, Mon to Fri); only the cell phone camera is allowed to take photos in debate courtyard.

Highlight:
• Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the mighty Himalayas in the plane;

In the morning/afternoon, our Tibetan guide and the driver will pick you up for the flight to Kathmandu. Flying over the incredible Himalayan range is sure to be one of your most memorable experiences to be remembered in your life.

After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you may apply for the tourist visa on arrival. Our Nepali Guide and driver will patiently wait for you and later give you a ride to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is for free exploration.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Kathmandu.

Highlight:
• Explore the medieval temples and palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square;
• Tour the towering Swayambhunath Stupa, ruled by monkeys;

After breakfast, full day valley sightseeing with Kathmandu Durbar Square, the place of the Malla and then the Shah Kings of Nepal, visiting Kumari Temple, house of the virgin goddess, visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a stupa on the top of hill - from here you can overlook the scenery of Kathmandu, Visiting Patan Durbar Square, the second largest town in the valley, Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple etc.

Meal: Breakfast.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Kathmandu.

A few hours before your flight out of Nepal, our staff will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Tribhuvan Airport for the onward flight.