Day 01
KATHMANDU (1300M) - LHASA (3650M) FLY
As per the pick up time as informed the day before you will be timely transferred to International Airport for your Trans-Himalayan flight to Tibet (Gongar Airport) (1hr) with mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range. On arrival in Lhasa you will be greeted and received by our Tour Officer who will arrange your transfer drive of 1 hr to the legend city of Lhasa. You will have full day of leisure time to rest and relax for acclimatization. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02
TOUR OF SERA MONASTERY, JORKHANG TEMPLE & BARKHOR MARKET
At Lhasa the tour begins early (Beijing Standard Time which is 2 hours 15 minutes ahead of Nepal standard Time). The tour begins with a short drive to the famous Sera Monastery which is one of the important and old Monastery of Tibet as well a school for Tibetan Buddhism. This interesting tour will last for an hour or more visiting prayer rooms and the Tibetan scroll printing just outside from the Monastery premises.
The Jorkhang Temple is situated at the center of Barkhor Market square which is another interesting place to visit as Jorkhang boasts a lot of historic importance and tales. It is the foundation and the pillar for Buddhism in Tibet. It offers a grand view of Barkhor square and of Potala palace from its rooftop. After a great time here visit the Barkhor Market and mingle with the crowd of pilgrims from all parts of Tibet. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03
SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF POTALA PALACE & DREPUNG MONASTERY
Tour of Potala Palace,located towards west part of the old city of Lhasa and was originally built during the 640 A.D. during the reign of King Srongtsen Gampo.
The 13 storied palaces stand 117.19m high with 1000 rooms, big and small. The entire building is made of stone and wood with walls averaging 3 meters thick and the thickest 5 meters or even more. Potala Palace is divided in two parts, The Red Palace and the white Palace, the former consisting of the Dalai Lama’s tomb stupas and various chapels, the latter being both the Dalai Lama's residence and the halls for official activities.
Potala Palace with its lofty and magnificent halls and its brilliant gold-gilded pinnacle demonstrate the high accomplishments of the Tibetan people and reflect their unique style of architecture, painting, sculpture and other forms of religious expression. Overnight at hotel.
Afternoon tour to Drepung Monastery just west of Lhasa, drive passes through the suburb of the city and uphill through the peach and plum groves. Drepung meaning "heaps of rice", looks as if from the distance with its white lime paint over the Monastery. It is the largest of all Monasteries in Tibet. There used to be over 10,000 monks but at present fewer. The unusually magnificent Drepung Monastery was built in a very large scale. Inside it one can see vestibules criss-crossing as if in a great walled city. Before the construction of Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery was the residence of successive Dalai Lamas. In 1642, the 5th Dalai Lama formed Gadeng Pochang,the Tibetan local Government in the monastery marking the real beginning of the theocracy when religion joined in with politics. After the Dalai Lama moved his residence to the Potala Palace, it still remained the biggest and most powerful among the three large monasteries in Lhasa.
After a good time visiting nearly every interesting rooms of Drepung Monastery drive back to the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04
LHASA- GYANSTE (3950M) 261KM DRIVE
Morning drive to Gyantse, the drive leads to the scenic highway past the Khamba-la at 4800m and towards the Yamdrok Tso (The Turquoise lake) and towards the Karo-La 5,050m overlooking great view of the Nazong-Khangtsa peak and its massif ice fall just by the road, after a great drive of five hours, then reaching to Gyantse for the overnight halt.
At Gyantse with time for a visit of Phalkor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa and the local market. Afternoon Sightseeing of Kumbum Monastery if time and condition of the group permits or else, we can do it the next morning before heading to Shigatse. Overnight at hotel/guest houses.
Day 05
GYANSTE- XIGATSE (3900M) 90KM 2 HRS DRIVE
This is about two hours driving, and when in Shigatse we visit the very large complex of Tashilumpo monastery. This is the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama and contains a 27m high gold plated Buddha known as Maitreya (the future Buddha). The hotel in Shigtase is quite large and comfortable. Afternoon we will have tour sightseeing of Tashilumpo monastery and the local market. Overnight at hotel/guest houses.
Day 06
DRIVE TO SAGA (4440M) VIA SANG-SANG (4250M) 8-9 HRS DRIVE
We travel from Shigatse to Sang-Sang via Lartze town. This is a long day trip, an easy 3 hours smooth drive to Lartze, from here our route diverts from the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway, the drive continues on the dirt road with interesting views of the rural life along the way and crossing few high passes of nearly 5000m till we reach Sang-Sang, a growing town.
From Sang-Sang our drive continues on the wild windswept terrain passing through few villages and farm fields, and then crossing high numerous pass with brief stop en-route to stretch our legs. Then we reach check-post near Saga. After completion of the passport and visa formalities, half hour further drive brings us to Saga for the overnight camp. Saga a small village few years back, at present it's a growing town with almost modern facilities. Our camp is made just before or after the village by the bank of the fresh running stream.
Day 07
SAGA-PARYANG (4600M) 285KMS/ 7-8 HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, prepare for the next long drive to Paryang, just an hour leaving Saga campsite the road meanders to the high pass of near 5000m. The road descends on the large valley, with great views of the snow capped peaks in the distance on the Nepal border side, as the drive continues through some sandy portion just few hours before Paryang. After a hard drive, we reach Paryang for our overnight stay. A sleepy village, wind blown region, contains about 20 houses.
Day 08
PARYANG- MANASAROVAR (4588M) 277KMS /8HRS DRIVE
Today’s drive though is a long one yet it’s full of interesting views along the way. The ride continues on this flat Tibetan plateau reaching us at high pass of Mayum-la 5150m. After the pass we will have downhill drive bringing us to Mayum Tsho (lake), the view of the lake will be constant for few hours, then as the drive gets further west coming to Lake Mansarover for the overnight camp.
Day 09
MANASAROVAR –DARCHEN (4560M) 115KMS 4-5 HRS DRIVE
Two hours drive will bring us to Darchen, a small settlement with few guesthouses this places can be quite busy with pilgrims during the auspicious time for the kora (circumambulation). The holy walk leads west from the guest house compound high above the Barkha plain to a cairn and prayer flags, an excellent view of Mt.Kailash from this spot. The trail continues across the plain to Shershong. An hour past Shersong is a bridge leading to Chhuku Gompa high on the hill above. The west bank trail leads across the scree slopes to our overnight camp near Damding Donkhang that offers a good view of the west face of Mt. Kailash.
Day 10
DARCHEN TO JAROK DONKHANG (5200M) 5-6 HRS WALK
Second day of the pilgrimage begins, crossing a log bridges as the north face of Kailash comes into view. As you reach the gompa and guest house at Dirakphuk you are rewarded with a fine view of the north face of the holy Mt. Kailash, the kora route climbs onto a moraine, eventually meeting the trail from the east bank. The trail from here climbs gradually to a meadow for the overnight camp.
Day 11
JAROK DONKHANG TO ZUTUL-PUK (4760M) APPROX 7 HRS WALK
The trail today leads up past piles of clothing, the local Tibetan pilgrims leave an article of clothing or some of their possessions leaving their past life behind them, the kora continues past thousands of small rock cairns beyond to a stone hut and across a boulder field and up to the high pass of Dolma la at approx.5470m. A big boulder represents the goddess Dolma (Tara) is festooned with prayer flags. This spot is the physical and spiritual high point of the pilgrimage kora. The track from here descends to the plain below, a few hours walk brings you to the overnight camp at Zutul-Puk Gompa, Zuthul means cave. The place is named after a cave in which the poet, saint Milarepa stayed meditating. His footprints still remain on the roof.
Day 12
ZUTUL-PUK TO DARCHEN (4520M) 4-5 HRS WALK & 1 1/2 HRS DRIVE TO LAKE MANSAROVER
The last day of our holy walk ‘kora’ leads to a stream of Kailash, then contour up as the river descends towards the plain, the last leg of the trek make a dramatic exit from the river valley on to the plain the walk passes to a mani walls decorated with carved yak skulls.
A short walk from here brings you to the windswept little township of Darchen for the celebration after completing the most awaited highlight of the trip from Darchen a short drive will lead us to our overnight camp at Lake Mansarover or near the base of Mayum-la.
Day 13
DRIVE MANASAROVER TO PARYANG (4600M) 285KM/ 7 HRS
Retrace the journey back to Paryang.
Day 14
DRIVE PARYANG – SAGA (4440M) 255KM, 6-7HRS
Retrace our journey to Saga.
Day 15
DRIVE TO LAKE PAIGUTSHO (4330M) 2-3 HRS
Our route leads from Saga town to the Ferry at Yarlung Tsangpo (Bhramaputra river) after 40 minutes drive from the camp at Saga. On reaching the river bank we board on the barge like boat with the vehicle to get across the other side of the river bank. From this point the drive takes on the valley and through the passes till we reach near the lake Paigutsho. Overnight camp near the lake Paigutsho.
Day 16
DRIVE TO NYALAM (3650M) 4-5HRS
An interesting drive today with full of superb views of the snow clad peaks at much closer distance, the morning drive leads to the sandy portion and through the entrance of the Qumolungmo Nature Reserve, with a brief stop here the drive continues on the vast valley overlooking great views of the Langtang peaks, and the massive mountain of Shishapangma.
After 3-4 hours of drive on the dirt road, the route diverts towards the high pass of Laylung-la at 5,050m. On reaching this high spot, panoramic sceanery of the Himalayan peaks can be seen from Langtang, Dorji Lakpa, Shishapangma, Gaurishanker to Number to the east. After brief stop here journey continues on the good road at Lhasa-Kathmandu highway. The drive passes through interesting countryside, villages and farm fields till we reach Nyalam for the overnight camp.
Day 17
DRIVE NYALAM – KATHMANDU (1300M) 123KMS 7-8HRS
Our last day in Tibet, from Nyalam the drive pass through the Nyalam town (depending upon the overnight campsite) on leaving Nyalam the road narrows through the huge river gorge, following the Bhote Koshi River most of the way towards Nepal side with beautiful scenery of the waterfalls, alpine forest of silver fir, pines and rhododendrons trees and of the surrounding landscapes. Finally arriving at the border town of Zhangmu, here you can change the left over Yuan to Nepali currency. Here at the check post after finishing the passport visa formalities, the same vehicle takes us to near the China/ Nepal friendship bridge.
After bidding farewell to the Tibetan drivers and the guide we make our way towards the Nepal side after the bridge. At Nepal side in Kodari, with all the formalities again we board in the Bus for 4-5 hours good drive back to Kathmandu.
Price :
USD 5000 per person based on 1 pax
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Services Included
- Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa
- Twin/double room accommodation in the deluxe hotels on BED AND BREAKFAST basis in Lhasa and the best available en-route
- All camps on full board basis as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transport in Tibet by non-A/C good 4WD Toyota land cruiser for the clients
- All sightseeing with an accompaniment of a good English speaking Tibetan guide throughout the tour
- A separate truck for carrying luggage & equipment
- Transport border to Kathmandu will be by a comfortable A/C Jeep /Mini-bus( Depends on group
- Highly experienced Sherpa crews
- Experienced cook
- Trekking equipments such as tents, mattresses, toilet tent, dining tent, sleeping bags, down jackets
- Tibet travel permit fee
- Yaks for carrying equipment, luggage and food stuff
- 01 oxygen cylinder (800ml) each
- Gamow Bag
- Satellite Phone
- Special permit for Kailash area
- Entrance fees to monasteries
- Necessary airport/hotel/airport transfers in Kathmandu and Lhasa
- All airport pick up and drop
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Services Excluded
- All accommodation, activities and meals in Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner during hotel accommodation in Tibet
- Airport taxes
- All insurance & helicopter rescue charges
- Extra expenses because of problems like landslides, snow, strikes, etc.,
- Photography fees in the monasteries
- All expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, tips etc.
One of the most spectacular tours across the border, the trip begins with a sweeping flight to Lhasa at 3650m with superb view, flying above the world’s greatest snow peaks range. On arrival at Lhasa, we will have guided cultural tours with ample time for acclimatization before starting this exciting adventure.
From Lhasa a scenic drive towards Mt.Kailash with sightseeing tours at the famed ancient towns and cities of Gyantse and Shigatse. On arriving Lharze, our adventure starts off away from the main highway to Kathmandu for some days, the road climbs to the most wonderful scenic point with the most amazing views of the great Himalayan peaks.
Mt. Kailash (6714m) is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty with four great faces; the eastern face is believed to be crystal, the western ruby, the southern sapphire and the northern gold. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion-Bonpo.
To Tibetan it is known as Ghang Rimpoche(Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the naval of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions.
The river of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the East, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. It is really fascinating to know that, the four major river system of the Indian Sub-Continent originates near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetan believes that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phangmo. From the early days up till now for the Tibetans and Buddhism it is more than a holy place, as their great poet, tantric saint Milarepa spent several years meditating in cave around the Mt. Kailash area.
For the Hindus Kailash is their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic ‘World Pillar’ 84000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its root in the lowest hell and its summit reaching the heaven and the abode of their revered God Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.
For the pre-ancient religion Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven and it was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all western Tibet. Bon people circumambulate this holy mountain in an anti-clockwise manner; unlike the other religion doing it clockwise.
Over the centuries, pilgrims from all corners of the world have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves from sins, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.
