Tibet, closed for centuries, has now become one of the favorite destinations for the western travelers. Known as the roof of the world, Tibet has some of the most fascinating and most beautiful places to explore and experience. Whether it is the famous Potala Palace, several famous monasteries which reflect the rich cultural heritage of ancient Tibetan Buddhism or the spectacular mountains of the high Himalayas including Mt. Everest, snowcapped plateau, wide pasture land, they all make Tibet a land of beauty and mystery for travelers, scholars and the adventure seekers. A tour to Tibet will offer an overwhelming experience that one cannot get any where in the world.
ITINERARY :
Day
1
Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for the flight to Lhasa. Fly over panoramic Himalayan ranges from Kathmandu to the holy city of Lhasa. The flight takes about 55 minutes to reach the Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, transfer 100 km. to the city. Check in the hotel and a complete rest for acclimatization.
2
Visit Potala Palace (Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama, now more a museum than a palace), Drepung Monastery (The largest monastery in Tibet as well as in the world, once harbored 10000 monks though as a rule it was to house 7700 monks) & Bhakhor Market (The ancient and largest bazar in Tibet).
3
Visit Sera Monastery (The second biggest monastery in Tibet, famous for
its horse-necked Hayagriva), Jokhang Temple (The most sacred and oldest temple in Tibet, built particularly for the enshrinement of the Sakyamuni image) & Norbulingkha Palace (Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama )
4
Drive to Gyangtse, 3950 m. a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. Drive 261km (Appx. 8 hrs) to Gyangtse, crossing over Karola Pass (5010m), Khambala Pass (4794m), colourful Yamdrok Lake and the Tibetan lifeline river Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).
5
Visit Palkhur Choide Monastery (The only one which contains different
Tibetan Buddhism sects in Tibet). Drive to Shigatse, 3900m. , the second largest town in Tibet and the seat of power of Panchen Lama. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery (Founded by the First Dalai Lama and the former residense of Panchen Lama, famous for its giant statue of Buddha Maitreya which is 26m tall) & the Local Market (A small but fascinating market located at the foot of the old Shigatse Fortress).
6
Drive to Xegar, 4350m. ( 245 km. ) crossing over Gyatsola Pass (5220m) with spectacular view of Mt. Everest (8848m).
7
Drive 257km (Appx. 8 hrs) to Zhangmu ( 2500m) with typical view of Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world crossing over Lalungla Pass (5050m) from where we can view breathtaking panorama of beautiful himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8012m).
8
Early morning drive 122km (Appx. 4 hrs) from Zhangmu (2500m), border town of Tibet to Kathmandu.
