10 Days Journey Through Tibet
Price on application
Kathmandu – Lhasa – Tsedang – Gyantse – Shigatse – Lhasa – Kathmandu
This trip takes on an exotic journey by road from Nepal to Tibet region with unbelievable scenic beauty and rustic experiences. Start your tour from Kathmandu, the capital & also the largest city in Nepal. Kathmandu is the only gateway point for flights into Nepal. It’s an interesting city which showcases its cultural heritage with its temples, old capital city within a modern city and the well-kept monuments.
Combine Nepal with Tibet – Tibet, the highest land in the world. Lhasa the capital of Tibet is at 3650m. Tibet the very name evokes feelings of awe and mystery. It’s a land of ancient Buddhist culture, awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries, exotic cities, hidden valleys and centuries-old caravan trials. Known as Roof of the world, it is the destination for the ultimate thrill-seekers. Enroute to Lhasa, pass through some remote areas bordering Nepal & China but these areas area very popular for adventurers for its humble & hospitable people and picturesque raw beauty with backdrop of mighty Himalayas.
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu in the morning. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for a visit to Kathmandu city and its Durbar Square. This capital city of the kingdom of Nepal is situated at 1355mt. above sea level, is full of shrines, temples and ageless sculptures. During the sightseeing tour of this city you will visit Old Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Gigantic figure of Kala Bhairaba – The God of Destruction, Shiva Parbati Temple, Kumari Ghar The Temple of Living Goddess) and Kasthamandap.
Day 2: Kathmandu (B)
This morning, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur city. The colossal stupa of Boudhanath was built in the 5th century AD is supposed to be the biggest in the world. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheel is surrounded by a circular market which forms a part of Tibet Town. The four pairs of the Buddha’s eye painted on the stupa give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all the day and night.
Pashupatinath: – Pashupatinath is a pagoda style Hindu Temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated at the bank of River Bagmati 5 km east of Kathmandu city. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world.
Bhaktapur city also known as Bhadgaon is a treasure home of medieval arts and architectures, the Lion Gate and the Golden Gate along with the stone Pillar of Late King Bhupatindra Malla. Afterward, you will visit the Dattatraya Temple, Bhairabnath Temple and the famous Nyatapola Temple.
In the afternoon, proceed for another half day sightseeing tour of Patan city and Swayambhunath Chaitya – one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas said to be 200 years old. As this chaityas is situated 500 feet above the level of the valley it offers excellent panoramic view of Kathmandu valley.
Day 3: Kathmandu-Lhasa-Tsedang (B/L/D)
At 0730hrs transfer from Hotel to airport to connect flight CA 408 Kathmandu/Lhasa 09.50/1300hrs. Meet & greet upon arrival at Gongar airport Lhasa and transfer to your Hotel at Tsedang city (3600m), 90km, 2 hrs
Rest of the day for acclimatization.
Day 4: Tsedang (B/L/D)
Full day sightseeing tour of Tsedang
Day 5: Tsedang-Gyantse (B/L/D)
Drive from Tsedang to Gyantse (3900m), 90km, approx. 8 hrs.
Day 6: Gyantse-Shigatse (B/L/D)
Morning visit to Phalkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. Afterward drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900,) 90km, approx. 2hrs. Afternoon visit to Tashilumpo Monastery and Free Market at Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse-Lhasa (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the Hotel, drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3650m) 259km, approx. 8hrs crossing KARO (5010m) and KAMBA (4794m) passes via Yamdruk Lake. Upon arrival check in with your Hotel
Day 8: Lhasa (B/L/D)
In the morning, pick-up from hotel and take city Sightseeing tour of Potala Palace – the world famous Potala Palace is located on “Red Hill”, to the west of old Lhasa. The 13-story palace stands 117 metres high and has over 1,000 rooms. It covers an area of 130,000 square metres. The entire building is made of stone and wood, with walls averaging 3 metres thick. After the peaceful liberation of Tibet, the Potala was listed as a cultural relic under the special protection of the state, which is the universal symbol of the Tibetan people. It is a vast white and ochre fortress that used to be the residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan Government.
In the afternoon, continue to visit Jokhang Temple. Jokhang Temple is one of Tibet’s holiest shrines, originally built in 647 A.D. in celebration of the marriage of the Tang Princess Wencheng and the Tubo King Songtsen Gampo. Located in the centre of old Lhasa, the temple was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China, and Nepal and thus features different architectural styles. The temple is also the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims
Barkhor Street is found in the heart of Lhasa circling the Jokhang Temple. It means “a pilgrim’s inner circuit”, and is the earliest street of old Lhasa city. It dates back to the foundation of the Jokhang and is an essential pilgrim route. Houses and small inns were built all around the street. As time went on, shops and businesses also set up in the Barkhor, and it slowly became a prosperous area.).
Day 9: Lhasa (B/L/D)
In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Tibet, was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa under the patronage of a noble family and later enlarged by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Drepung, which means rice heap in Tibetan, lies 8 kilometres west of Mt. Gambo Utse. The monastery covers a floor space of more than 200 thousand square meters. At its peak, it had a registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks. Many high and learned lamas had studied here.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery. Sera Monastery lies 4 km north of Lhasa, and was one of only eight [of some 3000] monasteries in all of Tibet to be spared the vicissitudes of the Cultural Revolution. It is here that the monks’ famous daily debates take place, at 3.30pm. They are highly stylized with much clapping and stamping, and always attract many spectators. Photos are no problem, which is very rare in Tibet, so make the best of it.
Day 10: Lhasa-Kathmandu (B)
Early breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Hotel to airport in time to connect flight CA 407 Lhasa/Kathmandu 09.50/08.45hrs. On arrival at Kathmandu airport stay at transit till check in for your onward flight.
Note: Tibet Permit can arranged by our Nepal operators locally on direct payment. Please ask us for more details on this.
Includes: Accommodation for 09 nights on Twin share, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using AC vehicle, English speaking guide, entrance fees at monuments.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.