The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be underestimated. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses. Cross the spectacular Khamba- La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdroktso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges- the scenery is incredible. Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes of India and retains the feel for a Tibetan town. The forts and well protected monastery of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya reveal not always peaceful history-the riches within, testament to past glory.Tibet can be divided into three major parts - north, south and east. The eastern part is forest region, occupying approximately one-fourth of the land. Virgin forests run the entire breadth and length of this part of Tibet . The northern part is open grassland, where nomads and yak and sheep dwell here. This part occupies approximately half of Tibet . The southern and central part is agricultural region, occupying about one-fourth of Tibet 's land area. All major Tibetan cities and towns such as Lhasa , Shigatse, Gyantse and Tsetang are located in this area and are considered the cultural center of Tibet .

 
 

Day 1: Kathmandu/Nyalam (3750 m).
An early start for approx. 6 hrs drive to Kodari, friendship bridge (Nepal/Tibet border). On clear mornings some great views of Mt. Langtang, Mt. Gaurishankar, Mt. MeLungtse and Khumbu Himal range can be seen. After completion of customs and immigration formalities further two and half hours drive to Nyalam. Overnight Guest House.

Day 2: Nyalam/Lhatse (4350 m).
We continue drive via Lalung La (5050 m). Splendid views of Mt Langtang (7245 m), Mt Xixapangma (8013 m), Mt Dorje Lakpa (6980 m) can be seen from here. Overnight Guest House.

Day 3: Lhatse/Shigatse (3900 m).
Continue drive to Shigatse, site of the famous Tashilungpu Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Its huge Thanka wall is clearly visible from the North side of the road. Overnight Hotel.

Day 4: Shigatse/Gyantse (3950 m).
After visiting Tashilungpu Monastery in the morning, drive to Gyantse two hours away. Gyantse is a small bustling town steeped in history. It lies 264 kms. southwest of Lhasa on the northern bank of Nyang Chu river. In the 15th century it served as the capital of a small kingdom. Visit Kumbum Chorten, Palkor Chode Monastery, Gyantse Dzong. Built around 1400 AD, later it became the main centre for trade with British India. Overnight Hotel.

Day 5: Gyantse/Lhasa (3650 m).
Eight hours drive bring us to Lhasa crossing Karo-La (5010 m) and Kamba-La (4794 m) on the way. Karo-La climbs between two awesome mountains, Nozing Khang Sa (7223 m) and Ralung (6236 m). We pass the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) en route. After passing Kamba-La, Lhasa valley can be seen to the North. We cross the Brahmaputra River before reaching Lhasa. Overnight Hotel.

Days 6 - 7: In Lhasa.
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, surrounding Barkhor market, Drepung and Sera monasteries. Overnight Hotel

Day 8: Lhasa/Kathmandu.
Transfer to airport for departure flight to Kathmandu or onward destination.

Cost Includes:

• Tibet travel permit and entrance fees wherever applicable
• Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in standard hotel
• All guided sightseeing tours & transfers as per given itinerary
• English speaking Tibetan guide.

Cost Excludes:

• Insurance & emergency rescue charges
• Airfare of Lhasa / Kathmandu (USD 327.00 per person including Lhasa departure airport tax)
• Tibet visa fee (USD 45.00 per person. Please note that American citizens are entitled to extra of USD 55.00 per person).
• Additional transportation & porter charges in the event of landslides
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, bar bill, telephone calls etc.
• Photography charges
• Accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and any other cost not specified in the above cost inclusions list

Booking must be made at least 21 days prior along with the passport details and deposit of 50% payment of trip cost. Balance must be paid once arrive in Kathmandu.