DAY 01: KATHMANDU/ZHANGMU/NYALAM (2,300M.) 127 KM.
Our bus departs at 6am, for the border at Kodari Barabise. The reporting time for the journey is 5:45 a.m. in the front of immigration office, Thamel. Our 4/5 hour journey goes up to border through agricultural fields and passes through traditional villages, following the Bhotekoshi river. From the border (Friendship Bridge), we will take available transport or walk approximately 2 hours to Zhangmu, the border city in Tibet. If travel permits are available, we will ride to Milarepa's cave (some 30 KM.) and camp there, or stay in Naylam. Otherwise, we will ride at an inn in Zhangmu.
DAY 02: ZHANGMU/NYALAM-XEGAR (4,350m.) 244KM.
Rising through the dry, plateau highlands. offers stunning views of the world's highest mountain range, including: Langtang-7245,Xixapangma-8,013m., Dorje Lakpa-6,980m., Gauri Shankar-7,134m. Cho O you-8,021m., Everest 8,848m., Lhotse (8,516m.), Makalu-8,464m. We will cross Nyalam Pass (3,800m.) and Lalung (5,050m.) pass along the way, stopping to enjoy the views.
DAY 03: XEGAR-SIGATSE (3,900m.) 244 KM
Today is our longest driving day via Gyatsola pass 5,220m. by crossing Lhatse from where the road to Mt. Kailash bifurcates.
DAY 04 : XIGATSE-GYANTSE (3,950m.) 90 KM.
The morning is yours to relax and explore Tibet's second largest city, Xigatse, including the world famous Tashilumpo Monastery. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Gyantse, a small, historical town along the banks of the Nyang Chu River and home to monastery of Buddha’s 1,000 Images.
DAY 05: GYANTES-LHASA (3,650m.) 280 KM.
Many busy villages, yaks, mountains sheep, and lakes dot our route today, as we cross the famous Brahma-Putra River (Son of Brahma, the creator. Brahma is a Hindu God). Passing over Karo and Kamba passes, 5,010m. & 4,794m. respectively, our final destination awaits-Lhasa.
DAY 06 & 07: IN LHASA
Sightseeing and excursions of Potala Palace, Norbulinka, The Jokhang and surrounding Bakhor market, Drepung & Sera Monasteries
DAY 08: LHASA-KATHMANDU
Early morning, we will be heading to the Airport (Gongar-96Km.) Southwest of Lhasa. With boundless beauty speed below, this is perhaps the most beautiful flight in the world |