Kathmandu Lhasa Tour - 8 days
A good option for travellers operating in a limited time frame, this tour - one of our most popular - takes advantage of the so-called 'Friendship Highway' between the two capital cities. Highlights en route are Sukya, the largest monastery in Tibet, Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, Tashilungpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama, Shalu Monastery, Gyantse (Tibet's ancient trading hub) and the beautiful Turquoise Lake, Yamdruk Tso, which is Tibet's largest freshwater lake.
Arriving in Lhasa on Day 6, we will provide you with two days of guided sightseeing, encompassing all the major historic landmarks including the Potala Palace, Norbulinka, the Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor bazaar.
On Day 8 you have the option of flying back to Kathmandu or extending your holiday by flying from Lhasa to mainland China. Another popular choice now is to take the new train trip from Lhasa to Beijing (40 hours), which is the highest railway journey in the world.
This tour is available all the year round. Please note that the tour comes in two versions - a basic tour for those on a limited budget, or a more deluxe tour for those with a little more money to spend.
The budget tour we arrange for you through agents and involves travelling in larger groups with one guide with basic, sometimes dormitory style accommodation and economy class transportation.
If you prefer a tour tailored to your individual requirements, we can arrange this for you following the same itinerary, but offering you stays in better quality (usually three-star) hotels, a luxury standard Land Cruiser and a personal guide whose services will be available to you at all times throughout your trip. This kind of tour is recommended for individual travellers and small groups or families.
Whichever tour option you select, you are at liberty either to ask us to plan your onward trip from Lhasa - or to make your own independent travel arrangements.
MODE OF TRANSPORT: Toyota Land Cruiser
TOUR DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU: Round the year
Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu - Nyalam (3750 m.).
Drive from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Kodari (Zhangmu). Continue up the steep switch back road to Nyalam.
Day 02: Jeep tour, Nyalam to Lhatse (3950 m.).
A remarkable day's drive across the Tibetan plateau with Spectacular Mountain views from Lalung-La pass (5050m). Passing through the town of Tingri there are more views of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu.
Day 03: Jeep tour, Lhatse to Shigatse (3900 m.) via Sakya Monastery
En route, visit Shakya Monastery before crossing the Lalung-La (4500m) and continuing across the plains to Shigatse.
Day 04: Jeep tour, Shigatse to Gyantse (3950 m.) via Shalu Monastery
After visiting the Tashilimpu Monastery, it's a short drive to Gyantse with its amazing sights - Khumbum, Palkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Dzong.
Day 05: Jeep tour, Gyantse to Lhasa (3650 m.) via Yamdruk Lake (Turquoise Lake)
The highlight of this day is the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdruk - Tso. After crossing the Kamba- La and the Yarlung (Brahmaputra) River, the journey ends in Lhasa.
Day 06: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa - You will see Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Norbulinkha Palace (the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama).
Day 07: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa - You will visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and a Tibetan medical center.
Day 08: Flight, Lhasa to Kathmandu OR mainland China
Drive to Airport and fly out from Lhasa.
Price details for private tour
Group size: 2 persons
Package cost: US $ 890
Tibet Visa: US $ 114
Flight Ticket: US $ 369 (Lhasa - Kathmandu)
Total Cost: US $ 1373
Group size: 3 persons
Package cost: US $ 675
Tibet Visa: US $ 114
Flight Ticket: US $ 369 (Lhasa - Kathmandu)
Total Cost: US $ 1158
Group size: 4 persons
Package cost: US $ 550
Tibet Visa: US $ 114
Flight Ticket: US $ 369 (Lhasa - Kathmandu)
Total Cost: US $ 1033
Group Visa (Single Entry Only)
Visa Process Duration : 5 days (Normal)
USD 142 (American passport holder)
USD 58 (Other Nationality)
Visa Process Duration : 3 days (Urgent)
USD 164 (American passport holder)
USD 80 (Other Nationality)
Visa Process Duration : same day (Top Urgent)
USD 198 (American passport holder)
USD 114 (Other Nationality)
Package cost includes:
- All Tibet travel permits
- Transportation in Tibet by 4WD Land Cruiser (We use deluxe car / van in Lhasa but outside Lhasa we use Land Cruiser.)
- Accommodation (budget) in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- Two days sightseeing tour in Lhasa
- English speaking Tibetan Guide
- Monastery entry fees
- Kathmandu - Zhangmu (Tibetan boarder town) transfer by private vehicle
- Tibet group visa
- Lhasa - Kathmandu flight ticket
- Airport tax in Lhasa (while flying to Kathmandu)
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Package cost excludes:
- Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (one meal either lunch or dinner costs approximately US $ 8 to US $ 10)
- Nepal re-entry visa fee (US $ 40)
- Your travel / medical insurance
- Insurance for any loss / damage of goods
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
Departure Dates For The YEAR 2009
March: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
April: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
May: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
June: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
July: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
August: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
September: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
October: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
November: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
December: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Kathmandu Lhasa Tour (Route Map)