TRIP OVERVIEW:
Entry Point: Zhangmu (also known as Kodari in Nepal side)
Exit Point: Lhasa (It is possible to fly out of Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other major city in mainland China). Alternatively, clients may choose to make the journey from Lhasa to mainland China via the world’s highest railway, which is celebrated for its comfort and breathtaking views of some of the most remote regions on earth.
Service type: Private
Mode of transport in Tibet: TOYOTA 4WD Land Cruiser
Accommodation: Twin Sharing (Mid-level hotels or Budget hotels/guesthouses, as per your choice)
Tour departure: As per your convenience

A good option for travelers operating in a limited time frame, this tour – one of our most popular – takes advantage of the so-called ‘Friendship Highway’ between the Kathmandu and Lhasa. Highlights en route include:

-Sakya, the largest monastery in Tibet.
-Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city and home of the Tashilungpo Monastery and throne seat of the Panchen Lama.
-Shalu Monastery.
-Gyantse, Tibet’s ancient trading hub.
-Yamdruk Tso, or Turquoise Lake, which is Tibet’s largest and most famous freshwater lake.

Arriving in Lhasa on Day 5, 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 is to embark on the ‘railway upon the Roof of the World,’ which is renowned for breathtaking scenery and world class comfort (40 hours to Chengdu).

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 desire for greater comfort and privacy.

If you prefer a tour tailored to your individual requirements, we can arrange this for you following the same itinerary, but offering higher quality (usually three or four-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 tour is recommended for individual travelers and small groups or families.

Whichever tour option you select, you have complete freedom concerning your travel arrangements. Clients may choose to arrange airline tickets, etc. on their own, or to use our services. We are always ready to help plan your travels after departure from Lhasa, and ensure timely, detail-oriented service.

DAY TO DAY PROGRAM

Day 1: Kathmandu to Nyalam (3750 m.)
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Nepal-Tibet border (Kodari) by private vehicle. After finishing immigration formalities both Nepal & China side, you will continue up the steep, winding road to Nyalam.
- Kathmandu to Kodari – 115 km – 4 &1/2 hrs
- Kodari to Zhangmu – 10 km – ½ hours
- Zhangmu to Nyalam – 30 km – 2 & ½ hrs

Overnight at Shisapangma Guesthouse

Day 2: Nyalam to Lhatse (3950 m.)
After breakfast, we commence our journey to our next destination, Lhatse. We visit Milarepa cave (10 km further drive from Nyalam) on the way. This cave-monastery is the site of the celebrated philosopher’s meditation, and is located only 10 minutes (on foot) from the road. The trip continues across the Tibetan plateau with spectacular mountain views from Lablung-La pass (5050m). Passing through the old town of Tingri, it is possible to see Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu.
- Nyalam to Lhatse: 7 hours drive

Overnight at Lhatse Tibetan Farmer Hotel

Day 3: Lhatse to Shigatse(3900 m.) via Sakya Monastery
After breakfast, we set off for Shigatse. On the way, we visit Sakya Monastery, which is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet, and is home to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. Sakya situated 21 km off the Friendship Highway.
Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet. The famous Tashilhunpo Monastery is situated in Shigatse, which is home to the official throne of Panchen Lama.
- Lhatse to Shigatse: 6 hours

Overnight at Shigatse Qomolangma Friendship Hotel

Day 4: Shigatse to Gyantse (3950 m.) via Shalu Monastery
After visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, it is a short drive to Gyantse, which boasts a variety of important cultural and historical sites – Khumbum, Palkhor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Dzong. On the way to Gyantse, we visit Shalu Monastery.
- 93 km- 2 hours

Overnight at Hotel Zongsan

Day 5: Gyantse to Lhasa (3650 m.) via Yamdruk Lake
The highlight of this day is the turquoise lake (Yamdruk Tso), which has become a famous symbol of Tibet’s untamed, yet breathtaking, wilderness. After crossing the Kamba- La, Karo La and the Yarlung River (Brahmaputra), the journey ends in Lhasa.
- 370 km- 7 hours drive

Overnight Hotel Flora

Day 6: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Guided cultural excursion in Lhasa – you will visit Jokhang temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace (the summer Palace of Dalai Lama).

Overnight at Hotel Flora

Day 7: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Guide sightseeing tour of Lhasa – you will visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery and Tibetan medical center.

Overnight at Hotel Flora

Day 8: Tour Finish
Today, you may choose to depart from Lhasa. You may fly out of Lhasa to Kathmandu, or any other major city in China. Alternatively you may also make a the journey from Lhasa to mainland China aboard the world’s highest railway.

For any queries; please click here

Service Includes

• All necessary Tibet travel permits
• Kathmandu to Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) transportation by private vehicle
• Zhangmu – Lhasa transfer by comfortable private bus
• 7 nights accommodation (budget) in Tibet on group sharing basis with breakfast
• English speaking Tibetan guide
• Tibet group visa fee
• All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
• All applicable taxes and service charges as per current Government policy

Service Excludes

• Accommodation, meals, transfers in Kathmandu
• International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa (USD 430 ) and China to Lhasa
• Travel insurance
• Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
• Tips for guides and driver
• Nepal visa
• Train ticket from Lhasa to China or v.v.
• Any extra cost due to unforeseen circumstances

Note:

• Flight Ticket:  The flight ticket for Kathmandu – Lhasa or v.v. booked through us in economy fare cost US $ 430 per person one way and round trip cost US $ 760 per person.
  The flight tickets mentioned above are subject to change as per availability of the seats and according to Air China fare policy.
• Visa: The current visa fee will be effective until Chinese Embassy apply new fee.
  The current visa fee for US Nationals is US $ 175.
  Visa application days are Monday, Wednesday & Friday so the clients should reach in Kathmandu before a day advance than of these visa working days to apply visa.
• Passport Type: Passport should be normal/ordinary. Chinese Embassy refused to give visa in Kathmandu for Diplomatic passport holder and the passport holder of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan etc and few South African countries as well as for the reporters/journalist; so we regret for unable to manage tour in Tibet for them. French passport holder can get visa in normal process with 5 working days so they have to reach Kathmandu accordingly about a week before.
• Accommodation: The accommodation for budget tour is basic level. Guesthouse in mountain region has very basic dormitory room with common toilet (not clean) and 2 star category of hotel will be provided in city area with good twin/double/triple room and attached bathroom (clean).
  The accommodation for standard tour is upgraded into middle class hotel using 3 star hotel in city only with private room and the same quality of basic guesthouse with sharing in a group in mountain region. 3 star hotel have standard room with attached bathroom and hot shower.
• Deluxe accommodation in 4/5 star hotel will be provided for deluxe tour in Lhasa with all international level of facility and 3 star level standard hotel in Shigatse & in Gyantse city. And the common sharing room with group in budget guesthouse as similar to above description in mountain region.
• Transportation: We will use good comfortable bus for whole tour in Tibet for all group size. And normal private bus or Hiace van in Nepal for Kathmandu – Border (V.V.) transfers.
• Guide: Guide will be English speaking with good knowledge about Tibet and the sightseeing points. However, the quality of English language speaking of guide is standard level, not highly proficient.
• General Service: Welcome by Khada (the holy scalf) and mineral water on arrival in the airport at Lhasa for all kind of tour option.
  Also, we provide mineral water during two days sightseeing tour in Lhasa for standard & deluxe tour.