Lhasa Tsedang Ganden Everest Tour

You can have two options to arrive at Gonggar airport either from Kathmandu, Nepal or from the mainland China. If you wish to fly from Kathmandu, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan valleys. You will be greeted at Gonggar Airport by our Tibetan guide. Transfer to Tsedang (2 hr). Check into the hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and acclimatizing. Overnight at hotel

This day is begins with a visit to the palace of Yumbulakang which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsangpo in the second century BC. Local folklore believes that the king was descended from heaven. In the afternoon you will visit Chedruk Temple to round off our visit to Tsedang, in the next you will drive 65 Kms to Samye Monastery (5050 m) which tops on hill. Overnight stay in a hotel

After breakfast visit Yongbulakhang Palace which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsangpo in the second century BC. Tibet King’s Tomb, afternoon drive to Lhasa, en-route visit the famous Mindroling Monastery which covers a large area of over 100,000 square meters (approx. 119,599 square yards). This is one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect. The monastery was originally built in the 10th century and has been renovated several times. Overnight stay in a hotel

The journey begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced Tibetan tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts you to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.

Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an breathtaking view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery. Overnight stay in a hotel

Breakfast in the hotel then drive to Mozugongar County via Drayerpa Cave, again visit the Ganden Monastery, After lunch in the afternoon drive to Drigung Tel Monastery & continuous drive to Teardrop hot-spring (75 Kms, off road) for overnight stay in Basic guesthouse.

After breakfast, drive to Damxung county via Reting Monastery (180 Kms, off road) Reting Monastery is the special temple for high Lamas like as Dalai lama`s teacher, again to Damxung County (80 Km), southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, you can see the north Tibet Grass view. Overnight at local Guesthouse.

Take your breakfast in the morning at guesthouse then drive to Namtso Lake enjoying the stunning landscape. Namtso is the highest lake in the world and is 4,718 meters above sea level. It is 72 kilometers long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square kilometers. Some 60 kilometers to the northwest of Damxung County seat, it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives high respects among the local people. On the Tibetan year of sheep, pilgrims from faraway come here to walk around the lake. It takes more than 10 days to circle the lake once. Afternoon walk around Lakeside area and this is one of the highest & most beautiful Lake in Tibet, overnight in Lakeside Guesthouse.

Morning breakfast then visit the famous hot spring, and take shower if you are interested, across North Tibet Grass, Great Nianchentangula Snowing Mountain, lunch at Yangpachen small town, afternoon back to Lhasa city. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Lhasa.

Leave Lhasa on a 4WD along the Friendship Highway and cross the Khamba La 4794m from where you can see the stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang SA 7252m. Continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La 5045m where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages you will arrive in the town of Gyantse. Either same day evening or following day morning you will visit the famous Palkhor Monastery and you will stay overnight at hotel.

Before leaving Gyantse you will have time to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. You then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market you will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Overnight at a comfortable hotel

After breakfast drive from Shigatse to Sakya, noon time arrive in Shegar, after lunch, away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After long driving we eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. You will have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5,250m) [no tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you have to walk (16 kms round trip) or take local minibus to visit Base Camp]. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight at a basic guest house.

You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savor the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlung Tse and Gauri Shankar; you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, you will find yourself amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu or Gyirong. Overnight at hotel in Zhangmu.

After finishing the customs formalities you will cross the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border across Bhote Koshi River. Continue drive to Kathmandu. About 5 hours of drive through deep valleys takes you to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.