Tibet tour
6-Day Friendship Highway |
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Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse
Visiting: Lhasa, Gyantse
In the morning meet your guide and depart Lhasa on a spectacular 7-8 hour overland journey to Gyantse. En route you'll cross over Kampa La pass with magnificent views of Yamdrok Tso, one of the three largest and most sacred lakes in Tibet.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Jian Zang Hotel
Day 2 : Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse
Visiting: Gyantse, Shigatse
Gyantse is one of the last authentic Tibetan villages and a pleasure to explore. Begin with a visit to Peklor Chode Monastery, founded in 1418. Within the high perimeter walls of the complex is the great Kumbum stupa, a spectacular creation completed in 1427 and Gyantse's most popular attraction. Be sure to hike up behind the Kumbum for spectacular views of the surrounding valley.
In the afternoon we continue driving west for 2-3 hours to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Shigatse or Manasarovar Hotel
Day 3 : Drive from Shigatse to Shegar
Visiting: Shigatse, Shegar
In Shigatse visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gedun Drup who was later recognized as the first Dalai Lama. The main statue of this monastery is Maitreya Buddha, made of 275 kilograms of gold and measures 26 meters in height. This is one of the few monasteries virtually untouched by the Cultural Revolution and is a fascinating place to explore. Depart Shigatse for a 5-6 hour drive to Shegar, passing through Lhatse en route.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Shanghai Chomulangma Hotel or Chomulangma Hotel
Day 4 : Drive from Shegar to Rongbuk then hike to Everest Base Camp
Visiting: Rongbuk, Everest Base Camp
Depart Shegar on a 4-5 hour drive to Rongbuk where you will spend the morning enjoying your first views of Mt. Everest. Once at Rongbuk you have the option of either hiking for 2 hours or taking a horse cart to Everest Base Camp (17,915 ft / 5,460 m). The route is level but the altitude could have you breathing hard so take it slowly.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Rongbuk Hotel
Day 5 : Drive from Rongbuk to Zangmu
Visiting: Zangmu
This 8-10 hour drive will carry you from Rongbok to Zangmu, visiting Milerapa's Cave en route and passing pilgrims walking across Tibet.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Zangmu Hotel
Day 6 : Depart Tibet for Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu
Your Tibetan guide will take you to the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal border for a fond farewell. The border crossing can be a long process depending on how busy it is, then drive 5-6 hours to Kathmandu.
- Meals: B
- Standard Lodging: Hotel Tibet
