Crossing the Roof of the World: From Lhasa to Nepal
travel package - 11 days / 10 nights Take the journey of a lifetime as you travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu, through Himalayan history and breathtaking beauty. As you wend your way through Tibet, you will visit various monasteries, each superbly unique, giving you insights into the activities and devotion of monks and pilgrims. In the steps of famous mountaineers, you will hike up to Everest Base Camp and taste the thrill of being there yourself. Then through unforgettably gorgeous views, continue on to Nepal, where you will notice the Indian subcontinent fragrances of curries and incense starting to mix into the total experience. In Kathmandu and its ancient sister cities, Patan and Bhaktapur, the temples, markets and age-old trades are fascinating. And all along the way you will meet with the genuine warmth and friendliness of Tibetan and Nepalese people.
Day 1
Beijing / Shanghai - Lhasa Arrive at the airport in the morning to board flight to Lhasa.
Your guide will meet you at the airport upon arrival.
Transfer from the airport to Lhasa City.
Time to relax and acclimatize!
Overnight in Lhasa Day 2
Lhasa (B, L) Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace Your amazing tour of Tibet begins at the Jokhang Temple. Built in the 7th century, it is considered the most significant religious structure for all Tibetans. Many pilgrims pay homage to their faith at this sacred temple each day.
Afterwards, we will visit what is often recognized as the symbol of Lhasa, the incredible Potala Palace. For many years it was used as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
Overnight in Lhasa Day 3
Lhasa (B, L) Sera Monastery, Norbulingka Today our trek takes us to the venerable Sera Monastery. This monastery not only served as a place of worship, but also as a house of higher learning. Established in 1419 by the scholar Tsongkhapa, Sera Monastery was considered the most famous academy in Tibet you will have an opportunity to see the monks debate there.
Then, visit the second largest monastery in the world, Norbulingka (meaning, 'precious stone garden'), formerly the Dalai Lama's summer residence. Currently 400 monks reside here.
Overnight in Lhasa Day 4
Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse (B, L, D) Kumbum, Palkhor Chode, Gyantse Fort After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive to Gyantse, passing by the beautiful Yamdrok Lake. In a Tibetan village you will almost certainly be surrounded by curious, laughing children as they come and greet their new guests. Upon our arrival in Gyantse in the afternoon we will visit the monastery Palkhor Chode, noted for its intricate Kumbum, one of the most important monuments in Tibetan architecture. It is a nine tiered stupa with 108 chapels and superb murals. The Gyantse Fort located high in the mountains offers you a breathtaking view of the city.
Overnight in Gyantse Day 5
Gyantse - Shigatse (B, L, D) Xialu Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery After breakfast, you will be driven by car to Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, to visit Xialu and Tashilhunpo Monasteries. Xialu Monastery is situated in Rikuozuo and its construction was started in 1027. Its architecture is a typical combination of the Tibetan and Chinese styles with archways, carved pillars, tiled roofs and Song and Yuan style murals. The Tashilhunpo Monastery is the ancient residence of the Panchen Lama, the highest ranking Tibetan monk after the Dalai Lama.
Afterwards, time is set aside especially so that you can discover and explore the old city center at your own leisurely pace.
Overnight in Shigatse Day 6
Shigatse - Shegar (B, L, D) In the morning, we will drive to Shegar (altitude 4,350 meters), also called New Tingri. On the way, if time permits, we will stop at Sakya Monastery (4,280 meters), the chief monastery of the Sakya Sect. Its northern monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya, which means "gray" in Tibetan, as it was on a gray mountain. What we see today is the southern monastery, built in 1269 by Phagpa, famous for converting Kublai Khan and becoming his designated ruler in Tibet. The outside walls of the monastery were painted red, white, and gray, symbolizing the bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani.
Overnight in Shegar Day 7
Shegar - Rongphu (B, L, D) Rongphu Monastery, Everest Base Camp In the morning, drive to Rongphu. At 5,030 meters, this is the highest temple in the world. Sitting under the shadow of Mt. Everest, Rongphu presents a breathtaking view of the world's tallest peak, called Chomolungma in Tibetan. Climbers ascending Everest's north face must pass through Rongphu Monastery on their way to the Base Camp.
We too, will hike 7 kilometers to the Base Camp in the afternoon.
Those tired by the walk can return by horse-drawn cart to Rongphu.
Overnight in Rongphu Day 8
Rongphu - Nyalam - Zhangmu (B, L, D) Tong-la Pass, Cave of Milarepa Today we must start early for the long spectacular drive (320 kilometers) to the border. We will cross the Tong-la Pass (5,214m), decorated with colorful prayer flags. From here, you'll have a clear view of the Shisha Pangma Mountain (8,013 meters) on one side and on the other, the enormous Gaurisankar mountain range.
Drive over the Tong-la Pass to Nyalam (3,750 meters). We will visit the meditation cave of Milarepa, a yogi who played an influential role in Tibetan religion. Driving along a winding road, we will gradually leave behind the high plateaus and head towards the cloud-draped Himalayans.
Arrive at Zhangmu, a town near the China-Nepal border.
Overnight in Zhangmu Day 9
Zhangmu - Kathmandu (B, L) In the morning, our guide will help you clear customs and transfer you to the Friendship Bridge at the border. You will cross the bridge independently. Our Nepalese guide will pick you up on the other side.
Then drive 6 hours to Kathmandu, through breathtaking scenery along the way.
Overnight in Kathmandu Day 10
Kathmandu (B, L) After breakfast, start your sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. It contains three fabled cities of great historic, religious and cultural interest; Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). Each town has a Durbar Square (old palace), and with their old temples and palaces these epimotize the religious and cultural life of the people. Day 11
Kathmandu - Beijing / Shanghai (B) Transfer to airport for the flight back to Beijing / Shanghai via Chengdu. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)
