Our Rooftop of the World trip highlights the scenery and cultures of Nepal and Tibet overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
Travellers will experience Tibet of past and present, witness the customs and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, see the palaces, monasteries and temples of this fabled land while marveling at the majesty of this remote land in the heart of the Himalayas.
Our departures to Tibet take travelers to a land that combines magnificent scenery and unique cultural and religious expression. Tranquil, serene and spectacular best describe the landscape of this pocket of Asia composed of mountains, glaciers, rivers and green valley.
2012 Departure Dates & Costs
Departures each Wednesday from Kathmandu. (Can also be done in reverse).
Tour cost: $ 1,990 USD
Includes airfare Lhasa/Kathmandu. Does not include $ 60.00 USD Tibet Visa Fee. Tibet Visa is pre-approved and issued on arrival at the Tibetan border.
TRAIN LHASA/BEIJING AVAILABLE ON REQUEST! IF FLYING IN/OUT OF KATHMANDU - EARLY BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL DUE TO LOW FLIGHT AVAILABILITY/HIGH DEMAND FOR AIR SPACE
Other programs in Nepal and Tibet are available on request.
Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arrive at the Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the HOTEL AMBASSADOR. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 2 KATHMANDU (B)
City tour of the Nepalese capital with a visit to Durbar square and the many temples and palaces in the vicinity and sacred Swayambhunath temple on a hill top overlooking Kathmandu valley. Continue to the medieval city of Bhaktapur known for its well preserved ancient architecture and its markets.
DAY 3 PATAN (B)
Half day tour in the Kathmandu valley to visit the sacred shrines in Patan City. Afternoon - Free
DAY 4 KATHMANDU/ZHANGMU (B)
Early morning transfer to the NEPAL/CHINA BORDER (a drive of 4 - 5 hours). Arrive Kodari Friendship Bridge. After Immigration formalities, transfer to Zhangmu (2300 m)
Passengers may be required to walk across no-mans land/border. The distance will depend on road conditions. Porters will carry any bags. Overnight at the Zhangmu Hotel.
DAY 5 ZHANGMU/XEGAR (B)
This will be a long driving day as we cross the Lalung la Pass (5050 m) and the Nyalam Pass (3800 m) enroute to Xegar. This drive offers fantastic view of high mountains including Mount Everest (8848 m). Overnight in Xegar Hotel (4350 m) set near the base of mighty Mt. Everest.
DAY 6 XEGAR/SHIGATSE (B)
Drive across the dramatic Tibetan plateau to the town of Shigatse (approx. 8 hours). Overnight in SHIGATSE HOTEL (3900 m)
DAY 7 SHIGATSE/GYANTSE (B)
Morning to explore fantastic Tashilhunpo Monastery, the official residence of the Panchen Lama and home to over 700 monks. Also visit the open-air market. Depart to Gyantse (1/2 hours). Arrive Gyantse (3950 m) and immediately leave for visit to Khumbhum Stup, one of the largest and holiest of its kind in Tibet and Phalkor Monastery which is actually comprised of 16 monasteries of different sects, making it unique in Tibet. Overnight Gyantse Hotel.
DAY 8 GYANTSE/LHASA (B)
In the morning begin the spectacular drive from Gyantse to Lhasa, past the moraine blue lake of Yamdrok Tso set against the snow-capped mountains crossing two mountain passes, Karola pass (5010 m), Kumbala (4,794 m). Overnight in Shambala Hotel 3 nights.
DAY 9 L
HASA (B)
City tour of Lhasa including Potala Palace which towers above the new sector of the city. Pilgrims make their way to Potala, considered the spiritual centre of Tibetan religion. Architecturally, the Palace is equally amazing, its 13 levels and 1000 rooms have been the winter home of successive Dalai lama's since its re-construction in 1645. Also Sera monastery.
DAY 10 LHASA (B,L,D)
A second day of tours to the temples of Lhasa beginning with a visit to Drepung monastery. Built as a monastic University, Drepung once housed 10,000 monks. The Drepung complex has a palace and a main assembly hall filled with statues and priceless artifacts of the past Dalai Lama's. Return to Lhasa for lunch followed by free time for shopping. Also visit Jokhang temple and Barkhor Bazaar.
DAY 11 LHASA/KATHMANDU (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu at 10:00 am allowing connections to International flights.
NOTE: We are able to book the new train Lhasa/Beijing (2 nights Sleeper car) as an extension for those wishing to continue to China. Extensions in Nepal or China will be offered on an individual basis. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EARLY BOOKING IS MADE IN ORDER TO PROPERLY PROCESS THE TIBET VISA.
What our clients say...
"I would like to thank you for the wonderful trip that you planned for us - without a doubt it was the most memorable trip I have ever taken. It was certainly a privilege to have Jan as our leader. Her knowledge, experience, enthusiasm added a whole new dimension to the trip - a dimension that made our trip unique. ... So in all, this was for me a trip of a lifetime - and would definitely recommend it to others." S. Sanders, Montreal
