High Road to Tibet
14 days
From
$ 3599
Duration14 days
From the sacred peaks of Tibet to lush green Nepalese valleys, explore overland the best of the Himalayas on this two-week tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Our expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will take the hassle out of planning and help you find the secluded spots only the locals know — and leave you with time to explore. In the thin mountain air of Rongbuk, the highest monastery in the world, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Mt Everest. So make sure your camera is charged — you're going to need it.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
There are no planned activities for today except for a welcome meeting in the early evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Take an orientation walk in Durbar Square before visiting the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking to become certified paralegals. Meet some beneficiaries of the program and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) with some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city.
Meals: L
Day 3: Kathmandu/Panauti
Many families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program.
Depending on the location, the home offers lovely views across surrounding fields or a post from which to observe street activity. As well as getting to know a local family and exploring this lovely village, you will assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes - and eat together with your host family.
Depending on the location, the home offers lovely views across surrounding fields or a post from which to observe street activity. As well as getting to know a local family and exploring this lovely village, you will assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes - and eat together with your host family.
Depart for a community homestay in Panauti. Choose to disembark in Sanga and hike the remaining way to the village or continue via private vehicle. Explore the village then help cook an authentic Nepalese dinner.
Enjoy a traditional Nepalese dinner at the Panauti community homestay.
Meals: D
Day 4: Panauti/Lhasa
Take an afternoon flight to Lhasa. With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on 'the roof of the world' over three days. Don't miss one of the evening debating sessions with the monks and the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture here.
End place: Lhasa
Day 5: Lhasa
Start place: Lhasa
Enjoy an orientation walk around Barkhor Square led by your CEO before taking a guided tour of the Jokhang Temple, the "spiritual heart" of the city where a stream of pilgrims visit daily. In the afternoon explore Sera Monastery and witness the monks debating.
End place: Lhasa
Day 6: Lhasa
Start place: Lhasa
Explore the grounds of the magnificent Potala Palace. Set upon Marpo Ri (Red Hill), the impressive 17th century structure was where the Dalai Lamas would meditate and take residence during the winter months. This afternoon, visit the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace, Norbulingka. Stroll the palace grounds and depending on the time of year, enjoy the outdoor festivities held in the park.
End place: Lhasa
Day 7: Lhasa
Start place: Lhasa
Enjoy a free day in Lhasa. Opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing with a warm cup of chai.
End place: Lhasa
Day 8: Lhasa/Gyantse
Start place: Lhasa
Set off early this morning for Gyantse, enjoying a visit to the ancient Buddhist site of Gyantse Kumbum on arrival. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso.
End place: Jiangzi
Day 9: Gyantse/Shigatse
Start place: Jiangzi
Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. Later, travel to Shigatse and enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city.
End place: Rikaze
Day 10: Shigatse/Tingri
Start place: Rikaze
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Tibet and home to thousands of ancient Buddhist scriptures and many paintings. Gain a fascinating insight into Tibetan history and enjoy the views from this hillside structure.
End place: Tingri
Day 11: Tingri/Rongpu Si
Start place: Tingri
Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and its guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround it more than compensate. Lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain.
Take an exhilarating drive to reach Rongbuk – 5000m (16404ft) and a mere 7km (4.4mi) below Everest Base Camp. The view from here is utterly spectacular.
End place: Rongbu Si
Day 12: Rongpu Si/Kyirong
Start place: Rongbu Si
On today's drive, ride alongside Paiko Tso Lake and marvel at its turquoise colour. Reach Kunda La Pass at 5236m, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Start the descent through winding roads into Kyirong and feel the change in altitude. See the change in scenery from snowy mountain peaks, to more greenery and blue skies.
Travel to Kyirong. This border town is known for it's warmer climate and green landscape. Soak in the views on the long but incredibly scenic drive from Rongbuk.
Day 13: Kyirong/Kathmandu
Prepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu.
Today, cross the border back into Nepal. The overland journey from Tibet to Nepal is considered one of the most stunning drives in Asia. Once across the border, travel to Kathmandu to enjoy a final evening in the city.
Kyirong is the main customs border crossing between Tibet and Nepal, for tourists and for commercial purpose. As such, it can be quite busy and there can be long wait times.
Day 14: Kathmandu
Depart any time.
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project, Kathmandu Your G for Good Moment: Panauti Homestay, Panauti Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse, Rongpu Si
- Kathmandu orientation walk
- Lhasa orientation walk
- Potala Palace entrance
- Sera Monastery visit
- Jokhang Temple entrance
- Pelkor Chode, Gyantse Kunbum, and Tashilhunpo Monastery visits
- Border crossing support
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Plane, Local bus, Air-conditioned bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), Homestay (1 nt, multi-share)