Lhasa has an age-old mystique, largely due to its isolation from the rest of the world. Tibet’s capital is situated at 3683 metres, next to the Kyichu, or Happy River. These days there is a Chinese facade to much of Lhasa, but this cannot hide the fact that the city is rich in history, dating back to its creation in the 6th century, when King Songtsen Gampo moved his capital there from the Yarlung valley. After King Langdrama was assassinated in 842, Lhasa lost its political importance, but acquired a more spiritual significance.
It was only in the 17th century that Lhasa once again became the seat of Tibet’s government. In the 1950’s Tibet’s history took a dramatic turn with the Chinese occupation in 1951, leading to Chinese administration being imposed after the uprising in 1959.
Tibet became an autonomous region in, with Lhasa designated as the capital. In September 1985 celebrations were held to mark the 20th anniversary of this autonomy, but restrictions on Tibetans and foreigners turned the policy into an unconvincing charade.
Lhasa has many historical and cultural attractions including the two palaces of the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha, the Jokhang Temple with the surrounding Barkhor bazaar and two major monasteries, Sera and Drepung.
Lhasa to Kathmandu tour (8 days)
The tour can be commenced from Chengdu, Xian, Xinning, Shanghai and Beijing as per your convenience and ends at Kathmandu. The tour covers all major highlighted places of central Tibet such as Lhasa, Gyantse, Yamdruk Tso, Shigatse, Sakya and Lao Tingri.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly, Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650 m) – 1 hour flight
Upon arrival in Lhasa by plane OR by train our guide / representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel Flora or similar accommodations (room with attached bath)
Gyantse TownDay 2: Lhasa sightseeing tour
After breakfast we set off for a full-day guided sightseeing tour. Today, we visit Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace (the summer palace of Dalai Lama) and Jokhang temple & Barkhor Square. Overnight at Hotel Flora or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Today we visit two very significant monasteries: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery of Tibet. Both monasteries are located near the main city. Also, we will visit the Tibetan Medical Centre in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Flora or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 4: Drive, Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m) – 7 hours
Early in the morning we proceed to Gyantse via Lake Yamdruk (Yamdruk Tso). Gyantse is the fourth largest city in Tibet (after Shigatse and Chamdo). It is small as cities go (population perhaps 15,000) and largely Tibetan in character as it has not been touched so much by outside Chinese influence. Strategically sited at a junction between Shigatse and Lhasa, it lies along the caravan routes from Sikkim and Bhutan in the south. Gyantse has assumed an important role as a military centre and market town- particularly for wool and handicrafts. Gyantse is also jewelled with ancient monasteries and stupa. We will visit the Khumbum stupa, Gyantse Dzong and Palkor Choide Monastery in Gyantse. Overnight at Hotel Utse or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 5: Drive, Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m) via Shalu Monastery – 3 hours
After breakfast we head to Shigatse. On the way we will visit Shalu Monastery. In Shigatse we will visit the Tashilungpu Monastery, the official Panchen Lama’s residence, built in 1447, although it did not really become the seat of the Panchen Lama until almost 200 years later. Overnight at Hotel Everest Friendship or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 6: Drive, Shigatse to Xegar (New Tingri) via Sakya Monastery – 7 hours
Today you have an extensive distance to travel to reach Xegar (new Tingri) via two high passes en route. Also, you will visit Sakya Monastery along the way. Overnight at Xegarpost Guesthouse or similar accommodation (dormitory room + common toilet only).
Day 7: Drive, Xegar to Zhangmu (2100 m) – 8 hours
Today is your last journey on the Tibetan Plateau. Zhangmu, also known as Khasa or Dram, lies on a mountainside 10 km inland from the Friendship Bridge that spans the Bhotekoshi (the Sun Koshi) River. This small town has become a major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. The subtropical climate endows the small town with warm, humid weather and beautiful scenery throughout the year. The town is built along a winding road that is lined with private homes, shops, restaurants and government buildings. Overnight Hotel Gyangjong (dormitory room + common toilet only) OR Sherpa Guesthouse.
Day 8: Drive, Zhangmu to Kathmandu – 5 hours
A 15-minute drive from ZhangMu takes you to Friendship Bridge. In Friendship Bridge, our representative from the Kathmandu-office will meet you and help you to complete the immigration formalities in Nepal. After the immigration process is completed you will drive to Kathmandu. This scenic journey takes four and half hours.
Price:
Our price includes the following services:
1. All necessary Tibet travel permits
2. Transportation in Tibet with 4WD Land Cruiser (deluxe model)
3. Budget accommodation in Tibet on room sharing basis with breakfast
4. Two-day guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa
5. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
6. Monastery entrance fees / sightseeing entrance fees
7. Nepal/Tibet border (Kodari) to Kathmandu transfer with private vehicle + office representative
8. All applicable taxes and service charges
9. Tibet visa (U.S. citizens need to add $83 for additional visa costs)
Our price does not include the following services:
1. Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
2. Nepal entry visa fee (US $ 30 per person)
3. Your travel insurance
4. Insurance for any loss and damage
5. Personal tip for guide and driver
6. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances.
A good option for travellers with little time, this tour – one of our most popular – takes advantage of the so-called ‘Friendship Highway’ between the two capital cities. Highlights en route are Sukya, the largest monastery in Tibet; Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city; Tashilungpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama; Shalu Monastery; Gyantse (Tibet’s ancient trading hub) and the beautiful Turquoise Lake, Yamdruk Tso, which is Tibet’s largest freshwater lake.
