9 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour with Mount Everest

Firstly, you need to travel from Kathmandu to Chinese border yourself, about 120km and 5 hours driving passing through the deep and big gorges. You need to cross the friendship bridge and will be greeted by our Tibetan guide and driver on Tibetan side. From the border to Gyirong Port, you will go through a steep winding road which passes through a mossy gully with cascading waterfall.

After breakfast, drive along the Sino-Nepal Highway to Old Tingri. Through a series of switchback bends the road ascends to Nyalam within the Matsang Tsangpo gorge and beautiful waterfalls can be seen on the both side of the road.

We visit Milarepa cave on the way. It is the site of the celebrated philosopher’s meditation. The trip continues to pass over two spectacular passes: Thong La pass (5050m) and Lalung La pass (5082m). Along with the two passes, we also get to enjoy fabulous views of the high mountains including Shisha Pangma (8,013m).

Then from old Tingri, you will view the amazing scene of Himalaya Range and Mt Everest. Before get into Himalaya Natural Reserve, which average altitude is above 5000m, you need thoroughly acclimatize the high altitude at Old Tingri.

Today, we drive about 70km bumpy road from Old Tingri to EBC / Rongpuk. From New Tingri to Rongpuk, the road is under construction. From Old Tingri to E.B.C with the very rough road passes the wild grassland, and crosses the torrent and High Mountains.

You can have a glimpse of 4 mountains which are 8000m high or even higher, that is, Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Qowowuyag (8201m), and Mt. Mayalu (8463m).

In the morning, you can see the sun rise on the top of Mt Everest, and have a full view the magnificent Mt. Everest standing like a snow-capped pyramid in front of you at Rongpuk, which is the vantage point for watching Mt. Everest.

Then you may trek from tent to Base camp 4/km one way or go to EBC by local bus.

After base camp, you can visit Rongphu Monastery which is the highest monastery in the world (5000m) and belongs to Nyingma sect.

After noon, drive back on that same bumpy road to reachTingri on Friendship Highway and move to Sakya.

Today you visit Sakya Monastery founded in 1073 by KhonKunchokGyalpo. It is the principal monastery of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Sakya was once recommended to be listed to World Heritage List in 90’s and was known for its huge collection of Buddhist scriptures and of vivid and artistically amazing murals.

In the morning, we drive 90km to Gyantse, an ancient county between Shigatse and Lhasa, which boasts a variety of important cultural and historical sites – Palkhor Chode monastery (Gyantse Kumbum) and Gyantse Dzong. The Gyantse Kumbum is commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427, the 35m-high chörten, with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes and its crown-like golden dome, is awe-inspiring. Also you can explore the real Tibet town in Gyantse.

In the afternoon, we drive 280km to Lhasa, and we will pass over the Karo la Pass (5010m) and Kambala Pass (4794m). While driving you will see the beautiful Karo la Glacier, Yamdrotso Lake (Truquoise Lake) and Brahmaputra River and finally reach Lhasa.

Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Besides, We can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house; The welcome dinner will also be arranged accordingly;

Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD)

In the morning ,you are going to visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

In the Afternoon, Tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.