Lhasa to Kathmandu
Lhasa to Kathmandu (9 days, 8 nights)
This journey on land-cruisers on the now mostly paved Lhasa - Kathmandu Friendship Highway crosses several major Tibetan towns and villages giving you an opportunity to get a sense of the Tibetan way of life. This is a classic journey and is one of the route taken by the first Tibet travelers when Tibet opened its borders for tourism in the 80's. Though this trip does not involve any trekking, it is still strenuous as you will be crossing several passes - some over 18,000 ft - and will be sleeping and eating in lodges with basic facilities.
The journey begins in Tibet's capital, Lhasa. Lhasa is the site of the Potala Palace the ancient palace of the Dalai Lamas. In and surrounding Lhasa are many other important monasteries such as the Sera Monastery, the Jokhang temple and the Drepung Monastery. You will visit all these monasteries. From Lhasa you will drive to Gyantse which is the site of the largest stupa in the world, the Kumbum stupa. Continue to Shigatse the site of the very impressive Tashilunpo monastery complex and seat of the Karmapa Lamas. Shigastse is the last of the larger Tibetan cities and past Shigatse amenities are limited.
Itinerary
Day 01 - Lhasa (11,900 ft.)
Fly from Kathmandu or Beijing. Arrive at the Gonggar airport. Met on arrival. Transfer to Lhasa. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Hotel. (No meals)
Day 02 - Lhasa (11,900 ft.)
Visit Jokhang Temple and Drepung Temple. Overnight Hotel. (B)
Day 03 - Lhasa (11,900 ft.)
Visit Sera Monastery and Potala Palace. Overnight Hotel. (B)
Day 04 - Gyantse (13,000 ft.)
Kumbum Stupa, Gyantse (Photo: Claudine)
Drive to Gyantse. Overnight Hotel. (B)
Day 05 - Shigatse (12,600 ft.)
Visit the Kumbum Stupa. Continue to Shigatse. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Overnight Hotel. (B)
Day 07 - Xegar
Drive to Xegar. Overnight Lodge. (B)
Day 08 - Zhangmu
Drive to Zhangmu. Overnight Lodge. (B)
Day 09 - Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu. (B)
Price Includes
- All airport transfers
- twin-sharing accommodation in hotels indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Airfare: Kathmandu/Beijing to Lhasa
- Chartered transfer: Zhangmu to Kathmandu
- Tibet Permit
- Transfers and sightseeing in Tibet as indicated in the itinerary
Price Does not Include
- Your international airfare, visa fee for Nepal or China, and international airport tax
- Hotel accommodations, sightseeing and meals in Kathmandu/Beijing
- Personal insurance and emergency/rescue evacuation
- Meals unless otherwise indicated on itinerary
- Bottled/canned beverages including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and mineral water
- Tips and gratuities, and expenses of personal nature
To Book this trip
A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647
You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person + US$ 700 for Kathmandu - Lhasa airfare. The deposit must be wired. We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided. The balance of the amount must be paid on arrival, either in traveler’s checks or cash.
Download reservation form here »
Cancellation Policy
Cancel anytime prior to trip start date, forfeit trip deposit. No refunds for unused services after your trip begins.
REFERENCES:
Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us.
PRE AND POST TRIP EXTENSIONS:
Arriving early or departing late? Nepal (and the region) has a lot to offer besides your main trip to Tibet. Depending on the extra days you have and your budget, we would be glad to match you up with one of the following activities:
- Jungle experience in Chitwan National Park. 3 days or 4 days.
- Visit Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region of Nepal – 2 days
- Short trek in the Annapurna region – 3 to 7 days
- Rafting in Nepal – 2 to 5 days
- Short visit to Bhutan - 4 to 7 days
Contact us for more details: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
QUESTIONS:
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
Mobile: + 977 97410-00724
Or if you would rather have us call you at a time convenient for you, please email us your phone number and time that works best for you.
Join us on one of our specially designed trips to Tibet!