Central Tibet Tour

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	5,050 m /16,568 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size :	2 to 15 Pax
Duration :	12 Nights / 13 Days

Highlights

World's best Scenic Mountain flight from Kathmandu to bustling Lhasa City
Visit Potala Palace, former Winter Palace of Dalai Lama since 7th Century
Visit Sacred Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Tashi Lunpho Monastery, Sera Monastery
Witness Monk's Debate in Sera Monastery and walk around Barkhor Street
Drive into High Passes of Kampa La at 4,750 m and Karo La at 5,050 m
Visit turquoise Yamdrok Lake and See Tibetan Mastiff
Enjoy Tibetan Authentic Foods, Culture and markets in Tibet
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square (Tibet Visa Application)

Day 03: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

Day 04: Free Day in Kathmandu (Tibet Visa Collection)

Day 05: Fly to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)-1 Hour

Day 06: Visit Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace and Tibetan Medical Center in Lhasa

Day 07: Visit Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

Day 08: Drive to Tsedang (3,100 m/10,171 ft)- 150 km/ 2.5 Hours and Sightseeing

Day 09: Drive from Tsedang to Gyantse (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)-325 km/ 6 Hours

Day 10: Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft)- 90 km / 2 Hours

Day 11: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)- 280 km/ 4 Hours

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Central Tibet Tour is designed in a very specific way to give travelers the most authentic experience of Tibetan Culture and Plateau. During our Tibet tour, we visit Potala Palace in Lhasa, the earlier winter palace of Dalai Lama since 7th Century. We visit Sera Monastery and see the Monk’s Debate of this mystical land, Tibet. We also visit many Sacred Monasteries like Samye Monastery which is the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet was built in 8th Century by Padmasambhava and others Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Tashi Lunpho Monastery. We also get opportunity to walk around the Barkhor Street and drive into the high passes while admiring high altitude turquoise Yamdrok Lake.

We start our Tibet Tour from Kathmandu and fly into Lhasa. Kathmandu to Lhasa flight is one of the world’s best flights which give the views of jaw dropping highest Mt. Everest and other mountains in Nepal and Tibet. In Kathmandu, we rejoice the exotic experience of capital city with its ancient culture, temples, heritage, palaces, narrow alleys and visit sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa while we pay homage to the only living Goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

During our Kathmandu and Tibet tour, we can stay at Standard Boutique hotels to Luxurious Boutique hotels and the best season is Autumn and Spring.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will receive and assist you after baggage collection. Once you exit the main terminal building, please look at the signage in your name. You will be taken to your hotel. After check-in, rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation. In the evening, there will be short tour briefing. After briefing, we will take you to the authentic Nepalese Restaurant to introduce you with Nepalese Culture and Cuisine.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square (Tibet Visa Application)

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Later on we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa also know as Monkey Temple in a small hill in Kathmandu which gives you great view of Kathmandu valley and mountains on north. Further, we drive 10 minutes to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Bhaktapur, an ancient Newari town which is also called city of living museum and city of devotees. Walk around to the big palace courtyard, Royal bath, Pottery square, Dattatraya Square and many more. In the afternoon, drive to another square in Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square. Patan boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia's greatest mythological war, is carved on the temple's walls. Home to traditional artists and sculptors, one can find more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square. Late afternoon, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa also called Monkey Temple, a Stupa in a small hill of Kathmandu over viewing Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner at one of the best local restaurant in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Free Day in Kathmandu (Tibet Visa Collection)

We keep this day free in Kathmandu and if you want to do sightseeing and travel around, we may consider many activities like Chandragiri Hill by Cable Car, Day Rafting trip to Trishuli River, Hiking, Day trip to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Fly to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)-1 Hour

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly into Gangor Airport in Lhasa. We meet you and drive to Lhasa downtown. During the drive, we enjoy the best view of Yarlung Tsangpo River / Brahmaputra River, the longest and largest river in Tibet and Lhasa River. In Lhasa, we suggest you to take complete rest and drink hot water and soups for better acclimatization. In the evening, we may walk to Potala Square to see fountains with different colors.

Accomodation: Overnight at the Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Visit Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace and Tibetan Medical Center in Lhasa

Today we will visit Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, is a treasure of Tibetan culture. It was till 1965, the seat of both religion and politics in Tibet and quite possibly, the singularly most important building in all Tibet. It was built in the seventh century by Tsongtsen Gampo as a fort and later renovated by the Fifth Dalai Lama in the Seventeenth Century to its present specifications. Later, we will visit Norbulingkha Palace, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama which was built in the Eighteenth Century and is considered the biggest man made Garden in Tibet. In the evening, we be visiting Tibetan Traditional Hospital which is the center place for Tibetan Medicinal practices.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Visit Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery which is the largest monastery of Tibet and once housed 10,000 monks. It was built in 1419 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed. Drepung Monastery which was one of the ‘Three Great’ Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala Palace. Then we continue to Jokhang Temple, is the holiest shrine of Tibet and houses a Golden Statue of the Buddha which was brought to Tibet by the Chinese Princess “Wen Chen”. Outside Jokhang monastery, there is a Barkhor Bazaar, is a bustling flea market. This is generally the place to buy souvenirs and meet other tourists. After Barkhor Street, we drive to Sera Monastery which is one of the ‘Three Great’ Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The major highlight is Monks debate around 3 - 5 in the late afternoon.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Drive to Tsedang (3,100 m/10,171 ft)- 150 km/ 2.5 Hours and Sightseeing

After breakfast, we will drive to Tsedang and visit Yumbu Lakhang which is said to be the first building of Tibet and Palace of Tibetan King Nyatri Tsenpo. It lies on the hill in eastern part of Yarlung River in Yarlung Valley. Later on, we visit Samye Monastery, which is supposed to be the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet made by King Trisong Detsen in 8th Century with the help of Padmasambhava and Indian monk Santaraksita. It is believed that Padmasambhava was able to subdue negative spirit which was creating hindrance to build the monastery which was first attempted by Santaraksita.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Tsedang.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Drive from Tsedang to Gyantse (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)-325 km/ 6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive and pass two high passes, Kampa La at 4, 750 m and Karo La at 5,050 m and also see the Yamdrok Lake, which is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After arriving at Gyantse, we check-in and rest. Gyantse was historically considered as one of the third largest cities in Tibet after Lhasa and Shigatse and is back dropped by beautiful fortress and temples. In the evening, we walk around Gyantse Town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Gyantse.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft)- 90 km / 2 Hours

After breakfast, we will visit Kumbum and Pelkhor Monasteries. Gyantse Kumbum is a symbol of Tibet and has nine floors with each unique chapel. Pelkhor or Palcho Monastery is the main Monastery in Nyangchu River valley in Gyantse which history is traced to be of 9th century. Then we drive to Shigatse which is the second largest city in Tibet and the capital of the Tsang Province. The ruler of this province had power all over Tibet prior to 1642 AD. In Shigatse, we will visit Tashi Lunpho Monastery which is founded by Gendun Drup, first Dalai Lama in 1,447 AD. It is a historic and culturally important monastery and once housed more than 3400 monks. It is a seat of Panchem Lama who is second in spiritual importance after Dalai Lama. The interesting highlight at Tashilunpho Monastery is the Nine Story Gilded Statue of Maitreya - the “Future Buddha”.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Shigatse.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)- 280 km/ 4 Hours

After breakfast, we will drive to Lhasa via New Northern Road along with Yarlung Tsangbo River We have option of Train Ride from Shigatse to Lhasa.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel, we drive back to Airport and fly to Kathmandu. You may consider to visit Thamel for walk around and shopping. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the success of your Tibet tour.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
5 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
4 Nights in Lhasa,1 Night in Tsedang, 1 Night in Shigatse and 1 Night at Gyantse with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Tibet Visa Fees, All Paperwork for Tibet Tour and Tibet Travel Permit.
Kathmandu/Lhasa/Kathmandu Flight with all transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Tibet as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Tibet with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 Hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet.
Donation to the Monasteries in Tibet.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.