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Overland
to Lhasa |
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Full Itinerary
| Day |
Route |
Duration |
Highest Point/m |
Grade |
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1 |
NOTE: This tour can be run in reverse
and sightseeing itineraries are flexible.
Arrival Kathmandu transfer to Hotel |
All day |
1300 |
Easy |
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| 2 |
Kathmandu - Zhangmu or Nyelam |
All day |
3750 |
Easy |
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Leaving Kathmandu early we drive up the Friendship
Highway to the China border at Zhangmu. Depending on road conditions
and the border crossing we will either stay in Zhangmu or head
on to Nyelam. |
| 3 |
Zhangmu or Nyelam – Shegar |
All day |
4050 |
Easy |
| |
It will be a full
day drive from Zhangmu to Shegar with only a few short stops.
However, if we have managed to get to Nyelam the previous
evening then we shall be able to take our time and absorb
the amazing scenery that surrounds us, and maybe get some
great views of Mt Everest! |
| 4 |
Shegar - Shigatse |
All day |
3900 |
Easy |
| |
| Arid rolling hills fringed by snow-capped
mountains, high alpine passes adorned with prayer flags,
sparsely cultivated valleys and a kaleidoscope of rock
colours all pass our window as we drive onward, deeper
onto the plateau. We should arrive in Shigatse with enough
time to have a stroll around town and meet our first Tibetans. |
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| 5 |
Shigatse - Gyantse |
All day |
3950 |
Easy |
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We begin our day with a visit to
Tashilhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama who is
regarded as the reincarnation of the Buddha of Endless Enlightenment.
The monastery complex was started in 1447 by the First Dalai
Lama and includes some important relics of Sakyamuni Buddha,
an impressive 26m high statue of Maitreya Buddha, and an incredible
collection of thankas, frescoes and statues. If the weather
is clear we can climb up to the dramatic Shigatse Dzong (fort)
ruins that offer great views over the city, alternatively
we can visit the lively market where you can buy local handicrafts
decorated with coral and turquoise. It is then a short drive
to Gyantse. |
| 6 |
Gyantse - Lhasa |
All day |
3612 |
Easy |
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Gyantse is one of the most authentic
towns in Tibet and home to the magnificent Palkhor Monastery.
Within the monastic compound is the superb Kumbum (10,000 images)
stupa and is a deeply spiritual place. Built in 1414 the Kumbum
is 5 storied pagoda containing 108 images of Buddha and 77 chapels,
all finely decorated. Towering above the city, the Gyantse dzong
(fort) stands sentinel over the town and offers excellent views
for those feeling energetic. In the afternoon we leave Gyantse
and pass the crystal clear waters in the holy lake Yamdrok Tsho
before arriving in Lhasa. |
| 7 |
Lhasa |
All day |
3612 |
Easy |
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Sightseeing of Lhasa as time permits:
Sera Monastery - established in 1419 Sera Monastery is not only
famous for its remarkable relics but also the monks' debating
practice which is open to tourists. However, please make sure
you are not watching the enforced Comprehensive Propaganda Education
which is designed to enhance 'patriotic education' - check with
your operator for details.
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar - The Jokhang Temple Monastery
is an exceptional Buddhist religious complex, founded in the
7th century, it is the spiritual centre of Tibet. Although its
buildings and decoration reflect the high quality of Tibetan
art in the 7th century and again in the 15th-16th centuries
it is the absolute devotion of the pilgrims in and around the
temple that capture your attention. Around the Jokhang is the
Barkhor market which is full of Tibetans from every corner of
the country as well as an amazing assortment of goods from false
teeth, to scriptures, to works of art and day-to-day merchandise.
Norbulingka - built in the 1740's during the reign of the 7th
Dalai Lama it was later renovated and enlarged and became the
Dalai Lama's summer palace. Essentially a park with a number
of palaces it is an ideal place to see Tibetan folk singing
and see where Heinrich Harrer lived.
Chakpori (Iron Hill) - once the site of the Tibetan Medicine
College it was bombed during the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Now only a few rebuilt stupas remain. It is a poignant reminder
of the past.
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| 8 |
Lhasa |
All day |
3612 |
Easy |
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Sightseeing of Lhasa, as time permits:
Potala Palace - the first structure on Marpo Ri hill was built
in 637 by Emperor Songtsen Gampo, although the current building
started to take shape in 1645 with successive Dalai Lamas adding
sections, until now at 13 stories high it dominates the landscape.
Not only the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama it was
also the seat of government of Tibet with over 1,000 rooms and
a monastic centre of learning. The oldest section is within
the White Palace where there are two small chapels, the Phakpa
Lhakhang and the Chogyal Drubphuk dating from the seventh century.
There are also many other shrine rooms and the mortal remains
of 13 previous Dalai Lamas, along with countless thankas, frescos,
and works of art.
Drepung Monastery - once the largest and richest monastery in
Tibet it was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa and
later enlarged by the Fifth Dalai Lama. At its peak it had a
registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks many of whom
could get into the main prayer hall!
The Tibet Museum - houses many of the artifacts 'liberated'
by the Chinese during their invasion of Tibet. Despite the appalling
assertions it has some excellent pieces which one day might
make it back to where they belong.
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| 9 |
Lhasa - Kathmandu |
all day |
1300 |
Easy |
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Fly to Kathmandu on China Southwest and transfer
to hotel. |
| 10 |
Kathmandu free day shopping |
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| 11 |
Departure from Thamel |
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Website:
www. pematrek.com
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