Journey to The Roof of the World

Known as the “Roof of the World” Tibet is home to a rich cultural heritage and a warm and welcoming people, a vast and sparsely populated plateau surrounded by a stunning landscape of towering mountains and deep narrow valleys, which include many of the world’s highest and most formidable peaks,

One of the most iconic journeys across the Himalayas this 1200km adventure connects two ancient capital cities, starting in the fascinating city of Kathmandu, crossing the world’s highest mountain range and across the worlds highest plateau to the highest capital city on the planet – Lhasa. Along the way you will experience Mount Everest Base Camp, the city of Shigatse and enjoy an optional trek to Gosaikunda lake.

Tibet has held a deep fascination for travellers ever since its discovery in the 16th Century. Join our highly recommended guided tour to Lhasa and experience a journey like no other, enjoy fabulous monasteries, breathtaking high-altitude passes with stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most lovable cultures you will ever encounter.

Kathmandu

Nepal’s capital sits in a valley full of history and diverse cultures and is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121

Your Kathmandu home is the Kathmandu Guest House, an oasis of calm in the centre of Thamel. This converted Rana dynasty mansion, with its fragrant gardens and comfortable en-suite rooms, was the first hotel in Thamel and has been the peaceful refuge of choice to travellers since 1967. The following day will be spent exploring the historic sites of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa, setting the scene for your journey.

For centuries, Boudhanath has been an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Located on what was a major trade route between Nepal and Tibet, merchants used it as a resting place. The Great Stupa of Boudhanath is the focal point of the district, now a popular tourist site Boudha became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. . There are at least 29 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries and Nunneries) around Boudhanath. The culture is very much Himalayan with a strong presence of Tibetans and Sherpas, be sure to taste momos, thukpa and other Tibetan favourites. 

Traffic in Kathmandu can best be described as chaos, but somehow it works. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley towards Dhunche (approx 120km) the road is generally well paved, be prepared for the road to worsen as you near the Nepal / Tibet border, once across the border the roads are generally very good,

Lhasa

Guided sightseeing in Lhasa will of course include the spectacular Potala Palace, this majestic structure dominates the landscape. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan art, murals and beautiful statues. Here too you will find the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Tibetan Buddism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism dating back to 641AD and during your visit you will get an insight into important aspects at cultural sites such as Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. There will be time to visit the busy Barkhor Square at the centre of Lhasa. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lhasa/108150262546400

Itinerary – Full details can be emailed on request

• September 16 Arrive Kathmandu, airport transfer to Kathmandu Guest House
• September 17 sightseeing Kathmandu
• September 18 Kathmandu to Dhunche (2030m)
• September 19 Dhunche to Chandanbari trek (optional)
• September 20 Chandanbari to Gosaikunda lake
• September 21 Gosaikunda lake to Dhunche
• September 22 Dhunche to Rasuwaghadi – entry to Tibet and drive to Kerung (2450m)
• September 23 Kerung to Rongbuk Monastery (Everest Base Camp)
• September 24 Rongbuk Monastry to Sigatse (3900m)
• September 25 Sigatse (3900m) – Gyantse (3950m) – Lhasa (3660m)
• September 26 Lhasa sightseeing
• September 27 Lhasa sightseeing
• September 28 Flight from Lhasa

Trip Facts:

Included: 13 nights bed and breakfast in hotel & lodge

Tibetan visa & travel permits

Sightseeing in Tibet and entrance fees

Airport transfers

1 day city tour Kathmandu

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in Lhasa (flights can be arranged Lhasa to Kathmandu)

Transportation: 4WD Land Cruiser

Max Altitude: 4050m

The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change past history. History is history.

– the 14th Dalai Lama