HIGH ROADS JOURNEY 2 LHASA & EVEREST BASE CAMP

Upon arrival met by the representative at the airport and board the waiting vehicle and drive to the Hotel. Guests will be welcomed with a welcome drink at the hotel and assigned the rooms. 

18:00 Hrs: Tour Briefing will be carried out at Hotel lobby and followed by the welcome dinner in a Typical Nepali Restaurant.

Overnight at the Hotel

After the breakfast, board the waiting vehicle and proceed for the Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City + Swyambhunath & Patan City.

Swayambhunath Stupa - one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

The stupa of Swayambhunath is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim’s progress to Swayambhunath holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable Chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below.

After the sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath take lunch at convenient place Or return to the Hotel. Later drive to the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square with its many beautiful temples and shopping courtyards. As one crosses from the modern area of New Road into the Durbar Square, the onetime Freak Street, one is suddenly in the midst of Kathmandu’s famed medieval architecture.

The major tourist attractions on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and was a ceremonial palace of the Shah dynasty. Important traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal used to be conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.

After the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, drive to Patan city for Sightseeing.

Ancient Patan city also known as Lalitpur or “The City of Fine Arts” is about five Kilometers southeast of Kathmandu and has Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. Also visit, Krishna Mandir, built in the seventeenth century and dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone.

Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

After the sightseeing tour of Patan board the waiting vehicle and drive back to Hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast met by guide and board the waiting vehicle and proceed to Bhaktapur which lies 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is shaped like a conch shell and Pottery, weaving and thanks painting are its traditional industries.

The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include:

The Durbar Square is the main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla the Picture Galley, the Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 windows, the Bastille temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent.

The National Art Gallery contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist school depicting Tantrics of various period and descriptions.

The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is the masterpiece of wood carving.

The Natyapola Temple is a five storey pagoda built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces, squat a pair of figures, two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghiani, Singini – the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Continue on to the Dattareya Square to visit the old Pujari Math considered one of the oldest maths (dwelling of a priest) in the Kathmandu Valley. It has now been converted into a Woodcarving Museum.

Since the early Licchavi period (300-789 AD), the woodcarvings are present everywhere in the Nepal architecture. Woodcarving is specifically a Newari art and Bhaktapur is one of the most famous for it.  In the Bhaktapur district alone there are some 500 active wood crafters. The peacock window is world famous. After visiting the Woodcarving Museum we proceed towards the Thanka Painting workshop.

The Thangka, also known as tangka, thanka or tanka (Nepali pronunciation:  Nepal Bhasa is a painting on cotton, or silk, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala of some sort. The thangka is not a flat creation like an oil painting or acrylic painting but consists of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered over which a textile is mounted and then over which is laid a cover, usually silk. Generally, thangkas last a very long time and retain much of their lustre, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk. It is sometimes called a scroll-painting.

These thangka served as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and bodhisattvas. One popular subject is “The Wheel of Life”, which is a visual representation of the Abhidharma teachings (Art of Enlightenment). After the sightseeing tour of Thanka Painting workshop we proceed to the Pottery Squares of Bhaktapur.

This age old craft has survived the calls of modernization and today it enhances Bhaktapur’s value as a city of Heritage. Walking towards Bolachhen/ Talakwa, better known as the town’s Potter’s square, the streets are lined with small shops selling innumerable items produced in baked clay and the pavements are filled with black clay items drying in the strong sunlight. Within the Talakwa pottery square, 2 important temples of a solid- brick Vishnu temple and the double roofed Jeth Ganesh can be seen in a very traditional way. On the northern side of the square a small hillock is topped by a Ganesh shrine and a Shady peepal tree. Like potters all over Nepal, the men of Bhaktapur employ primitive techniques. The heavy old wooden wheels have been for the most part replaced by weighted truck tyres which spin faster. Guided by skilled hands, the cones of wet black mud are shaped and smoothed into yoghurt bowls, washbasins, giant grain storage jars, tiny oil lamps and even ashtrays. With the exception of the planting and harvesting season, the potters of Bhaktapur are always busy shaping the natural clay into any imaginable shape. The craftsmen have passed this technique down from generation to generation and even today, the majority uses traditional techniques.

 The next potter’s square is located at Suryamadhi. Walking around this potter’s square, it becomes clear that the “piggy bank” must be the most popular item produced here. In less visited areas, Suryamadhi, south of Dattatraya Square, potters are occupied making the traditional bowls for the famous local curd, ‘Juju Dhau’.

All around the square, pots lined up in symmetric patterns dry in the sun, waiting for a final firing in temporary kilns of heaped straw.

After the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city, board the waiting vehicle and drive drive to Pashupatinath Temple, approximately 15 kilometers from Bhaktapur City.

The Pashupatinath Temple - is the most sacred Hindu Temple in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here.

Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility. There are no animal sacrifices in this temple. Only fruits, flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the holy Baghmati River and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means, a direct passage to heaven.

After Completion of the Sightseeing, drive back to Hotel.

Rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the city.

Overnight at the Hotel

This day is kept free for the Visa Processing.

Overnight at the Hotel

Upon arrival met by representative at the airport and later board the waiting vehicle and drive to Lhasa.

Lhasa - capital of Tibet at an altitude of 3650m is situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River in the province of U (central Tibet). Two high craggy hills stand up in isolation from the valley floor. One, Red Hill, is topped by the Potala Palace and the other, Chockpori or Iron Hill, is crowned by a tall antenna. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Place of the Gods" and Potala Palace " the residence of the Dalai Lama (the god king), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet’s political, religious and cultural centre it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, is people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.

Upon Arrival at Lhasa, Check into Hotel

Dinner and Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Jokhang Temple is situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, SongtsenGompo.

JOKHANG dates back from the 7th century A.D. Legend says that Songtsen Gampo, who built the temple, threw his ring into the air, promising to build a temple where it landed. The ring fell into a lake and struck a rock where a white stupa miraculously appeared - an auspicious sign. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.

Barkhor Kora: Surrounding the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is a bustling marketplace and a popular pilgrimage circuit. Stroll along the vibrant street, browse through shops selling traditional Tibetan goods, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's a great place to buy Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and other souvenirs.

After the Completion of Kora, back to Hotel.

PM: VISIT NORBULINGA, THE SUMMER RESIDENCE OF THE DALAI LAMA.

Norbulingka at the southwest of Potala Palace is listed as the "World Cultural Heritage Site" and "National AAAA Scenic Spot". First built during the 1740 s by the 7th Dalai Lama, Norbulingka, meaning the "Park of Treasure", is also called Norbulingka Palace, The Norbulingka Park and the Precious Stone Garden.

Norbulingka is reputed as "Plateau Botanic Garden" as well as the "Summer Palace in Lhasa", because it is a warm growing paradise for more than 100 rare species of rare plants from Himalaya and all over the world within its 3.6 million square meters wide area. More than that, it is a superb place to visit the featured Tibetan Buddhist buildings, since this is the garden with the most exquisite constructions in Tibet. Furthermore, it is like a "Museum of Treasure" where you can admire numerous valuable historical relics and artistic pieces for over hundreds of years. As a result, you will find Norbulingka a nice attraction with rich Tibetan culture and gorgeous garden charm.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Potala Palace.

Potala Palace: this architectural wonder - a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 meters above the valley floor and can be seen from all directions for miles around. The Potala Palace was built mainly during the Fifth Dalai Lama's reign in 1645-1693 and remained the centre of political and religious power for the Dalai Lamas until the 14th.

With over 1000 rooms, it contains the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas and their magnificent golden tombs after their death. Regents, tutors and other high lamas had apartments in the palace too. The Potala held the offices of government, a huge printing house and a seminary run by the elite order of monks who surrounded the God-King to train government officials. Hundreds of elaborately decorated chapels and shrines, halls and corridors contain thousands of gilded statues - Tibet's pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons. 

Today the Potala is a statue museum with 35 caretaker monks, but to thousands of Tibetan pilgrims, it remains a beloved shrine.

After the sightseeing tour of Potala Palace, visit Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery.

Drepung Monastery: Another significant monastery near Lhasa is Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest monastery in Tibet. Explore its grand halls, visit the assembly hall, and witness the daily rituals of the resident monks. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Lhasa Valley.

After the tour, drive back to Hotel.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast, following Friendship Highway, while riding past Khamba La (4794 m),Then drive along the picturesque trail of the colorful Lake Yamdrok, the Tibetan lifeline of the river Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo). Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake is a lake of a glaring blue that radiates a near mystical charm. It is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale less fish in its non-saline waters. Take some time to enjoy the views and take photos.

After some break, As you ascend to Kamba La Pass (4,794 m), the view opens dramatically, revealing the turquoise waters of Yamdrok stretching into the distance like a ribbon of liquid sky. It’s an ideal place for photographs and reflection.

Skirting the lake’s edge, the journey continues westward. The route climbs again over the Karo La Pass (5,045 m), surrounded by glaciers and stunning Himalayan views, including the towering Nojin Kangtsang (7,191 m).

From Karo La, descend into the fertile Nyang Chu Valley and reach the historic town of Gyantse, famous for the Gyantse Dzong (fortress) and the magnificent Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Chöde Monastery.

PM: VISIT Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting of 6 storeys complete with a Buddhists Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15^th century, it has withstood all battles and revolutions since. We also visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery located near the Khumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of its founding.

Later Drive Gyanste to Shigaste (5200m/100kms/2hrs)

Depart Gyantse, a charming historical town known for its ancient dzong and the iconic Kumbum Stupa. The road to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is a scenic and relatively short drive along the fertile Nyang Chu Valley, with occasional glimpses of traditional Tibetan villages and fields dotted with yaks and prayer flags.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to rest or explore the local market.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

AM: The Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpo Monastery was founded in 1447 AD by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist Hierarchy.

The 5th Dalai Lama declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who is a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha as the Panchen Rinpochhe. Tashilhumpo has one of the world’s largest statues - a 9 storeyed gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, the future Buddha. Also visit the Flea Market of Shigatse and browse around this ancient market looking for souvenirs.

After visit, begin your drive westward through expansive highland terrain toward the town of Sakya, nestled in the barren plains of Tibet’s remote valleys. The drive offers dramatic scenery, with arid mountain landscapes, small settlements, and distant snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival in Sakya, you will visit the Sakya Monastery, the seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for its unique Mongolian-influenced architecture with fortress-like grey walls trimmed in red and white stripes, the monastery houses ancient scriptures, murals, and religious treasures, some dating back to the 11th century.

Also included in your visit is a stop at the “Dragon’s Egg”—a sacred rock formation revered by locals for its mystical significance and otherworldly appearance. Just nearby, visit a local nunnery, offering insight into the monastic life of Tibetan Buddhist nuns. This quiet, rarely visited site provides a peaceful and authentic cultural experience.

After sightseeing, begin your journey from Shakya to Shegar (also known as New Tingri). Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way through the beautiful landscapes of Tibet. Marvel at the vast plains, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges.

Arrive in Shegar, a small town located at the base of the Himalayas. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

Shegar is surrounded by mountains and is another town that lies in the shadow of a great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Isolated in 1855 by marauding Nepalese in search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong’s water supply and settled in for a long siege. Shegar proper has little to recommend except the highest post office in China.

Overnight at the Hotel

From Shegar, set out for Rongbuk and arrive at the army check post and then in another 4 kilometers, leave the main highway and enter the Quomolongma National Park. This will be a long day’s drive. After the permits and purchase of National Park entrances tickets and once again drive for about 2 kilometers to arrive at another check post which is operated by the Quomolongma National Park and is the gateway into the Quomolongma (Everest National Park). Here it is mandatory to present all the National Park entry permits for clients as well as the motorbikes. 

After receiving clearance, ascend on a zigzag trail to Gyawla Pass at (5200 m) which is strewed with prayer flags. A few entrepreneurs set up shop selling souvenirs, prayer flags and tea / cold drinks / can juice. Pilgrims purchase these prayer flags and after writing the names of the family members stretch them along the hillsides. It is believed that as the wind flutters the flags, their prayers reach heaven. Weather permitting; there are great views of Mt. Makalu, Mt, Everest (Quomolongma), Cho Oyu and others.

After a stop to view the Himalayas, descend once again zigzagging our way on 100 switchbacks all the way to the valley floor and then drive towards the settlement of TashiDzom.

Upon arrival at Tashi Dzom, Park your Motorbike carry the necessary things that are required & board the waiting electric bus for the 45-kilometer drive to Rongbuk following the Drakar Chu (River) and making slow but steady ascent. After a while, the views of Mt. Everest loom over us and as we a turn bend, we suddenly arrive at Rongbuk and the Lodges. In the distance, towering above everything else is the magnificent and awe-inspiring view of Mt. Everest – Mother of the Earth at 8848 m. Following a close second is the Rongbuk Monastery with its Massive Chorten and ancient monastery. 

Upon Arrival at Rongbuk, spend some time at the tented city for a cup of tea/ noodle soup or shop for souvenirs or even send a post card from the mobile post office which is considered to be the highest post office in the world at 5200m.

VISIT RONGBUK MONASTERY

Rongbuk Monastery was established around the early 20^th Century and is considered to be the highest monastery in the world. It is governed under the Nyingmapa Sect (one of the 4 major sects of Buddhism). The Rongbuk Valley is known as the “sanctuary of the birds” and there is a strict ban on killing any animal in the area. There are herds of Blue sheep that dot the hillside as well as the road side and sometimes also come down to the monastery.

The monastery was razed in the 1960s by a fire and rebuilding took place at Rongbuk Monastery in the late 1980s and early 1990. The monastery has now been resurrected, along with the stupa that figures prominently in tourist photography of the scene. In Rongbuk Monastery, some of the murals are superb. The monastery and its large chorten make a great photograph with Mount Everest thrusting its head skyward in the background.

Dinner and Overnight at Guest House/Hotel

Early morning wake up to see the sunrise over Mt. Everest. It is quite spectacular.

After breakfast, we board the Electric bus and drive to Dza Rongphu parking lot. After loading our belongings into backup vehicle, we enjoy a short tea break before setting out on our long day’s drive. 

The 60 odd kilometers are now paved and so driving is easy and we make fast progress to arrive at the high Tibetan plateau with good views of Cho Oyu (8201 m) and enter the settlement of Tingri for an early lunch or pick up purchase to enjoy a picnic lunch alter in the day around the close proximity of the Lake Paikut Tso. 

Set out from Thingri on the highest plateau of the world with typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world. The Lalung La (5050m) and Thong La (5128 m) are the highest passes here and weather permitting; here is a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8013 m). 

The road then descends past the desolate plain of Digur Tang with its enormous sand dunes and the snowcapped peaks of Shishapangma (8012m.) and Langtang (7232m.) in close proximity to the south. 

Leaving the Bum- Chu basin we descend towards Paikut Tso (4600m.) a stunningly beautiful lake into which the glacial streams of Da-Chu and Lha-Chu drain.

After spending some time at lake we climb up to the Guntung la (5200 m) and then descend to Kyirong Xian, the Government headquarters of the region. From here continue r towards Kyirong Town (approx. 70 Km). 

Upon arrival check in to the Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. 

(Note: Our guide will start the process to clear customs for our exit into Nepal the following day)

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

After early breakfast, drive down 24kms to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Here we bid farewell to our Guide and driver from Tibet and complete Chinese Immigration and then cross the small makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwagadhi into Nepal.

Met by representatives from Nepal to assist and complete Nepal Customs and Immigration which take some time and we enjoy a break for tea / coffee and some Nepali / India snacks.

The drive from here is along the Pasang Lhamu highway with switch backs and dirt sections. This section of the highway is vulnerable to landslides and regular blockades during the monsoons. As we descend along the winding road, we will drive along the edge of the Langtang national park which will fall on your left. Most of the drive today will be slow and steady as this section is the major entry for goods to Kathmandu from China. We will come across big trucks and the road is just big enough for it. So giving way and waiting turns at corners and narrow stretches is time consuming.

80kms drive from the border brings us to a small town of Bidur for a lunch break. From here, its another 60kms drive to Kathmandu via Dhikure and Gurje Bhanjyang but will take about ¾ hours.  

Upon arrival Kathmandu, check into the hotel.

EVE: Farewell dinner

Overnight at the Hotel, Kathmandu

After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3hrs before flight time)

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