Day
01-02: |
Flying
into Kathmandu is an unforgettable
experience with the Himalaya spread
out before you. You will be met
at the airport on arrival and transferred
to your hotel. In the morning of
day 2 a half-day city tour will
introduce you to some of the highlights
of Kathmandu. |
| Day
03: |
The
flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is
spectacular. From Gongkar airport
it is about 1½ hours' drive
to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung
Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley. |
Day
04-06: |
With
a relaxed pace to allow for the
effects of altitude, explore this
fantastic city on the roof of the
world. The spiritual heart of Tibet
is the Jokhang Temple and every
morning is full of life as pilgrims
bring offerings of butter and barley
flour. The Potala Palace rises above
the city and, more than any other
sight, symbolizes the history and
culture of Tibet. Nearby are the
huge monastic universities of Drepung
and Sera – still active institutions. |
| Day
07: |
A
long, yet scenic day's drive across
the Khamba La and Kora La (passes),
along the shores of Lake Yamdrok
Tso to Gyantse. Once an important
trading town, Gyantse retains a
feel of ‘old' Tibet. |
| Day
08: |
In
the morning visit Gyantse's monastery
– Pelkor Choede – and
the justifiably famous Kumbum, within
the same complex. There may also
be time to visit the dzong (fort)
that towers above the town. In the
afternoon we make the short (2-3
hour) drive along the valley to
Shigatse. |
| Day
09: |
Tashilhunpo
is the seat of the Panchen Lama,
second only in importance to the
Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain
a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the
future Buddha and elaborate, jewel
encrusted reliquary chorten. After
lunch it is a 4-hour drive to Lhatse. |
Day
10-12: |
Long,
yet spectacular days as we head
west. Even along the road settlements
are few as we cross vast, open valleys
and prayer flag topped passes. Depending
on the season there may be families
of nomadic dropka moving their herds
of sheep, yaks, goats and horses
across the plateau. |
Day
13-15: |
The
53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash
is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage
circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang
Rinpoche in Tibetan) is the earthly
manifestation of Mount Meru and
is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus,
Bonpo and Jains – the entire
route is lined with prostration
points, places to check you sin-level,
drink or immerse yourself in sacred
waters, make offerings and hang
prayer flags. The high point, both
physically and spiritually is the
Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second
day.
On
day 15 it is a short walk to Darchen
before heading to Chiu Gompa on
the shores of Lake Manasarovar to
soak in the hot springs. |
Day
16-17: |
The
drive retraces the outward route
as far as Saga. |
| Day
18: |
Another
long day's drive, but again scenically
magical as we take a barge-ferry
across the Yarlung Tsangpo and head
south via Pelkhu Lake. Rejoining
the Friendship Highway cross the
Lalung Pass and head to Nyalum. |
| Day
19: |
Dropping
suddenly and steeply off the Tibetan
Plateau descend through the Himalaya
to cross the China/Nepal border
at Zhangmu – Kodari before
continuing the descent to Kathmandu. |
| Day
20: |
Departure |
|
Everest
Base Camp Extension |
| Day
18 : |
Another long day's drive, but again
scenically magical as we take a
barge-ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo
and head south via Pelkhu Lake.
Rejoining the Friendship Highway
turn east to the small town of Lao
Tingri. |
| Day
19 : |
Make a day trip to the tiny monastery
of Rhongphu. The drive is magnificent
and the views of Qomolangma (Mt
Everest) are stunning, as the mountain
stands alone at the head of the
valley. Either drive or walk the
last 7kms up to Base Camp. Return
to Lao Tingri. |
| Day
20 : |
Another high pass gives a last,
spectacular view of the Himalaya
before we leave the Tibetan Plateau,
descending to Zhangmu – on
the China-Nepal border. |
| Day
21 : |
Completing border formalities the
drive back to Kathmandu continues
down the Bote Khosi valley. |
| Day
22: |
Departure |
