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.
After
lunch, visit Tashilhunpo monastery.
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the
Panchen Lama, second only in importance
to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous
halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden
statue of Maitreya, the future
Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted
reliquary chorten. The afternoon
is free to explore the old market,
or perhaps visit the carpet factory
where hand-woven carpets are made
to traditional designs.
|
| Day
09: |
Drive
via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the
seat of political power in central
Tibet from the 10 th to mid 14 th
century. The fortified monastery
is still head of one of the most
important schools of Tibetan Buddhism. |
| Day
10: |
Turn
off the Friendship Highway for a
stunning drive through Qomolangma
National Park to reach the tiny
Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view
from here is utterly spectacular! |
| Day
11: |
Trek
or drive the 7kms to Everest Base
Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao
Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track
crossing small rivers and passes. |
| Day
12: |
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
13: |
Completing
border formalities the drive back
to Kathmandu continues down the
Bote Khosi valley. |
| Day
14: |
Departure. |
