TIBET OVERLAND

Duration : 8 Days 7 Nights
Months : March-May/ September-February

This journey follows the ancient trade route over the high Himalayan passes which for centuries linked the two fabled cities of the Kathmandu and Lhasa. Driving along the Arniko highway, named after the great Nepalese artisan who travelled to Lhasa in the twelfth century, we begin to witness the classic & fascinating culture, landscapes and religious spirit of the ancient, mystical land. Driving from the lush valleys of Nepal we cross through deep gorges and passes over 16000 ft. to reach the high, grand, barren, Tingri plains of Tibet and the glistening snow-covered peaks in the horizon-panoramic vistas of Everest, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and other giant Himalayan peaks. We visit Shegar, for its former "Crystal Shining" monastery and Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet and an abode of the Panchen Lama. We explore Gyantse, the ancient caravan trading town and its magnificent Kumbum stupa and monastery, drive along the shores of deep blue descending to the Lhasa valley and the golden spires of the Potala Palace. In Lhasa we visit palaces, temples and holy sites (The Jokhang, Norbulinka, and Potala), wander the age-worn streets of Bakhor bazaar, mingling with pilgrims, monks and traders and explore the great monasteries of Sera and Drepung. We finish our journey with a spectacular flight over the Himalayas back to Kathmandu.