Tibet Overland Odyssey
Tags:
Adventure; Tibet tour; Sightseeing; kathmandu; Sightseeing tour; excursions; explorations; Tibetan Plateau; Tibet Adventure; Zhangmu; Shigatze;
Join a 12 day pilgrimage to the great monasteries of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. See Everest from the north and experience the endless skies of the Tibetan Plateau. This trip is adventurous, but also affordable, realistic and practical. Any Tibet trip poses cultural and physical challenges along the way, though ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Trip Length:
- 12 days
- Price Range:
- From $2800 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended for:
-
15 - 17, 18 - 20, 25 - 30, 31 - 35, 36 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 55
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
Join a 12 day pilgrimage to the great monasteries of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. See Everest from the north and experience the endless skies of the Tibetan Plateau. This trip is adventurous, but also affordable, realistic and practical. Any Tibet trip poses cultural and physical challenges along the way, though our trip has been fulfilling this itinerary very reliably now since 1989. Additonal Information : Depending on the time of year and road conditions, this trip may be done in reverse order.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Kathmandu
Airport Transfer
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by a Journeys staff member at the airport and transferred to your Western-style hotel.
Food and Dining
Your guides will be available for advice on everything, from how to bargain to choosing restaurants to learning a little bit of the Nepali language.
Sightseeing
After your afternoon arrival you will have some time to just relax, or to nibble at the feast of new experiences in this exotic city. Later there will be a brief orientation.
Day 2 - Kathmandu
Sightseeing
Your second day in Kathmandu, includes guided visits to famous temples of Swayambhunath, Pasupatinath or Boddhanath.
Sightseeing
You will see life going on as it has for hundreds of years against a background of sacred peaks, terraced hillsides and an exotic culture. In Kathmandu, and throughout your trip, we encourage you to interact with local people either through your guide as interpreter, or through participation in the activities that are all around you. While you explore, your staff gets all your permits, food supplies and logistical requirements in order. (B)
Day 3 - Kathmandu
Sightseeing
Free day to explore on own.
Shopping
Enjoy hundreds of shops, restaurants and markets.
Sightseeing
Your guides may be able to offer some suggestions on sites to visit. (B)
Day 4 - Lhasa
Kathmandu/Lhasa.
Commercial Flight
Transfer to airport in Kathmandu and fly to Gonggar in Tibet.
Private Car Service
The vehicle will meet you for the 2 hour drive to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, at an altitude of 11,875'.
Hotel
Overnight in Lhasa. (B)
Day 5 - 6 - Lhasa
Sightseeing
You will have two full days to explore sites of ancient Lhasa such as the Potala, home of the Dali Lamas, Drepung, once the world's largest monastery, Sera, once hosting a huge monastic population and five colleges of instruction, Jokhang, the most revered religious structure in Tibet, and the Summer Palace subject to their being open to the public. A Tibetan or Chinese guide will accompany the group. (B)
Day 7 - Lhasa
Lhasa/Gyantse.
Sightseeing
Today will be a long drive to Gyantse (12,850') past scenic lakes and over high passes with photo stops. Gyantse lies beside the Nyan Chu River and is Tibet's fourth largest town, but has retained its Tibetan character. (B)
Day 8 - China
Gyantse/Shigatze.
Sightseeing
Visit the impressive Kumbum stupa, a magnificent tiered structure that is now unique in the Buddhist world and Pelkhor Monastery in the morning.
Private Car Service
Then drive to Shigatze (12,675'), capital of the Tsang region and the second largest town in Tibet.
Sightseeing
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the controversial Panchen Lama, and the local market in the afternoon. (B)
Day 9 - China
Shigatze/Xegar via Sakya.
Private Car Service
Drive across open highlands and cross two major passes, the Tsuo La at 14,760', and the Jia Tsuo La at 17,226'.
Hotel
Lodging at Xegar is spartan and the food is poor, but this is a welcome break in a long drive. (B)
Day 10 - China
Xegar/Zhangmu.
Private Car Service
From Xegar the road climbs over the Lalung Leh Pass, at 17,102'.
Sightseeing
Enjoy the excellent views of the Himalayas, possibly including Everest, before descending to Zhangmu Lodge (8,125'). (B)
Day 11 - Kathmandu
Zhangmu/Kathmandu.
Sightseeing
Cross the river border at the Friendship Bridge and change vehicles at Kodari, then descend four hours to Kathmandu. Depending on the season, it may be necessary to scramble around washed-out sections of the road. Porters are available if required.
Sightseeing
Upon your return to Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own. (B)
Day 12 - Kathmandu
Airport Transfer
Transfer to airport for onward flight. (B)
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Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.
Budget Excludes:Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in Journeys Terms & Conditions.
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