An epic overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa along the Friendship Highway.

On this tour, we will travel overland along Friendship Highway between Nepalese capital Kathmandu to the wonderful city of Lhasa in Tibet. The Tibetan plateau is the world's highest and rightly called the roof of the world. We will drive 1100km on 4WD vehicles during this breathtaking journey. The Friendship Highway passes through numerous 5000m high passes, the landscape is breathtaking, and small towns and settlements are among most interesting sights.

The tour can either go from Kathmandu to Lhasa or from opposite direction.

First we drive 5 hours to Nepal/Tibet border at Kodari. The town on the other side is called Zhangmu. The first night is spent in Zhangmu or in Nyalam to gain some acclimatization. Then in following 4 days, the overland journey towards Lhasa through towns of Shegar, Shigatse and Gyantse.

Itinerary: Tibet Overland Tour

Day 01: Drive: Kathmandu (alt. 1310m, Nepal) to Zhangmu (alt. 2330m, Tibet) - 141km

After early breakfast, we start driving from Nepalese capital Kathmandu towards the Nepal/Tibet border. It takes about 5 hrs. On the way, we can see a Bunjy Jump Spot that is said to be the highest free-fall in South Asia. The border town on Nepalese side is called Kodari or Tatopani, and Zhangmu on the Tibet side. The Friendship Bridge over roaring Bhotekoshi river marks the border between Nepal and China. This is the furthest vehicles from Nepalese side can go. Be careful with your belongings as the border is usually very chaotic. The narrow road on Nepal side connects to the Chinese side at another end. Nepalese Immigration is just before reaching the Friendship Bridge, where our guide will help you go through customs and get passports stamped. We then walk past Friendship Bride to meet the Chinese customs and Immigration. After cross-border formalities, guide and staff on Tibet side will meet you and you will switch to vehicles from the other side to continue a short 9km journey to border town at Zhangmu. Hotel overnight.

Day 02: Drive: Zhangmu to Shegar (alt. 4150m) - 251km

Today, we drive upwards Shegar, our next destination. This is a day we gain significant altitude. Day's sightseeing include visit to the Milarepa's cave. Milarepa is a figure highly respected in Tibetan Buddhism and it is believed that this is where Milarepa attained enlightenment. Hotel Overnight.

Day 03: Drive: Shegar to Shigatse (alt. 3840m) - 245km

We take a short excursion to nearby view-point to see the distant Mount Everest. The Chinese have different name - Qomolongma - for the mountain. We then drive from Shegar to Shigatse. It is the second largest city in Tibet and the capital of Tsang province. Prior to 1642 the rules of this province had domination over all of Tibet. Shigatse is also home to Tashilunpo Monastery - place of Panchen Lama who is second in spiritual importance only to the Dalai Lama. The Tashilunpo Monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and used to house more than 3000 monks in the past. One of the most interesting sights at Tashilunpo includes a nine-storey gilded statue of Maitreya, also called the "Future Buddha". Overnight Hotel.

Day 04: Drive: Shigatse to Gyantse (alt. 3980m) - 95 km

The drive from Shigatse to Gyantse is short. One of the attractions of Gyantse is the Pelkor Chode Monastery containg the Gyantse Kumbum. The monastery was founded in 1418 and it houses the Kumbum, a large gold-domed stupa. The small small chapels in there house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals and statuary. The Gyantse Dzong itself is a fort dating from the 14th century. It offers fantastic view of Nyang Chu valley and Gyantse town itself.

Day 05: Drive: Gyantse to Lhasa (alt. 3595m) - 259km

One of the best parts of this tour - today's drive will take us across two high passes - first the Karo La (5045m) that gives way to wonderful views of Yamdrok Tso (also called Turquoise Lake). In fact we drive for hours by the side of Yamdrok Tso and negotiate endless bends and curves of the road. The other high pass is Kamba La at 4794m. The drive from Gyantse to Lhasa is 259km but the scenery is so amazing you won't be in hurry to reach Lhasa.

Lhasa, the remote adobe of the Dalai Lamas, object of devout pilgrimate and heart and soul of Tibet, has always been a city of wonders - even after the large-scale encroachments of modern Chinese influence. The first hint that Lhasa is close is the Potala, a vast white-and-ochre fortress soaring over one of the world's highest cities. It's a sight that has heralded the marvels of the Holy City to travellers for close to four centuries and it still raises goose bumps.

Day 06: Sightseeing tour inside Lhasa

Now that we are in Lhasa, we start on much-awaited sightseeing tour today. Accompanying on tour will be a guide and interpreter. Usually, our first spot is the Sera Monastery; approximately 5km north of central Lhasa. It used to be one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries second only to Drepung. The monastery is interesting to visit particularly in the morning when the monastery is at its most active. The whitewashed walls and golden roofs along with several hundred monks, all make a fascinating visit. We will find time to have lunch in between tours and continue our sightseeing. Next spot will be the Norbulingka Palace; the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. The park of the palace is most interesting to visit during festivals.

The Jokhang Temple which is next we visit is the most revered religious structure in Tibet Thick with the smell of yak butter, echoing with the murmur of mantras and bustling with awed pilgrims, the Jokhang is an unrivalled Tibetan experience..

The Barkhor market is an area unrivalled in Tibet for its fascinating combination of sacred significance and push-and-shove market economics. This is both the spiritual heart of the Holy City and the main commercial district for Tibetans. The Barkhor is the one part of Lhasa that has most resisted the invasions of the modern world.

Day 07: Sightseeing tour inside Lhasa

This is a day we will visit the Potala Palace - Lhasa's cardinal landmark. It is one of the great wonders of world architecture. As has been the case with centuries of pilgrims before you, the first sight of the fortress-like structure will be a magical moment that you will remember for a long time. It's hard to peel eyes away from the palace. The Potala is a strucutre of massive proportions, an awe-inspiring place to visit. This used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama. An old palace used to be in this place since 5th or 6th century. The present palace, however, was constructed in the 17th century.

The Drepung Monastery which we visit next is another fascinating place. It was founded in the 14th century and once used to be the largest monastery in the world where a population of over 10,000 monks used to live. In recent times, the number is down to some hundreds. The place is still very interesting as it still preserves the originality.

The remaining time will be free to expolore Lhasa on your own. Hotel overnight.

Day 08: Depart Lhasa

Fly to Kathmandu/mainland China or take a train out of Lhasa. We will drop you to Lhasa airport or at the Train station.

Price : Please email - [email protected]

What is included -

1. Tibet Travel Permits
2. Transportation from Kathmandu to Tibet border by private vehicle
3. Assistance at border crossing point
4. Mid-range hotels with daily breakfast
5. Transportation in TIbet by private land cruisers
6. Guided sightseeing tour, entrance fees
7. English speaking guide, driver and their wages

What is not included -

01. International flights
02. Visa fees
03. Hotel accommodation, tours and meals in Kathmandu (can be arranged by us on request)
04. Any kind of drinks while on trek
05. Your personal medical and travel insurance, evacuation/medical expenses
06. Photography fees
07. Tips etc