Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People’s Republic of China. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people. Tibet is the highest region on Earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft).

Tibet Cultural Journey: explore the roof of the world

On our Tibet Cultural Journey, you get to explore the largest and highest plateau on earth with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters. Its unique Buddhist culture, rare wildlife, snow-capped mountains, deep tropical rainforests and open pastureland are the hidden treasures to be explored. In addition, the Yarlung Tsangbo River, ancient ruins, palaces, monasteries and religious cultural heritage are other facinating features of the land.

Tibet Cultural Journey also offers an overload to your senses, with smells, tastes and colors you have never experienced previously. For good or for bad, you’ll discover the fetid odor of yak butter and incense that smacks of hashish. You’ll taste rich, savory stews of spicy yak, crisp Asian pears, and sweet local melons. You will enjoy one of the most adventurous, scenically stunning and physically demanding overland trips in the world as we travel from Kathmandu through vast landscapes, glittering peaks, high mountain passes, remote high altitude deserts, and densely forested precipitous gorges; all virtually unpopulated at high altitudes. It is a journey of scenic and religious discovery of the land and self.

We would be pleased to have you on our 16-day Tibet cultural journey and introduce you to the Tibetan country and ways of life with our Tibetan counterparts, all while travelling as part of my extended family.

Trip Grade - Moderate

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive Kathmandu: meet and greet
• Day 2 :Visa Preparation
• Day 3 :Guided half-day tour in Kathmandu
• Day 4 :Fly Kathmandu to Gonggar airport (3,700 m; 1.5 hrs), drive to Lhasa (60km; 3700m)
• Day 5 :Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Sera monastery
• Day 6 :Lhasa city tour: Norbulingka and Deprung Monastery
• Day 7 :In Lhasa: visit Jokhang temple and market shopping
• Day 8 :Drive via Kamba La pass (5050m) and Karo La pass (5045m) to Gyantse (3,977 m; 267 km; 8 hrs)
• Day 9 :Visit Kumbum Monastery and drive to Shigatse (3,900 m; 93 km; 3 hrs)
• Day 10 :Shigatse Tour: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse Dzong (fort) & Shigatse market
• Day 11 :Drive to New Tingri (4300 m; 240 km) with Everest views en route (depending upon weather)
• Day 12 :Drive to Rongbuk Monastery (4980 m; 110 km)
• Day 13 :Drive to Everest Base Camp (5200 m; 8 km) and back, and drive to Kerung (335 km; 7-8 km)
• Day 14 :Drive Kerung to Kathmandu
• Day 15 :Free Day in Kathmandu
• Day 16 :End of Trip

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: meet and greet

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure and go on a welcome dinner with the KEEP WALKING FAMILY.

Once you exit the airport terminal, look for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL (KWN) board behind the railing.

Overnight at Hotel

 

Day 2: Visa Preparation

For all Tibet programs, you will visit the China Visa Application Service Center in Kathmandu for  biometric information. We will brief you on the visa application and arrange the logistics.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

 

Day 3: Guided half-day tour in Kathmandu

Today you will venture on a guided walking tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; the  Swayambhunath stupa, a.k.a the monkey temple, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square, locally known as Basantapur.

The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest in Nepal, and the stupa complex encompasses numerous shrines and monasteries. Basantapur is within walking distance from Swayambhunath  Stupa and houses numerous temples, the house of the living goddess, Kumari, Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Tribhuvan Museum and many more attractions.

In the late afternoon/early evening, a KWN representative will brief you about the Tibet tour, preparation requirements and dos and don’ts.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

 

Day 4: Fly Kathmandu to Gonggar airport (3,700 m; 1.5 hrs), drive to Lhasa (60km; 3700m)

You will start your Tibet tour with a mesmerising flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Throughout the flight, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest, lush valleys, and meandering rivers.

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, you will drive to Lhasa through the Tibetan Plateau while soaking in stunning views of golden plains, rolling hills, and glimpses of Tibetan culture.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 5: Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Sera monastery

In Lhasa: in the morning we visit Potala palace, winter residence of the Dalai Lama built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. In the afternoon we explore the Sera monastery and watch the monks debate.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 6: Lhasa city tour: Norbulingka and Deprung Monastery

In the morning we visit the stunning Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer home. The Norbulingka palace was built in the 18th century and has a vast garden decorated with colourful flowers and old trees. It is famous for its tranquil splendouris; a unique representation of Tibetan palace architecture in surrounding gardens.

In the afternoon we visit the Drepung monastery, one of the ‘great three’ monasteries of Tibet.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 7: In Lhasa: visit Jokhang temple and market shopping

On our last day in Lhada, we visit the Jokhang temple – the most sacred Tibetan monastery, which is surrounded by Bharkor market – one of the country’s main tourisit shopping areas.

After lunch we have free time for shopping and later, an evening of Tibetan food with a culture show.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Drive via Kamba La pass (5050m) and Karo La pass (5045m) to Gyantse (3,977 m; 267 km; 8 hrs)

Today’s drive takes us through captivating landscapes; rolling hills, vast plains, and charming Tibetan villages.

Bidding farewell to Lhasa, we will continue your Tibet tour crossing Kamba La pass (5050m) and Karo La pass (5045m). We will pause at the former to enjoy the scenic views of Yamdruk Tso, a sparkling turquoise lake among snow capped mountains, and then travel on to Nagartse for lunch.

Moving on again, we pause at the Karo La pass with a close view of Mt. Nojin Kangtsen, one of Tibet’s secret mountains.

At Gyantse, the key attractions are the Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum, which we visit on the next day, and the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Overnight at Hotel Gyantse or similar in Gyantse (B, L, D)

 

Day 9: Visit Kumbum Monastery and drive to Shigatse (3,900 m; 93 km; 3 hrs)

Today is a relatively short day.

After breakfast, we visit the Kumbum Monastery, have lunch, then drive approximately 90km to Shigatse (3900m). Again, the scenic drive presents a delightful offering of fascinating landscapes, rolling hills and Tibetan villages.

Overnight at Hotel Gesar or similar in Shigatse (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Shigatse Tour: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse Dzong (fort) & Shigatse market

After a much needed rest, you resume exploring the sights and sounds of Tibet.

You start with the Tashilhunpo Monastery which holds the future Buddha’s golden shrine. It is the home of Panchen Lama, the 2^nd highest rank in the Tibetan Buddhist religious hierarchy), and with its magnificent architecture and rich history is a popular destination.

This monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, . We also visit Shigatse Market, then view the panorama of Shigatse Dzong (fort) with its architecture reminiscent of the Potala Palace.

Overnight at Hotel Gesar or similar in Shigatse (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Drive to New Tingri (4300 m; 240 km) with Everest views en route (depending upon weather)

We inch closer to the highlight of our trip, Mount Everest, as we drive through the Tibetan Plateau from Shigatse to New Tingri. The scenic drive offers a unique blend of high-altitude landscapes and cultural richness.

As we leave Shigatse, the road winds through expansive plains, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The landscape transitions from fertile valleys to arid plateaus, creating a stark but stunning contrast.

On the journey, we will pass through remote Tibetan villages, where traditional architecture and prayer flags showcase the region’s unique cultural identity. All-in-all, today’s journey is full of awe-inspiring views where we can sense the vast, untouched beauty of the Tibetan highlands.

Overnight at Chomolungma Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 12: Drive to Rongbuk Monastery (4980 m; 110 km)

We will start the journey with a drive to Rongbuk monastery (4980m) on a dirt road, having left the main Friendship Highway.

As we cross the Pang-La Pass (5200m), the sky opens up to panaromic view of several mountains above 8,000 meters including Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Cho-oyu (8201m), and Mt. Makalu (8463m) on clear days.

Rongbuk Monastery is the highest in the world and we will get there by the afternoon.

Overnight at Monastery Guest House (B, L, D)

 

Day 13: Drive to Everest Base Camp (5200 m; 8 km) and back, and drive to Kerung (335 km; 7-8 km)

Drive a short distance to visit Everest base camp after an early breakfast, then return to Rongbuk for lunch. Then drive back to Kerung.

Day 14: Drive Kerung to Kathmandu

This is your last day in Tibet. You will drive towards the friendship bridge on winding downhill roads with fantastic views of beautiful waterfalls to the Bhotekoshi River which separates Tibet from Nepal.

After the border crossing formalities on the Tibet and Nepal side, you will drive through diverse landscapes, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As you depart Kerung, you’ll traverse rugged terrains on narrow roads etched on the side of mountains.

The road leads through Rasuwa, where lush greenery and terraced fields create a picturesque scene. Continuing the descent, you’ll pass through Nuwakot, known for its ancient architecture and historical significance. The route offers glimpses of traditional Nepali villages, winding rivers, and eventually brings you to the vibrant city of Kathmandu, completing a memorable and scenic cross-country adventure.

Overnight at Hotel (B, L)

 

Day 15: Free Day in Kathmandu

Today is a rest day. You can simply chill in your hotel, visit other sights and sounds in the Kathmandu valley, check out the local food, or go on a souvenir hunting spree.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

 

Day 16: End of Trip

A Keep Walking Nepal representative will drive you to the Kathmandu International Airport at an appropriate time for your flight back home.

(B)

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: