Tibet Overland Odyssey

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by a JOURNEYS staff member at the airport and transferred to your Western-style hotel. 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. 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.

Your second day in Kathmandu, includes guided visits to famous temples of Swayambhunath, Pasupatinath or Boddhanath. 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)

Free day to explore on own. Enjoy hundreds of shops, restaurants and markets. Your guides may be able to offer some suggestions on sites to visit. (B)

Transfer to airport in Kathmandu and fly to Gonggar in Tibet. The vehicle will meet you for the 2 hour drive to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, at an altitude of 11,875'. Overnight in Lhasa. (B)

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)

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)

Visit the impressive Kumbum stupa, a magnificent tiered structure that is now unique in the Buddhist world and Pelkhor Monastery in the morning. The drive to Shigatze (12,675'), capital of the Tsang region and the second largest town in Tibet. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the controversial Panchen Lama, and the local market in the afternoon. (B)

Drive across open highlands and cross two major passes, the Tsuo La at 14,760', and the Jia Tsuo La at 17,226'. Lodging at Xegar is spartan and the food is poor, but this is a welcome break in a long drive. (B)

From Xegar the road climbs over the Lalung Leh Pass, at 17,102'. Enjoy the excellent views of the Himalayas, possibly including Everest, before descending to Zhangmu Lodge (8,125'). (B)

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. Upon your return to Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own. (B)

Transfer to airport for onward flight. (B)