Tours
Preparation
Tibet: Friendship Highway
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
- 6-day excursion from Lhasa to Kathmandu via the Friendship Highway and Everest Base Camp.
- 600 miles / 960 km
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Lhasa – Gyantse
In the morning meet your guide and depart Lhasa on a spectacular overland journey to Gyantse. The drive to Gyantse is approximately 7-8 hours (262 kilometers/163 miles). En route, you'll cross over Kampa La pass (4,794 meters/15,724 feet) with magnificent views of Yamdrok Tso, or Turquoise Lake, covering 600 square kilometers/372 square miles. Yamdrok Tso is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet and one of the most sacred. Overnight at the Jian Zang Hotel.
Day 2: Drive Gyantse – Shigatse
Gyantse is one of the last authentic Tibetan villages and well worth the time spent here. Spend the morning exploring Gyantse. Begin with a visit to Peklor Chode Monastery, founded in 1418. Within the high perimeter walls of the complex is the great Kumbum stupa, completed in 1427. It is a spectacular creation and Gyantse's most popular attraction. Be sure to hike up behind the Kumbum for spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Next visit the 14th century Gyantse Dzong or fort.
This afternoon continue driving west about 2-3 hours to Shigatse (elevation of 3,900 meters/12,792 feet). Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, consisting of the predictably drab, Stalin-esque concrete cubes that make up the “modern” Chinese section of the city, and a delightful, whimsical jumble of monasteries and dzongs comprising the old Tibetan quarter. Overnight in Shigatse/Manasarovar Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Drive Shigatse – Shegar
This morning visit the interesting Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. This monastery was founded in 1447 by Gedun Drup, who was later recognized as the first Dalai Lama. The main statue of this monastery is Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha. The statue is made of 275 kilograms of gold and measures 26 meters in height. This is one of the few monasteries virtually untouched by the Cultural Revolution and is a fascinating place to explore.
Late this morning depart Shigatse on the 5-6 hour drive to Shegar (14,000 feet), pass through Lhatse en route. Lhatse is essentially a truck stop, while Shegar, also known as New Tingri, houses the ruins of Shegar Dzong or the Crystal Fortress, once the capital of the Tingri region. Overnight at Shanghai Chomulangma Hotel or Chomulangma Hotel.
Day 4: Drive Shegar - Rongbuk
Depart Shegar on the drive 4-5 hours to Rongbuk (16,385 feet) where you will spend the morning enjoying the views of Chomalungma (Mt. Everest). Once at Rongbuk, you have the option of either walking (approximately 2 hours) or taking a horse cart to the Everest Base Camp, since cars are not permitted in the valley due to environmental concerns.
You may have spent years anticipating this moment, after all, there are many awe-inspiring sites in the world, but there is only one highest point. To behold Mt. Everest is to stand within the circumference of a great gravity, one that has drawn explorers and pilgrims for centuries. A mountain possessed by its unsurpassed majesty, its nature’s signature piece, and its summit, which represents earth’s best effort to reach heaven.
The walk is very level but the altitude could have you breathing hard within a few minutes of starting, so take it slowly.
Overnight Rongbuk Hotel.
Day 5: Drive Rongbok – Zangmu, Overnight Zangmu Hotel
This is an 8-10 hour drive to Zangmu (2300m / 7500 feet), depending on road conditions. You will go some high passes, you may see some pilgrims walking across Tibet, and you can visit Milerapa’s Cave (time and weather permitting). Overnight Zangmu Hotel.
Day 6: Depart Tibet for Nepal
Your Tibetan guide will take you to the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal border for a fond farewell. The border crossing can be a long process depending on how busy it is. It is a 5-6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Manaslu or similar.
Pricing
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars for 6 days and 5 nights.
| #Group | 2-5 | 6-9 | 10-14 | Single Supplement |
| Price | $1490 | $1360 | $1295 | $190 |
Price Includes:
Tibet travel permits, one guide, one driver, entrance fee, hotel accommodation on twin-sharing room with breakfast only, land transfer by land cruisers.
Price Excludes:
Airfare, airport tax, China visa fee, lunch & dinner, tips for guide and driver, porters fee or extra vehicle required due to the landslide caused by rain or snow, items of personal nature such as bar, laundry, telephone, etc.