We offer a choice of overland journeys, fly-in fly-out arrangements and short treks in Tibet, taking in Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and magnificent Mt. Kailash in the west of this vast and fascinating country.
Treks in this Area:
Tibetan Odyssey
This is the classic Tibet overland journey, to inspire and excite even those who have ‘done it all’. Flying from Kathmandu, we have a couple of days to devote to historic sites in and around Lhasa, taking things at a gentle pace to aid in acclimatisation. We visit Norbulingka, once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, now in exile in India, and Potala Palace, the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama, perched high on Marpori, the ‘Red Mountain’. In the heart of the old city is the 7th century Jokhang Temple and Barkhor, the inner circuit for pilgrims, which is lined with colourful market stalls. Outside Lhasa, we explore the historic monasteries of Drepung and Sera, once among the most important in Tibet.
Trekking : 4 Days
Departures : April and September
Costs : Click here for price list
This is the classic Tibet overland journey, to inspire and excite even those who have ‘done it all’. Flying from Kathmandu, we have a couple of days to devote to historic sites in and around Lhasa, taking things at a gentle pace to aid in acclimatisation. We visit Norbulingka, once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, now in exile in India, and Potala Palace, the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama, perched high on Marpori, the ‘Red Mountain’. In the heart of the old city is the 7th century Jokhang Temple and Barkhor, the inner circuit for pilgrims, which is lined with colourful market stalls. Outside Lhasa, we explore the historic monasteries of Drepung and Sera, once among the most important in Tibet.
We then set off by Landcruiser on a week-long journey across the Tibetan Plateau, visiting Gyantse and its ancient fort and the giant Kumbum chorten. Continuing to Shigatse, we will wander through the labyrinthine Tashilhunpo monastery, which remarkably escaped the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. Leaving the main highway, we climb along a dirt track to 5200m Pang La, a spectacular pass with views of Makalu and the Khumbu Peaks. At Rongbuk we have a rest day before the trek to Everest Base Camp, from where early expeditions set out to conquer the world’s highest mountain. We camp in full view of the mountain’s north face, in clear weather an awesome sight. Three further days of walking through some of Tibet’s most dramatic mountain landscapes and over 5150m Lamma La, bring us to the end of the trek, where the Landcruisers will be waiting for us. Back on the ‘main’ route, we have one of the most dramatic road descents in the world ahead of us, as we drop 1500m in a seemingly endless series of hairpin bends. The barren Tibetan Plateau gives way to lush sub-tropical forest and once across the Nepalese border, it is just a 4 hour drive to Kathmandu and the end of our odyssey.
Outline Itinerary :
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu-Lhasa. Transfer to the city for a 4 night stay.
Day 3-5: Exploring in and around Lhasa. Acclimatisation days.
Days 6-9: Travelling overland with stops at the cobalt-blue Yamdrok Tso Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar.
Days 10: Rest day at Rongbuk.
Day 11-14: Trekking.
Day 15-16: Overland drive to Kathmandu. 2 night stay.
Days 17: Day 18: Free in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure to onward place.