Lhasa Kathmandu Travel -10 days

The Tibetan capital sits at 3590 meters and is the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. After getting situated in a modern, centrally located hotel, we will explore and photograph the center of the Old Tibetan Quarter in the heart of Lhasa. The Barkhor is the main shopping market for local Tibetans. It is one of the most interesting markets in all of Asia and is an excellent place to photograph modern Tibetan culture.

After breakfast, you will spend the morning going through the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest and most famous temple. Each day, thousands of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims work their way through this nearly 1400 year old temple. You will also explore Tsamkhung Nunnery, one of the largest nunneries in the Lhasa area. In the afternoon, you will photograph the Buddhist philosophy debates at Sera, one of Tibet’s largest monasteries. The monk debates will be a major highlight during your time in Tibet.

You will start the day by exploring Tibet’s most iconic building, the Potala Palace. Towering above Lhasa with more than 1000 rooms, the Potala Palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama’s for hundreds of years. After this, you will explore Ramoche Temple and more of the Old Tibetan Quarter of Lhasa.

In the morning, we will depart from Lhasa and drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake. Yamdrok Lake, during clear weather, is a brilliant turquoise color and is one of the 4 main holy lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. The huge, glaciated 7191 meter Mt. Nojin Kangtsang forms the backdrop of the lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 4441 meters above sea level. Along the way to Gyantse, we will stop by the glaciers of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang at the Karo La Pass, which come down almost to the highway. Gyantse is a small, but modern Tibetan town. You will be visiting the Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the Gyantse Kumbum, the highest stupa (Buddhist pagoda) in Tibet. The scenic drive from Gyantse to Shigatse goes through several traditional farming villages that you will stop at. Shigatse is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery and its 600+ monks. This monastery, one of the largest in Tibet, is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most important lama in Tibetan Buddhism.

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch. After lunch, we drive crossing Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m).Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer view of Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area. Stay overnight at Rongbuk monastery guest house.

After watching the sunrise over Everest, you will continue our journey to Gyirong. On the way, tourists can enjoy breathtakign vista of Mt. Shishapangma and the Pekutso Lake. After passing the Ghungtang Lhamo(5236M), we will arrive in Kyirong in late afternoon. Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Kyirong

From Shelkar, you will cross over the 5050 meter Geu La Pass, which offers one of the most spectacular views of the Himalaya. From here, 5 of the world's 15 highest mountains can be seen, including Mt. Everest. Your next stop will be Rongphu, the highest monastery in the world at just under 5000 meters. A fantastic view of Everest can be seen from Rongphu. You will then continue on to Everest Base Camp, gazing out to the world's highest peak.

You will spend the day exploring the fascinating city of Kathmandu. You will start by visiting Pashupatinath, one of the most revered Hindu sites in Asia. From there, you will go to Boudha, home of the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist stupa in the Himalaya. After lunch you will then explore the famous Monkey Temple aka Swayambhunath.

Bhaktapur tour in Nepal will lead you to the well-preserved ancient city of Bhaktapur. This ancient city served as the capital of Nepal until the mid 15th century. Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full of traditional architecture, colorful local markets and traditional culture.

Breakfast and you will be transferred to the Kathmandu Airport to get your flight back to home.