~ ~ Tibet Tours ~ ~ Tibet And Lhasa Overland - 8 Days This extraordinary journey takes you over the Himalayas by way of the Arniko Highway connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa. You travel across the Tibetan plateau lying at an average altitude of about 13,480 feet. The Tibetan plateau is characterized by spectacular scenery. The 1,000 kilometer drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa crosses several 5,000 meter plus passes and skirts whitewashed villages, barley fields, yak herds, and towering ruins of ancient fortresses. Tibet’s vast open spaces and intense light make it unlike any other place on earth. From Zhangmu the road follows the beautiful deep valley of the Bhote Khosi, crossing the Nyalam and Lalung La passes. From Lalung La it is usually possible to see Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and Shishapangma - five of the world’s highest mountains. Road conditions permitting, you may detour to one of Tibet’s oldest and most important Bon Po monasteries at Sakya. While in Xigatse visit Tashilungpo Monastery, the market and the old town. Tashilungpo Monastery, with altars and images of exquisite beauty, is also home to the famous 85ft. copper and gold image of the Maitreya, the future Buddha, and was the seat of the Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Then on to Gyantse, a small bustling town steeped in history. In the 15th century it served as a capital of a small kingdom and was the focal point for Younghusband’s British Expedition to Tibet in 1904 when his soldiers defeated 5000 Tibetans. The fort was destroyed by cannon fire. Continue on a breathtaking and wondrous excursion to Lhasa via Yamdrok Lake. The marvelous "Turquoise Lake of Yamdrok" is a picturesque body of deep blue-green water This lake is a "dead lake", with no constant flow of water into or out of it, which perhaps accounts for its fabulous color. In Lhasa visit the Potala Palace, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, Jokhang Monastery, Norbulingka Palace and Barkhor square..
Cost Of Tour (including one way air Lhasa/Kathmandu):
Note: Minimum of 5 people traveling together required for this itinerary. If there are less than 5 people traveling we will attempt to pair you with another group. Fly over the Himalayas from Kathmandu to explore the once forbidden city of Lhasa. The once-forbidden city of Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, as well as the holiest city of Tibetan Buddhism and is a world unto itself. Set in a fertile valley 12,000 feet above sea level, Lhasa is home to the magnificent Potala Palace. Potala towers above the city like a fairy-tale castle, overlooking neat white washed houses of the old city and the sprawling Chinese built new town. Explore the Potala Palace, an imposing structure over 1,300 years old, a tribute to the strength, spirit, and resilience of the Tibetan people. The residence of Dalai Lamas from 1693 until 1959, the Potala has over 1,000 rooms housing thousands of sacred images, many of them gold set with precious gems. At the center of the old Tibetan town is the Jokhang temple and monastery complex, the holiest shrine in Tibet, surrounded by the bustling old bazaar called the Barkhor. Follow and perhaps photograph the pilgrim "kora" route around the Jokhang. The throngs of colorful Tibetans readily include the visitor in the socializing and marketing as an additional aspect of the religious ritual of circumambulating a holy place. Visit Norbulingka Palace, the Dalai Lama’s own favorite place - his Summer Palace and Garden. A trip to Lhasa would not be complete without a visit to Drepung. Drepung, founded in 1415 by Jamyang Pelden soon became the largest of the Gelupka order monasteries, housing over seven thousand monks at its peak. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dalai Lamas lived and ruled from Drepung. This is a fine introductory tour to the heart of Tibet.
Land Cost:
Note: Minimum of 5 people traveling together required for this itinerary. If there are less than 5 people traveling we will attempt to pair you with another group. Airfare Additional:
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