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Tours / Tibet Tour / Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour

Tibet has enthralled travelers for centuries and a drive over the vast arid plateau coupled with a chance of meeting its people allow travelers of today a glimpse into what Tibet might have been before the Chinese occupation. The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa promises to be an experience of lifetime as visitors get to look at the stunning landscape, architecture and the spiritual populace of Tibet. When flights to Lhasa are not operating the only way to travel Lhasa is by road from Kathmandu. However when flights are operating some prefer to go by road one way and fly the other.
 
The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa, over spectacular Passes and revealing views of the majestic Himalayas, takes five-days over the "Friendship Highway". The drive is well worth as visitors encounter some enchanting Buddhist monasteries and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. While approaching the city, traveler will be able to notice the Potala Palace, a vast white and ochre fortress that dominates the Lhasa skyline. The historical seat of Tibetan power and the location of the tombs of previous Dalai Lamas, the Potala Palace has been reduced to serve as a symbolic feature for Tibetan aspirations. The Jokhang temple, 2 km to the east of the Palace, has become the spiritual hub of the country. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled Tibetan experience. The medieval Barkhor Bazaar with crowds, street performers, hawker's stalls selling everything from prayer flags to jewel-encrusted yak skulls and the devout touching their foreheads to the ground at every step to Jokhang is an exotic brew that few newcomers can resist. A visit to Drepung monastery is well worth the effort and for some can be a very enlightening experience. The Norbulingka Palace (summer palace of the Dalai Lamas) along with a round of the Sera monastery is the other highlight of this package. Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour journey ends with two days sightseeing tour around Lhasa.

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Day 01:  Kathmandu to Nyalam (3,750m/12,300ft) - 162kms

Early morning, we drive (Approx. 5 hrs) from Kathmandu to Kodari (1,873m/6,140ft). After completing immigration and custom formalities, we drive up hill to Zhangmu (2,300m/75,44ft). This is Tibetan border town. Upon our arrival at the check post, we meet with The Tibetan Guide who will further lead us to Nyalam for overnight. On the way, we make journey through fantastic view of deep valley with some overflowing waterfalls.

Day 02:  Nyalam to Sakya (4,300 m /14,107ft) - 330kms

The day starts out with an uphill drive to the highest plateau in the world, Tibetan plateau, known also as the roof of the world. We cross over the Lalung-la pass (5,050m) and enjoy the view of the breath taking mountains- Cho Oyu, Shishapgma and the Everest. We then drive to Sakya Monastery located in Sakya Country southwest of Shigatse which contains thousands of statues, paintings, murals, stupas, mandalas, and other holy objects, as well as libraries of scriptures in Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, and Sanskrit piled from floor to ceiling. Overnight at Sakya.

Day 03:  Sakya to Shigatse (3,900m/12,790ft) - 180kms

We drive from Sakya to Shigatse and visit Tashilunbu Monastery a prominent landmark of the region, located on the southern slope of the Nyima Mountain to the west of the Shigatse city. It is one of the four monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The main structures found here are the Maitreya Chapel, Panchen Lama’s Palace and Kelsang Temple. Tashilunbu Monastery is indeed the seat of the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge over the monastery and now houses nearly 800 Lamas. Overnight at Shigatse.

Day 04:  Shigatse to Gyantse (3,950m/12,955) - 90kms

In the fresh air of morning at Shigatse, we will visit the free bazaar of Shigatse. After lunch we embark on a pleasant drive to Gyantse. Gyantse greeets us with magnificient views of Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery. Overnight at Gyantsey.

Day 05:  Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650m/11,970) - 259kms

We come across 2 passes, The Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) pass and Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) while driving 7 hours drive from Gyantse to Lhasa. We further cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 6:  Lhasa Sightseeing Tour

Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery in Lhasa. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further visit to Barkhor Market and roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as we return to the comforts of our hotel.

Day 07:  Lhasa Sightseeing Tour

Like the previous day, we experience invaluable insights during our visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans'respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Day 08:  Final departure from Lhasa or extension of our tour

Today is our final day of our Lhasa tour. Hence, today onwards we are free and we can either prepare our own itinerary or we can contact at Himalayan Glacier to extend our trip. At this stage, we are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China. However, if we would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, Himalayan Glacier can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.

Where is Nepal ?

Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia couched between two Asian giants India and China. Nepal is geographically, culturally and linguistically diverse. The capital city of the country is Kathmandu, commonly known as ‘city of temples’ where we can explore traditional artistic beauty. Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is where the ice-cold of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. Moreover, it's a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and some of the best trekking on earth. The Himalaya's most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great mini kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur - home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.

What is Nepal known for?

Nepal is Known for Mt. Everest, highest peak in the world and Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of Buddhist religion. Besides, among 14 eight thousand meters cross mountains in the world, eight are located in this naturally beautiful country. Nepal has been the focus of outstanding achievements in the world of peak climbing expeditions with the identification of more than one thousand peaks above 6,000 meters .Trekking through the Everest region offers astounding mountain views, an opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of world heritage sites, discovering variety of Himalayan flora and faunas, and an opportunity to explore the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality and the local people believes in the mantra ‘Atithi Deba Bhaba’ (Guest are god).

Can I get Nepal visa on arrival?

Yes! Nepal visa is easily available up on arrival in the entry places. Make the process easier by downloading & completing the application form, having the correct USD cash and two passport photographs.

Visa Facility       Duration     Fee
Multiple entry     15 days        US$ 25 or equivalent Nepali currency
Multiple entry     30 days        US$ 40 or equivalent Nepali currency
Multiple entry     90 days        US$ 100 or equivalent Nepali currency


Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the new democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies and leaders. As such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the country. But it does not and will not affect the daily life of the residents in the other parts. Life moves on as usual, unperturbed.

How to enter Nepal?
Nepal can be enter by two ways,

By air: Some of the major international airlines operating schedule services to Nepal are Royal Nepal Airlines, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air, India Air, Thai Airways, Qatar, Pakistan Air, Jet Air and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (only one international airport) located in the heart of Kathmandu City.

By Road: There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders;

    Kakarvita
    Birgunj
    Bhairahawa
    Nepalganj
    Dhangadhi
    Mahendranagar

Scheduled public as well as tourist buses run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended if you can cope with 10 to 12 hours of long drive in return for a fascinating mountainous views and snail tail roads that meet above the clouds.

Do you have Airport pickup facilities?

Definitely! We do have airport pick up facilities for our customers who have booked for our any packages. We don't charge any money. As the time you booked your trip, you have to inform us.

What is the best time to visit Nepal?
September and April are warm with the temperature ranging between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. In October, November, late February and March it is typically 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In December and January it is much cooler, between 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and you may experience foggy conditions as well. As there is an ideal time to visit Nepal. Nepal can be visited the whole year round. Light weight clothing is recommended from May to October. Warm garments are required from October to March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season.

How can I make the payment?
There are various payment options by which you can make payment to Glory Nepal team. You can make payment by cash, bank transfer, online credit card payment and Travelers checks. If you wish to use another option of payment suitable to you, then Glory Nepal will assist you for that.

Why should I book the tour through Glory Nepal?
Glory Nepal team is a recognized Holiday Planner and service provider related with the Nepal Tourism Sector. The Team of Glory Nepal is able to work on your any kind of travel requirements as it is associated with a team of Tour Escorts, Guides who are well trained, fluent in different languages and with long experience in related sectors. We do offer verities of Nepal Tour, Trek, Jungle Safari, Adventure packages but beside that we are best in organizing special tailor made itineraries in any areas of Nepal. As our motto is "Guest's Satisfaction is our Achievements" we are always here to assist you for your holiday to Nepal.

What does grading (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Strenuous) means?


"Grading" is a term used for rating treks based on difficulty. According to Himalayan Glacier standards and experience, we have divided the trekking into four types, namely Easy, Moderate, Difficult and Strenuous- the challenge in terms of both technicality and geography increases as we move higher in that order. Thus, Easy Treks could be suitable for all while Strenuous and Difficult Treks are meant only for those who have certain experience and capability.

This can help you choose a trek or climb especially in the Himalayan Region that best suits your fitness level and experience. Please keep in mind that this is a general guide only. A variety of factors, including weather, may add to the challenge.

Easy Treks

No previous trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up to 5 hours a day.

Moderate Treks
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.

Difficult Treks
Previous trekking experience and technical knowledge is essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with low level of oxygen and continuous walking over huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance is required.

Strenuous Treks
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks, high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require to have rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes prior to heading for Trek.

Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?

There are many ATM machines in the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. ATM machines are slowly being introduced to other cities like Bhuwtal and Dharan.

What types of cards are accepted? Debit or Credit? Visas or Masters or Discovers or Dinners?

Most popular cards accepted in Nepal are VISA, MASTERCARD and American Express. Both Debit and Credit Cards are accepted here. American Travelers Cheques are also accepted in most Banks, Hotels, and Travel companies.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport and Basantapur Durbar Square. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 during 11 a.m to 5 p.m

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

Entrance Fees

• All the entrance fees while sightseeing in the city.
• Guided Katmandu sightseeing tour by Car.
All accommodation on B/B basis.
• 13% government tax where applicable.

International Flights

• International flights, visa and departure taxes
• Airport pick up and drop.

Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry

Other Expenses

• All the expenses in except mention in the include section

Domestic Airport Tax

• Domestic airport tax

Costs from unforeseen events

• Costs arising from unforeseen events outside our control

All the entrance feels for sight seeing in the city

International flights, visa and departure taxes

Tips for gratuities

Drink, Posatage, Laundry for Personal Expenses

Domestic Airport Tax