Lhasa to Simikot via Kailash

Day by day

1. 01

   Day 1 · Arrival in Kathmandu

   On arrival at Kathmandu airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

   Hotel

2. 02

   Day 2 · Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

   Having our breakfast early morning, we catch international flight to Lhasa and upon arriving here, you will be transferred to the Hotel. Lhasa comprises of narrow streets and white washed houses where windows are framed in black trapezoids. The new Lhasa was built around the base of the Potala and is now characterized by straight, broad streets, Chinese style department stores and government houses. Lhasa is a friendly city and you will find Tibetans with smile.

   Hotel

3. 03

   Day 3 · Lhasa Tour

   In the morning, we visit Potala Palace, an architectural wonder with gold roofs high above the town, more than 300 meters above the valley. From here, the valley can be observed from directions all around. The present Potala was built in 1645 to 1693 in the Fifth Dalai Lama's reign. It was the center of religious and political power of Dalai Lamas. There are more than 1000 rooms which were the living quarters of Dalai Lama and also the magnificent golden tombs when they died. With more than hundreds of chapels and shrines, halls and corridors, thousands of gilded statues, it is Tibet's pantheon of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, saints and demons and still remains as a beloved shrine. In the afternoon, we visit Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries. Norbulingkha is known as the Jewel park containing palaces of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas while Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and its oldest part dates back to 7th century.

   Hotel

4. 04

   Day 4 · Lhasa Tour continued

   We start by visiting Drepung Monastery lying 8km west of Lhasa. It was founded in 1416 AD by disciple of Tsongkhapa and had over 10000 monks governed 700 subsidiary monasteries. The monastery itself was divided into four Tantric Colleges, where they specialized in different branches of knowledge. At present, around 400 monks and novices live here. In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, Sera meaning "Merciful Hail" lying on the northern edge of Lhasa. Sera also had three colleges but the chanting halls and chapels seem dark and demonic. Today, the monastery has 300 monks.

   Hotel

5. 05

   Day 5 · Lhasa Tour continued

   Early morning we visit Ganden Monastery situated 70 km east of Lhasa at 4300 m in a bowl like amphitheater from where dramatic view of Lhasa River valley can be captured to the fullest. It was founded in 1409 AD by Tsongkhapa. In the evening, we take a visit at Tibetan Medicine Hospital.

   Hotel

6. 06

   Day 6 · Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse

   We drive along the Tsangpo River to Gyantse, which was once Tibet's most important trade city route, India-Nepal-Lhasa. We will have the pleasure to witness the town dominated by rocky ridge topped by a ruined fortress.

   Hotel

This itinerary is a guideline. Mountain flights and local conditions can change plans; your guide will always adjust for your safety.