7-Day Tibet Adventure: From Kathmandu to Lhasa
Day 1: Kathmandu → Nepal Border
Morning departure from Kathmandu (1,400m)
7-hour scenic drive through Himalayan foothills (130km).
Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi (1,800m) near border
Note: Road conditions are bumpy but offer spectacular mountain views
Day 2: Tibet Entry → Gyirong Valley (2,800m)
Morning border crossing procedures
Meet Tibetan guide and switch to Chinese vehicles
Gentle acclimatisation day in sub-tropical Gyirong Valley:
Cross dramatic iron suspension bridge
Hike through traditional Sherpa villages
Explore lush forests with Himalayan views
Day 3: To Everest Base Camp (5,200m)
Full-day journey (330km) through high plateau:
Stop at turquoise Peiku Tso Lake
Views of 8,027m Shishapangma
Afternoon arrival at Everest North Face Base Camp
Sunset at Kyarala Pass - panoramic view of 4 eight-thousanders
Day 4: Tingri → Shigatse (3,800m)
Morning drive through Tibetan grasslands
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery:
Seat of Panchen Lama
26m Maitreya Buddha (world's largest gilded bronze)
Ancient scripture printing house
Day 5: To Lhasa (3,650m) via Gyantse
Morning in Gyantse:
Pelkor Chode's 100,000-Buddha Stupa
Unique multi-sect coexistence
Karola Glacier photo stop (roadside glacier)
Yamdrok Lake (4,441m):
20km lakeside drive
Authentic farmhouse lunch
Evening arrival in Lhasa
Day 6: Lhasa Monastery Day
Morning at Drepung (once world's largest monastery)
See monk dormitories & kitchen
Learn about Gelugpa Buddhism
Afternoon at Sera Monastery:
Observe lively philosophical debates
3pm daily debate session (except Sundays)
Day 7: Lhasa Highlights
Morning Potala Palace visit:
365-step climb
Dalai Lama's winter palace
Gold-covered stupas
Afternoon at Jokhang Temple:
Tibet's holiest shrine
Barkhor pilgrimage circuit
Farewell dinner with Tibetan performances
Day 8: Departure
Airport/train station transfer
Recommended flight time: after 10am for altitude adjustment