Self Drive Tour to Nam Tso and Everest BC in Tibet

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Kathmandu - Kyirong

Welcome to Tibet, China

Today, after going through customs Kyirong, you will reach China with driving your own vehicle. After completing the formalities for entry, drive to the hotel.

Overnight in Kyirong

Kyirong

DAY
2

Kyirong - Saga - Lhatse

Drive to Lhatse

It is a long drive to Lhatse. The journey would be difficult with the high latitude on the roof of the world.

372 km
7 hours 25 minutes
Overnight in Lhatse

Way to Lhatse

DAY
3

Lhatse - Shigatse (3868 m)

Visit to the Tashilunpo monastery

Drive to Shigatse (3,880 m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. In the afternoon visit Tashilunpo Monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha.

450 km
7 hours
Overnight in Shigatse

Tashilunpo Monastery

DAY
4

Shigatse

Formalities for self drive in China

In Shigatse, handle your temporary number plate and temporary driver's license. If there is enough time, have a travel in Shigatse city and the free market.

Overnight in Shigatse

Pilgrims in Tashilunpo Monastery

DAY
5

Shigatse - Gyantse - Yamdrok - Lhasa

Pelkor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake

In the morning after the first 2 hours drive you will arrive in Gyantse and visit its Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. Afterwards leave Gyantse along the lake Yamdrok to Lhasa (3650m), the capital of Tibet. The holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. Enjoy amazing views at the Kamba La pass both to the lake Yamdrok and snowy Peaks Nojin Gangzang and Jangzang Lhomo.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight in Lhasa

Yamdrok Lake

DAY
6

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local

Overnight in Lhasa

Potala Palace

DAY
7

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, Sera, the Wildrosenhof, is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. You have the opportunity to experience lamas' debates. Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight Overnight in Lhasa

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
8

Lhasa - Tsurpu - Damxung - Nam Tso

Tsurpu Monastery, Nam Tso, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain

Today you will drive over Damxung and the Lhachen La Pass (5190 m) to Nam, and visit Tsurpu Monastery (4300 m) on the way. Located in the 60 km northwest of Lhasa on the upper reaches of the Tsurpu River, Tsurpu Monastery is the main monastery of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsurpu was established in 1189 by Duesum Khyenpa, a pupil of Gampopa and the first Karmapa. He introduced the principle of reincarnation to Tibet. Besides, he told his disciples that he would reincarnate and he pointed out the location of the second Karmapas reborn. In contrast to Yellow Caps (Gelug), the Karmapa Kagye are regarded as the Black Hat. If time is available, hike on the pilgrim's way around the monastery (about 1 hour). The nomads live on Nam Tso Lake in the vast Changthang Plain (Qiangtang). With 4718 meters above sea level, Nam Tso is the highest lake in the world. The Nam Tso is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet and is an important sanctuary for the Tibetans. Hike on the Tashi Peninsula and walk with a circle around the sacred mountain, the cliffs of which have been eroded in recent centuries. You have the opportunity to visit the people who live in the tent woven from yak hair. If the weather is well, experience the unforgettable sunset over the Nam Tso and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain.

268 km
6 hours
Overnight in Nam Tso village

Tsurpu Monastery

DAY
9

Nam Tso - Damxung - Yangbajing - Shigatse

Nam Tso Lake, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Nam Tso Lake and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain. Then return to Damxung and go to Shigatse along the south of Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain.

429 km
8 hours 25 minutes
Overnight in Shigatse

Nam Tso Lake

DAY
10

Shigatse - Shegar - Rongbuk / Everest BC

Tashilunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, sunset on Qomolangma (Everest)

In the morning visit Tashilunpo, "Mountain of Happiness". Tashilunpo Monastery is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelug Sect. Shigatse is the seat of the Pantschen Lama. The largest gilded statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, can be found in the monastery in China. Then drive to Shegar. After going through the Yalung La (4,520 m) and Gyathso La (5,220 m) passes, continue to the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m) and the Everest Base Camp. Here the Qomolangma’s steep of the north side makes a profound impression on you . On the way take photos at Pang La (5150 m) where the view is magnificent: from left to right is Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region. If the weather is well, you can admire the magnificent sunset on Qomolangma (Everest).

334 km
6 hours 6 minutes
Overnight at Rongbuk Guesthouse

Everest (Qomolangma), Himalaya

DAY
11

Rongbuk - Old Tingri - Paiku Tso - Kyirong

Sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest), Paiku Tso

Today you will get up early to see the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso and Xixiabangma Mountain to the Chinese border station Kyirong (Jilong). With 300 square kilometers, Paiku-Tso is the largest lake in Shigatse Prefecture. Located between three mountains, it is rich in fish and various wild animals, such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks etc.

363 km
7 hours 1 minute
Overnight in Kyirong

Mt. Everest

DAY
12

Kyirong - Kathmandu

Farewell to China

Drive to the customs at Kyirong, assistance for the exit formalities.

187 km
4 hours 14 minutes

Kyirong

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