Self Drive Tour from Nepal via Lhasa and Western Tibet to Kyrghyzstan

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 (3868m)

Visit 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

Distant View of Palkhor Monastery

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 - Sakya County

Visit Sakya Monastery

Drive to Sakya to visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery was built by the founder of the Sakya Sect in 1073 and is the first monastery of the Sakya Sect. Today it is also the main monastery of the Sakya school.

414 km
6 hours 58 minutes
Overnight in Sakya

Prayer Flags

DAY
9

Sakya County - Shegar - Rongbuk / Everest BC

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 are 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).

186 km
3 hours 48 minutes
Overnight at Rongbuk Monastery

Everest (Qomolangma), Himalaya

DAY
10

Rongbuk - Old Tingri - Paiku Tso – Saga

Sunrise over Qomolangma, Rongbuk Monastery, Paiku Tso Lake

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to Saga. Paiku-Tso Lake covers an area of 300 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Shigatse. Paiku-Tso locates between three mountains, is rich in fish. There live various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc.

473 km
11 hours
Overnight in Saga

Mt. Everest

DAY
11

Saga – Paryang – Manasarovar Lake

Kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes, Manasarovar lake

Continue along the south route and enjoy beautiful views while visibility is clear. During the south route the Himalayas rising gradually in the north, and the mountains stand side by side. Sometimes, especially on the last stretch of road, kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes can be seen. Drive to Manasarovar lake. Overnight near the Chiu Gompa on the north side of Manasarovar Lake (4588 m).

450 km
7 hours
Overnight by Manasarovar Lake

Manasarovar Lake

DAY
12

Manasarovar Lake – Darchen - Tsada

Manasarovar Lake, Tirthapuri Meditation Cave Padmasambhavas

Manasarovar Lake is 330 square kilometers, 81.8 meters deep. The lake is nestled between two snow-capped mountain ranges. The area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet. For Hindus, Manasarovar is a sacred lake. Therefore, walking around the lake and washing and purifying themselves with the lake became the most important goal of the pilgrims. Short hike and visit at Manasarovar lake. Enjoy the views of the eight monasteries on the shores of the northern Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. Then continue in about 1 hour to Darchen (4,800 m, starting point of the Kailash Circumnavigation). The village of Darchen only consists of a few stone houses, which are located about 6 km north of the main road. Easily hike at the foot of holy mountain Kailash. Continue to Tsada, on the way visit Tirthapuri. Tirthapuri is the most important place of pilgrimage in western Tibet, because here is the meditation cave of Padmasambhava and his companion Yeshe Tsogyel. The place is also known for its hot springs.

272 km
5 hours 22 minutes
Overnight in Tsada

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
13

Tsada – Shiquanhe

Tsaparang, the monastery Toling, earth forest in Tsada

In the morning drive about an hour to Tsaparang (about 10 km, 3,800 m), the oldest center of the kingdom of Guge. Four temples around the lower fortress walls, the fifth is located above the city, in the remains of the former summer palace of the kings. Various motifs adorn the coffered lattice ceilings and carved beams of the temples. Partly well-preserved murals with numerous details decorate the walls. Lama Anagarika Govinda calls these works of art "prayers and meditations in color and form, Every stroke is carefully completed". Then visit the Toling Monastery. Drive to Shiquanhe (4300 m), capital of the Ngari district with 20 years of history. The area Ngari is called as "roof on the roof of the world". On the way Admiring Tsada Earth Forest. Walking in the quiet valley of the Tsada forest, you feel like you are in the ruins of a huge old city, and can see a wild and imposing picture.

192 km
3 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Shiquanhe

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
14

Shiquanhe – Pangong Tso – Dorma

Bangong Tso Lake

Drive to Domar, the Ngari district of Tibet. On such a high altitude you could suffer from serious illness. On the way walk by Bangong Tso Lake. In the middle of the lake there is a bird island, in summer days many gulls from the Mediterranean come here. The Fantastic thing is, in the same Bangong Tso, fresh water is in the Tibetan part, but salt water is in the part of Kashmir.

228 km
3 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Dorma

DAY
15

Dorma – Dahongliuta

Crossing from the 5406 m Jieshan Pass

Cross the 5406 m Jieshan Pass to Dahongliutan.

342Km
5 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Dahongliuta

Kiang

DAY
16

Dahongliutan – Mazar

Heika pass, city of Mazar, view from Qogir mountain

Via the Heika Pass you will arrive in Mazar, in the Karakorum area. While on the Heika Pass you can admire the magnificent view from the Qogir mountain.

245 km
4 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Mazar

Yaks

DAY
17

Mazar - Yecheng - Kashgar

The Mazar and Kudi passes, knife city Yecheng

Crossing the two passes Mazar and Kudi, you will reach the city of Yecheng. On the Mazar Pass, you have a beautiful view of the Qogir mountain. The route over the Kudi Pass is the most difficult on all journeys, and you will drive on mountain road in the form of "S". Yecheng is an important station for climbing the 8611 m Qogir Mountain. From Yecheng you walk 6 days to the 3924 m base camp. Continuation through Gobi to Kashgar.

513 km
10 hours 53 minutes
Overnight in Kashgar

Kashgar

DAY
18

Kashgar

Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, Id Gagh Mosque, the Akba Khojia Mausoleum

In the morning, stroll in Old Town and visit the Sunday-bazaar where many Uyghurs do business. The Sunday bazaar of the Uyghurs living here, is one of the largest and most colorful in Central Asia, and is also one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja where the "Nice smelling concubine", a Uygur national heroine, is buried.

Overnight in Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque

DAY
19

Kashgar - Irkeshtam – Kyrgyzstan

Farewell to China

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

234 km
3 hours 33 minutes

Way to Irkeshtam

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