Tibet Overland - Chengdu to Kathmandu

Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Sakya - Everest Base Camp - Last Resort - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Explore the key monasteries and temples of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa and the ruggedly beautiful surrounding countryside - a very special area of central Tibet.
In Chengdu, visit the Pandas - then continue on a magnificent journey across the ‘Roof of the World’ to Kathmandu, taking in the awesome Himalayan scenery and grandeur of Everest Base Camp.

What you will do and see
Days 1-2: Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Panda Breeding and Research Center allows you to see the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active; on the way back you can be dropped at the Wenshu Temple with its excellent vegetarian restaurant and extensive tea-houses filled with people chatting and playing cards and Mah-Jong - a taste of old China. In the evening there is the option to discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘eating fire and changing faces’.
Days 3-6: Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3700 meters above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1300 years ago as attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th century Lhasa remains intact, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, confirming the suggestion that this palace is a true wonder of the architectural world.
During your time in the heart of Tibet, you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Prostrating pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night; some traversing the extremes of the country by foot to celebrate their beliefs. The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Afternoon debating sessions by the monks of the school of philosophy are a must-see experience.
Top it off with a Tibetan Buffet dinner including Chang (Tibetan Barley Beer), Yak Butter Tea, Yak Meat, Yak cheese, Momos and a variety of vegetable and other dishes. This is followed by a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
Day 7: It is a long, yet spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4794m) the views of the turquoise lake, Yamdrok-Tso are unforgettable. The road winds down and along its shores via the small town of Nangartse before climbing again to the Karo La (5054) and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang. Gyantse was once of major importance as a trading center on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China, its imposing fort, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town.
Day 8: Gyantse is also the site of the great 15th century monastic complex - Pelkor Choede which includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. From Gyantse the Nyang-chu valley leads towards Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse.
Day 9: Shigatse is site of Tashilhumpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight. Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where handwoven carpets are produced using traditional designs.
Day 10: Sakya was once the political heart of Tibet - its imposing fortified monastery reaveals a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory. North Sakya was almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but is in the process of being restored.
Days 11-12: Continuing west, venture into Qomolangma National Park. Some of the most stunning views of the mountain are from the tiny Rongbuk Monastery (5000m) seven kilometers below Everest Base Camp.
Day 13: Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before Nyalam. This is the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the road descends sharply towards the Nepal border, some 30kms and 2000 meters below. Moisture returns to the air, the colors change, trees appear, lush green vegetation and the Bhoti Khose river thunders below as you complete Chinese immigration formalities at Zhangmu. From Kodari, the Nepalese side of the border, the road continues its winding descent, hopefully unhindered by landslides to the Last Resort.
Day 14: Last Resort is a luxury tented camp set in beautiful gardens above the Bhote Khose River, close to the Nepal-China border. A day to relax in the gardens, herbal steam room and plunge pool or to test your rafting or kayaking skills, take a short hike through nearby villages or, for the more daring, a 160m bungy jump.
Day 15: Bhaktapur, founded in 889, was once capital of the whole Kathmandu Valley. As well as an impressive Durbar Square and numerous temples, Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery – whole streets are filled with pieces of all shapes and sizes set in the sun to dry. After exploring the town continue to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Rich in cultural and artistic heritage blending the traditional and the modern, Kathmandu is a vibrant, chaotic, colorful city - one not to be missed. The markets, bazaars and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, street sellers… you name it, it is here. Your tour includes a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (home to the Kumari, living goddess) and the magnificent Swayambunath temple.
A traditional Newari dinner complimented by local music and dance makes a fitting finale to your tour.
Day 17: Depart.