Magnificent temples, mountain pases, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims - this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul - of all the destinations in Asia, the most sacred and sublime. The days of travel are long, the roads are dusty and bumpy, the scenery will take your breath away.

Itinerary
Days 1-2: Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some of the wonders of Kathmandu.
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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 Breeding and Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.

Day 3: The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.

Days 4-7: With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.

Day 8: A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.

Day 9: In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.

Day 10: Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten.

Day 11: It is a 4-hour drive to Sakya, once the political center of Tibet.

Days 12-14: Long, yet spectacular days as we head west. Even along the road settlements are few as we cross vast, open valleys and prayer flag topped passes. Depending on the season there may be families of nomadic dropka moving their herds of sheep, yaks, goats and horses across the plateau.

Days 15-17: The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point, both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second day.
On day 17 it is a short walkback to Darchen.

Days 18: Join pilgrims at Tarboche for the raising of the new flagpole before heading to Chiu Gompa on the shores of Lake Manasarovar to soak in the hot springs.

Days 19-20: The drive retraces the outward route as far as Saga.

Day 21: Another long day’s drive, but again scenically magical as we take a barge-ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo and head south via Pelkhu Lake. Rejoining the Friendship Highway cross the Lalung Pass and head to Nyalum.

Day 22: Dropping suddenly and steeply off the Tibetan Plateau descend through the Himalaya to cross the China/Nepal border at Zhangmu – Kodari before continuing the descent to Kathmandu.

What is Included
- Accommodation Kathmandu, Chengdu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Twin share
- Other accommodation twin or multi share as available.
- All camping equipment (except sleeping bag) whilst camping (9 nights)
- All meals whilst camping
- Land transport as per itinerary
– All airport transfers
– Sightseeing as per itinerary
– English speaking interpreter/guide
– Tibet entry permit & visa authorisation for those joining in Kathmandu

What is not Included
– Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry
– Meals except when camping
– International flights and departure taxes
– Visa and passport fees
– Travel insurance
– Emergency evacuation
– Tips and gratuities
– Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Royal Mountain Travel (eg. Landslides) 

Accommodation in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour