We leave Kathmandu early in the morning, driving through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to Kodari on the Nepal Tibet border. After completing the border formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese immigration posts we check in to our hotel on the Tibetan side of the border.

Today's drive takes us from the lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. We cross several high passes including the Lalung La [5050m] from which is a full of breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range including Mt Everest - a fitting backdrop to the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau. We stay overnight in the town of Shegar at the Hotel.

Continuing along the Friendship Highway, we pass by lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders. We then cross the highest pass of our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m] before descending once more to the barren splendor of the plains. Tonight, we stay in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

This morning we have time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, before setting off on the relatively short drive to Gyantse. Once in Gyantse, we can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Our overnight accommodation is at Hotel. 

A spectacular day's drive today will take us over the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. Beyond the small, developing town of Nagartse, the road follows the bank of a beautiful turquoise lake, the Yamdrok-tso, for about 20 Km. We then cross the Khamba La [4794m.] and continue on to Lhasa, where we check in at the Hotel.

Today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa's many monasteries in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within it's whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. After lunch we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, as well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa. Our overnight accommodation is at Hotel.

This morning we will visit the Potala Palace which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century. A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe- inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world. With a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Our overnight accommodation is at Hotel.

Early morning scenic drive to Kodari (Nepal /Tibet Border) through the beautiful Nepalese countryside and after necessary border formalities at Nepalese immigration an hour adventures uphill drive by truck (normally) or 2 hour walk uphill (incase of landslide) to Chinese immigration. Check -into hotel or continue drive to Nyalam. Overnight at Hotel.

Day drive uphill to the highest plateau of the world with the typical view of Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world crossing over LALUNGLA (5,050M), from where, weather permitting breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. CHO OYU (8201M) & MT XISHAPAGMA (8012M) but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri one can enjoy the magnificence of MT. EVEREST (8,848M). Overnight at Hotel.

Continue scenic drive crossing over GYATCHULA (5,220M), the highest pass en route to LHASA via LHATSE from where to road to MT. KAILASH bifurcates to the west. Overnight at Hotel.

Morning sightseeing to the Panchen Lama's TASHILHMPU Monastery. Drive to Gyantse and visit to the KUMBUM Stupa & PHALKOR Monastery. Overnight at Hotel.

Full day picturesque drive crossing over KAROLA (5,010m), KAMBALA (4,794M), colorful YAMDROK LAKE and the Tibetan lifeline river BRAMA PUTRA (YARLUNG TSANGPO). Overnight at Hotel.

Two full days sightseeing tour in LHASA including JOKHANG TEMPLE, BARKHOR BAZAAR, POTALA PALACE, DREPUNG & SERA MONASTRIES. Overnight at Hotel.

Early morning drive to Gonggar airport for departure flight to KATHMANDU or to your onward destination.

After flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of flying. However, this remarkable flight last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan range. As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire time. Once you arrive at Gonggar airport, an easy two hour drive will take you to your final destination of the traditional Hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.

Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in some of these renowned sights. First of all we will explore the beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. Till day hundreds monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka.

The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.

To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has been around since before the 17th century. To add even more history and culture we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of the few sights to escape the Cultural Revolution without widespread damage.

Today is a day for you to relax, properly acclimatize, and further explore Lhasa. The choices range from enjoying a meal in one of the excellent restaurants to exploring more monasteries or browsing in the towns markets. Take it easy and have a great day!

In the morning we will depart from Lhasa and travel in Land cruisers along the Friendship highway. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La and Kharo La, provide wondrous views of the Himalayan range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pas Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way.

We will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be seen from the ancient Dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is surrounded by numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you are no art connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and architecture. We continue on with a short drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Not a minute is wasted as we have a full afternoon of exploring the local markets and monasteries. It is very intriguing to see how ancient Tibetan culture compares to the modern day culture we will experience. There are endless amounts of sights, both modern and ancient, to see around this city.

Once more we will drive along the Friendship Highway and immerse ourselves in the wondrous views of the Tibetan plateau. Along the way we will cross our highest pass of the journey, Gyamtso La, as well as numerous nomadic herders. The night will be spent in the comfortable Hotel.

We will leave Shegar in the morning and cross the Pang La pass. The view from the top is truly awe-inspiring as nearly the entire Himalayas are laid out before you. This may be your first real glimpse of Everest.

Our ninth day will be spent enjoying the barren yet awe-inspiring surroundings of the Everest Base Camp. It is a life changing experience to stare up into the world's largest mountain. We will slowly begin to acclimatize.

To be safe, another day must be spent properly acclimatizing in Rongbuk. You can relax during the day and explore the area even further.

Our first challenging trek will be made to Base Camp 1. Along the way we can explore the Rongbuk Glacier and surrounding areas. The views around this massive glacier are some of the best in the world. We will take a trail that rises to the east side of this ice cap and heads toward the peak of Mt. Everest. The hike is fairly short, but the high altitude may still be hard for many so relax today and enjoy exploring this amazing area.

Our trekking trail today will meander over gravel hills to the west of the glacier. Another scenic day awaits us as we spend the night at the interim camp. Ice pinnacles surround us in all directions. What an amazing experience!

Today is another day to rest and properly acclimatize. We are now at extremely high altitudes, and must take all necessary safety precautions! Small excursions can be taken today and wonderful pictures abound.

Today we ascend even farther into the intricate maze of ice as we meet up with the Changste glacier. It is such an incredible experience to be hiking on the world's highest mountain! Today our camp is even more beautiful than past sites. We are surrounded on all sides by varying glaciers and hanging ice. The Serac Highway protrudes a gravel point into the center of these amazing ice formations.

It is completely up to you today whether you want to spend the night at Base camp 3 or simply hike there during the day and return to Base Camp 2. The walk will be much more enjoyable tomorrow if we stay at the second base camp. However, if you wish we can spend the night at an even higher altitude and impressive location. Camp 3 lies in the center of flattened gravel mounds next to the glacier. Today we can observe many of the challenging pinnacles, ridges, and even the rock summit of Everest. Camp 3 is only 2400 meters from the top. What a sight it is to finally arrive at nearly the highest point in the world!

Today is a long day as we cruise downhill back towards the first base camp. Wonderful sights abound as we leave this amazing peak.

On our second to last day we will rejoin the Friendship Highway and experience another amazing drive through Tibet. Once again we will cross two high passes with magnificent Himalayan views. Towards the end of the day we will descend from the Tibetan plateau and arrive in Nyalam. It is a huge relief for many to arrive back in this lush town with showers and beds.

Today is a sad day for most as we end our journey. In the morning we will cross the Friendship Bridge and head back into Nepal. We must bid a fond farewell to our Tibetan guide and go through all the necessary border paperwork. Our Nepalese staff will meet you on the other side and take you your last five hours into Kathmandu.