High Road to Tibet
G Adventures Classic
From the sacred peaks of Tibet to lush green Nepalese valleys, explore overland the best of the Himalayas on this two-week tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Our expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will take the hassle out of planning and help you find the secluded spots only the locals know — and leave you with time to explore. In the thin mountain air of Rongbuk, the highest monastery in the world, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of Mt Everest. So make sure your camera is charged — you’re going to need it.
Highlights
- Experience the Tibetan cultural capital of Lhasa
- Witness monks in debate and prayer
- Explore rural villages and lunar-like landscapes
- Reach 5000m and a mere 7km below Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy stunning views while travelling overland from Tibet to Nepal
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $4,499* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
14 Days – Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 – Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 14, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project, Kathmandu
- Your G for Good Moment: Panauti Homestay, Panauti
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse, Rongpu Si.
- Kathmandu orientation walk.
- Lhasa orientation walk.
- Potala Palace entrance.
- Sera Monastery visit.
- Jokhang Temple entrance.
- Pelkor Chode, Gyantse Kunbum, and Tashilhunpo Monastery visits.
- Border crossing support.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Kathmandu
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Fuji Hotel (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 2
Kathmandu
Lunch
Take an orientation walk in Durbar Square before visiting the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking and at-risk women to become certified paralegals. Meet some beneficiaries of the program and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) with some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city.
Day 3
Kathmandu – Panauti
Dinner
Depart for a community homestay in Panauti. Choose to disembark in Sanga and hike the remaining way to the village or continue via private vehicle. Explore the village then help cook an authentic Nepalese dinner.
Accommodation: Panauti Home Stay (or similar)
Day 4
Panauti – Lhasa
Take an afternoon flight to Lhasa. With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on ‘the roof of the world’ over three days. Don’t miss one of the evening debating sessions with the monks and the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture here.
Accommodation: Yak Hotel Lhasa (or similar, 4 nights)
Day 5
Lhasa
Enjoy an orientation walk around Barkhor Square led by your CEO before taking a guided tour of the Jokhang Temple, the “spiritual heart” of the city where a stream of pilgrims visit daily. In the afternoon explore Sera Monastery and witness the monks debating.
Day 6
Lhasa
Explore the grounds of the magnificent Potala Palace. Set upon Marpo Ri (Red Hill), the impressive 17th century structure was where the Dalai Lamas would meditate and take residence during the winter months. This afternoon, visit the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace, Norbulingka. Stroll the palace grounds and depending on the time of year, enjoy the outdoor festivities held in the park.
Day 7
Lhasa
Enjoy a free day in Lhasa. Opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing with a warm cup of chai.
Day 8
Lhasa – Gyantse
Set off early this morning for Gyantse, enjoying a visit to the ancient Buddhist site of Gyantse Kumbum on arrival. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso.
Accommodation: Yeti Hotel Gyantse (or similar)
Day 9
Gyantse – Shigatse
Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. Later, travel to Shigatse and enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Manasarovar (or similar)
Day 10
Shigatse – Tingri
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Tibet and home to thousands of ancient Buddhist scriptures and many paintings. Gain a fascinating insight into Tibetan history and enjoy the views from this hillside structure.
Accommodation: Snowland Hotel, Shegar (or similar)
Day 11
Tingri – Rongpu Si
Take an exhilarating drive to reach Rongbuk – 5000m (16404ft) and a mere 7km (4.4mi) below Everest Base Camp. The view from here is utterly spectacular.
Accommodation: Rongbuk Guest House Monastery (or similar)
Day 12
Rongpu Si – Kyirong
Travel to Kyirong. This border town is known for it’s warmer climate and green landscape. Soak in the views on the long but incredibly scenic drive from Rongbuk.
Accommodation: Riwu Guest House (or similar)
Day 13
Kyirong – Kathmandu
Today, cross the border back into Nepal. The overland journey from Tibet to Nepal is considered one of the most stunning drives in Asia. Once across the border, travel to Kathmandu to enjoy a final evening in the city.
Accommodation: Fuji Hotel (or similar)
Day 14
Kathmandu
Depart any time.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “High Road to Tibet” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.