Depart UK and fly to Kathamndu

On arrival at Kathmandu airport a transfer will be provided to your hotel. Depending on flight times there may be time for some sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Hotel)

Today we will have to apply for your Tibetan visas. We will need your passports and passort photos but the admin will be done by us leaving you free to enjoy Kathmandu. Options for the day may include a trip out to the incredible city of Bhaktapur which contains some of the best traditional architecture in the whole of the Himlayan region, a visit to Bodhnath stupa or the hindu temple at Pashupatinath. You may just want to wander through the bustling streets of Thamel where you can stock up on out door gear ready for your trip, have lunch in any of the suberb restaurants or take a cycle rickshaw tour through the city. By the end of the day your visas will be ready for your onward journey to Tibet. Overnight in Kathmandu (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

This morning you leave Kathmandu for Tibet. A five hour drive will take you to Kodari on the Nepal/Tibet border. Having finished your immigration formalities you’ll continue into Tibet’s heart-land following the deep river valley of the Bhote Koshi which tumbles down the valley in a series of waterfalls. Overnight in Zhangmu. (Hotel)

Today you will cross the Neylam Pass (3800m) taking in a magnificent view of the Jugal Himal. Climbing higher we cross the Lalung La Pass (5050m) from which we can see a panorama of immense, snow-clad peaks including Xixapangma  (8013m, the highest in Tibet) Mount Makalu (8464m) Mount Lhotse (8516m) and of course Mount Everest (8848m.) Overnight in  Shekar. (Hotel)

Early in the morning you will drive to Xigatse, home of the famous Monastery which was the seat of Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Overnight in Xigatse. (Hotel)

After breakfast you can visit the Tashilumpo Monastery and the local Xigatse Bazaar before continuing to Gyantse (90km) Gyantse is a small bustling town steeped in history, it lies 264 kms southwest of Lhasa on the northern bank of Nyand Chu river. In the 15th century it served as the capital of a small kingdom. After lunch you can visit  Kumbum Chorten (stupa) which was built around 1400 and later became the main center for trade with British India, and the Palkhor Choide monastery. Overnight in Gyantse. (Hotel)

Today you will cover 261 km of mountain roads to reach Lhasa, you will cross the Karo La pass (5110m) which passes between two giants Nozing Khang Sa (7223m) and Ralung (6236m) En-route you will have views of the beautiful turquoise lake of Yamdrok Tso as the road follows its shores. Once you have passed the Kamba La Pass the Lhasa Valley will come into view and you will descend into Lhasa city (3650m) Overnight in Lhasa. (Hotel)

You will spend the full day sightseeing in Lhasa, the colourful capital of Tibet is filled with monasteries, temples and typical Tibetan architecture. You will first explore the most famous of Lhasa’s sites the Potala Palace, this incredible building was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. From here you will enter the heart of Lhasa – the Jokang Temple. In the afternoon you can drive out to see the wonderfully serene summer residence of the Dalai Lama – the Norbulingka and its vast gardens. Overnight in Lhasa. (Hotel)

Having explored central Lhasa you have a full day to explore the sites surrounding Lhasa such as Drepung, the biggest monastic university in Tibet and Nechung Monastery, once home to Tibet’s state oracle. Overnight in Lhasa. (Hotel)

Today you will leave Lhasa and transfer to the international airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day will be free in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Hotel)

Today your tour ends in Kathmandu, depending on flight times there may be time for additional sightseeing in Kathmandu before departing to the airport for onward flights. Fly from Kathmandu.