Kathmandu • Zedong • Lhasa • Shigates • Tingri • Zhangmu

This program is designed for comparative ease of travel to Tibet. You will fly into the highest plateau in the world, get used to the high altitude and travel overland to Nepal.

DAY 1 - Departure
Your Exotic Journey to Nepal and Tibet begins as you depart from Los Angeles or Chicago or New York or Newark aboard your Air India flight in the evening for Delhi. Departures from other cities and by other airline are available.

DAY 2 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meeting and transfer to hotel.

DAY 3 - Kathmandu
Morning at leisure to rest. Fly to Kathmandu late in the afternoon. Meeting and transfer to hotel.

DAY 4 - Kathmandu
Morning sightseeing tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, Temple of Living Goddess, Royal Palace, Bodhnath and Swayambhunath.

DAY 5 - Zedong
This morning you will fly to Gonggar Airport. On arrival, take a drive further south into the heartland of Tibet. Zedong at an altitude of 11,512 feet is at the foot of the holy Mountain Gongbori.

DAY 6 - Zedong
Zedong was the capital of ancient kingdom of Yarlong, the cradle of Tibetan civilization and numerous "firsts" are associated with Yarlong Valley. Tibetans believe that their people, their culture and civilization originated here. Mythology places the arrival of Tibet's first king from the sky near Zedong. The first known monastery was founded across the river. This was the capital of Tibet until the 7th century when King Songtsen Gampo moved to Lhasa.

DAY 7 - Zedong
Visit the castle of Yumbu Lhakhang and Tibet's first monastery, Samaye Monastery.

DAY 8 - Lhasa
In Tibetan language, Lhasa means " The land of Gods ". It is located on the north bank of Lhasa river at 12,400 feet above sea level. It enjoys delightful weather through out the year. It gets about 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The temperature varies greatly between night and day. Jokhang was built in 647 AD and remains the spiritual and the holiest center for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Norbulingkha was the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas since 7th century. On display here are many personal possessions of 14th Dalai Lama. Bakor, the oldest street in Lhasa that encircles the Jokhang Temple. It reflects the typical Tibetan life-magical, full of mystery and wonder.

DAY 9 - Lhasa
Potala Palace was built in 640 AD. The 13-story palace has over 1,000 rooms, made entirely of stone and wood with walls averaging 10 feet thick. Architecturally it is considered one of the wonders of the world. It is full of elaborate artwork and frescoes that portray religion, custom and traditions of Tibet. The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums. The 5th Dalai Lama’s mausoleum is five- story high and the enormous Chorten is gold covered and inlaid with diamonds, pearls, turquoise, agate and coral. The White Palace was the living quarters of successive Dalai Lamas. During our stay in Lhasa we will visit the Potala Palace, Sera and Drepung Monasteries.

DAY 10 - Lhasa
City tour and Potala palace.

DAY 11 - Shigatse
We drive through the rugged mountains and enchanted valleys to Shigatse, the second city and the official home of Panchan Lamas.

DAY 12 - Shigatse
We will visit the Panchan Lama Palace, Tashilhumpo, Shalu and Barthang Monasteries and Maitreya Temple.

DAY 13 - Tingri
Today we will take our longest drive to Tingri passing through Tsuo La, Jia Tsuo La and Lalung Leh passes which are at an altitude of over 17,000 feet. En-route visit Sakya Monastery.

DAY 14 - Zhangmu
Today we drive down to Zhangmu, also known as Khasa. The sight of lush greenery of pine trees and waterfalls seems unbelievable after the rugged high mountains. Overnight at Zhangmu Hotel.

DAY 15 - Kathmandu
From our hotel we drive to Friendship Bridge, crossing over to Nepal.

DAY 16 - Delhi
Your unusual and exciting journey to the most intriguing destination in the world Tibet, comes to and end today. Your day is free until evening when you board a flight for Delhi.

DAY 17 - Homebound
Depart Delhi and arrive New York, Newark and Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the afternoon.

International airfares: (Economy)
Basic Season:
From $ 920.00
Jan 15 - Jun 15
Jul 05 - Dec 13
Dec 24 - Mar 31

Peak Season: (Economy)
From $ 1440.00
Jun 16 - Jul 04
Dec 14 - 23

International airfares: (Business)
Basic Season:
From $ 4140.00

Peak Season: (Business)
From $ 4600.00

International airfares: (First)
From: $ 7875.00
All Year.

Non-stop flights may have slightly higher fare. Please call.

Airport Security fee, fuel surcharges and taxes not included.

Land Prices are guaranteed at the time of booking. Airfares are guaranteed only when ticketed. International airfares are from Chicago, New York and Newark. Airfares from other cities are available upon request.

Competitive airfares are available on other airlines upon request.