• Duration

      12 days

    • Group

      16 Pax

    • Difficulty

    • Accommodation

      Hotel / Lodge

    • Season

      All Season

Drive in and fly out tour through a circular route from Kathmandu to Lhasa in the heart of Tibet, offers you some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth creating a real Adventure trip for travellers on a limit of time and money.

The Friendship Highway is an important artery of commerce as it’s also Tibet’s most popular tourist route. Enjoy fabulous mountain scenery, visit mystical Buddhist Monasteries of Tashilungpo at Shigatse, the Kumbum Stupa at Gyantse.

Drive past the beautiful Turquoise Lake. This path gives you a glimpse of both the Tibetan and Nepali culture. We'll pass small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Equally as fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest we will have plenty of opportunity to explore this side of Tibet, both in Lhasa and the other towns we pass through on our journey.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

    Upon arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.

  • Day 2
    Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.

  • Day 3
    Drive Kathmandu to Nepal/China Friendship Bridge, and onto Nyalam (3,750m)

    Depart at 5am from the hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Nepal-Tibet border along the famous Araniko Highway. We stop for a quick breakfast at Dhulikhel and lunch at Kodari. After immigration and custom formalities on both sides (Kodari and Zhangmu) we drive to the small town of Nyalam (3,750m). The total distance from Kathmandu to Nyalam is 125 kms. Overnight at a guesthouse.

  • Day 4
    Drive to Lhatse (4,350m)

    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 Laungla (5,050m), from where, weather permitting, breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Xishapagma (8,012m) but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri one can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8,848m). Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 5
    Drive to Xigatse (3,900m)

    Continue the scenic drive crossing over Gyatchula (5,220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa from where the road to Mt. Kailash bifurcates to the west. Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 6
    Drive to Gyantse (3,900m)

    Morning sightseeing to the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhmpu Monastery. Drive to Gyantse and visit the Kumbum Stupa & Phalkor Monastery. Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 7
    Drive to Lhasa (3,650m)

    Full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola (5,010m), Kambala (4,794m), colourful Yamdrok Lake and the Tibetan lifeline river Bramhaputra. Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 8
    Guided Tour in Lhasa

    Sightseeing around Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 9
    Guided Tour in Lhasa

    Sightseeing tour around the Potala Palace and the Drepung Monastery. Overnight at a hotel.

  • Day 10
    Flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu

    Early morning drive to Gongar airport for departure flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 11
    Leisure day in Kathmandu

    This is a leisure and free day in Kathmandu for exploration. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant’s cozy and elegant dining ambience.

  • Day 12
    Departure from Nepal

    The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.

What's included

Price Details

Please enquire with us for prices

Price Includes

  • - All ground transportation by private vehicle for airport and hotel pick up/drop off, sightseeing and transfers
  • - All domestic flights (if any)
  • - Accommodation in teahouses and hotels
  • - All meals during trek
  • - Entry permit to parks, monuments and cultural landmarks
  • - Trekking guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) their daily wages, food, accommodation and other expenses
  • - Comprehensive medical kit
  • - In case of emergency, we can send helicopters for evacuation, manage all paperwork, and deal with related insurance companies (provided the client has valid insurance)
Not included

Price Excludes

  • - International airfare and airport departure tax
  • - Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation by ground and air
  • - Nepal entry visa, obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • - Rescue and evacuation
  • - Extra road transport/flight cost in case member returns earlier
  • - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and if applicable, in Pokhara
  • - Items of personal nature like laundry, communication and bar bill
  • - Tips for trip staff and driver. (Tipping is appreciated)
  • - Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

  • Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
  • Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

  • A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
  • We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
  • All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
  • We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

  • Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
  • Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
  • Warm socks for colder areas.
  • Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

  • Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
  • Thermal leggings for colder areas.
  • Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
  • Waterproof trousers

Body

  • Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
  • Thermal shirt for colder areas.
  • Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
  • Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
  • Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
  • Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

  • Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
  • Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
  • Sunglasses or goggles.
  • Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
  • Warm gloves.

Other Items

  • Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
  • Day sack to be carried personally.
  • Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
  • One liter water bottle.
  • Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
  • Sleeping bag 4 season.
  • Torch, ideally head torch.
  • Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
  • Toilet items and towel.
  • Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

  • Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
  • Fleece trousers or salopettes.
  • Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
  • Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
  • Climbing harness
  • 2 X tape slings
  • 2 X screw gate karabiners.
  • Descended abseil device Ascender