Tibet - Tibet Explorer (18 days)

Exploring the 'Roof of the World': the north face of Everest, Tibet's largest lake, its ancient forts, monasteries and temples

Lhasa is the main goal for most visitors to Tibet, but this high, wild, magnificent land has much more to offer. Three full days in Lhasa allows plenty of time to explore the Potala Palace, temples, monasteries and market. We also visit the Yarlung Tsang Po Valley, cradle of Tibetan civilisation and home of Tibet's first monastery. Two off-the-beaten-track excursions take us to the great Nam Tso Lake at 4590m, where pilgrims from all over Tibet congregate in the summer, and to the Rongbuk Monastery (4900m) and Everest Base Camp (5100m), boasting beautiful views of the world's highest mountain. With superb views of the landscape all along the road from Lhasa to Kathmandu, this is a remarkable expedition in a harsh but beautiful land.

Day 1 Start Kathmandu.
Day 2 Morning sightseeing; afternoon free.
Day 3 Fly to Gonggar in Tibe; drive to Tsedang and visit the Yumbu Lakhang Temple and nearby villages.
Day 4 Cross Tsang Po by ferry and visit Samye Monastery; drive to Lhasa.
Day 5 - 6 Visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple; free time for individual exploration.
Day 7 Drive to Damxung and set up camp.
Day 8 To Nam Tso and explore lake shore frequented by pilgrims.
Day 9 Return to Lhasa.
Day 10 Visit Sera and Drepung Monasteries; free time to explore.
Day 11 Over the Kamba La to Yamdrok Tso, follow the lake shore then cross Karo La and descend to Gyantse.
Day 12 Visit Kumbum Stupa and Pelke Chode Monastery; short drive to Shigatse; visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the bazaar
Day 13 Visit Sakya Monastery, 13th century capital of Tibet.
Day 14 Scenic drive to Rongbuk Monastery, with superb views of Everest.
Day 15 Visit Everest Base Camp; on to Old Tingri.
Day 16 Drive across the Himalaya past the great bulk of Shishmapangma and over the Tong La; descend to Zhangmu.
Day 17 Leave Tibet and cross into Nepal; to Kathmandu.
Day 18 End Kathmandu

Operated by Exodus (ACL)

Departures: April to June, August & September