Kathmandu EBC Lhasa Tour [Drive-In and Fly-Out]

From Kathmandu 8 hour drive to Kerung which is the first port of Tibet after complete the customs procedures. The drive starts early morning from Kathmandu then make the first stop at Trishuli Bazaar for lunch then the second break at the Rasuwagadi immigration. The Chinese vehicles change once cross the Bhote Koshi River then driving up to Kerung village for overnight.

From Kerung, the drive begins uphill on the zig-zag unpaved road then leaving the vegetation behind, the mountain appears close by. Once crossing the pass entering on the Tibetan plateau which provides a close view of Paikhu tso, mount Shishapangma, and sacred Gaurishanker. After lake drive on a good road with a detour on viewpoint to Tingri village, can sights magnificent view of the Mount Everest and Makalu.

Old Thingri is the cultural town where can see nomad life, Rongbuk temple is 70 km far and ascends up 600 m which takes a 2-hour drive. Rongbuk temple offers the best view of Mount Everest especially stunning sunset with together Mount Cho Oyu. After lunch side tour to north Everest base camp which is only 8 km/5 miles away.

In the morning can visit high altitude Rongbu monastery which also highest Buddhist monastery in the earth. The journey begins towards Shigatse with passing different nomad villages of center Tibet like Old Thingri, Lhatse then arrived at Shigatse villages which also second largest populated Tibetan town after Lhasa. The 7 hours' high loftiness drive often pass the farming terrain where can see vegetable farming in the greenhouse. The accommodation arranges at the midst of the Xigatse on the comfortable hotel if the time permits visiting the Tashi Lhunpo monastery.

So before leaving from the Xigatse, visiting residents of the Panchen Lama called Tashi Lhompo monastery which was founded in 1447. The monastery has a different compartment one of the room has the largest Maitreya Buddha statue which also the main attraction. The huge Buddhism monastery has a different section which separated for mediation and the quarter. Even can see the cemetery of series of Panchen Lama in the room. We will easy to spend 1-2 hours with exploring the Buddhist architecture. After spent nearly 2 hours' drive onward on the highway make a stop at Gyantse city then visit Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum. After lunch at Gyantse drive continuing on the direction of Lhasa then detour of 72 km long Yamdrok Lake and Karola glacier. From here drive resume over the Gampala pass then underground drive to Lhasa city, the wonder of the Tibet.

Sera monastery means wild rose in English was built in 1419 AD during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. The monk mostly wears a yellow hat and red gown on the occasion and praying duration which also culture in Gelupa division in Tibetan Buddhism. The huge monastery is set on 7 km west of the Potala palace right bottom of the hilltop. The fascination of the temple also monks debating which take a place from 15:00 pm for a more or less onward from Monday to Friday each week except the Tibetan public holiday. The debating with a clapping hand is part of the education culture in Gelupa sect Buddhism.
The Gelupa sect Drepung monastery is positioned 10 km east of Potala palace on bottom of the mountain in the Lhasa which was founded in 1416 by great Tibetan Buddhism teacher. Drepung monastery also counted in best three monasteries in the Tibet with together Sera & Gaden monastery in Tibet. The more than 1000 thousand monks are practicing Buddhism in Drepung monastery.

Lhasa, architecture city is also the highest altitude country capital in the world, it is Tibetan hub for economic, politically, culturally and commercial. So the first day of Lhasa tour, we are visiting prominent of the Lhasa city hence Potala palace which used to be the winter residence of Dalai Lama from 5th until exile the 14th Dalai Lama. The huge and tall Potala palace has several interesting possessions of Dalai Lama which also attraction. The gold painted gilded burial and private meditation cave of former Dalai Lama as well get a magnificent view of Tibetan plateau and surrounding mountains.
Next Jokhang temple which is walking able distance, the ancient Buddhist temple was founded in the 7th century by great 33rd Tibetan king. From Potala palace walk along the colorful Barkhor Street where can sights shopping. Even can sights how the devotees prostrating courtyard of Jokhang temple with knees down in the traditional method. The large statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha seen inside the Jokhang temple as well even can see daily monk's evening ritual in the Jokhang monastery.

Your Kathmandu lhasa Everest base camp tour program comes to end this morning, does not have any program in our schedule except shopping in the morning before your flight schedule. You will be transferred to the train station or Gonggar airport for towards journey.