Lhasa - Kathmandu Over Land Tour -11 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your hotel. After you are greeted with welcome drinks at the hotel, we will have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and trip itinerary. You can then check in to your room, freshen up and rest. Or if you are not one of those “lay back” types, you can take a stroll around the vicinity of your hotel and get the feel of this hyperactive capital city of Nepal. On the streets, people seem to be on sheer rush, barely noticing one another, but if you utter “Namaste”, they will definitely reciprocate with a smile! Well, that’s Nepal’s Nepalese for you. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02: Visa Preparation and Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

This day is for visa preparation and if time permitted you will be visiting the most renowned historical/cultural landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites are enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this informative and interesting tour, we drive back through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
 

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650 m/1hour) 

You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasas high altitude. Note: There is no program arranged for today. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.

 Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650m)

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day's program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the days tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.
 

Day 05: Another Sightseeing Day  in Lhasa (3650m) 

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day's tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed to Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided by your guide. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.

Day 06: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) via Karo La Pass (5045m/5hours)

Following Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La at 4794 m with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa standing proud at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. If you glance at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, magnificently landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse. Overnight at hotel in Gyantse; breakfast included.

 

Day 07: Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m/3- 4 hours)

Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an altitude of 3900 meter, you find yourself at Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is a major attraction of Shigatse. Overnight at hotel in Shigatse; breakfast included.

 

Day 08: Drive from Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) via Gyamtso La Pass (5220m/4 - 5 hours)

Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La Pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. Overnight at hotel in Shegar; breakfast included.


 

Day 09: Drive from Shegar to Zhangmu (2250m) via Shung La Pass (5200m/7 hours)

You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5,124m and Shung La Pass at 5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, you find yourself amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 m. Overnight at hotel in Zhangmu; breakfast included.

 Day 10: Drive from Zhangmu to Kathmandu (1400m/9-10 hours)

Few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River brings you closer to Immigration Control in Kodari where you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet your Nepalese escort who will drive you to Kathmandu. After 5 hours of driving for 123 km, you finally arrive in Kathmandu. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
 

Day 11: Final Departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like  Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
 

  Important  Snippets  

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

For some reason (illness, high altitude sickness or any other personal reason), if the guests need to abandon the trip and return early, they are still liable to pay all the relevant trip expenses in full (like group visa charges, accommodation, transportation etc.), including the medical expenses incurred en route. There shall not be any refund or cost adjustment, because the Chinese Government does not have any refund policy for the trips that are booked.

Accommodation

During Lhasa-Kathmandu Over Land Tour we opt you accommodate in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star),  Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City.

While you are in Tibet, we arrange 3-4 star Standard Hotel to the local budget hotels as per your requirement.

Meals

We ensure that the food served during the trek is healthy. Generally, we opt for fresh local community food of Tibet such as Tsampa(staple food of Tibet), Buttered tea, Meat and other Tibetian food. This gives you a real sense of the culture and life patterns of the local people, simultaneously providing you the opportunity to boost the sales of the local products. Other than that a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.

Best Months

In general speaking, from April to December is the best months for Lhasa-Kathmandu Over Land Tour .

Our Guides

Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Tibet. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.

To Enter Tibet

There are two common routes for entering Tibet. They are as follows:

1. Kathmandu to Lhasa by flight

2. Kathmandu to Kodari by road.

Obtaining Visa

It is mandatory for all the foreigners to have a valid Chinese visa along with the three different permits viz. Tibet Tourism Bereau (TTB) Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit which is issued by the Police Security Bereau(PSB) , and the Military Permit. These permits give you hassle free access to the unopened areas of Tibet. We do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of obtaining these all by yourself. So, after the confirmation of your tour, you need to send us your passport details (Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Nationality, Passport Number and Occupation). We will commence the documentation for your visa and permits processing instantly. Upon your arrival to Nepal, you will be granted the visa as well as the permits.

For more queries, Visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at   marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

 Cost Includes

• Airport pick up and drop services in Kathmandu & Lhasa by private transportation.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• All ground transportation in Nepal with respect to the itinerary.
• A private 4WD SUV or a luxury bus (depending upon the group size) throughout the tour in Tibet.
• Hotel accommodation in Nepal and Tibet on "BB" basis as depicted in the itinerary.
• Tibet visa fee $ 150.00 for US Citizens and $130.00 for other nationals.
• Kathmandu-Lhasa airfare (one way -$ 420.00)*subject to change.
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Nepal & Tibet as prescribed in the itinerary.
• All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees & local permit fees necessary for tour.
• Company’s t-shirt, cap and a day pack (provided as complimentary gears).
• Remuneration to the English speaking city guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Tibet.
• Remuneration to the accompanying guide throughout the trip.
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the guide).
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• All government and local taxes.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare (Kathmandu to home country) and departure taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Personal insurance and other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Lunch and dinner expenses.
• Personal clothing and equipments.
• Tips for tour guides, driver, waiters and hotel lobby staff (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section above.

Departure Date

Unfortunately, we do not have fixed departure dates for this package. Please let us know your preferred travel schedule. We shall endeavor our best to make sure that the trip is organized in tandem with your suitable time frame.