Nepal Package 3

On the 2nd & 3rd day of your Lhasa trip, you will be engrossed with sightseeing tours to the magnificent Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor market, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and an interesting nunnery. Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden (1397-1449), one of Tsongkhapa's main disciples, and it was named after the sacred abode in South India of Shridhanyakataka.
Drepung was the principal seat of the Gelugpa School until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala and it retained the premier place amongst the four great Gelugpa monasteries. Drepung was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet, a reference to the great Buddhist monastic university of India. We next stroll down Barkhor Street, which has a history of over 1,000 years, & surrounds the Jokhang Temple. It was originally an important route for Tibetan Buddhists to walk clockwise around to show their devotion. This religious deed is called ‘Barkhor’ in Tibetan Language. As one of the most bustling sections in Lhasa nowadays, Barkhor Street features the sale of various kinds of
handicrafts and living necessities from local areas, & also includes wares from neighboring India and Nepal. Overnight in hotel

As we get going along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4794 meter, with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso turquoise Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. If you look carefully down the road, you can see huge glaciers that seem to be tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped colourful Tibetan villages come into view as you enter the booming town of Gyantse. Overnight at your hotel

Gyantse is proud of the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse, (3900m) the second largest Tibetan city. Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the major attraction of Xigatse. Overnight at your hotel

After driving for 495km at 4050 0m. You can then view spectacular sights of Mount Everest. It’s a scenic drive through the highest point at Gyatchu La pass (5,220m) en-route and we continue to drive towards Saga. Overnight in Guest house.

After an early morning breakfast, we get set on our way to Manasarovar we come across Jeeps and trucks rolling down the wide valley following rivers and grazing herds of yaks and sheep. Far south your eyes wander to the snow covered peaks that seem so close and we drive through the Paryang and crossing the Mayumla Pass, with lots of rocky peaks and sand dunes that give you an ideal idea of Tibet’s arid landscapes. Depending on the season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers attired in their beautiful traditional costumes can be found awaiting your arrival with hot tea and other supplies along with a big smile from ear to ear…they welcome you warmly.
This route digs deep into the very essence that is Mansarovar Lake amid superb landscapes. As you near this incredible sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash. This journey stirs your spiritual emotions. Overnight in guest house.

The highest fresh water lake of a turquoise color is full of fishes and swans. Holy Kailash Parbat, Mt. Gurula-Mandata, & Lake Rishikesh can be found in its surroundings. The region is considered rich for gold and other mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild living fauna. We explore the Lake Mansarovar in the day & then drive down to Darchen which is a one hour drive. We then spend our night at Chu Gumba.

Early in the morning after breakfast, our trek begins; you meet your team of yaks and Tibetan yak drivers who will escort you around for the kora. Further ahead from Darchen, you have to trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks Turquoise River cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En route, the north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will approach the 13th century monastery of Dira-Puk. Visiting this monastery is said to be a kind of blessing experience gifted in your Mount Kailash tour and trek. Finally, you will conclude the trek of the day by camping at Dira-Puk / resting in a guest house.

Lha Chu Valley is a passing vista as you turn towards Drolma Chu Valley. Looking forward to the amazing Mount Kailash tour and trek, you ascend to Drolma La (5630m), the highest point of the trip. But soon after sighting breathtaking views of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion at the summit, you realize that this imposing and challenging ascent has indeed been very worthwhile and profitable. Several prayer flags can be seen at the summit. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk which houses a monastery and several fascinating caves. The caves at this locale are most popular for meditation; Milarepa’s cave being one of them with Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints believed to be imprinted all over this cave of mani stones. As we continue our Parikrama, we camp at Zutul-Puk for the night & this is pretty exciting, adventurous and pleasurable.

Our pilgrimage trek concludes at Darchen and we drive to Saga overnight guest house. We feel spiritually satisfied after going to the religious rites during our parikrama & there is a deep sense of gratification as we wearily go to bed after a hard day

Early morning drive to Gongaar airport for departure flight to Kathamdu or to your onward destination