Our first full day in Nepal will be spent seeing sights throughout the wondrous city of Kathmandu. Attractions range from bustling markets to Kathmandu’s ancient Durbar Square. This square is home to many beautiful Temples. In the afternoon we will visit the amazing temples in Patan’s Durbar Square. Lastly, we will also experience Buddhist culture at the large Buddhist stupa at Swayambhu Nath. Swayambhu Nath is often referred to as the monkey temple because of the large numbers of monkeys that now reside there.

After flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of flying. However, this remarkable flight last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan range. As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire time. Once you arrive at Gonggar airport, an easy two-hour drive will take you to your final destination of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.

Haven’t you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their whitewashed walls and golden roofs. To this day several hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka. The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.

To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has been around since before the 17th century. It is a vast building with much to explore. Those who wish to do so can ride their bikes around the city for the first time.

Our sixth day will be another easy one as we cruise around Lhasa on our bikes. Both the Sera and Drepung Monastery will be visited for another taste of Tibetan culture. . To add even more history and culture we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of the few sights to escape the Cultural revolution without widespread damage.

Our life changing journey officially begins today as we pack up the trucks and prepare for departure. It is essential that we take only what we need with us. Our first stage to Chutsu is fairly level and easy. We will ease you into the journey, so it is even more enjoyable for you.

Our first major pass is encountered today as we cross Khamba La. We will take the pass slow and even hop in the trucks if necessary as we are all not acclimatized yet. The views form the pass stretch out for miles and miles. We are able to see numerous rivers and the turquoise waters of Namdrok Lake. The night will be spent at a campsite below the lake after descending the pass.

Our first stop after leaving the campsite takes us to the small town of Nagartse. We will visit the highly revered Samding Monastery. Many Tibetans believe that this monastery is the home of the earthly incarnation of the goddess Dorje Pagmo. After Nagartse we climb our second major pass, Karo La. It is an awe-inspiring site the see the massive glaciers rising nearly straight up from the road. Our night will be spent below the pass in the small village of Ralung.

This is another fairly easy day as we cruise downhill to Gyantse. While in Gyantse we will visit man historic sites. The sites range from ancient military forts to beautiful monasteries. The Kumbum monastery, a large gold roofed stupa, has much to explore in its intricate buildings. Even if you are not an art connoisseur you will appreciate the wondrous murals to be found in this monastery. We will spend the night in the Gyantse hotel. Relax and enjoy the hot showers!

Our destination, shigatse is 94 kilometers away. If we want to reach it by nightfall, we must rget in our back up vehicles. Don’t worry though; all of the beautiful sections of this stretch will be viewed on bicycle. After finally reaching Shigatse we will spend the night in one of two first rate hotels.

Today will be spent exploring Tibet’s second largest city! There is much to see in this town, but the highlight for most is our visit to the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery. High walls surround this intricate maze of shrines, prayer wheels, rock inscriptions, and Tibetan pilgrims. Excellent views are seen once again from the top of the Shigatse fortes. Once again we will spend the night at one of two first rate hotels in Shigatse.

Today we head towards our third major pass, Tso La. We must ride for nearly 115 kilometers before we reach our final campsite before the pass.

From this challenging pass we are rewarded with our first views of Everest in the distance. The night will be spent in the small town of Lhatse.

On our fifteenth day we cross yet another pass, Gyamtso La. Our night will be spent in Shegar, only a few kilometers away from the main road and our pat to Rongbuk valley.

FINAL DEPARTURE