Self Drive Tour along G318 Highway from Shanghai to Nepal

Home > Recorrido en Autoconducción por el Tíbet con Vehículo Propio

34 Days Private Tour Shanghai – Suzhou – Hangzhou – Xidi – Hongcun – Huangshan – Wuyuan – Jingdezhen – Wuhan – Yichang – Jianshi – Enshi – Zhangjiajie – Wulong – Chongqing – Dazu – Anyue – Chengdu – Yaan – Kangding – Tagong – Xinduqiao – Yajiang – Litang – Batang – Markam – Zuogong – Ranwu – Lulang - Linzhi – Basum Tso – Gandan – Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Rongbuk / Everest – Paiku Tso / Xixiabangma – Kyirong – (Nepal)

"30 degrees north latitude" has always been the most unique and mysterious existence on this planet and runs through the four ancient civilizations. Many mysterious natural and civilized mysteries occur here.

G318 National Highway is along the 30 ° north latitude. It spans the east, middle, and west of China, starting at Shanghai and ending at Nyalam County, Shigatse. With 5,476 kilometers long and passing through eight provinces of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Tibet, G318 National Highway is the longest national highway in China. G318 National Highway is a unique cultural and natural landscape corridor, including plains, hills, basins, mountains, and plateau landscapes, including Jiangsu and Zhejiang water village culture, Tianfu basin culture, and Tibetan religious culture. It has high mountains and canyon's breathtaking, beautiful, majestic landscape from Chengdu Plain to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and from the Yangtze River estuary at sea level to Mount Everest (8844.43 meters) on the top of the earth, and from the third step to the first step of China's terrain, and from the basin to the plains and plateaus, and from the hills to low mountains, middle mountains, high mountains, extremely high mountains, and from freshwater lakes to saltwater lakes, and from rainforest to thicket, grassland, desert, and from the charmingly naive pandas to yaks on plateau. The whole line is soft and magnificent. It is also a humanistic pilgrimage tour and historical tunnel from the jade of Liangzhu culture to the bronze of Sanxingdui, and from the ancient house in the Water Village of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the Tibetan Village, and from the Tibetan-Yi corridor to the ancient Tangbo Road...

We start from Shanghai along the G318 National Highway and drive through China into Nepal (all the way to the west): the starting point of the Yangtze River estuary - Qiantang River - West Lake - Taihu Lake - Huangshan - Lushan - Poyang Lake - Dongting Lake - Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River - Enshi, the back garden of China - the bizarre peaks in Zhangjiajie - Tiankeng (“sky hole”, a kind of karst topography) and Difeng (earth rift, a 4 km long and narrow gorge) in Wulong - Sanxingdui Site - Gongga Mountain - Hengduan Mountains - immense Forest in Lulang - Potala Palace - Lake Yamdrok - Mount Everest - Kyirong – Kathmandu, Nepal. There are numerous mountains, holy lakes, rivers and glaciers along the way. We’ll also visit many other World Heritage Sites, such as Hongcun Village, Dazu Rock Carvings, etc.. The Anyue Stone Carvings which are visited by few tourists surely will be impressive. Called as Zizhu (Purple Bamboo) Avalokitesvara in the folk, the Tankasri Avalokitesvara in the Pilu Cave is known as "Oriental Venus".

The mysterious Chinese G318 National Highway at 30 degrees north latitude is just a world-class landscape way, and is the ideal road for all self-driving enthusiasts.

Highlights

Self Drive Tour along G318 Highway from Shanghai to Nepal

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Entry at Shanghai

Welcome to China

The vehicle will be transported to Shanghai, China by ocean transportation. Today you will meet your guide and collect the vehicle from customs and handle relevant formalities for self-driving in China.

Overnight in Shanghai

Skyline of Shanghai

DAY
2

Shanghai

Formalities for self drive in China

Further complete relevant formalities for self driving in China.

Overnight in Shanghai

Skyline of Shanghai

DAY
3

Shanghai

Yu Garden, the old area of the city, the Bund, the Nanjing Road

Today visit the Yu Garden, the old area of the city, the Bund, and the Nanjing Road. From Yu Garden, you can explore the enchanting old city area. You dive into the world of the Far Eastern culture with all your senses: the distinctive flair of the old street with its tiny alleys, food stalls and small shops. Originally built in 1559, it served as the private garden of high-ranking official by then. The word “Yu” contains a meaning of “safe and peaceful”. Afterwards, take a walk on the Bund (Waitan), the waterfront of Shanghai. The view of the skyline as well as the old gorgeous buildings in European style is impressive. About the Nanjing Road, it is the main shopping street of Shanghai, China, and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Today's Nanjing Road comprises two sections, Nanjing Road East and Nanjing Road West. In some contexts, "Nanjing Road" refers only to what was pre-1945 Nanjing Road, today's Nanjing Road East, which is largely pedestrianised. Prior to 1949, the road's English name was rendered "Nanking Road" using the standard romanization of the time. The entirety of Nanjing Road has been a center of commerce in Shanghai for more than a century.

Overnight in Shanghai

Yu Garden

DAY
4

Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou

The Humble Administrator’s Garden, West Lake

After breakfast, go to Suzhou to visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden and West Lake. Start built in the early period of Zheng De of Ming Dynasty (at the beginning of 16th century), the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the representative of classical gardens in southern China and attracts tourists for many charm relics and allusions. Besides, it is praised as China's Four Famous Gardens with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Emperor Kangxi’s Summer Mountain Resort in Chengde and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou. West Lake, the world heritage, is not only a natural lake, but also a humane lake. It is a harmony product between human and nature. Enjoy the beautiful ten Views of the West Lake and listen its historical and cultural legends.

257 km
4 hours 11 minutes
Overnight in Hangzhou

West Lake

DAY
5

Hangzhou - Xidi Village - Hongcun Village - Huangshan

Xidi Village, Hongcun Village

Star from Hangzhou to Anhui Province to visit historic villages of Xidi and Hongcun. Start built in the 7th year of Qingli Periods in the Northern Song Dynasty (in 1047 AD), Xidi Historical Village is praised as the interface between ancient and modern Chinese history, the museum of ancient buildings in Ming and Qing Dynasties, the house in the Peach Garden, the art treasure house of ancient buildings. Hongcun, the world heritage, is reputed as “a village in painting” and boasts about 140 well preserved ancient buildings in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Hui architectural style of historical villages has represented the highest level of architecture and living environment since the Tang and Song dynasties. In the afternoon, arrive in Huangshan.

331 km
4 hours 35 minutes
Overnight at the foot of Huangshan Mountain

Xidi Village

DAY
6

Huangshan

Huangshan Scenic Spot

Huangshan is the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the World Geopark. There are numerous peaks, 72 peaks are known as “36 great peaks and 36 small peaks”. You can climb the mountain to enjoy the mountain landscape, one of top ten scenic spots in China.

Overnight in Huangshan City

Huangshan

DAY
7

Huangshan City - Wuyuan - Jingdezhen - Lushan

Wuyuan Folk Residences, Lushan

After breakfast, go to Lushan and visit Wuyuan Folk Residences on the way. Represented by Hui Culture, Wuyuan is reputed as “the land of book” and “the land of tea”. As the famous cultural and ecological travel county, it is praised as “the most beautiful village in China” by people in the outside world.

338 km
5 hours
Overnight in Lushan

Wuyuan Folk Residences

DAY
8

Lushan

Lushan Scenic Spot

Visit Lushan Scenic Spot for a whole day. Lushan Mountain is known for its grand, strange, steep and beautiful and is reputed as “the landscape of Lushan Mountian ranking first in the world”. With beautiful landscape, profound culture connotation, gathering educational mountain, cultural mountain, religious mountain, political mountain, Lushan Mountain is the World Cultural Heritage and World Geopark.

Overnight in Lushan

Lushan

DAY
9

Lushan - Wuhan

Yellow Crane Tower

After breakfast, drive to Wuhan and then visit Yellow Crane Tower. Near Yangtze River, Yellow Crane Tower has reputed as “the first tower in the world” and “the superb scenery in the world”. The literati writers of all dynasties have left many eternal works here, making Yellow Crane Tower famous since ancient times.

290 km
4 hours 40 minutes
Overnight in Wuhan

Yellow Crane Tower

DAY
10

Wuhan - Yichang

Three Gorges Dam

Start from Wuhan to Yichang and then visit Three Gorges Dam. Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydropower project in the world and is the main work of Three Gorges hydroelectric power station. Many engineering design indexes of it break through the record of water conservancy project in the world.

378 km
4 hours 51 minutes
Overnight in Yichang

Yangtse River

DAY
11

Yichang - Jianshi - Enshi

Enshi Dixin Valley Scenic Spot, Tusi Castle

After breakfast, departure from Yichang to Enshi, Hubei Province. Covering about 70% forests, Enshi is known as “immense forest in western Hubei Province”, “drug storehouse in Central China”, “cigarettes and tobacco kingdom” and “selenium capital in the wold”. Visit Enshi Dixin Valley Scenic Spot and Tusi Castle. Enshi Dixin Valley Scenic Spot is the most beautiful and rare alpine karst valley landscape in the world, and boasts “homo erectus site culture” with long history, strong “Tujia Culture”, “deep culture of salt business road in Chongqing” and brilliant and peculiar “geological culture”. It completely preserves the pure original ecological characteristics of Tujia Nationality.

240 km
3 hours 59 minutes
Overnight in Enshi

Dixin Valley

DAY
12

Enshi

Enshi Grand Valley

Visit Enshi Grand Valley. Located at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing and Hubei provinces, it is the most beautiful section of Yangtze River and praised to compare with the Grand Canyon Colorado in America. The Enshi Grand Valley is 108 Kilometers long and with a total area of 300 square kilometers area. The two core scenic spots, Seven Stars Village and Yunlong Ground Crack, are with a total area of 35.2 square kilometers. Many geological landscapes will represent one by one, such as tiankeng (“sky hole”, a kind of landform), difeng (earth rift), precipice, peak cluster, karst cave, underground river.

100 km
2 hours 20 minutes
Overnight in Enshi

Enshi Grand Valley

DAY
13

Enshi - Zhangjiajie

Tianmenshan Scenic Spot

Drive from Enshi to Zhangjiajie to visit Tianmenshan Scenic Spot. There are pedionite precipice landscape on the mountain and karst peak forest valley landscape under the mountain. The whole mountain are scattered with karst grave, clint, low-lying land, funnel, karst cave. “Tianmen (Heaven Gate)” is the natural karst cave through mountain with the highest elevation, like a gate inlaid on the sky, so it is called Tianmen Mountain.

237 km
3 hours 40 minutes
Overnight in Zhangjiajie

Tianmenshan

DAY
14

Zhangjiajie

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, the Wold Natural Heritage, is praised as the natural maze, geological museum, forest kingdom, the paradise for plants, the paradise for wild animals. Visit many scenic spots whole day such as Tianzi Mountain and Golden Whip Stream. The massif of Tianzishan Mountain is high in the middle and low on all sides like a giant pagoda rising straight from the ground. It gathers the landform with unusual shapes, magnificent waterfall, dangerous stone bridge, rock gete, karst cave, dense and steep peristele in peak forest. In December 2008, Eric Hanson who is Hollywood CG art design master went to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie and took a lot of photos for the crew of Avatar. The strange peaks in Zhangjiajie of the photos inspired the creation of James Cameron, a well-known Hollywood director. Various elements’ prototypes of Planet Pandora in Avatar, a famous science fiction film directed by James Cameron in 2009, came from the wonderful landscapes of Zhangjiajie. In the movie, the “Hallelujah Mountain”, a suspension mountain, is the One Pillar in The South, one of the “three thousands wonderful mountains” in Zhangjiajie. Because of the unprecedented influence brought by the film, on January 25, 2010, "the One Pillar in The South" was officially named "Hallelujah Mountain". After the worldwide broadcast of "Avatar", hundreds of millions of viewers at home and abroad are more enthusiastic about the prototype of the "Halelujah Mountain" in Zhangjiajie.

Overnight in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

DAY
15

Zhangjiajie - Youyang - Qianjiang - Wulong

Qianjiang

Drive from Zhangjiajie to Wulong, via Youyang, Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, and Qianjiang, one of the major minority settlements in Chongqing. The building, dress, manner, culture and custom are very special and national customs are simple and strong. It is famous for the waving hand dance, folk song, bronze bell dance of Tujia Nationality and folk song, Lu Sheng (a reed-pipe wind instrument), and wooden drum dance of Miao Nationality. In the afternoon, arrive in Wulong.

468 km
6 hours 33 minutes
Overnight in wulong

Breakfast

Qianjiang

DAY
16

Wulong - Chongqing

Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage, Three Natural Bridge, Tiankeng and Difeng

Visit Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage: Three Natural Bridge, Tiankeng (“sky hole”, a kind of karst topography) and Difeng (earth rift). Three Natural Bridge is the largest and the highest natural bridge group with a string of beads style. With average height of more that 300 meters, the three natural stone arch bridges are arranged vertically by the nature. Within the range of less than 1.2 kilometers, it stretches across on the Yangshui River Valley to connect the mountains on the both sides. There are Qinglong (Black Dragon) Tiankeng Group and Shenying (Sacred Eagle) Tiankeng Group among the three natural bridges, which form a world-class nature wonder of "three bridges and two pits”. Houping Tiankeng Group is the only Tiankeng Group in the world that is formed by surface water erosion. Difeng (earth rift) Scenic Spot is a typical karst landscape with a 4 km long and narrow gorge. Then drive to Chongqing and visit Hongyadong in the evening.

170 km
2 hours 30 minutes
Overnight in Chongqing

Wulong Tiankeng (“Sky Hole”)

DAY
17

Chongqing - Dazu

Baoding and Beishan Grottoes

Visit Beishan and Baoding Grottoes in Dazu. Dazu Rock Carvings is world culture heritage and is one of the eight grottoes. Carved in Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties, and Song Dynasty, and continued carving in Ming and Qing Dynasties, Dazu Rock Carvings represents the highest level of world grotto art in the 9th-13th centuries AD and is the last monument of human’s grotto art history. Dazu Rock Carvings shows the important development and changes of China grotto art style in Tang and Song dynasties at different aspects. Baoding boasting historical, artistic and scientific value that early grotto can’t replaced, Dazu Rock Carvings is known for its large size, beautiful carving, different themes, colorful contents and well preserved.

100 km
2 hours 3 minutes
Overnight in Dazu

Dazu Rock Carving

DAY
18

Dazu - Anyue - Chengdu

Anyue Rock Carvings, Pilu Cave, Yuanjue Cave, Wofoyuan (Anyue Reclining Buddha Yard)

Drive to Chengdu and visit Anyue Rock Carving, Pilu Cave, Yuanjue Cave and Wofoyuan (Anyue Reclining Buddha Yard) on the way. Anyue Rock Carvings was carved in 521 AD, booming in Tang and Song dynasties, continuing to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), the People’s Republic of China. Almost every village boasts large grotto statue site. The largest stone carved reclining Buddha of Tang Dynasty (618-907), stone carved sutra with 210 thousands words and the most exquisite Avalokitesvara of China – Zizhu (Purple Bamboo) Avalokitesvara of Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) in Pilu Cave can be found from here. Most of the Anyue Grottoes are preserved well and the Grottoes’ Style of Song Dynasty (960-1279) reaches the top of Chinese grotto art and boasts a high ornamental value and has been listed as China National Material Culture Heritage.

264 km
3 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Chengdu

Zizhu Avalokitesvara

DAY
19

Chengdu

The “ninth world wonder” Sanxingdui Ruin, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, People’s Park

Drive to Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, about 40 km north of Chengdu, just set up at the northeast corner of the famous Sanxingdui Ruins. The nearly square ruin covers an area of 12 square kilometers and is protected by a river on the northern side and a city wall on the other sides. Here was the Sanxingdui culture in the period 2800 to 800 BC. Sanxingdui is one of the oldest cultivated settlements of humanity and is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Opened in October 1997, the modern and informative Sanxingdui Museum showcases over 1,000 excavated gold, bronze, jade, clay and stone and ivory works of art. But the most beautiful, astonishing and mysterious are the bronzes, above all huge bronze masks and a larger than life bronze sculpture - they are so strange and with their big ears and eyes and the high-bridged nose look completely different from the already known Chinese art works! Apparently, the Sanxingdui culture mastered both the fine art of bronze technique and unprecedented aesthetics. This site is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. The unique Sanxingdui Museum is a good place to explore the mysterious ancient Shu culture and history. In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, tea houses, restaurants and guesthouses were gathered here. Then it became the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". Walking here, it gives us a first impression of the "city of loafers". Then visit the People’s Park in the city center. Here we can have a seat in an old tea house and enjoy our covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table. The tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China.

120 km
2 hours
Overnight in Chengdu

Sanxingdui Museum

DAY
20

Chengdu

Have a rest today

Today have a rest in Chengdu. The whole day is arranged by yourself.

Overnight in Chengdu

Jinli

DAY
21

Chengdu - Ya’an - Kangding

Bifengxia Panda Base, ancient tea-horse-road, Kangding - gateway to Tibetan area Kham

After breakfast, leave for Kangding. Across the Tunnel of Erlang Mountain, the mountain was traditionally the natural borders of Han Chinese villages and the Tibetan communities. On the way visit the Bifengxia Panda Base, it was established at the end of 2003, and has become a paradise for giant pandas, a national treasure, with the function of raising, breeding and rescuing giant pandas. It has over 20 giant pandas. At last arrive in Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and the important juncture of Tibetan and Han People in history. Next we’ll drive on the zigzag road up to the mountain chain of Hengduanshan, which extends from the north to the south.

299 km
4 hours 25 minutes
Overnight in Kangding (2560 m)

Pandas in Bifengxia

DAY
22

Kangding - Tagong - Xinduqiao – Yajiang

Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si), Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui, Yala Mountain

Drive to Tagong to visit the Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of Sayka Sect, which is surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Budhisattvas. It is said that the blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image left by Wencheng Princess in this monastery to the pilgrims resembles the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa. Then visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. If the weather is good enough, we can see the mountain Zhara Lhatse (5.820 m, also call Jara or Yala). After that, cross over Zheduo Shan Pass (4298 m) to Xinduqiao, the “Paradise of Photographers”, a small town on the road juncture where the northern route of Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu - Lhasa) and the southern route of Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu - Lhasa) meet. When the weather is good, we can see the main peak of Gongga Mountain (7556 m, Minya Konka, “the King Peak of Sichuan”) from Xinduqiao. Keep driving southwards to Yajiang.

205 km
4 hours
Overnight in Yajiang (2569 m)

Nunnery of Hepingfahui in Tagong

DAY
23

Yajiang - Litang – Batang

Litang “world’s highland city

In the morning cross over the Pass Jianziwan (4658 m) to Litang (4014 m), the “world’s highland city", where is the hometown of 7th Dalai Lama. Upon arrival, we visit Changqing Monastery (also admits as Litang Si Monastery) in the western suburb. The Litang Monastery, developed by the 3.th Dalai Lama in the year 1580, today, it becomes the largest monastery of the Gelugpa in south Kham. Then drive to the city Batang.

300 km
5 hours 31 minutes
Overnight in Batang (2580 m)

Sisters Lake

DAY
24

Batang – Markam – Zuogong

Drive in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, central area of Hengduanshan Mountain Range. Leave Sichuan and enter Tibet

Drive from Batang via Golden Sand River (Jinsha Jiang, upper reaches of the Yangtze) Bridge to Markam, the first city of Tibet on this overland journey. Jinsha Jiang is the boundary between Sichuan and Tibet. We drive now in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, which is consisted of Jinsha Jiang River, Nu Jiang River and Lancang Jiang River (Mekong) originated from the Tanggula Mountain Range of Tibetan Plateau flow in parallel southward. On the way cross three mountain passes: Joba (3880 m), Lawu (4358 m) and Dongda (5080 m).

259 km
5 hours 40 minutes
Overnight in Zuogong (3000 m)

Jinsha River

DAY
25

Zuogong – Bangda - Baxoi – Ranwu

Overcome 72-turn, stay be the beautiful Ranwu lake

Drive along upstream to Bangda, a town junction where Lhasa connects to the Chamdo-Kunming Highway. Keep drive across Yela Mountain (4,618 meters), then enter the famous 99-turn, it is the most tortuous road in Tibet. Afterwards drive to Ranwu Lake (Ngan Tso), a spectacularly crystal blue lake surrounded by snow peaks.

292 km
5 hours 32 minutes
Overnight in Ranwu (3200 m)

Village

DAY
26

Ranwu – Midui – Bome - Lulang

Midui Glacier, Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Town

Drive to Bomi along Ranwu valley. On the way, visit Midui Glacier which is consisted of beautiful Tibetan village, farm fields, snow mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, etc. From Ranwu to Bomi, about 100 km, is the most beautiful part of this overland tour. Driving along the Parlung Tsangpo River and enjoying the beautiful primitive landscape of snow mountains, forests and rivers. Drive down a few hundred meters then reach the lowland jungle settlement of Tongmai. Pass by Guxianghu Lake (2600 m) and Tongmai Bridge, through the Tongmai No. 1 Tunnel, finally reach Lulang Town.

305 km
5 hours 36 minutes
Overnight in Lulang Town (3700 m)

Tongmai

DAY
27

Lulang - Linzhi - Basum Tso

Overlook Gyala Pelri and Namjabarwa, Gru monastery, Lamaling temple, Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, Niyang River, Basum Tso Lake

When crossing Serkhyem La Pass (Seji La, 4,515 m) we will have spectacular views of Mount Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mount Namchak Barwa (Namjabarwa, 7,782 m), when the weather is so fine. Before arrive in Linzhi (Nyingtri, 2900 m) visit the two neighboring monasteries: From the golden roof of the Buchu monastery to view the unique scenery of the Lamaling temple. After the visit of Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, drive along the Niyang River to the Basum Tso Lake. More than 6000 m high snow-covered mountains’ reflection images make the lake like a film, without doubt, we will see the island monastery - Tsodzong. Walk to the island to visit the Tsodzong Monastery.

222 km
3 hours 29 minutes
Overnight in Basum Tso lakeside (3500 m)

Parlung Tsangpo

DAY
28

Basum Tso – Gandan – Lhasa

Mi La Mountain Pass. Gandan Monastery. Welcome in Lhasa!

Drive over the impressive Mi La Mountain Pass (4865 m) to Lhasa (3650 m), capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. On the way visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa of Tibetan Buddhism. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa died. Therefore, it has the highest reputation of all the monasteries of the Gelugpa.

363 km
6 hours 30 minutes
Overnight in Lhasa (3650 m)

Gandan Monastery

DAY
29

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
30

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here we can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. The "Buddhism Scriptures Debate" in Sera is very famous.

Overnight in Lhasa

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
31

Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Drive to Gyantse. On the Kamba La (4796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On arriving, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Afterwards drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight in Shigatse

Palkhor Monastery

DAY
32

Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset on Qomolangma (Everest)

In the morning visit the Tashilunpo, "Mountain of Happiness". Tashilunpo is also one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect. Shigatse is the seat of the Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. Then drive to Shegar, crossing the paths to Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m). Continue (90 km, 2 hours) to the Rongbuk monastery (5,154 m), where we can see the steep north side of Qomolangma. On the way at Pang La (5150 m), the view is magnificent: from left to right Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. We can also admire the spectacular sunset on Everest (Qomolangma) in good weather.

334 km
6 hours 6 minutes
Overnight in nearby of Rongbuk Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery

DAY
33

Rongbuk – Oldt Tingri - Paiku Tso – Kyirong

Sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest), Paiku Tso Lake

Today wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to the Chinese border station Kyirong (Jilong). Paiku-Tso Lake covers an area of 300 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Shigatse. Paiku-Tso locates between three mountains, is rich in fish. There live various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc.

363 km
7 hours 1 minutes
Overnight in Kyirong

Mt. Everest

DAY
34

Kyirong - Kathmandu

Farewell to China

Drive to the customs at Kyirong, assistance for the exit formalities.

187 km
4 hours 14 minutes

Kyirong

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

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