Arrive in Kathmandu the fascinating capitol city of Nepal. Settle in and meet the rest of the group.

KATHMANDU: Bodanath Stupa date to the 5th century and is situated on the Kathmandu-Lhasa trade route, a place for pilgrims for centuries. Each segment represents the five elements: base -earth, dome -water, sphere -fire, parasols -air and pinnacle- ether. The famous red-rimmed, blue Buddha eyes gaze out from each of the four sides atop the huge white dome splashed with yellow, watching over pilgrims as they walk around the base.

KATHMANDU to LHASA Flight 0830 departure - Flight takes aprox. 1hr 10 minutes. During the flight you pass over the Yarlang Tsangpo River, Lake Yamdrok and can see (weather permitting) Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m, Mt. Makalu 8463m and Mt Everest 8848m. Lhasa 3650 mts. – Acclimatise to the altitude. It is vital to rest, take it easy – play cards, read and just soak in the atmosphere. Your body needs to adjust to living at above 3,650 meters from sea level!!

LHASA Morning tour of the Potala Palace one of the world’s most famous architectural works. Built over many centuries it dates back to the 7 th and served as a winter residence and place for worship for the different Dalai Lama’s from the 5 the to present day (now in exile in India). It houses some very impressive 3 dimensional mandalas created in gold and precious stones. Afternoon tour of Drepung monastery 5 km west of Lhasa. Founded in 1419 by Jamyang Choje it was home to about 7,700 monks and was the largest monastery of Tibet. It holds many Buddhist relics, sculptures, and art works.

Lhasa Morning tour of Sera Monastery at the foot of Wundu Hill, north of Lhasa and founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, disciple of Tsongkarpa. This is a Gelugpa Sect monastery. Afternoon visit the Jokhang Temple situated in the Barkhor – the old part of Lhasa. Built in the mid 7th century it is the spiritual heart of Tibet’- the holiest destination for Tibetan pilgrims and hub of innumerable shops and street stalls selling all sorts of Tibetan arti-facts and jewellery.

Lhasa to Gyantse 3,950 M.6-7 HRS drive crossing the great river of Tibet the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamputra). We also cross the Kamba La pass 4794M and the Karo La pass 5010m to pass by the Yamdrok lake (famous turquoise lake)

Gyantse sits on the northern bank of the Nyang Chu river and once the capitol of this region. Visit the unique Phalkor Monastery a center for 3 different sects of Buddhism – Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bhuton. Annually at Saga Dawa - the day of Buddha's enlightenment, nirvana and paranivana is celebrated. See Tibetan pilgrims, Lama dances, Sand Mandalas and hopefully the unrolling of the giant silk thanka. This is the oldest scroll painting in Tibet, dating back 480 years and measuring aprox. 40 x 60 m!! Climb the Khumbum Stupa built around 1400, the 2nd largest stupa in the world (9 stories high) which houses fine examples of Newari, Tibetan and Nepalese artistry. It is honeycombed with 77 chapels – superb wall paintings and has 100,000 images, thus called the, ‘100,000 image Pogoda’ - Khumbum. DRIVE late afternnon 1½ HRS to Xigatse 3,900 M settle into Hotel

Tingri to Ronbuk and explore Everest base camp with a hired cart or walk. Walk further and visit the highest Monastery in the world. There is a natural spring in this area. Stay in Ronbuk Guesthouse – basic dorm.

Drive to Zhangmu 6-8 hrs crossing the Lalun La pass 5,050M to view some of the highest mountain Peaks in the world. Stop at the famous yogi and great meditator– Milareapa’s cave for a quiet moment to reflect. This is set in a lovely valley. Guesthouse accommodation in Zhangmu.

Zhangmu to Kathmandu. Change from Jeep to bus at border.6-7 hours Meander down the Bhotekoshi River gorge and crossing the famous friendship bridge as we head back to Khatmandu.

Kathmandu Day to self to wander about the market and see the street life of this interesting town. Get your fortune told by the local numerologist and astrologer.

Last minute shopping, pack and prepare for departure.