Journey through the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Highway

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu

Once you've landed, cleared customs and collected your baggage, you're met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel.

Day 3 : Kathmandu

Today you can enjoy a tour with your driver and guide, taking in Kathmandu's sights and attractions. You'll also visit the impressive Swayambhunath Stupa situated on a hill in the west of the city. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys that live on the hill.

Day 4 : Kathmandu

You have the full day at leisure today. We suggest exploring the city on foot, walking between Dunbar Square and Thamel. Alternatively, relax in the Garden of Dreams - a neo-classical garden just outside Thamel.

Day 5 : Tsetang

Your private driver takes you to the airport this morning ready for your flight from Kathmandu to Gongkar Airport in Tibet. On arrival, you're met by your Tibetan guide for the drive to Tsetang. The afternoon should be taken at a leisurely pace as you adjust to the high altitude.

Day 6 : Tsetang

Today your guide accompanies you by car to Samye Monastery - Tibet's first Buddhist monastery. In the afternoon you continue on to Yambulagang Palace, home of the first 32 kings of Tibet. There are great views of the surrounding countryside from the palace.

Day 7 : Lhasa

This morning you're driven in a private vehicle to the capital, Lhasa. On arrival you check into your hotel and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to wander through the Tibetan bazaar and streets of the old city.

Day 8 : Lhasa

Visit the superb Potala Palace this morning, which is the seat of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery, where you may be able to watch the monks debating. Later you visit Lhasa's only nunnery, near Barkhor Square.

Day 9 : Lhasa

This morning you can enjoy a tour of Lhasa's most important temple, the Jokhang. Afterwards, travel to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit the seat of the State Oracle at Drepung.

Day 10 : Gyantse

Your private driver escorts you to Gyantse today on the Southern Friendship Highway, first passing the beautiful Turquoise Lake and later, snow-capped peaks. On arrival in Gyantse the evening is at your leisure.

Day 11 : Gyantse

Today is spent with your guide visiting the impressive Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum. Afterwards you're free to wander around the old town independently, perhaps visiting Gyantse Fort.

Day 12 : Shigatse

You're driven in a private vehicle to Shigatse this morning, via Shalu Monastery. In the afternoon you also visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the former seat of the Panchen Lama. Afterwards you have some time at leisure to wander around and visit the local markets.

Day 13 : Xegar

This morning you're driven from Shigatse to Xegar, visiting Sakya Monastery. The seat of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073. You'll visit a number of the monastery's temples.

Day 14 : Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp Region

Today, enjoy the passing scenery on the drive towards the Himalaya, eventually arriving at isolated Rongbuk Monastery, which sits in the shadow of Everest. You'll spend the night here at an altitude of 5,000 m (16,400 ft).

Day 15 : Gyirong

Set off early this morning for a hike up to Base Camp itself, where you can take in staggering views of Everest. You then make the journey to Gyirong, the border crossing between Tibet and Nepal.

Day 16 : Kathmandu

After crossing the border this morning, you're met by your new driver and guide for your private transfer through the mountains to Kathmandu.

Day 17 : International return flight

You're taken to the airport in a private vehicle today in time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.