SCYTS-016: TIBET DISCOVERER(15 DAYS)

Our version of this favorite journey over the Himalayas to Tibet takes the
flight in from Kathmandu. The circuit focuses on the major valleys in
U-Tsang,the very heart of Tibet from both historic and geographic point of view,and is a perfect introduction to this fascinating region.

We have three full days in Lhasa which gives us ample time to see the most
important sites as well as some more unsusual ones such as the hospital of traditional medicine or the school of dramatic arts.The afternoon of the first day is usually spent relaxing in the Hotel with a short walk around the market or perhaps down by "Thieves Island" for those who feel like it.

On the way to Tsedang we stop off at Samye for the afternoon,and arrive at the simple but comfy Tsedang Hotel in time for supper.This gives us the whole of the next day to explore the different sites around the Yarlung Valley,and means that we can be fully rested before continuing our overland trip towards Nepal.

Day 1:Arrive Lhasa from Kathmandu¡£          Overnight at Lhasa Hotel
                      
Day 2-Day 4:Visit the Holy city's greatest sites:Jokhang Temple,Potala and
Norbulingka Palaces,the Gelugpa monasteries of Sera and Drepung,and of course the Barkor Market.We also offer short visits to the Art School,the hospital of traditional medicine,and Lhasa'a interesting leather factory.
                                              Overnight at Lhasa Hotel
Day 5:Ganden:Side trip with packed lunch to one of Tibet's greatest monastic universities.                Overnight at Lhasa Hotel
Day 6:Lhasa to Tsedang via Samye(175km):Drive south along the Kyichu River
towards Tsetang en route stop off at Samye,Tibet's oldest monastery,on the north bank of the Tsangpo River.
                                            Overnight at Tsedang Hotel
Day 7:Tsedang:Visit Yarlung cradle of Tibetan civilivation,where the first King of Tibet descended from the sky to found the country's first dynasty.Royal tombs,Yumbu Lagang Castle,and the 7th century temple of Traduk.
                                             Overnight at Tsedang Hotel
Day 8:Tsedang to Gyantse(290km):Cross the Gampa-La pass with excellent views of Yamdrok Lake.Picnic lunch at the lake.
                                            Overnight at Gyantse Hotel
Day 9:Gyantse to Shigatse(90km):Visit the picturesque castle and Palkor Chode Temple with its famous stupa.After lunch short drive to Shigatse,Tibetr's second city and seat of the Panchen Lamas.
                                           Overnight at Shigatse Hotel
Day10:Shigatse:Tashilhumpo Monastery,carpet factory,the market place,if time ride in a yak skin boat.       Overnight at Shigatse Hotel
Day11:Shigatse to Shegar(288km):Fine views of the Everest from the Gyatso-La pass.En route we stop at Sakya monastery.
                                       Overnight at Shegar Guesthouse
Day12:Shegar to Dram via Tingri(250km):Witness the Everest Range at Tingri and Mt Shishipangma after Gurtso.Descend to Nyalam and Milarepa's cave with its excellent views of the Himalaya.Down the Sunkosi to Drum(Zhangmu).
                                               Overnight at Drum Hotel
Day13:Drum to Dhulakhel(85km):If there has been flooding there may be a short short descend on foot.Cross the Friendship Bridge into Nepal.
                                         Overnight at Dhulakhel Hotel
Day14:Dhulakhel to Kathmandu(34km):Relax in the luxury of a first class
     hotel.Wonder freely and catch up on last minute shopping in Kathmandu's colorful bazaars.   
Day15:Leave Kathmandu for other places.  END OF TOUR