A journey to the remote far west of Tibet and the ruins of the Guge Kingdom. After sightseeing in Lhasa, a flight across the plateau to Ngari Gunsa leads to Ali and on to Zanda in the Sutlej valley, through the eroded pinnacles of the Zanda Earth Forest. The ruined Guge capital at Tsaparang, with its cave dwellings and murals, and Tholing Monastery are the highlights. The route crosses passes above 5,000 m.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. Pre-departure briefing in the evening. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Scenic flight over the Himalaya, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Meet your Tibetan guide at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and drive about 1 hour to Lhasa. Rest for the remainder of the day to acclimatise. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Visit the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, rising thirteen storeys above Lhasa. In the afternoon visit the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and walk the pilgrim circuit of Barkhor Street. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, and in the afternoon Sera Monastery, where monks hold lively debates in the courtyard. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Flight across the length of the Tibetan plateau to Ngari Gunsa Airport, then a short drive to Ali, the centre of far-western Tibet. Rest to acclimatise. Overnight stay in Ali.
Drive across high passes and down into the Sutlej valley through the eroded pinnacles of the Zanda Earth Forest to Zanda. Overnight stay in Zanda.
Explore the ruins of Tsaparang, capital of the Guge Kingdom from the 10th to the 17th century, with cave dwellings, temples and murals on a hill above the Sutlej. Overnight stay in Zanda.
Visit Tholing Monastery, founded in 996 and once the religious centre of Guge, then drive back to Ali. Overnight stay in Ali.
Morning flight back to Lhasa. Free afternoon. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel; evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight. Conclude your journey.
Please note: the itinerary sequence is subject to change based on the availability of accommodation.
| Destination | Hotel / Lodge |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Deluxe Hotel |
| Lhasa | 3-Star Hotel |
| Ali | 3-Star Hotel |
| Zanda | Best available Hotel |
All foreign visitors to Tibet, including Indian nationals, need a Chinese visa (or eligible visa-free entry) and a Tibet Travel Permit, and must travel with a licensed guide on a fixed itinerary. The visa route depends on nationality and gateway. We arrange the permits from the documents you share at booking.
Foreign Nationals · From Nepal
Indian Nationals
Foreign Nationals · From Mainland China
All Programmes
Entry, visa and permit rules are set by the Chinese authorities and may change at short notice; please reconfirm with us before travel.
All travellers must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity; the Voter ID card is not accepted for Tibet. Clear colour scans of the passport and one photograph per traveller should be shared with us at least 30 days before departure so that the Tibet Travel Permit can be issued. For programmes entering from Nepal, the Chinese Group Visa for foreign nationals is processed from these scanned copies and handed over in Kathmandu before departure; the original passport must be carried for the flight or border crossing.
A deposit of 25% of package cost is payable at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining balance is payable no later than 7 days prior to the arrival date. Payments are made by bank transfer to our Nepal company account.
ABC Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and its associates are committed to providing a smooth, safe and memorable journey. Tibet permits are issued by the Chinese authorities and may be delayed, restricted or cancelled at short notice, and Tibet may close to foreign visitors during certain periods. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to such decisions or other unavoidable circumstances, such as road blockages, landslides, snowfall, weather, flight delays or cancellations, or illness and accidents. Any additional costs incurred under these conditions must be borne by the traveller.
All programmes spend most nights above 3,600 m, and several cross passes above 5,000 m. The Ganden–Samye and Everest North Base Camp treks (TB-06, TB-07) are graded Strenuous and suit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are at the traveller’s own cost in hotels and local restaurants, except on the camping days of TB-06 and TB-07, which are on full board.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation at altitudes up to 5,500 m is strongly advised. Helicopter rescue is not available in Tibet, so cover should include ground evacuation.
All notice of cancellation must be sent in writing by email; verbal cancellation does not qualify for any refund.
| Timing | Charge |
|---|---|
| 15 days or more prior to arrival | 25% of package cost |
| 7–14 days prior to arrival | 50% of package cost |
| 3–6 days prior to arrival | 75% of package cost |
| Less than 3 days / no show | 100% of package cost |
Lhasa lies at 3,656 m and most programmes cross passes above 5,000 m, where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and poor sleep; worsening symptoms mean descending without delay.
Rest on the first day in Lhasa, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and walk slowly. Oxygen is carried in our vehicles and is available in hotels in Lhasa.
Hospitals are available in Lhasa and Shigatse, but medical facilities are limited elsewhere, and evacuation is by road. Travellers with cardiac, respiratory or other relevant conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
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