Lhasa to Katmandu via Inner Tibet

Duration: 14 days (8 nights camping)
Months offered: Spring, summer, autumn
Costs: From $2,500

This unusual and rewarding tour combines some of the most dramatic landscapes and retreat areas in Tibet . The unique route means we do not retrace our path at any place and provides a loop through the high and sacred landscape of Nam-tso, "Sky-lake" as well as the ever-enticing basecamp of Qomolungma ( Mt. Everest ). Note that it is possible to avoid exiting Tibet via Nepal by returning to the Lhasa airport and flying out to Chengdu .

We begin with the first few days in Lhasa as per the basic itineraries which include visits to the 'must see' sites such as the Potala Palace , Drepung, Sera monasteries and the Jokang temple. Then we move to the famous retreat cliffs of Drak Yerpa and on to the monasteries of Taklung and Reting. Both of these were important religious and political centers in their heyday, but now are rarely visited and survive in strikingly beautiful and secluded valleys.

From Reting we head up to the Chang-tang, "Northern-plains" to camp beside the stunning lakeside retreat caves of Tashido. This site is perhaps one of the most dramatic in Tibet , with the vast lake stretching to the western horizon (they say it's still possible to see dragons leaping out during thunder storms) and broad grasslands climbing south to the base of sacred Mount Nyenchen Thanglha. During summer months this area is also a migratory stop for several species of birds, including the rare black-necked crane.

After Nam-tso we take an unusual back road to Shigatse and visit Yumdruling, one of the few active Bon-po monasteries in Central Tibet . From here we head straight to Chomolungma ( Mt. Everest ) and camp near the famous Rongbhuk monastery at its base. The next day we will have time to make the walk up to base camp and re-visit the site of the famous Mallory expedition -- a must for any mountain lover.

A final drive across the high Tingri plain and over our last pass with views of the Himalaya, appearing almost as if below us, will take us to Nyelam. From here it is a steep but short descent to the Nepal border the next day. This route will take us through some interesting areas beyond the reach of the major monastic institutions. Namtso and its surroundings is known for its active nomad culture and spirit.

Basic itinerary:
Day 1-3: Lhasa sightseeing.
Day 4-5: Via Drak Yerpa and Taklung to Reting.
Day 6-7: To Nam-tso Tashido.
Day 8-9: Via Yumdruling to Shigatse.
Day 10-12: To Rongbhuk and Everest Base Camp.
Day 13: To Nyelam.
Day 14: Cross to Nepal mid-day (Or return to Lhasa airport for flights to Chengdu ).