Destination: China

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Tibet: Lhasa to Kathmandu

ONE TO TWO WEEKS

A classic overland route of around 1300km that can be done in a week on an organised Land Cruiser trip or in two to three weeks by bus and hitching. It’s also a classic mountain-biking route. It takes in central Tibet’s most important monasteries, plus views of the world’s highest peak.



The Friendship Hwy between Lhasa and Kathmandu in Nepal is the main travellers’ route through Tibet and allows a number of excellent detours. Most travellers take Land Cruiser tours to the border but there is much to be gained by the slower pace of an independent trip by bussing, hiking and hitching.

Land Cruiser trips generally head straight from Lhasa to the coiling scorpion-lake of Yamdrok-tso and take in the views from Samding Monastery before heading over the glacier-draped Karo-la pass to Gyantse. Gyantse is well worth a day or two: the kumbum (literally ‘100,000 images’) stupa is a must-see and there are several adventurous excursions from town. A 90-minute drive away is Shigatse, with its impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery. Shalu Monastery is a worthwhile half-day trip from Shigatse, especially if you have an interest in Tibetan art.

A popular side trip en route is Sakya, a small monastery town just 25km off the Friendship Hwy. Stay here the night and investigate the northern ruins or stay in nearby town of Lhatse.

Closer to the border, and emerging as the most popular trekking destination in Tibet, is the Everest region. Many people drive right up to Everest Base Camp and leave the next day, but it’s much better to fit in an extra day to acclimatise and enjoy the extraordinary views. If you are hitching, allow at least three days to get to Rongphu (Rongbuk) and back from the Friendship Hwy.

After Everest most people stay the night in old Tingri, with its wonderful views of Cho Oyu, before the straight and scenic rollercoaster ride to Nyalam, Zhangmu and the Nepali border.