India to Lhasa by Road

The group will gather in Gorakhpur, ready to kick off our road trip to Lhasa. After settling in our designated accommodations, we will enjoy a welcome dinner, savoring local dishes and getting to know one another.

With hearts full of anticipation, we will then retire for the night, eager for the adventures that await us on the open road.

Today, we drive towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

It is one of the four most prominent pilgrimage sites in Buddhism and remains one of the holiest places in the world. Crossing the Sonauli border marks a significant transition as we enter Nepal, with its bustling streets and colorful markets.

Navigating through this transit point adds an element of excitement to our drive as it would be the first border crossing on our India to Lhasa road trip. The landscape would change dramatically as we venture deeper into the Nepalese countryside.

In the evening, we will check into our designated hotel which is at a distance of 35 kilometers from Lumbini. We will retire for the night after a long day of driving.

Today we will explore Lumbini. Our first stop is the Maya Devi Temple where we will pay our respects at the marker stone that denotes the exact spot where Buddha was born. Next, we will visit the World Peace Pagoda, a towering monument dedicated to promoting harmony and goodwill. Afterward, we will visit the Lumbini Monastic Site, a sprawling complex of monasteries built by various Buddhist communities from around the world.

Our journey continues to the Ashoka Pillar, an ancient stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Our final stop of the day will be Myanmar Golden Temple, a gleaming masterpiece of Burmese architecture. Finally, we will call it a day and head back to our designated stays.

After a hearty breakfast in Lumbini, we set out on the road again, our destination now the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. The journey promises to be an adventure in itself, filled with winding mountain roads and breathtaking vistas.

The moment our convoy starts ascending into the mountains, the roads will start to become steeper and more treacherous. But it will all be worth it since we will be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic views of Himalayan peaks towering majestically against the blue skies. 

By the time we reach our designated hotel in Kathmandu, it would already be night time and hence we will have a delectable dinner and simply retire for the night.

The day on our Lhasa road trip itinerary is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu and learning more about Nepalese heritage. In the meantime, the AO team will start the process of getting permission to drive ahead.

We will visit the revered Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal.

Afterward, you are free to explore the city on your own. You can visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world. You can explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic heart of the city.

As the day draws to a close, return to your accommodations and reflect on today’s beautiful experiences.

Today begins with an exhilarating adventure as we embark on an early morning flight tour of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world. Rising before dawn, we will board the aircraft with excitement bubbling in our veins.

As the plane ascends higher, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas will come into view.

Among them, Mount Everest stands tall and proud, its sheer magnitude will surely leave you in awe. As you circle the mighty peak, we promise your heart will soar with the realization of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After an unforgettable flight, we return to Kathmandu. With the rest of the day at leisure, you are free to explore the city’s vibrant streets on your own. You can spend a lovely evening immersing yourself in the nightlife of the city at the Thamel market which is renowned for its restaurants, cafes, and live music scenes.

Today, we embark on a new leg of our road to Lhasa drive, leaving behind the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to venture deeper into the heart of the Himalayas. As you hit the open road, the landscape will start to transform before your eyes. 

Each hairpin bend presents a new challenge, testing your driving skills and sending your heart racing with anticipation and then the road opens up to reveal the majestic Trishuli River.

As we approach Rasuwagadhi, the road becomes more rugged with steep inclines and heart-stopping drops that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Finally, we arrive at Rasuwagadhi, a hidden gem nestled on the border between Nepal and China where we will spend the night before continuing our journey.

Hold onto your seat because our adventure is about to kick into high gear!

Today we will tick off another border crossing by traversing the Nepal-China border to enter Gyirong. This leg of the Lhasa road trip is not for the faint of heart. Dust billows up behind us, obscuring our view and adding to the sense of adventure that fills the air.

The border crossing and customs clearance can take up to 4-6 hours depending on the size of our convoy which is why we have tried to keep the drive short for a smoother expeerience.

Finally, we will cross the border into China and reach our destination. After a long driving day, we will settle into our cozy accommodations and retire for the night.

As we set our sights on Tingri and hit the road once again, we will find ourselves surrounded by majestic mountains and endless open roads.

The open road stretches out before us, inviting us to embrace the freedom of the journey.

With each passing mile, the rugged beauty of the Himalayas will leave you spellbound. On top of that the dramatic skies, the cool mountain breeze, and the rolling convoy make the drive all the more worth it.

Upon reaching Tingri County, we will rest and recharge after a long day of driving.

Today is a day filled with anticipation and excitement as we drive towards Rongbuk Monastery.

From there we embark on a memorable journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC), the gateway to the world’s highest peak, Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest) by boarding a tour bus.

The sheer magnitude of the Himalayas is overwhelming, to say the least, and not everyone is lucky enough to experience it all in their lifetime.

At the Everest Base Camp, we will be greeted by the imposing presence of Mount Everest looming in the distance. It is a moment of profound significance that you will cherish forever.

Afterward, we will hit the road again and drive back to Tingri where we will indulge in a scrumptious lunch and then drive towards Shigatse for an overnight stay.

The first half of our day is dedicated to obtaining driver’s licenses and vehicle plates, a necessary step to continue our journey to Lhasa and further.

With our paperwork in order, we can now explore Shigatse which is the second largest city in Tibet, with a brief walking city tour. 

We will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery which was built by the first Dalai Lama in 1447 and is the most vibrant structure in the city. We will also visit the Shigatse Dzong which is perched atop a hilltop and resembles the Potala Palace in its structure before calling it a day and returning to our accommodations.

Leaving Shigatse behind, we embark on the road once more, the majestic Himalayas towering above us as we wind our way through the rugged terrain.

Today, we drive further into the heart of Tibet as we make our way toward the ancient city of Lhasa. But before we reach our final destination, we have the opportunity to visit one of Tibet's most stunning natural wonders: Yamzho Yumco Lake.

As we approach the lake, its sparkling waters come into view, shimmering like a jewel amidst the barren landscape. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rocky cliffs, Yamzho Yumco is truly a sight to behold. After spending some time at Yamzho Yumco Lake, we reluctantly tear ourselves away and continue on our journey towards Lhasa.

We will reach Lhasa by early evening and then we will rest and recharge, ready to embrace whatever adventures await us in the days to come.

Today we embark on a sightseeing tour of some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Our first stop is the magnificent Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Then we make our way to the nearby Jokhang Temple where you will encounter the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue, believed to be the holiest object in Tibetan Buddhism.

Our final stop of the day will be Barkhor Street, a vibrant marketplace with shops selling everything from prayer flags and incense to colorful textiles and handicrafts.

As the day draws to a close, we reflect on the beauty and spirituality of Lhasa's sacred sites and end the day on a beautiful note.

Today is a well-deserved break for everyone. With no fixed itinerary, the day is free for you to explore the enchanting city of Lhasa at your own pace.

You can wander through the alleys of the marketplace and shop for Tibetan artifacts. Whether it's sampling traditional Tibetan cuisine at a local eatery or getting souvenirs in the bustling markets, there's no shortage of experiences to be had.

In the evening, we will indulge in a scrumptious dinner and share our day’s adventures.

Today we leave Lhasa behind for an exhilarating drive and to explore the scenic wonders en route to Baingoing.

We will pass through Yangbajing, famous for its geothermal hot springs, and renowned for their therapeutic properties. After a refreshing break, we continue our journey, crossing the Lhachen La mountain pass which is a significant milestone in our Lhasa road trip. Situated at an elevation of approx 17,030 feet, the pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

As we descend from the mountain pass, we catch our first glimpse of Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world nestled at an elevation of over 15,400 feet.

From Namtso Lake, we continue our journey toward our final destination, Baingoing where we will retire for the night.

As we depart from Baingoing and set our sights on Nyima, we will drive through valleys and across high mountain passes.

Along the way, we have the opportunity to visit Selincuo, the largest saltwater lake in the northern Tibetan Plateau and a part of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain National Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare species such as the Tibetan antelope and snow leopard.

The road winds its way through expansive plains, offering glimpses of Tibetan settlements along the way as we continue our drive towards Nyima where we will have an overnight stay.

Today's drive along the S205 Provincial Road towards Sangsang Town is a mesmerizing journey through Tibet's rugged landscapes and highland lakes. As we depart Baingoing, the road stretches out before us, winding through valleys and ascending mountain passes.

Along the route, we also pass by several highland lakes, their crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight.

As we arrive in Samsang Town, we reflect on the driving experience of the day, grateful for the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.

As we set out from Samsang, we brace ourselves for an unforgettable ride along winding mountain roads and expansive grasslands.

We navigate through valleys and across high mountain passes, the road stretching out before us, with every twist and turn presenting a new opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

The landscape changes dramatically as we traverse through the rugged terrain, from rocky cliffs and deep valleys to rolling hills and open plains. By the time we approached Gyirong Town and checked into our accommodations, it’d already be nighttime.

Today marks an exciting leg of our journey as we depart from Gyirong and make our way toward Bidur, Nepal. Our route takes us through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, culminating in a crossing of the China-Nepal border and custom clearances once again.

The drive is filled with awe-inspiring views, from lush valleys to snow-capped mountains, as we wind our way through the rugged terrain.

Crossing the border, we are greeted by the warm hospitality of Nepal, a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the Tibetan Himalayas. The road continues to unfold before us, offering glimpses of terraced fields and traditional Nepali villages as we make our way towards Bidur.

Upon our arrival in Bidur, we will settle into our accommodation and retire for the night after a long driving day.

Today we drive towards Bharatpur, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Nepal. Located in the Chitwan District of Nepal, it is renowned for its vibrant markets, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty.

Upon arriving in Bharatpur, we are greeted by the hustle and bustle of city life, with colorful markets and bustling streets brimming with activity. As the day draws to a close, we settle into our accommodations for an overnight stay.

As our journey comes full circle, we begin the drive back to where we started our adventure: Gorakhpur. Leaving Bharatpur behind, we navigate the familiar roads with a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories we've gathered along the way.

As we traverse the familiar terrain and cross the Sonauli Border once again, we are reminded of the friendships we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the beauty we’ve witnessed together.

Once we reach Gorakhpur, we will check into our accommodations. In the evening, we will indulge in a farewell dinner and reminisce over the shared precious moments. The journey may be over, but the memories we've made will last a lifetime.

We bid farewell to Gorakhpur, marking the end of our remarkable road trip to Lhasa. Boarding our flight, we carry with us not just luggage, but a treasure trove of memories of the memories we made and the bonds we shared.