The journey of a lifetime begins with flight into Gongar airport of Lhasa where you are met by our Tibetan representative and driven to Tsedang-the gateway to the ancient Yarlung Valley civilization. Visit the Tradruk Temple and Yambulakhang Palace-the oldest building of Tibet. On the way to Lhasa, take a ferry ride across the Yarlungdzangbo River followed by a truck ride to Samye Monastery-the first Tibetan Monastery of Tibet.
Explore the mystiques of Lhasa in the palaces of Dalai Lamas, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, ancient Jorkhang Temple and through the traditional streets of Barkhor area. Then head out on the Tibet Nepal Friendship Highway that runs parallel to the Himalayas, dwarfing its peaks. Leaving Lhasa behind, you will climb the first highest pass Kambala La (15,700ft), that offers dazzling views of the Himalayas as well as Yamdrok Tso-the turquoise green water lake several hundred feet below. Follow the bank of Yamdrok Tso for more than 40 miles before you arrive Nangkartse, a small Tibetan roadside-town and take a chance of side trip to Samding Monastery of Bodong sect, 5 miles off the highway in the lakeshore. The road again climbs over Karo La (16,500 ft) and heads towards Gyantse. Visit Kumbum Stupa-the landmark of Gyantse and adjoining Pekor Chode Monastery and time permitting, you would like to hike up to the Dzong, overlooking the Gyatnse town. From Lhasa to Gyantse, its about 6 ½ hrs drive by 4 WD. Shigatse-the second largest city of Tibet is further 50 miles and is a drive of 2 hours. On the way, take chance to visit the Shalu Monastery which is famous for Chinese, Tibetan and Nepali architecture.  Shigatse-largely a Chinese commercial town has little to offer the culture-hungry tourists but Tashilunbo Monastery-the principal seat of Panchen Lama is one of the highlights of this trip. From Shigatse, return to Lhasa via northern route, also called New Road and is mostly used by trucks carrying supplies. The road follows Yarlungdzangbo River and at Tradruk, takes a chance to visit the Yungdrungling monastery of ancient Bon religion.