13天拉薩至加德滿都陸路之旅（經吉隆口岸、珠峰大本營及岡仁波齊轉山）

今天，您與團隊將透過參訪大昭寺來探索拉薩，這是一座以其輝煌建築、文化、藝術與歷史而聞名的世界文化遺產。隨後，您將透過觀看色拉寺的僧侶辯經，體驗藏傳佛教。最後，您可以與當地人一同漫步於著名的八廓街，進一步了解藏族人民日常的轉經生活。

大昭寺位於拉薩市中心，已有超過1300年歷史，是世界各地佛教徒的重要朝聖地。作為西藏的精神中心，據說大昭寺是為松贊干布國王的兩位新娘：中國文成公主與尼泊爾尺尊公主所建。「大昭」意為「佛的房子」，寺內供奉著一尊12歲等身釋迦牟尼佛像，被視為佛教界的瑰寶。這就是為什麼佛教朝聖者將其視為最神聖的目的地。大昭寺也以其美麗的建築而聞名。您可以欣賞精緻的雕刻、色彩鮮豔的壁畫、華麗的裝飾以及建築細節，這些都是藏式建築的傑作。當您看著人們在白天與夜晚於寺前祈禱時，時間彷彿靜止了。（請注意，參訪順序可能會根據您的大昭寺門票預約情況進行調整。）

下午，驅車約30公里（50分鐘）前往參訪色拉寺，這是西藏三大格魯派寺院之一。這裡提供了近距離體驗藏傳佛教的機會。色拉寺的亮點是觀看僧侶辯經，時間通常在15:00至17:00之間（週日除外）。辯經是一種有趣的交流形式，一名僧侶作為提問者站立，而回答者或回答者群體則坐著。站立的僧侶提出問題並拍擊手掌與跺腳，每個動作都有特殊含義，例如啟發智慧，並非具有攻擊性。您也有機會參加祈禱儀式、參觀禪修大廳，並了解僧侶的生活方式。這是深入了解藏傳佛教信仰與實踐的必訪目的地。

隨後，返回拉薩市區，漫步於大昭寺附近繁忙的八廓街，這裡在古代是佛教徒進行轉經（朝聖環繞）的地方。如今，它已成為一個繁榮的當地市場，您可以在這裡喝一壺酥油茶、穿上藏服拍照，並挑選一些當地的西藏、尼泊爾與印度手工藝品及紀念品。

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Today, drive about 7.5 hours (270km) from Lhasa to Shigatse (3,850m) via Gyantse (3,950m). You will visit two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier on the way, then after a visit of Pelkor Monastery in Gyantse, you will reach Shigates for overnight.

In the morning, you will head to the Kampala Pass (4,797 meters) and have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) down below as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7,206m) in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. And Lake Yamdrok is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it’s a subsidy income for their family.

Then, drive to visit one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your car. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:
1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
3. Local people would ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential little troubles.

After that, drive on the Friendship Highway( between Tibet and Nepal) to Gyantse, the third largest city of Tibet after Lhasa and Shigatse.

After that, drive to reach Shigates for overnight.

You will get an early start with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. After that, drive to Rongpuk Monastery (5,100m) and Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) which is 340km (8h) from Shigatse via a photo stop at Gyawu La Pass (5,200m).

Tashilunpo Monastery is founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447. In Tashi Lunpo Monastery, you can unveil the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery and have a stunning bird view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you would get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m), between Lhatse and Shelkar. Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. On the road, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass with incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) which is the highest monastery in the world and the best site to view the north side of Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Everest), also known as the Third Pole on Earth. With both monks and nuns in residence, Rongbuk Monastery is a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it to be a photo-worthy destination. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. You can admire the magnificent sunset on Qomolangma's steep north side in good weather. The humble stupa at the monastery is the same one that can be seen on most postcards and posters of Mt. Everest.

Overnight in a tent guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery or EBC. If you venture out at night, you will be rewarded with a heavenly starry night.

Notes:
1. Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s no big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.
2.Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may have some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.
3.If you're interested in trekking to EBC from Old Tingri, you can spend 4 days trekking along the relatively open, flat, and safe route. The trek is suitable for almost all people, including underage children, without severe altitude sickness. Taking four days to cover 70km at an average pace of 18km per day is a lifetime experience to walk on the world's highest trekking trail and realize the dream of standing close-up to the towering Mount Everest. EBC is about 20km from Mount Everest’s summit as the crow flies. From EBC, travelers can view the summit of Mount Everest in fine weather.

Try your luck at witnessing the breathtaking sunrise of Mount Everest in the early morning (Note: The sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7:00 am). After breakfast, hike around Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp (5,200m), which is the closest place for ordinary tourists to view the world’s summit. Take your time at Everest Base Camp to enjoy the amazing view of the peak of Mount Everest (8,848m), the highest peak in the world.

After that, you will leave Everest Base Camp and drive the old Tingri Road to Saga County (380km, 7hour). On the way, you will have the last chance to capture the breathtaking view of Mount Everest, the all-year-round snow-capped holy mountain shaped like a three-sided pyramid and feel the grandness of the highest point on earth before you head to next stop. Later, you will overlook the majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Shishapangma, about 120km from Mount Everest and located in the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border. At an elevation of 8,027 meters, Mount Shishapangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world and the only 8,000-meter peak that lies entirely within Tibet. The mountain is known for its striking appearance, with its towering peaks and massive glaciers. Surrounded by lush valleys and beautiful grasslands, you can have enjoy the stunning view of the towering peaks fascinating scenery around.

The main road passes through the desolate plains of Digur Tang, with its enormous sand dunes contrasting with the neighboring snow peaks of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. As we leave the Bum-chu basin, you will descend into the relatively lower elevations of the beautiful turquoise Pelkhu-tso (elevation 4590 meters), a cobalt blue lake and the largest lake in Shigatse. Mount Shishabangma is the lucky holy mountain and while Pelkhu-tso Lake is the holy lake like a shining emerald diamond quietly lying at the foot of the mountain, setting off the beauty of each other.

After visiting the beautiful lake, you’ll drive another 69 kilometers to Saga County and spend the night in the small town of Saga (4,640m).

Road Condition: The road condition get rougher from the old Tingri Road as it runs parallel to the to the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Nepalese sides known as the Anapurna Ranges.

在第七天，您的導遊和司機將帶您從薩嘎縣前往塔欽（500公里，車程約8小時），途經雅魯藏布江的發源地仲巴縣。您將在主路旁的一個小村莊停留，那裡僅有幾間簡單的民宿、餐廳和一座名為「老仲巴」的小寺廟。您可以短暫參觀位於主路外約1.5公里的達吉林寺，它坐落在山坡上，是該地區保存最完好的寺廟，因其優美的景色和獨特的佛塔而值得一遊。在寺廟周圍，您可以看到一堆刻有「經文」和「咒語」的犛牛頭。新仲巴是另一個小鎮，距離老仲巴寺約25公里，設有一些商店、飯店和餐廳。隨後，您將繼續前往巴爾鄉（4,750公尺）。

在前往岡仁波齊峰的門戶塔欽（4,575公尺）之前，您將停留欣賞瑪旁雍錯（4,590公尺），它也被稱為「不可戰勝的湖」。這座湖泊是西藏眾多湖泊中最受尊崇且最美麗的湖泊之一。其寶藍色的湖水、沙質的湖岸以及白雪皚皚的群山背景，構成了與岡仁波齊峰崎嶇地形形成鮮明對比的絕美景觀。花點時間欣賞寧靜的風景，以及藍天白雲在湖面上的倒影。您可能還會看到朝聖者在清澈見底的湖水中祈禱和沐浴，這更增添了此地的靈性氛圍。

與聖湖瑪旁雍錯僅隔一條公路，您將抵達拉昂錯（4,575公尺）。這座湖被稱為「鬼湖」，因為它看起來呈深藍色，且鹽分極高，湖水禁止飲用。湖周圍沒有植物，也沒有牛羊，一切似乎毫無生機。站在湖邊，聆聽海浪拍打岸邊的轟鳴聲。

探索結束後，是時候開車前往當天的最終目的地——位於岡仁波齊峰山腳下的小鎮塔欽（4,575公尺）。在塔欽好好睡一覺。

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 22km, about 6 hours

Mount Kailash, at 6638 meters, dominates the region with the sheer awesomeness of its four-sided summit. It is a sacred mountain by four religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism. In Tibetan Buddhism, it’s the home of the Buddha Demchok (representing nirvana). And in their scriptures, Mount Kailash is considered as the world’s center. Pilgrims from across Asia trek across the spectacular high-altitude landscape of remote Western Tibet to pay homage and walk around the sacred mountain. The whole trekking journey is 52-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash at Darchen and which is also the finishing point for the circumnavigation of the sacred mountain. The trekking takes about 3 days.

Suggested Trekking Route on Day One: Darchen to Dira-puk Monastery

Start your trekking in the town of Darchen. From there, follow the kora path westward across the Barkha Plain. Then pass Tarboche, which is one of the most significant sites for Tibet's most important festival, Saga Dawa. During Saga Dawa, hundreds of pilgrims gather to watch the annual raising of the flagpole. Just west of Tarboche is the “two-legged” Chorten Kangnyi. It is an auspicious act for pilgrims to walk through the small chorten’s archway. Later, you will hike to Chuku Monastery perched high above the valley floor on the hillside to the west. This monastery belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism and you can enjoy its ornate interior murals and statues. From the Chuku bridge there are alternative trails along the east and west banks of the river. Either way it’s about three hours to Dira-puk Monastery. We recommend you to hike along the eastern pilgrim route. Lastly, you arrive at Dira-puk Monastery (elevation 4920 meters), sitting in a superb location on the hillside north of the Lha-chu across from the Shishapangma Guesthouse. From here, you can appreciate the astonishing north face of Mount Kailash, which from this angle appears as a massive, jet-black slab of granite ornamented with alabaster-white strips of snow. Dira-puk Monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You will spend the night in a monastery’s guesthouse that offers the best accommodations in this area (although it is still very rustic.)

Travel Notes:
1. Local Tibetans around Mount Kailash provide services, such as horse or Yak riding, baggage carrying by yak or porter. The services are not included in the tour fee.
2. During the trekking, you will accommodate at Driapuk and Dzultripuk guesthouse or Tent (Multi-beds room). The accommodation is very basic.

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 20km, 7-8 Hours’ Trekking

On this day, start your second day of the circuit of Mount Kailash. Less than an hour along is the meadow at Jarok Donhang (5210m). Then, it will be the toughest as you will ascend 762 meters up to the Dolma-la Pass (5360m). This pass is a challenging but sacred part of the Mount Kailash kora. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, ascending Dolma-la Pass removes the sins of one lifetime. Many pilgrims struggle with the high altitude and difficult terrain, but consider completing the pass to be a profound spiritual achievement. You will get an early start as the sun begins its rise over the mountain ridges above you. Once you have reached the peak of the Dolma-la Pass, you’ll stop for a rest and catch the opportunity to admire all of the fantastic scenery around us.

After that, you will begin your descent to the Lhachu Valley, which will take about one hour. After another short rest, you will trek on for another four hours to our final destination for the day. You will walk along the right side of the river to finally reach Dzultripuk (4810m), whose name means “miracle cave of Milarepa” in the local language. Dzultripuk belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism and you can see its murals , statues and religious scriptures. Dzultripuk serves as an important rest stop for pilgrims circumambulating the sacred mountain. You will be glad that you got an early start to reach Dzultripuk so that you will get there before the other groups - there are a limited number of rooms available here. You will have time this evening for some rest and relaxation in the guesthouse as you prepare for the final stretch of the trek tomorrow.

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 14km, about 3-4 hours’ Trekking

Today is the third day of trekking and you will complete your trek around Mount Kailash. From Dzultripuk Monastery the trail follows the river closely for an hour or so then climbs above the river and enters the lovely Gold and Red Cliffs, a narrow canyon whose walls are stained purple, cobalt and rust. On the road, you may have a chance to visit the caves, temples and shines that have been built upon around Milarepa’s Cave. When the trail emerges onto the Barkha plain, close to the fourth prostration point (4700m), Gurla Mandata is again visible in the distance. It’s now an easy one-hour walk back to Darchen along a dirt road. Today’s trekking is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 3 hours in total. After arriving at Darchen, the ending point of the circuit, you will have a sense of accomplishment having completed the sacred journey.

If the weather is favorable and you have enough time, you may want to relax in the hot spring water at the lakeside (self-pay), depending on your physical condition and schedule after the trek.

After the tour, drive to Darchen County for accommodation.

On this day, you'll drive from Darchen to Saga (500km, about 8 hours’ drive), passing through the windswept rural territory of Tibet. The road from Darchen to Saga is mostly unpaved and can be quite bumpy and dusty. However, the journey is well worth it, as you'll appreciate a variety of stunning landscapes, including high mountain passes, grasslands, and river valleys. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way.

As you drive, you'll pass through numerous small towns and villages, as well as camps of yak and sheep herders, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the local people. You'll see nomads tending their herds, farmers working in their fields, and monks walking along the roadside. You'll have the opportunity to take a break along the way and stretch your legs, as well as stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Stay overnight in Saga County.

This morning, drive from Saga County to Gyirong Port (300km, 5-6 hours) via Gyirong/Kyirong Town (2,800m) and enjoy the scenic journey along the way, experiencing the beauty and cultures of Tibet before departing China.

In the afternoon, you will across the China-Nepal Border. Take your time to explore the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side, such as viewing the snow-capped mountains standing behind the forest.

You will stay overnight in Rashuwaghadi (1,830m), a border town in Nepal, where you can rest well and prepare for your next destination in Kathmandu. Your Nepalese driver or guide will be waiting for you to pick you up.

Travel Notes:
Currently, the Zhangmu Port is primarily used for freight, while Gyirong Port is used for tourism. The Friendship Highway is an 800-kilometre scenic route that connects Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge between Zhangmu and Kodari.

今天，你將經由山路前往加德滿都。雖然從拉蘇瓦加迪到加德滿都僅有150公里，但由於路況不佳，可能需要超過6小時的車程。

抵達加德滿都時，這趟13天西藏尼泊爾喜馬拉雅陸路之旅也將畫下句點。你的導遊將與你道別，你將繼續前往你在尼泊爾的下一個目的地。

旅途平安！