Journey through the Himalaya: Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Highway

Today, you can enjoy a tour with your driver and guide, taking in Kathmandu's sights and attractions. You'll also visit the impressive Swayambhunath Stupa, which is situated on a hill in the west of the city. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys that live on the hill.

You have a full day at leisure today. We suggest exploring the city on foot, walking between Dunbar Square and Thamel. Alternatively, relax in the Garden of Dreams — a neo-classical garden just outside Thamel.

Your private driver takes you to the airport this morning ready for your flight from Kathmandu to Gongkar Airport in Tibet. On arrival, you're met by your Tibetan guide for the drive to Tsetang. The afternoon should be taken at a leisurely pace as you adjust to the high altitude.

Today your guide accompanies you by car to Samye Monastery — Tibet's first Buddhist monastery. In the afternoon you continue on to Yumbulagang Palace, home of the first 32 kings of Tibet. There are great views of the surrounding countryside from the palace.

This morning you're driven in a private vehicle to the capital, Lhasa. On arrival, you check into your hotel and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to wander through the Tibetan bazaar and streets of the old city.

Visit the superb Potala Palace this morning, which was the seat of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery, where you may be able to watch the monks debating. Later you visit Lhasa's only nunnery, near Barkhor Square.

This morning you can enjoy a tour of Lhasa's most important temple, the Jokhang. Afterwards, travel to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit the seat of the State Oracle at Drepung.

Your private driver escorts you to Gyantse today on the Southern Friendship Highway, first passing the beautiful Turquoise Lake and later, snow-capped peaks. On arrival in Gyantse, the evening is at your leisure.

Today is spent with your guide visiting the impressive Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum. Afterwards, you're free to wander around the old town independently, perhaps visiting Gyantse Fort.

You're driven in a private vehicle to Shigatse this morning, via Shalu Monastery. In the afternoon you also visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former seat of the Panchen Lama. Afterwards you have some time at leisure to wander around and visit the local markets.

This morning, you're driven from Shigatse to Xegar, where you'll visit Sakya Monastery. Founded in 1073, it is the seat of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll visit several of the monastery's temples.

Today, enjoy the passing scenery on the drive toward the Himalaya, eventually arriving at the isolated Rongbuk Monastery, which sits in the shadow of Everest. You'll spend the night here at an altitude of 5,000 m (16,400 ft).

Set off early this morning for a hike to Base Camp, where you can take in staggering views of Everest. Then, you will make the journey to Gyirong, the border crossing between Tibet and Nepal.

After crossing the border this morning, you're met by your new driver and guide for your private transfer through the mountains to Kathmandu.

You're taken to the airport in a private vehicle today in time for your onward flight.