Reach Roof of the World - Overland Tour from Tibet to Nepal

Tibet to Nepal Overland

Potala Palace in Lhasa, Photo Shared by Marcin

Inspired by recent 4×4 trip of my friend to “Altai Mountains, Mongolia”. Decided to match and outdo his achievement by going on overland 4×4 (turn out to be a small van ) trip from Lhasa Tibet to Katmandu Nepal, because nothing stimulates like success of your friend. And nothing makes you feel even better like outdoing your friend. Let’s call it mutual inspiration.

Lhasa Local in Tibetan Dress, Photo Shared by Marcin

-Lhasa, if you would like to feel a little hypoxemia on your first day – fly to Lhasa. 3700 meters above see level will take your breath away for sure. La Paz Bolivia 5400m on the other hand will make you pass out just after landing. Let’s go back to Lhasa “Potala Palace” will take your breath away for sure!!! By its stunning beauty and majesty .

Philosophy debates by “yellow hats monks” will make you speechless and make you rethink the way you studied your whole life.

Yamdrok Lake in Gyantse, Photo Shared by Marcin

“OMG I’m in New Mexico” that’s what I thought after 2 days driving from Lhasa to Mt Everest base camp. Journey from Albuquerque to El Paso has almost identical landscapes as Lhasa to Everest base camp. Why go to Tibet if you can have similar experience in New Mexico. Please visit my home state “New Mexico” Similarities: high altitude, adobe architecture, distinguished culture and cuisine. Differences hmmm … let’s say few.

Spectacular View of Mt Everest, Photo Shared by Marcin

Mt Everest in the Background, Photo Shared by Marcin

-Mt Everest base camp on Tibetan side so much different then Nepali base camp but let you be the judge . I almost froze thru the night but morning rewarded me with spectacular view of Mt Everest.

Chia-chia in Shigatse, Photo Shared by Marcin

Chia-chia in Shigatse, Photo Shared by Marcin

-Chia-chia (Shigatse) lovely place in the middle of nowhere, cold wether and infrequent electricity. Can be a little problem if your only source of heating is electric blanket and ice cover every inch of water. If you want or not you have to stop here on the way to and from Mt Kaylash. I will remember it as a little Florence due to its unforgettable architecture.

We Arrived in 5635m Ngari, Photo Shared by Marcin

Heading to Mt Kailash, Photo Shared by Marcin

-Mt Kailash…. wow that was very: cold, short and not “too high” trek (-10C, 40 miles long, 5610m above see level – Domala Pass) . Mt Kailash is a house of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as It was explained to me by local people – also center of the world. That’s a great news as search for center of the Earth been my life’s goal and here it is!!! Finally in Tibet I accomplished it.

Prayer Flags at Lake Mansarovar, Photo Shared by Marcin

– Lake Mansarovar, Near Mt Kailash there is lake Mansarovar holy lake for both Hindu and Buddhists. Lake was created by tear of Compassionate Buddha. Holy water can wash sins and heal wounds, so I dip my hand in it to feel a little purer and heal my recent motor injury.

Taking a Bath at 4700m, Photo Shared by Marcin

But what was the highlight of lake Mansarovar was a bath at 4700 m, water came from hot spring and temperature was simply perfect, after not washing for 4 days it was really highly anticipated.

Towards Kathmandu, Nepal, Photo Shared by Marcin

-Towards Kathmandu, Nepal – road from Tibetan Plateau Circa 4600m to Kathmandu 1400 m via Gyirong 3300 m is absolutely spectacular. Transition from desert to alpine scenery is breath taking. Drive from Chinese border to Katmandu can be describe as symphony of life and chaos.

Trying to Start the Car on a Muddy Road, Photo Shared by Marcin

It is also a last stage of this trip. In numbers 3000 km overland, altitude difference from 5600 m at Domala Pass to Kathmandu at 1400 m and 12 days of ever changing scenery.

Special thanks goes to:

-Tibetan People

-Fantastic guide

-Remarkable driver

My thoughts and prayers go to people of Sulvasii Indonesia that perished in recent tsunami September 2018