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This challenging trip follows the ancient Silk Route across some of the harshest and most inhospitable landscapes on earth. From Kyrgyzstan we cross the rugged Tian Shan and then travel along the Karakoram Highway to Kashgar in China. We'll take a tour of Turpan, one of the lowest places in the world, before setting off for one of the highest - travelling from Golmud across the Tibetan plateau to the magical city of Lhasa. We overland through Himalayan passes at dizzying altitudes, stopping off at monasteries along the way. After a hike up to Everest Base Camp we cross into Nepal, and end our epic journey in colourful Kathmandu.

what's included?

Week 1: Kyrgyzstan & China's Xinjiang Province

• Begin our journey in picturesque Bishkek
• Overnight homestay at a traditional rural Kyrgyz village
• Journey through the Silk Route's Torugart Pass in the Tian Shan Mountains
• Overland from Kashgar to Taxkorgan up the Karakoram Highway
• Visit Karakoram's Karakul Lake

Week 2: Xinjiang & Taklamakan Desert

• 2 or 3 nights to explore Kashgar's Sunday Market
• Journey along the Northern Silk Route around the Taklamakan Desert
• Visit to the Thousand Buddha Caves at Kizil
• Exploration of the oasis and the Jaohe ruins at Turpan

Week 3: Qinghai Province & Tibet

• Stopover and time to explore historic Dunhuang
• The ultimate overland journey from Golmud over the high passes of the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa

Week 4: The Friendship Highway

• 3 night stay and guided tour of the main sites in Lhasa
• Overland via Himalayan passes and the Scorpion Lake between Lhasa and Gyantse
• Visit to the stunning town of Gyantse and Baiju Monastery
• Stopover in Shigatse and visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery

Week 5: Tibet's Himalaya & Nepal

• Side trip to the Rhongphuk Monastery, crossing passes of 5200 metres
• Enter the national park. Walk to Tibet's Everest Base Camp and stay overnight
• Overland along the Friendship Highway between Kathmandu and Tingri, over passes of 5050 metres
• Time in Nepal either at the beautiful mountain retreat the 'Last Resort' or en route acclimatising

General Notes:

This is a tough trip and should only be attempted by people who are prepared for cold, discomfort and itinerary alterations. Before we can confirm anyone on this trip, we will need to approve a completed "altitude" questionnaire.

Do not expect the itinerary to run to plan as it may well vary. We will be travelling through high remote mountains and itinerary may have to vary somewhat due to weather or road conditions. If it is too cold we will not overnight at Karokol Lake.

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Visas for this trip can take many weeks to be issued so book early. Tibet authorisation is included in the trip price. NB: This is not the cost of the actual visa which is seperate from the trip price.

Alternative routes starting from Bishkek: