The Friendship Highway from Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu in Nepal is the most popular travel route in Tibet for tourists. It involves the two major urban centers of Shigatse and Gyantse, and other important attractions such as Sakya, Mt.Everest Base Camp. Most travellers make their way by renting landcruisers to the boarder with several excellent detours along the Highway.
The Friendship Highway is an 800-kilometre scenic route connecting the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, with the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge between Zhangmu and Kodari. It includes the westernmost part of China National Highway 318 and crosses three passes over 5,000m before dropping to 1,750m at the border.
Generally the landcruiser trips head straight from Lhasa to the Coiling, Scorpion-lake Yamdrok Lake, which is one of 3 holy lakes in Tibet, and take in the views from Samding Monastery before heading to Gyantse. In Gyantse, visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum Stupa and several adventurous excusions around the town, it always depending on the time. A 2 hour drive from Gyantse to Shigatse, en route you can visit Shalu Monastery and see interesting Tibetan art.
Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, is the capital of Tsang Area. You will visit the impressive Monastery Tashilhunpo, and the spectacular tombs of the Panchen Lamas. Before heading to Lhatse from Shigatse, you can detour off the friendship Hwy to check out the stunning Sakya Monastery, stay there overnight and investigate the Northern Ruins or stay in nearby town Lhatse.
Closer to the boarder, the most popular scenery spot in Tibet is the Everest Region. Many people drive staight to Rongphu Monastery from Shegar, take a short hike to Everest Base Camp, Leave the next day. And some others take a 3-day trekking from Old Tingri, enjoy both adventure and extraordinary views of Everest and other Mountain peaks.
After Everest, head to Zhangmu and Nepal, by passing the Old Tingri where you can have a good views of Cho Oyu, and a small town Nyalam, which is always the first stop for the groups from Nepal.
