endless series of tiny chapels full of Buddhist images – Buddhas, demons, protectors, and saints. Then, settle in and scan the scenery from the conveni- ence of a private vehicle as you travel to Shigatse. DAY 16 -SHIGATSE / TINGRI Take some time to explore Tashilhunpo Monastery founded by the First Dalai Lama in the 1400's. This amazing struc- ture of history has been expanded over the centuries and is also known as the 'Heap of Glory'. This massive complex is visited daily by hundreds of devotees, armed with yak butter to feed the lamps, who prostrate themselves around the stupas or walk up to the chapel that houses the 26m-high (85ft), gold-plated statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha. Once the group is ready to move on, jump in the private vehicle and make your way to Tingri. DAY 17 -TINGRI / RONGBUK Explore the ruins of Shegar Dzong, also known as the "Crystal Fort". Once the capital of the Tingri region, take in scenic views of the ruined defensive walls that climb high above the town below. Then take an exhilarating drive to reach Rongbuk — 5,000m (16,404 ft) and a mere 7km (4.4 mi) below Everest Base Camp. The view from here is utterly spectacular. Enjoy a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. It was first built in 1902 by the Nyingma Lama and originally housed more than 500 monks. Today, only about 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing the same prayer hall but maintaining separate residences. The nuns here are great fun and will be delighted to have you join their evening prayers. DAY 18 -RONGBUK / KYIRONG Pack up and head out for the long, yet incredibly scenic drive from Rongbuk to Kyirong which serves as the main border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. Soak in the passing views from your private vehicle window with a couple stops along the way. Ride along- side Paiko Tso Lake and marvel at its turquoise colour. Reach Kunda La Pass at 5236m, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Start the descent through winding roads into £3499PP * FROM ONLY INSIDE OUTSIDE BALCONY SUITE £3499pp £3549pp £3629pp £3829pp QUANTUM OF THE SEAS Quantum of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and the flagship of their Quantum class ships. She spent her first two inaugural years in Cape Liberty, New Jersey before she repositioned to her new home port in Shanghai, China in mid-2015. Royal Caribbean calls Quantum of the Seas the world's first smart ship due to its fast internet and Google street view technology on board. This technology allows you to have access all areas on board, to get the know the ship before you even make the booking, and to familiarise yourself with the on-board facilities and see if this is the perfect ship for you. Kyirong and feel the change in altitude. See the change in scenery from snowy mountain peaks, to more greenery. DAY 19 -KYIRONG / KATHMANDU Prepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. There's plenty of lush green forests along the highway towards the Tibet – Nepal border at Rasuwa Gadi. After immigra- tion, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump on a bus and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu. DAY 20 & 21 -KATHMANDU Spend 2 nights in Kathmandu before flying back to the UK. TIBET ADVENTURE 63