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Home Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour 7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour without EBC
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Good News: Gyirong Border has been opening in 2023. You can book the 7 days Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour now. As a local-based tour operator in Tibet, we guarantee you the best Kathmandu to Lhasa experience at the best price!

Embarking on a journey from Nepal to Tibet is a popular way to experience the magic of the holy land on the high plateau. Covering a distance of approximately 160 kilometers, the route leads up to the Gyirong Border, where the adventure begins. If high altitude prevents you from visiting Mount Everest Base Camp, our 7-day Kathmandu to Lhasa tour is a suitable alternative. Or, for those who are interested in EBC, you’d better take 8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Adventure Tour with EBC Experience.

Over the first two days, you will travel from Kathmandu to Rashuwaghadi and cross the border into Tibet via the Gyirong Border. From there, you will continue your adventure to Tingri, with a stop at the captivating Sakya Monastery. Later, you'll head to Shigatse, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, explore the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, and have a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty of the Karola Glacier on your way to Lhasa. In the holy city of Lhasa, you'll witness the grandeur of its attractions, including the world-renowned Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Throughout your journey, you'll travel in comfort and at a smooth pace, ensuring ample time to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery and cultural treasures of Tibet.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Gyirong Border to enter China, which is served as one of the most popular way to visit Tibet.
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
Highlight 2: Catch the breathtaking view of the Yamdrok Lake, one of the Great Three Holy Lakes in Tibet and also enjoy the magnificent white glacier framed by colorful prayer flags and high mountains.
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
Highlight 3: Come to the Sunlight City to marvel at the world famous holy center - Potala Palace comprising the White and Red Palaces built on the Red Mountain.
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
Highlight 4: Give yourself some quiet moments to view in front of the “spiritual heart of the city” and see the numerous local Tibetan Buddhists and pilgrimages worshiping devoutly in front of Jokhang Temple.
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
Highlight 5: Travel outside of Lhasa city to one of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet - Sera Monastery to explore exceptional Buddhist religious complex and see the famous debate among monks on the Buddhist doctrines.
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
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Itinerary at a Glance

7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour without EBC
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Kathmandu

Gyirong Border (1 Day)

Paba Monastery

Tingri (1 Day)

Sakya Monastery

Shigatse (1 Day)

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Shannan & Gyantse (1 Day)

Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

Lhasa (3 Days)

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Kathmandu to Rashuwaghadi

Altitude: 2700 meters | Distance: 130 km, about 6 hours’ drive

In the morning, you'll be accompanied by a local guide and driver as they pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu. From there, you'll head towards Rashuwaghadi, situated near the border on the Nepalese side. As you travel along the winding mountain road, you'll be treated to primitive views of cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, majestic gorges, and lush forests.

In this evening, you will stay overnight at a local guesthouse in Rashuwaghadi.

Day 2 Rashuwaghadi to Gyirong - Tingri | Gyirong Border

Altitude: 5000 meters | Distance: 300km, about 5-6 hours’ drive

After breakfast, you will be transported to the border for entry into China, where you will be greeted by your local guide and driver on the Chinese side. Upon passing through the Gyirong Border, you will continue your trip to Tingri. As you pass Tongla Pass (5100m), you can take a glimpse of the stunning Himalaya Mountain range.

Stay overnight in Tingri.

Travel Note:
The Friendship Highway is an 800-kilometre scenic route that connects Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge between Zhangmu and Kodari. (Note: Currently, the Zhangmu Port is primarily used for freight, while Gyirong Port is used for tourism.)

Day 3 Tingri to Shigatse via Sakya | Sakya Monastery

Altitude: 5200 meters | Distance: 360 km, about 5-6 hours’ drive

As you travel from Tingri to Shigatse, you will be able to view the vast plain of Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit Sakya Monastery, the seat of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is one of the four main Buddhist schools in Tibet. Founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo, a disciple of the famous Indian Buddhist teacher Atisha, the monastery's outer walls are painted with red, white, and gray, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani. One of the most notable features of Sakya Monastery is its extensive library, which boasts a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures, commentaries, and other texts. Considered one of the largest and most important Buddhist libraries in the world, it is said to have the largest book in the world, written in gold.

After the tour, transfer to Shigatse and accommodate there.

Day 4 Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa | Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

In this morning, you will take a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashihunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area, Tibet. In Tashi Lumpo Monastery, you can unveil the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery and have a stunning bird view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Next, you will transfer from Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse. Pass the Manak Dam Lake and you can hang pray flags at Simila Mountain Pass. After that, you can view one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier on the roadside, the filming location of the movie "Red Valley" (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. And also marvel at breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance.

After the tour, drive to Lhasa and accommodate here.

Day 5 Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will explore Lhasa for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and experience the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

After exploring the Potala Palace Museum, move to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a world cultural heritage site. It is said that the Jokhang Monastery is built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", it houses the statue of the life-size 12-year-old Sakyamuni which is the treasure of the Buddhism world. That is why Buddhist pilgrims take it as the holiest destination. The time seems to stand still when you watch them pray in front of the temple during the day and night.

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 6 Lhasa Surrounding Tour | Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will enjoy the culture tour of Lhasa via a visit to two of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 - 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.

After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

Day 7 Depart from Lhasa | Hotel Check-out & Transfers

It is time to end your 7-day Nepal Tibet overland tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Namtso Lake, Mount Kailash and Ancient Guge Kingdom. Tell us your likes.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

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Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
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Private Vehicle: Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
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Hotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)
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Meals: Breakfasts plus featured meals - Tibetan welcome banquet in Lhasa & The world’s highest altitude hot pot experience at EBC (if you take the tour to EBC).
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Admission tickets, activities listed in the itinerary
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Tibet Permits: Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.
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Pick up and Drop off Service: The pick up and drop off service are free from 7:00am to 22:00pm on the pick up and drop off date.
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Oxygen and Water: A container of Oxygen per person for emergency use; 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day (300ml); 4L Medical oxygen cylinder with car
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Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

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International airfares
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Entry visa fees
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Personal expenses
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Single room supplement
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Recommended optional activities
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Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
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Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private Tibet Tour

Do I need to get a Tibet permit to visit Tibet? How long does it take to obtain?
All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance and send the necessary documents to us for obtaining the permits. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it may take longer to obtain the necessary permits.
How do I book a private Tibet tour?
It is very simple to book a private Tibet tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Combine Your Tibet Tour with Other Destinations in China
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your Tibet Tour

Lhasa Recommended 3 Star Hotel
Shigatse Recommended 3 Star Hotel
EBC Accommodation
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

View Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Gyirong Border Town, Tibet
  • Gyirong Port, Tibet
  • Sakya Monastery, Tibet
  • Sakya Monastery, Tibet
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse Tibet
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse Tibet
  • Karora Glacier in Tibet
  • Tibet Yamdrok Lake
  • Lhasa Potala Palace
  • Lhasa Potala Palace
  • Lhasa Jokhang Temple
  • Lhasa Jokhang Temple
  • Lhasa Drepung Monastery
  • Lhasa Drepung Monastery
  • Lhasa Sera Monastery

Latest Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Maziar
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I’m Maziar from Australia
I’m Maziar from Australia. We had a wonderful private tour guided by Asia Odyssey in June 2023. Issac from Asia Odyssey was very helpful all through out our trip. The trip was very well organised and well planned. Hotels perfectly located and tour guides and drivers in each city been very supportive and helpful. I hope I can go back to China to visit that wonderful land again and I will defend suggest Asia Odyssey to anyone searching for help and guide to visit china.
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Maziar
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I’m Maziar from Australia. We had a wonderful private tour guided by Asia Odyssey in June 2023. Issac from Asia Odyssey was very helpful all through ...
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Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Chengdu/Sichuan

Date of Experience: Jul 07, 2023

Tour Customized by: Isaac

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Kathy
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Highly recommend Asia Odyssey Travel 

My experience with Asia Odyssey Travel was exceptional as they provided thorough assistance throughout my train tour, from start to finish. From my initial contact with Mike to the follow-up from Lucy, their service was fantastic. Mike maintained excellent communication throughout the entire process, and when I needed to make amendments to my train tickets, he promptly and efficiently resolved the changes. Everything went smoothly, and I couldn't find any faults with their service. I highly appreciate their dedication and professionalism in ensuring a seamless experience.

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Kathy
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My experience with Asia Odyssey Travel was exceptional as they provided thorough assistance throughout my train tour, from start to finish. From my in...
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Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet

Date of Experience: Jun 23, 2023

Tour Customized by: JoJo

You May be Interested in This Tour: 16 Days Classic China, Panda & Holy Tibet Tour in Small Group

travelchina2018
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Wonderful Tibet trip with the help of Amy from Odyssey Travel
This 11 days tour in Tibet is really incredible and unforgettable organized by Amy and her team. Organization of this tour has been perfect, me and my husband were very lucky to join a group with very pleasant 3 group members, it is a ideal size of a group for a good harmony. We have all really appreciate our tour guide Pusto for his deep knowledge of the Tibetan civilization and religion, his very pleasant company and his permanent smile, he is more than a tour guide like a close friend. The time has been well managed by our tour guide to avoid loss time on road and arrived at EBC in time to enjoy the incredible view of Qomolangma before the sunset, really great! Namtso lake is incredibly beautiful too, we love every minute of it there : -)
Our contact girl Amy, we are very thankful to her for her patience and efficiency to obtain our Tibet visa and train tickets in time, this made us know how important her help and support has been to us. Also she followed up day by day on our health conditions, provided us tips on how to maintain the best of health on such altitudes and it worked, big kudos to Amy!
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travelchina2018
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This 11 days tour in Tibet is really incredible and unforgettable organized by Amy and her team. Organization of this tour has been perfect, me and my...
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Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Aug 15, 2018

Tour Customized by: Owen

You May be Interested in This Tour: 11 Days Tibet Nepal Overland Tour with Old Tingri to EBC Trek

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Destinations
  • Kathmandu
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  • Gyirong Border
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  • Tingri
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  • Shigatse
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  • Shannan & Gyantse
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  • Lhasa
Tour Information
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Flexible Dates
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Trusted Route
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Guaranteed Experience
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Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
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Tour Code: AOT-TTB-019
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Travel Route: Kathmandu - Rashuwaghadi - Gyirong Border - Tingri - Shigatse - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa
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Features: World Heritages, Architectures, Religious Sites, Nature Wonders, Lakes, Mountains, Adventure

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

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