TIBET TOURS AND TREKKING

A Brief Introduction to Tibet

Tibet has long been known as Shangri-La, the land of snows and the Roof of the World. This rich and beautiful highland, is located at the main part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, south - west frontier of Mainland China. Tibet borders with Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Xinjiang; to the south contiguous to Nepal, India, Bhutan and Burma, and bounded by Kashmir on the west. The region is full of spectacular skylines of majestic mountain peaks, breathtaking canyons, scattered highland lakes, rolling pasture and farmland, and pristine forests. The population of the region consists mostly of the Tibetans, Monbans and Lhobans, cultivating for centuries very unique ethnic traditions and glorious culture unseen anywhere else. There is a long history; majestic mountains and rivers, regular customs and habits, wonderful natural landscapes with monks clad in robes and yellow hats are seen everywhere. If you were to set up foot on this virgin highland, to follow the steps of pilgrims dating from ancient times, to visit the great temples and monasteries, to enjoy the unique culture, to have sips of waters from those limited rivers and lakes, to sight the different customs and to trek around those mighty snow clad peaks, you would surely be intoxicated with their wonders.

The resplendent scenes of nature and cultural traditions heavy with historical power are all resources for developing tourism in Tibet. The tours in Tibet are mostly cultural sightseeing and high altitude trekking in the remote vast highland. However, special interest tours covering the full range of trekking, mountaineering, scientific exploration, folklore studies and religious pilgrimage are also on the rise. Tourism resources in the region have been continuously developed. "Lhasa, the cultural hub and capital city of Tibet, is now the tourist center with tour routes extending to Nakchu, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar/Tingri, Lhatse, Rongbuk (Everest base camp at Tibetan side), Lake Pegucho, the sacred holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar and Zhangmu (Kodari border) with Nepal, covering a total of over 60 scenic spots and places of interest.

Tibet is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery and temple sights, breathtaking high altitude treks, stunning views of the world's highest mountains and one of the most likeable people you will ever meet.

Trip-1

TIBET INTRODUCTORY TRIP

Overland Journey Lhasa - Kathmandu

8-Days Package: Fly in - Drive out

Fly over the world's highest peaks into the Tibetan capital Lhasa, the cultural hub of Tibet. You will spend 3 nights in Lhasa where our local guides will take you around main important monasteries and palaces of Dalai Lama including Sera, Drepung and Norbulinkha monasteries and Potala Palace to explore the historical Tibetan culture and civilization. The trip returns overland (spending 4 nights en-route) via Gyantse-Xigatse-Xegar-Zhangmu to Kathmandu. There are two high passes Karola and Gyatso La over 5000 meters on this overland trip. Average elevation of your overland journey is over 4000 meters above sea level and acclimatization for high altitude; health and safety should be carefully considered in the trip

Day

Date

Itinerary

1

  Fly Kathmandu - Lhasa: transfer to city, check in hotel and rest for acclimatization. O/N Hotel (medium class)

2

 

Lhasa: visit Potala palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor bazzar, etc. O/N hotel

3

 

Lhasa: visit Sera, Drepung Norbulingkha Monasteries, etc. O/N hotel

4

 

Drive Lhasa - Gyantse (3650m): 261 km, via Karola pass (5,010), Yamdrok lake and Tibetan lifeline river Yearling Tsangpo (Brahma putra) - o/n at hotel

5

 

Drive Gyantse - Xigatse (3900m) 90 km, visit Phalcho and Kumbum monastery in Gyangtse, and to Xigatse. O/N at hotel

6

 

Drive Xigatse - Xegar/Tingri: 240 km, 7 hours crossing over a highest pass of Gyatso La (5,220m). O/N hotel/Guesthouse.

7

  Drive Xegar/Tingri - Nylam/Zhangmu: 187 KM, via Lalung la passes (5050 M) with good view of Mt. Cho Oyu. O/N hotel

8

  Drive Nylam/Zhangmu - Friendship border - Kathmandu; 155 KM, 6/7-hours scenic drive. O/N at your hotel

*

Travel Kit

Since the trip include high altitude over 5000 meters, you should bring: - at least a pair of very warm jackets, good shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, other personal belongings, toiletries, water bottle, rain coat, flash light, sunglasses, at least 6 months valid passport (some copies of passport photos for visa and permits) and other personal values, etc.

Cost Range

US$ 1100 - US$ 1300 (per person) - including accommodation, flight and ground transfers, visa/permits and guided trip. The costs are depending on group sizes.

Trip-2

CENTRAL TIBET EXCURSION

(Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Namtso Lake)

10-days trip by flight both ways

Best Season to visit:           April through October

This trip begins from Kathmandu with a panoramic flight to Lhasa, crossing over the Top of the World (close view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan ranges - weather permitting) and Tibetan highland. Our representative will meet you at airport and transfer to Sunshine City Lhasa. The trip includes all major historical sites in Lhasa (the capital of Tibetan people and civilization); visiting the ancient Monasteries, temples and Potala Palace; Gyantse, Shigatse (en route the famous Yamdruk Lake) and an overnight trip to Namtso (Sky Lake) and northern grassland. Our local guides will take you around of all places to explore Tibetan highland, civilization and culture.

Day

Date

Itinerary

1

 

Fly Kathmandu-Lhasa: transfer from airport to Lhasa (2-hrs drive). O/N hotel

2

 

Lhasa: visit Drepung, Sera, and Norbulingkha monasteries. O/N hotel

3

 

Lhasa: visit Potala palace, Jokhang temple and Barkhor market. O/N hotel

4

 

Drive Lhasa - Gyantse: via Yam druk Lake. Visit Palkhor and Khumbum Monastery. O/N hotel

5

 

Drive Gyantse - Shigatse: en route visit Shalu and Tashilumpo monasteries.

6

 

Drive back Shagatse - Lhasa: along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River. O/N hotel Shambala or similar

7

 

Drive Lhasa - Namtso Lake and Grassland (195-km). O/N at guesthouse/camp

8

 

Drive back Nam-tso - Lhasa: O/N at hotel

9

 

Lhasa: full day excursion to Ganden Monastery and Kyi Chu valley. O/N

10

 

Fly Lhasa-Kathmandu: after breakfast, drive to airport for your flight

*

Travel Kit

Since the trip include high altitude over 5000 meters, you should bring: - at least a pair of very warm jackets, good shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, other personal belongings, sleeping bag, toiletries, water bottle, rain coat, flash light, sunglasses, at least 6 months valid passport (some copies of passport photos for visa and permits) and other personal values, etc.

Cost Range

US$ 1300 - US$ 1600 (per person) - including accommodation, flight and ground transfers, visa/permits and guided trip. The costs are depending on group sizes.

Trip-3

LHASA - EVEREST BASE CAMP

Everest Base Camp at Tibetan side

10-Days trip: Fly in- Drive out

Day

Date

Itinerary

1

 

Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa airport. Pick up transfer to hotel (95km)

2

 

Lhasa: visit Potala palace, Jokhang and Barkhor market

3

 

Lhasa: visit Drepung, Sera monastery and Norbulingkha

4

 

Drive Lhasa - Gyantse via Yamdruk lake; visit Khumbum Monastery

5

 

Drive Gyantse - Xigatse: 90km, visit Tashilumpo Monastery

6

 

Drive Xigatse - Rongbuk: 350-km, 8/9 – hours. O/N Guesthouse

7

 

Rongbuk - Everest Base Camp - Rongbuk (full day walk or rent horse)

8

 

Drive Rongbok - Tingri: 110km. O/N Guesthouse

9

 

Drive Tingri – en route visit Milarepa Cave - Nylam/Zhangmu

10

 

Drive Nylam/Zhangmu - Kodari border (friendship bridge) - to Kathmandu

*

Travel Kit

Since the trip include high altitude over 5000 meters, you should bring: - at least a pair of very warm jackets, good shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, other personal belongings, sleeping bag, toiletries, water bottle, rain coat, flash light, sunglasses, at least 6 months valid passport (some copies of passport photos for visa and permits) and other personal values, etc.

Cost Range

US $ 1150 - $ 1450 (per person) - including accommodation, flight and all ground transfers, visa/permits and guided trip. The costs are depending on group sizes.

Trip-4

NEPAL - TIBET - Mt. KAILASH / MANASAROVAR TRIP

Trip Route: Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kailash/Manasarovar-Kodari border-Kathmandu

Good season for this trip: May to September

When you arrive in Kathmandu, we will meet you at airport and take you to your hotel. You will have few days to explore the colorful valley and briefly know about Nepal before heading for Tibet. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is going over the world's highest peaks. The whole trip is cultural and adventurous. Lhasa is capital and cultural hub of Tibet. Your tour includes visiting major Monasteries, Potala palace and important places in Lhasa. And the highland trip proceeds through the historical towns Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhastse, Saga, Pariyang to Mt. Kailash base Darchen from where you will start the "Parikarma or Kora" round Kailash treks -3 days and finally return to the crystal clear lake Manasarovar. Mt. Kailash is the holiest mountain on earth. For the Hindus, the mountain represents the seat of Lord Shiva, and for the Buddhist, a terrestrial projection of the cosmic Mandala of the Dyani-Buddhas and Buddhistvas…the wheel of life. And holy Lake Manasarovar where the Pilgrimage takes a holy baths and then does the "Kora" of sacred Mt. Kailash. On the way back, there will be scenic overland trip via Pegutso Lake to Zhangmu border (Friendship Bridge), and to Kathmandu. At the end, you will take one-day rest for your self-activities or shopping prior to your return to home or next destination

*

Travel Kit

Since the trip include high altitude over 5500 meters, you should bring:- at least a pair of very warm jackets, good trekking shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, personal belongings, toiletries, water bottle, flash light, sunglasses, some passport size photos for visas/permits, at least 6 months valid passport and other personal values, etc.

Total Trip

25 days (5 days Kathmandu + 20 days Tibet)

* for day by day itinerary, please e-mail us*

Cost Range

US $ 2300 - $ 3500 (per person) - including accommodation F/B, flight and all ground transfers, visa/permits and guided trip as per itinerary. The costs are depending on group sizes.

Trip-5

TIBET CULTURAL EXCURSION AND ADVENTURE

Trip includes Lhasa, Ganden-Samye trek, Tsedang,

Gyantse, Shigatse, Tsurphu Monastery and Namtso

15-Days package: Fly In – Fly Out trip:

Best time: April to October

This is one of the most popular Tibet trips that cover every famous cultural and scenic spots of central Tibet. After few days' exploration in and around Lhasa, you will trek the famous Ganden-Samye (4-5 days) and continue excursion to the other historical towns; Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse via Yamdruk lake and Yarlung Tsanpo River, and the famous Namtso Lake (Sky Lake) and northern grassland including Tsruphu Monastery en route.

Day

Date

Itinerary

1

 

Fly Kathmandu – Lhasa: pick up and drive 95km to Lhasa city. O/N hotel

2

 

Lhasa: sightseeing of Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor Bazzar etc

3

 

Lhasa: visit Sera, Drepung and Norbulinkha Monasteries

4

 

Drive Lhasa-Ganden Monastery (4500-m), rest and O/N camping near Monastery.

5

 

Trek: Ganden – Hepu/Yama Do (4-5 hours & camping)

6

 

Trek: Yama Do – Tsotup Chu Valley (4-5 hours & camping)

7

 

Trek: tsotup Chu Valley – Herder’s camps (5 hours & camping)

8

 

Trek: Herder’s camps – Samye Monastery (7-8 hours & camping)

9

 

Drive Samye – Tsedang (visit Yambulhakang Monastery) -  Gyantse: via Yamdruk Lake and Karola pass glacier, 5-6 hours scenic drive. O/N hotel

10

 

Drive Gyantse – Shigatse: 90-km, 2 hours drive, visiting Khumbhum stupa. O/N hotel

11

 

Drive Shigatse – Lhasa: 270-km, 5-6 hours drive along the scenic Yarlung Tsanpo River

12

 

Drive Lhasa - Namtso (Sky Lake) and northern grassland, 195-km, 4-5 hours, O/N Guesthouse/camp

13

 

Drive Nmatso - Lhasa via visiting Tsurphu Monastery en route. O/N hotel

14

 

Lhasa - free day for rest and relax or your self-activities

15

 

Fly Lhasa - Kathmandu or your next destination.

*

Travel Kit

Since the trip include high altitude over 5000 meters, you should bring: - at least a pair of very warm jackets, good trekking shoes, medicine of high altitude and stomach disorder, other personal belongings, toiletries, water bottle, flash light, sunglasses, at least 6 months valid passport and other personal values, etc.

Cost Range

US $ 1600 - $ 2100 (per person) - including accommodation, flight and all ground transfers, visa/permits and guided trip as per itinerary. The costs are depending on group sizes.

Above-mentioned trips are only few of the many trips we offer / organize for Tibet. For more trip information and booking any interested trips to Tibet, please e-mail us in advance: tvllink@wlink.com.np / loktravel@yahoo.com / loktravel@hotmail.com

 

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