North of India, Nepal, and the
great Himalayas lies an ancient land unparalleled in it’s beauty
and majesty. This land of Tibet, often referred to as the roof of
the world, is the largest and highest plateau on earth. Its’
unique Buddhist culture, magnificent wildlife, and grand peaks have
been sealed from outsiders for years. You are now given the chance
to experience this land of mystery and fantasy!
The majority of this trip will be spent traveling
the Friendship Highway, home to some of the most
breathtaking scenery this side of heaven. Our
route will lead us through seven days of rugged
beauty. Along this journey we will pass through
spectacular mountain peaks, numerous Tibetan settlements,
and more ancient monasteries than you could imagine.
We will have plenty of opportunities to explore
this wealth of natural and cultural allure. While
in Gyantse and Shigatse we even immerse ourselves
in the Buddhist culture.
The first four days of our journey will be spent
in the old city of Lhasa. This time will allow
for excellent sightseeing and proper acclimatization.
The awe-inspiring Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
will be some of the mains sites we see while in
Lhasa. Soon after we will depart in four wheel
drive Toyota Land cruisers. Along the amazing
Friendship Highway we will stay in first-rate
yet traditional Tibetan hotels every step of the
way.
The highlight of this trip for many is our visit
to the base camp of Everest. The sheer brilliance
of this mountain is something which must be seen
first hand to be truly appreciated. You will be
blown away by its beauty and astronomic size.
This Tibet trip will guarantee to be the memory
of a lifetime. Tibet’s’ awe-inspiring
landscape, mountain views, and vibrant Buddhist
culture are unparalleled in this world.
Come join us in the roof of the world!
Itenerary
Day 01 Fly
Kathmandu [1400m] - Lhasa [3660m]
Day 02 Sightseeing
in Lhasa
Day 03 Sightseeing
in Lhasa
Day 04 In
Lhasa, free day.
Day 05 Drive
Lhasa - Gyantse [3950m] 261 km
Day 06 Sightseeing
& drive Gyantse - Shigatse [3900m] 90km
Day 07 Sightseeing
& drive Shigatse - Shegar [New Tingri: 4050m] 244km
Day 08 Drive
Shegar - Rongbuk [5000m] 68km
Day 09 Drive
Rongbuk - Tingri [4390m] 65km
Day 10 Drive
Tingri - Zhangmu [2300m] 181km
Day 11 Drive
Zhangmu - Kodari - Kathmandu [1400m] 123km
DETAIL ITINERARY
DAY 01 FLY KATHMANDU [1400m] - LHASA
[3660m]
In the morning we will convene at the Kathmandu airport for the
spectacular hour long flight to Lhasa. A China Southwest Airlines
Boeing 757 will fly us over much of the magnificent Himalayan range
providing us with mountain views the entire way. Once landed at
Gongar airport the tour group will meet with our Tibetan guide.
We must travel two hours by Land cruisers to reach the actual city
of Lhasa. It will take some time to acclimate to Lhasa’s high
altitude so we recommend that you relax and rest in the uxorious
Hotel Dhood Gu.
DAY 02 IN LHASA
On this second day a guide and interpreter will lead you through
several of Lhasa’s many monasteries. The first one we will
visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth century sprawl of golden roofs
and whitewashed walls. This well preserved monastery is located
just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to several hundred monks.
In the afternoon we will visit the summer palace of the Dalai Lama,
Norbulingka, as well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is the most
revered shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout
worshippers. We will also be given the opportunity to shop in Barkor,
the crowded central market of Lhasa.
DAY 03 IN LHASA
A trip to Tibet would not be complete without experiencing the vital
Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa’s cardinal landmark and
is a wonder of Eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive
structure will be a magical moment remembered for years to come.
It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once
home to the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will ended with a
visit to the Drepung Monastery. Once the world’s largest monastery,
housing 10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges
just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left
untouched throughout the Cultural Revolution.
DAY 04 IN LHASA
This last day in Lhasa will be one of leisure, exploration, and
relaxation. The members of the tour group will have many choices
of what to do. Many choose to explore Lhasa further, revisit their
favorite monastery, tour additional monasteries, or simply relax
around Lhasa. There are many wonderful cafes and shops throughout
Lhasa. This is the last chance for acclimatization before we depart
so once again we recommend you take it easy.
DAY 05 DRIVE LHASA - GYANTSE [3950m]
261 km
Today we finally began our overland journey culminating in Kathmandu,
Nepal. One of the first sites we will see while traveling along
the majestic Friendship Highway is the Khamba La. The breathtaking
view at Khamba La allows one to see all the way to the summit of
Nazin Kang Sa. Truly an amazing view! While continuing westward
we will travel over the Karo La, a high pass surrounded by stupendous
glaciers. The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the many magnificent
valleys and exquisite Tibetan villages we pass through. The day
will end in the town of Gyantse. We will spend the night in a hotel
in this historical city.
DAY 06 DRIVE GYANTSE [3950m] - SHIGATSE
[3900m] 90km
First thing in the morning we will visit Gyantse Dzong. This fort
dates back to the fourteenth century and offers some of the most
amazing views of Gyantse and the surrounding valley. Before leaving
we will also visit the famed Gyantse Kumbum. This magnificent tiered
structure is the largest stupa in all of Tibet. If the exquisite
gold dome is not enough, this stupa is packed with Tibetan sculptures
and paintings.
The drive today, only 90 km, takes us to the second largest city
in Tibet. Shigatse is a laid back city that provides excellent opportunity
for both relaxation and exploration. As a group we will explore
the local market and the Tahilhumpo Monastery. Tahilhumpo Monastery
is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and was able
to last through the Cultural Revolution nearly unscathed. It is
a great pleasure to spend some time exploring the busy cobbled lanes
twisting around these ancient buildings. At night we will relax
and rest in the Shigatse Hotel or Shandond Mansion.
DAY 07 DRIVE SHIGATSE [3900m] - SHEGAR
[NEW TINGRI] [4050m] 244km
The views of this desert plateau provide for wondrous entertainment
as we travel along the Friendship Highway. This stretch is some
of the most spectacular landscape in Tibet. After passing through
the small town of Lhatse we will cross Gyatmso La, the highest pass
on our journey. The land quickly descends to plains after Gyatmso
La. While traveling through the plains we will see many nomadic
herders, quiet countryside, and secluded monasteries. The night
will be spent in Hotel Quomolongma in Shegar.
DAY 08 DRIVE SHEGAR [4050m] - RONGBUK
[5000m] 68km
After leaving Shegar we will travel only a short while before turning
off the Friendship Highway. Our four wheel drive vehicles will takes
us South towards the main Himalayan range while passing over Pang
La. The view from the top of Pang La is truly stunning. One is able
to see all the way from Makalu to Shishapangma. In the afternoon
we will descend into the Rongbuck valley and Everest will jump quickly
into view. This is your first chance to catch a glimpse of this
awe-inspiring mountain. We will spend the night at the Gompa Guest
House.
DAY 09 DRIVE RONGBUK [5000m] - TINGRI
[4390m] 65km
This morning is the highlight of the trip for many. You are given
the opportunity to explore the Everest Base camp. The views of Everest
from so close make the mountain seem even more impressive than before.
It is a truly breath taking experience to stare up at the sheer
North face of this highest mountain in the world. Mount Everest
towers above you in a looming yet magical way.
After Lunch we will get back on the Friendship highway and continue
our amazing journey. We will spend the night at the high class Snow
Leopard Lodge in Tingri.
DAY 10 DRIVE TINGRI [4390m] - ZHANGMU
[2300m] 181km
Continuing along the Friendship Highway we will leave Tingri and
cross the Lalung La and the Shung La, two more incredible passes.
The views from these passes are breathtaking once again. While standing
on these passes one is surrounded by grandiose mountains such as
Shishpangma, Cho Oyu, Gauri Shankar, and many more.
In the afternoon we begin descending from the arid Tibetan plateau
to a small town of Zhangmu. Zhangmu is much lower in elevation and
as a result is much more lush and green than what we have experienced
so far. The Zhangmu Friendship Hotel provides great rooms to relax
and rest on one of our last nights.
DAY 11 DRIVE ZHANGMU [2300m] - KODARI
- KATHMANDU [1400m] 123km
We will leave Zhangmu in the morning and head to the Nepalese border.
The Friendship Bridge lies at the Border of China and Nepal and
is only a few kilometers from Zhangmu. It spans the impressive Bhote
Koshi River. Sadly we must say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and
driver at this point. Our Nepalese staff will meet you at the immigration
Control in Kodari and help with all the reentry formalities. The
city of Kathmandu, our end destination, lies only five hours to
the south. Boy, what an amazing journey this is!
PRICE
US$ 1200 [SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: US$ 150]
FIXED DEPARTURE DATES
FOR YEAR 2004
29 May, 12, 26 June, 10, 24 July, 28 August, 11, 25 September, 09,
23 October.
Costs includes: Hotel Dhood Gu or similar on BB basis in Lhasa &
best available en route with breakfast, transportation by 4WD land
cruiser, flight either to or from Lhasa, guided sightseeing tours
with all entry fees, travel permit, Tibet visa & airport transfers.
Cost does not include:
Lunch & dinner, airport tax, hotels in Kathmandu, Urgent visa
fee [US$ 25 shall be charged if the passport copy submitted in less
then 1 month].
Inquire
Now...
|
