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Tibet |
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Tibet |
(Legend
tells the Tibetan history starts with a monkey and a siren. The
monkey was sent by Avalokiteshvara Chenrezi) for religious retreat
on the high plateau. The siren managed to persuade him to marry
her. Having the permission of Avalokiteshvara, they married and
had 6 children. They were believed to be the ancestor of the
Tibetan people. However, archeology and geology discovery makes
ethnologists believe Tibetans are decedents of aborigines and
nomadic Qiang tribes. According to archeological discovery,
Tibetan history can be traced to 4,000 years ago.
However, the historic records show that not until the 7th century
can Tibetans be recognized as a race of people. The rising Yarlung
Dynasty (Tubo Kingdom) unified Tibet and became an aggressive
power. Inter-court marriages were adopted to for political reason.
Nepal and China married their princesses to Songtsen Gampo, the
outstanding king of Tibetan people. The two princesses brought
with them peace and also Buddhism which Tibetans fully converted
to before long. Songtsen Gampo embraced the religion
Tibet
Overland Tour with 3 Nights Lhasa - 8 Days
Places to
Visit:
KATHMANDU - ZHANGMU - NYALAM - SHEGAR -
SHIGATSE - GYANTSE - LHASA - KATHMANDU
Day 01 DRIVE KATHMANDU [1300m]/ZHANGMU [2500m] 123km/NYALAM
[3750m]
We leave Kathmandu
early in the morning, driving through the beautiful Nepalese
countryside to Kodari on the Nepal Tibet border. After completing
the border formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese
immigration posts we check in to our hotel on the Tibetan side of
the border.
Day 02 DAY 02 DRIVE ZHANGMU [2500m]/NYALAM/SHEGAR [4050m] 244km
Today's drive takes us from
the lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the
Tibetan Plateau. We cross several high passes including the Lalung
La [5050m] from which, [weather permitting], there is a
breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range including Mt Everest
- a fitting backdrop to the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau. We
stay overnight in the town of Shegar at the Hotel .
Day 03 DRIVE SHEGAR [4050m]/SHIGATSE [3900m] 244km
Continuing along the
Friendship Highway, we pass by lonely monasteries and the camps of
nomadic herders. We then cross the highest pass of our journey,
the Gyamtso La [5220m] before descending once more to the barren
splendor of the plains. Tonight, we stay in Shigatse, the second
largest city in Tibet.
Day 04 DRIVE SHIGATSE [3900m]/GYANTSE [3950m] 90km
This morning we have time to
visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning
monasteries in Tibet, before setting off on the relatively short
drive to Gyantse. Once in Gyantse, we can explore the Pelkor Chode
Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed
stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan
Buddhist murals. Our overnight accommodation is at Hotel.
Day 05 DRIVE GYANTSE [3950m]/LHASA [3650m] 261km
A spectacular day's drive
today will take us over the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated
to the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a
few hundred meters of the road. Beyond the small, developing town
of Nagartse, the road follows the bank of a beautiful turquoise
lake, the Yamdrok-tso, for about 20 Km. We then cross the Khamba
La [4794m.] and continue on to Lhasa, where we check in at the
Hotel.
Day 06 - 07 IN LHASA
Today will be spent visiting
several of Lhasa's many monasteries in the company of a guide and
interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best
preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within it's whitewashed walls and
golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. After lunch
we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama,
as well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most
sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a procession of devout
Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the
Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central
market of Lhasa. This morning we will visit the Potala Palace
which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it
contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as
numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has
been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the
present palace was constructed in the 17th century. A visit to the
Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-
inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was
once the largest in the world. With a population of around 10,000
monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but
there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively
unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.
Day 08 FLY LHASA [3650M]/KATHMANDU [1300m]
Sadly we leave Lhasa early in
the morning for the 2 hour drive to Gonggar Airport and our flight
back to Kathmandu or your onward destination. The China Southwest
Airlines Boeing 757, takes us right across the main Himalayan
range and the mountain views are spe
Tibet
Overland Tour - 8 DAYS
Duration:
7 Nights/8 Days
Tour Type: Fixed Departure Budget Tour
Total no. of days: 8
Departure available: Every Tuesday & Saturday
Friendship
Highway (Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet )
The Friendship Highway (also known as the Arniko Highway) is an
important artery of commerce, it is also Tibet's most popular
tourist route. It was built in the mid-1960s and to link the
valleys to the south of the Tsangpo and it follows the ancient
trade route from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300) /Zhangmu (2,500m)/Nyalam (3700m): 123
KM/ 156KM
Early
morning scenic drive to Kodari (Nepal /Tibet Border) through the
beautiful Nepalese countryside and after necessary border
formalities at Nepalese immigration an hour adventures uphill
drive by truck (normally) or 2 hour walk uphill (incase of
landslide) to Chinese immigration. Check -into hotel or continue
drive to Nyalam. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Zhangmu / Nyalam /Tingri (4300M) / Lhatse (4350M):
225Km/244Km
Day drive
uphill to the highest plateau of the world with the typical view
of Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the
roof of the world crossing over LALUNGLA (5,050M), from where,
weather permitting breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan
ranges including Mt. CHO OYU (8201M) & MT XISHAPAGMA (8012M)
but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri
one can enjoy the magnificence of MT. EVEREST (8,848M). Overnight
at Hotel.
Day 03: TINGRI/LHATSE /XIGATSE (3900M): 244KM
Continue
scenic drive crossing over GYATCHULA (5,220M), the highest pass en
route to LHASA via LHATSE from where to road to MT. KAILASH
bifurcates to the west. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: XIGATSE /GYANTSE (3,900M): 90KM
Morning
sightseeing to the Panchen Lama's TASHILHMPU Monastery. Drive to
Gyantse and visit to the KUMBUM Stupa & PHALKOR Monastery.
Overnight at Hotel. .
Day 05: GYANTSE /LHASA (3,650M): 261KM
Full day
picturesque drive crossing over KAROLA (5,010m), KAMBALA (4,794M),
colorful YAMDROK LAKE and the Tibetan lifeline river BRAMA PUTRA (YARLUNG
TSANGPO). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 - 07: In LHASA
Two full
days sightseeing tour in LHASA including JOKHANG TEMPLE, BARKHOR
BAZAAR, POTALA PALACE, DREPUNG & SERA MONASTRIES. Overnight at
Hotel.
Day 08: LHASA /KATHMANDU
Early
morning drive to Gonggar airport for departure flight to KATHMANDU
or to your onward destination.
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Fixed
Departure Tour - 18 Days
Places to Visit: KATHMANDU - LHASA - GYANTSE - SHIGATSE - SHEGAR
- RONGBUK EVEREST BASE CAMP - INTERIM CAMP - NYALAM - KATHMANDU
DAY 01 FLY KATHMANDU [1400M]/LHASA [3660M]
After
flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of
flying. However, this remarkable flight last only an hour while
crossing the Himalayan range. As you may expect the striking
mountain views surround you the entire time. Once you arrive at
Gonggar airport, an easy two hour drive will take you to your
final destination of the traditional Hotel. The remainder of the
day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in
Lhasa.
DAY 02 IN LHASA
Haven't
you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries?
Our knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything
there is to see in some of these renowned sights. First off we
will explore the beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the
pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their white
washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several hundred monks
live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka.The Norbunglinka is
another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer
palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of
your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this
sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor,
surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can
experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing
crafts.
DAY 03 IN LHASA
To
explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will
visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment
as this grand palace has been around since before the 17th
century. To add even more history and culture we will also visit
DrepungMonastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung
Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was
one of the few sights to escape the Cultural Revolution without
widespread damage.
DAY 04 IN LHASA
Today
is a day for you to relax, properly acclimatize, and further
explore Lhasa. The choices range from enjoying a meal in one of
the excellent restaurants to exploring more monasteries or
browsing in the towns markets. Take it easy and have a great day!
DAY 05 DRIVE LHASA/GYANTSE
In
the morning we will depart from Lhasa and travel in Land cruisers
along the Friendship highway. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La
and Kharo La, provide wondrous views of the Himalayan range. A
colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pas
Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many
more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the
way.
DAY 06 DRIVE GYANTSE [3950M]/SHIGATSE [3900M] 90KM
We
will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous
Tibetan culture as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive
views of the valley can be seen from the ancient Dzong fort. The
Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is surrounded by numerous
Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you are no art
connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and
architectureWe continue on with a short drive to Shigatse, the
second largest city in Tibet. Not a minute is wasted as we have a
full afternoon of exploring the local markets and monasteries. It
is very intriguing to see how ancient Tibetan culture compares to
the modern day culture we will experience. There are endless
amounts of sights, both modern and ancient, to see around this
city.
DAY 07 DRIVE SHIGATSE/SHEGAR [NEW TINGRI]
Once
more we will drive along the Friendship Highway and immerse
ourselves in the wondrous views of the Tibetan plateau. Along the
way we will cross our highest pass of the journey, Gyamtso La, as
well as numerous nomadic herders. The night will be spent in the
comfortable Hotel.
DAY 08 DRIVE SHEGAR [4050M]/RONGBUK
We
will leave Shegar in the morning and cross the Pang La pass. The
view from the top is truly awe-inspiring as nearly the entire
Himalayas are laid out before you. This may be your first real
glimpse of Everest.
DAY 09 RONGBUK EVEREST BC
Our
ninth day will be spent enjoying the barren yet awe-inspiring
surroundings of the Everest Base Camp. It is a life changing
experience to stare up into the world's largest mountain. We will
slowly begin to acclimatize.
DAY 10 RONGBUK EVEREST BC
To
be safe, another day must be spent properly acclimatizing in
Rongbuk. You can relax during the day and explore the area even
further.
DAY 11 TREK FROM EVEREST BASE CAMP TO CAMP 1 [5460M]
Our
first challenging trek will be made to Base Camp 1. Along the way
we can explore the Rongbuk Glacier and surrounding areas. The
views around this massive glacier are some of the best in the
world. We will take a trail that rises to the east side of this
ice cap and heads toward the peak of Mt. Everest. The hike is
fairly short, but the high altitude may still be hard for many so
relax today and enjoy exploring this amazing area.
DAY 12 TREK TO INTERIM CAMP [5760M]
Our
trekking trail today will meander over gravel hills to the west of
the glacier. Another scenic day awaits us as we spend the night at
the interim camp. Ice pinnacles surround us in all directions.
What an amazing experience!
DAY 13 REST DAY IN INTERIM CAMP
Today
is another day to rest and properly acclimatize. We are now at
extremely high altitudes, and must take all necessary safety
precautions! Small excursions can be taken today and wonderful
pictures abound.
DAY 14 TREK TO CAMP 2 [5970M]
Today
we ascend even farther into the intricate maze of ice as we meet
up with the Changste glacier. It is such an incredible experience
to be hiking on the world's highest mountain! Today our camp is
even more beautiful than past sites. We are surrounded on all
sides by varying glaciers and hanging ice. The Serac Highway
protrudes a gravel point into the center of these amazing ice
formations
DAY 15 TREK TO ABC [6340M] AND RETURN TO CAMP 2
It
is completely up to you today whether you want to spend the night
at Base camp 3 or simply hike there during the day and return to
Base Camp 2. The walk will be much more enjoyable tomorrow if we
stay at the second base camp. However, if you wish we can spend
the night at an even higher altitude and impressive location. Camp
3 lies in the center of flattened gravel mounds next to the
glacier. Today we can observe many of the challenging pinnacles,
ridges, and even the rock summit of Everest. Camp 3 is only 2400
meters from the top. What a sight it is to finally arrive at
nearly the highest point in the world!
DAY 16 RETURN TO BASE CAMP
Today
is a long day as we cruise downhill back towards the first base
camp. Wonderful sights abound as we leave this amazing peak.
DAY 17 DRIVE RONGBUK/NYALAM
On
our second to last day we will rejoin the Friendship Highway and
experience another amazing drive through Tibet. Once again we will
cross two high passes with magnificent Himalayan views. Towards
the end of the day we will descend from the Tibetan plateau and
arrive in Nyalam. It is a huge relief for many to arrive back in
this lush town with showers and beds.
DAY 18 DRIVE NYALAM/KATHMANDU
Today
is a sad day for most as we end our journey. In the morning we
will cross the Friendship Bridge and head back into Nepal. We must
bid a fond farewell to our Tibetan guide and go through all the
necessary border paperwork. Our Nepalese staff will meet you on
the other side and take you your last five hours into Kathmandu.
When
to Visit Tibet
Although Tibet may be visited easily
year-round, Dec-Feb remain the off season due to cold, dry
weather. Coordinating trips with festival dates is a popular
practice so the current information is provided below. These are
just a sampling of many local events.
Climate
Basically, the Tibetan climate is
not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. The best time of
year to be in Tibet is from April to the beginning of November,
after which temperatures start to plummet.
The central Tibet, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang,
generally has very mild weather from April to November, though
July and August can be rainy - these two months usually see around
half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
October and November often bring
some dazzling clear weather and daytime temperatures can be quite
comfortable at Tibet's lower altitude.
The coldest months are from December to February. It is not
impossible to visit Tibet in winter. The low altitude valleys of
Tibet (around Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang) see very little snow.
Spring does not really get under way until April, though March can
have warm sunny days and is not necessarily a bad month to be in
Tibet. More specific information in different areas:
Lhasa - the border of Nepal/China: The
Friendship highway is basically in good conditions year around.
But from December to February, the thawed road could make some
trouble Besides, try to avoid August - landslide could happen in
the rainy season.
Mt. Everest Region: Early May
and early October are the best time to visit Mt. Everest. Due to
the clear weather, you have great chance to see Mt. Everest's true
face. From December to February, it's too cold to go to this
region. But the magnetism of Mt. Everest always attracts people
anytime of the year.
Ali (Mt.Kailash): Even
without climate restrictions, this area is already inhospitable.
Big rain and snow could make the journey worse. However, for those
determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July,
September and October.
Eastern Tibet: Don't touch
this area in July or August, the rain could ruin the road, and
make terrible landslides. While in winter, the road could be
frozen.
Northern Tibet: With the
average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers very limited time for
tourists. Summer is the prime time to enjoy the great plain in
northern Tibet.
Tibet
Travel Information
Tibet is a rich and beautiful land
with an average altitude over 4,000m (13,120ft) above sea level.
Possessing more than fifty peaks above 7,000m (22,960ft), Tibet is
home to eleven Himalayan mountains over 8,000m (26,240ft). China,
India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma and Kashmir border the Tibet.
Over two million people inhabit this land of rich natural
resources and ancient cultures. Spiritual traditions, temples and
monasteries, lakes and rivers, and mighty snow clad peaks are just
a few of the intoxicating wonders to be experienced by adventurous
travelers destined to visit this place.
Buddhism, with a history of some 1,300 years is shaped into a
unique form of "Lamasm". Tibetan history, culture and
religion are mixed together and infiltrate every aspect of social
life. Tibetan religious arts have a distinctive style with
adoption of Indian and Chinese Buddhist influence, thus forming a
pearl of Oriental Buddhist art.
People living on the Tibetan plateau, such as Tibetans, Monpas,
Lhopas and Moslems, have their own ways of living, marriage,
burial and other ceremonies. Festivals in Tibet are in big
variety. The Tibetan New Year, the largest festival, is followed
by others such as the Wangkor Festival and horse races. For the
dead, sky burials, water burials, cremations and stupa burials are
practiced, but the sky burial is the most common.
Science and culture in Tibet include technology, medicine,
grammar, logic, Buddhist philosophy, rhetoric, words and
expressions, syntax, drama and astrology. Tibet is known as the
Sea of Songs and Dances; folk songs and dances are diverse,
especially during the "Shoton Festival" in August.
Although Tibet may be visited easily year-round, Dec-Feb remain
the off season due to cold, dry weather. Coordinating trips with
festival dates is a popular practice so the current information is
provided below. These are just a sampling of many local events.
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