Tibet Exclusive Trip

Trip Facts:

Tour Name: 14 Nights/15 Days Central Tibet and Namtso trek
Entry / Exit: Fly in / Drive out
Grade: Easy to strenuous
Max Elevation: 5200m/17060ft
Accommodation: Hotel / Camp
Meal: Bed & breakfast during hotel accommodation and full board during camping
Transport: Flight & Private vehicle
Tour Days: 15
Total Days: 18

Short Introduction:

Tour covers almost all the major places of natural beauty and culture including various school of Buddhism. You will visit all important Palaces and monasteries in major cities of Tibet such as in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang. You will cross the highest passes in the world, visit Everest base camp and enjoy the breath taking view of world highest peak towering front of you. Exploring the highest Tibetan plateau by 4WD is another experience.

Namtso Lake is one of highest salt lake in Tibet, trek from Damxung to Nam Tso Lake passes through glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake. During the summer months the wide open spaces are filled with nomad herders and their herds of yaks and tents - an intoxicating sight. We shall also visit sacred spots, holy shrines, and the bird sanctuary. Nam Tso or the heavenly lake lays 190 km north-west of Lhasa at an elevation of 4718 m and is the largest salt-water lake in Tibet. Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, it is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet.

Finished the trekking we set up tent camp by the lake and spend one day to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful salty lake, and walk on the vast meadow to visit Tashi Dorje, a cave temple of Nyingma Sect at the southeast of the Tashi peninsula.

Outline Itinerary

Detail Itinerary:

27th Sept. 09: Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft (BB)
Arrival in Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to Hotel, just walking distance to any styles of good restaurants and shops, our representative will give you short briefing on hotel facilities and safety. Tonight we only have a short introduction to the area, just what you need to know before the main briefing tomorrow. O/N at Nirvana Garden Hotel in Kathmandu

28th Sept. 09: Day 02: Tibet tour briefing. Rest day free: 1300m/4265ft (BB)
After breakfast, tour briefing will take place around 9 am and any last minute questions answered. Rest of the day is free day or you can do optional sightseeing of world heritage sites of Kathmandu. O/N Nirvana Garden Hotel in Kathmandu

29th Sept. 09: Day 03: Fly to Gongkar Airport and drive to Lhasa: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to airport for your flight to Lhasa. An hour flight to Lhasa will enchant you with the spectacular, breathtaking view of the Himalayan Ranges. You will see most of the highest mountains on earth including Mt. Everest. Arrive in Gongkar airport and take a 2-hour drive to Lhasa along the banks of the river Kyi-chu that flows through to Lhasa. The drive will take you to the west of the city at Dongkar, and just west of Dongkar the Potala Palace will be visible from afar.  At 3600m, it is advisable to take the rest of the day in leisure in order to acclimatize. You can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa

30th Sept. 09: Day 04: Sightseeing tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
This morning we visit the Potala Palace, winter palace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, It is a 13th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.  In the afternoon we will take a tour of Jokhang Temple.  Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal.  The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple.  Later you can walk and shop in the popular Barkhor Square (Bazaar) where Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc. are all in sale for your delight. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa

1st Oct. 09: Day 05: Sightseeing tour of Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
This morning we will drive 5km away from Lhasa to Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of the Monastery; here one can also witness the practicing debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other.  In the afternoon we will drive 8km northwest of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. It was the residence of the Third, Fourth and the Fifth Dalai Lamas.  This winter Palace was the resident of hundreds of monks from all the major Geluk monasteries for staffing individual Chapels. The 20,000 sq m complex has survived unscathed even during the Cultural Revolution. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa

2nd Oct. 09: Day 06: Drive to Damshung. Then trek to Guwanakbuk: 4484m/14709ft (AP)
After breakfast, leave from Lhasa in the morning and drive approx. 4 hours to Damshung (4294m/14084ft). You’ll have your lunch in Damshung before heading up to the small nomad village of Guwanakbuk (4484m/14709ft). Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. There is a small monastery and about an hour and a half walk (7km round trip) from Guwanakbuk called Gyangra Monastery (4428m/14525ft). O/N Camping at Guwanakbuk

3rd Oct. 09: Day 07: Trek to Gong Valley and Gongdok to Gyarong: 5106m/16747ft (AP)
Today you’ll leave early in the morning heading for the mouth of Gong Valley. Pass a small village near Gong Valley’s mouth called Gongdok (4502m/14766ft) before crossing a bridge and heading up into the actual valley. Continue up the valley past nomad tents and grazing Yaks. Have lunch under Ri Nga (4842m/15881ft), which means five peaks. Later, you’ll make camp at Gyarong (5106m/16747ft). If you want you can explore some of the neighboring valleys which have small lakes and glaciers on evening. O/N Camping at Gyarong

4th Oct. 09: Day 08: Trek to Gong Pass and Gong Pagor: 5115m/16777ft (AP)
Another early morning, today you’ll continue up Gong Valley until reaching Gong Pass (5405m/17728ft) just before noon. Keep your eyes peeled for Naya (Tibetan blue sheep) and wolves. Descend a little before having lunch (5206m/17075ft) and then continue a short way before stopping at Gong Pagor (5115m/16777ft), a great camping spot near a stream. Relax in the afternoon and acclimatize a bit more (after doing that high Pass!) possibly heading up a side valley half an hour to see a small lake and your first view of the big lake; Nam Tso! O/N Camping at Gong Pagor

5th Oct. 09: Day 09: Trek to Namtso: 4729ft/15511ft (AP)
Now we are getting close to Nam Tso! Head down the end of Gong valley past a few nomad settlements until finally popping out on the grassy plains between the mountains and Nam Tso. Have lunch here while gazing at the blue waters before continuing on towards our camp spot (4729m/15511ft), on the shores of the lake. Relax and enjoy your accomplishment! O/N Camping at Nam Tso

6th Oct. 09: Day 10: Trek to Tashi-do/enjoy lake then return to Lhasa: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
After breakfast, you’ll start your trek to Tashi-do Hermitage around the shores of the lake. Circumambulate this beautiful monastery built into huge rock cliffs rising out of Nam Tso’s clear waters. After having lunch you’ll drive back to Lhasa for overnight stay. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa

7th Oct. 09: Day 11: Drive to Dorje Drak – Samye then to Tsedang: 3900m/12792ft (BB)
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Dorje Drak (English: Indestructible Rock) monastery was one of the primary Nyingma monasteries in Tibet. It was destroyed in the Communist invasion and later partially reestablished. The current throneholder is H.H. Taglung Kyabgon Tsetrul Thupten Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Then you’ll be visiting Samye Monastery: First Buddhist Monastery of Nginma order to be built in Tibet, probably founded during Shantarakshita, the two Indian masters the king had invited to Tibet to help consolidate the Buddhist faith. Later taken over by the Sakya tradition and more recently came under the influence of the Gelukpa. Later we drive to Tsedang. Tsedang is the third largest town in the central Tibet and considered historically very significant. O/N at Hotel in Tsedang

8th Oct. 09: Day 12: Sightseeing of Yambulakhang then drive to Gyantse: 3900m/12792ft (BB)
After breakfast, we visit Yambulakhang Monastery. Yambulakhang in Tibetan means a palace on the leg of a doe. It is perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley. And the mountain where the palace situates looks like a doe. Yambulakhang Monastery was the summer palace of Songtsen Gompa and his wife before Norbulingkha was completed. It's the oldest known building in Tibet, and the first fort in Tibet. When the monarchy ended, the palace became a monastery. Then we drive to Gyantse for our overnight. We will drive over two spectacular high passes – the Kampa La at 4750m and Karo La at 5010m and over and along the beautiful deep blue green Lake called Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. The landscape of the Tibetan Plateau is truly unusual and spectacular.  Gyantse is an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples. O/N at Hotel in Gyantse

9th Oct. 09: Day 13: Sightseeing of Khumbum and Pelkhor. Then drive to Shigatse: 3900m/12792ft (BB)
After breakfast we visit Pelkhor Monastery. Pelkhor Monastery is a symbol of the architecture of Gyantse, and it is known as One Hundred Thousand-Buddha Tower. Built in the period in which the various sects stood one to the other, and Nip Tuck, the monastery is the peaceful coexistence of these sects, each six to seven. Then we visit Khumbum Monastery. Here the Khumbum Stupa is an architectural masterpiece built in the style of 108-sided Mandela. It is the most revered Stupa in Tibet. Among 112 chapels, only 23 are open to the public. Then, we’ll drive to Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet. Shigatse the capital of Tsang Province is 395km west of Lhasa via Gyantse.  Shigatse was one of the first towns to be visited by westerners due to close distance with the Indian border. O/N at Hotel in Shigatse

10th Oct. 09: Day 14: Sightseeing of Tashilumphu Monastery. Then drive to Shegar visit Sakya en-route:  
After breakfast, we’ll visit Tashilumphu Monastery. The Fifth Dalai Lama built this artistic Palace. There are about 39 amazing chapels inside the Palace including the huge Maitreya Chapel coated with gold, its workmanship certainly impresses everyone, Tushita Chapel containing one thousand small statues of Tsongkhapa founder of Geluk order. Victory Chapel, which is concerted into a school for study and in side the chapel there is a huge gold image of Tsokapa and his two disciples and also the Tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama just to name a few. Then we’ll straight drive to Shegar and visit Sakya Monastery en-route. Sakya Monastery, also known as "White Earth" or "Pale Earth" is a Buddhist monastery situated 25 km southeast of a bridge which is about 127 km west of Shigatse on the road to Shegar. It was founded in 1073, by Konchok Gyelpo (1034-1102). The Monastery grounds cover more than 18,000 square metres, while the huge main hall covers some 6,000 square metres. O/N at Hotel in Shegar

11th Oct. 09: Day 15: Drive to Rongbuk, excursion to EBC: 5200m/17056ft (BB)
From Shegar we head off the main overland route (3 hours) that rises steeply up the foothills of the Himalayas to arrive at Rongbuk. Then you’ll be taken for excursion of Everest base camp. This morning you have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp, 5150m. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. O/N at Guesthouse in Rongbuk

12th Oct. 09: Day 16: Drive to Zhangmu: 2300m/7544ft (BB)
After breakfast, you return to the Friendship Highway and drive to Zhangmu. You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shisapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, you find yourself amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. O/N at Hotel in Zhangmu

13th Oct. 09: Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft 5 hours (BB)
After breakfast, we cross the Friendship Bridge into Kodari, Nepal and drive into Kathmandu via Araniko highway. By now, you will have entered into a completely different landscape one which is vastly different from just where you were a few days ago. The Nepali foothills and the greenery will make the drive pleasant and enjoyable. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (own arrangement)

14th Oct. 09: Day 18: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today either you’ll have your holiday extension for another tour or we will transfer you to airport for final departure flight.

Price based on number of person:

SERVICES INCLUDED:

•    Accommodation in single room as per the itinerary on BB basis (Bed and Breakfast) in hotels
•    Accommodation in tented camp as per the itinerary on Full board basis (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during camping
•    All necessary permits
•    All camping equipment
•    Necessary support vehicle for camping supply
•    Yak and yak herder if necessary
•    Rongbuk Entry Fee
•    Everest Conservation Fee
•    English speaking Tibetan Guide
•    4500 model Land Cruiser
•    2 bottles mineral water daily during tour
•    Monastery entrance fee
•    Tibet Travel permit
•    Emergency 2 bottles portable oxygen cylinder
•    Border Transfer Kodari - Kathmandu

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

•    Tibet Urgent Visa Fee for US National (US$ 198)
•    Tibet Urgent Visa Fee for Other National (US$ 114)
•    Airfare KATHMANDU – LHASA (US$ 379) on economy class
•    Nepal re-entry visa fee
•    Any arrangement in Nepal
•    Lunch and Dinner in hotels
•    Alcoholic beverages &  bar bills
•    All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
•    Gratuity to staff.
•    Services of Porterage and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services.
•    Service of Porterage while crossing Friendship bridge
•    Additional portable oxygen cylinder ( US$ 20 per bottle )
•    Services not mentioned herein.


Nepal portion:

Cost Includes:
•    3 Nights accommodation in BB basis in Nirvana Hotel www.nirvanagarden.com (Bed and Breakfast)
•    3 times airport transfers
•    Guided sightseeing with entrance fee and private vehicle

Cost Excluded:
•    Nepal Visa fee
•    Lunch and dinner in Hotel
•    Expenses of personal nature
•    Gratuity for staff
•    Beverages
•    Services not mention herein