Discovery of Tibet
Ref # CHDT
Highlights:
- Discovery of the main Tibetan plateau sites.
- Visit of the Rongbuk monastery, the Everest north side base camp.
- The discovery of Kathmandu, as well.
- An ideal trip for a first trip on the "roof of the world".
- A careful altitude acclimatization with three nights in Lhasa.
- The best accommodations available.
| Duration: | 13 days | ||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||
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Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at the airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- All the transfers in private vehicles (minibus, 4WD)
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, lodges, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 13), including mineral water
- All mentioned visits (with local cultural professional guides) and activities, entrance fees
- Visit of Kathmandu and its valley (bus driver and guide)
- The flight Kathmandu - Lhassa
- Hyperbaric chamber.
A one of a kind trip that does not require a lot of walking effort to discover the wonders of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, from Kathmandu to Lhasa and up to Everest basecamp.
Asia, China Tibet
The Celestial Empire is more than just a country, it is a continent! From mountains to deserts, from glaciers to the tropical jungle... while encountering ethnic minorities. 42 times the size of Colorado, 2237 miles from the Pacific to the Himalayas, 55 national minorities ... A new China that is open to tourism, new trekking perspectives to discover....
Trip Summary
About the Adventure
Lhasa and the Potala, Shigatse and the Tashilumpo, Gyantse and the Kumbum, the three monastic ensembles that gave central Tibet its reputation. What wonders of Tibetan Buddhist architecture!! The beautiful scenery and the attractive monuments that we will visit deserve ample merit. A one of a kind trip that does not require a lot of walking effort to discover such magnificence. One walk very little, but the beautiful scenery and attractive visited monuments amply deserve this travel. Visit of Everest base camp, the Chinese side (north) and most of central Tibet, for a first approach.
Itinerary
- Day 1/ Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2/ Visit Kathmandu valley
- Day 3/ Flight Kathmandu- Lhassa
- Day 4/ Lhasa sightseeing: Potala, Jokhang
- Day 5/ Lhasa sightseeing: Drepung, Sera, Norbulingka
- Day 6/ Lhassa - Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake
- Day 7/ Drive to Shigatse, monastic city of Tashi-lumpo.....
- Day 8/ Drive to Shegar, Sakya monastery
- Day 9/ Day excursion to Rungbuk (Everest base camp)
- Day 10/ Drive to Zangmu exit border
- Day 11/ Drive to Dhulikhel, Nagarkot
- Day 12/ Drive to Kathmandu, via Bhaktapur
- Day 13/ Depart from Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
The Adventure
In two weeks, discover the major sites of central Tibet. The imposing Potala, witness of a passed splendor: the architectural complex of Tashilumpo in Shigatse, one of the few major buildings spared during the Cultural Revolution. The Kumbum at Gyantse, adjacent to the ancient Tibetan wooden and mud houses district. Not to mention the Lake Yamdrok landscapes with turquoise water, the tops of the nearby Nojin Kangtsang (the base camp of this summit, at more than 22,966 feet high, is on the side of the road!), Tingri, and its view of Everest, Cho Oyu... All of these mythical sites punctuate the Friendship Highway, a dusty strip of land stretching 587 miles from Lhasa to Kathmandu (including 516 miles in Tibet). You will also drop by the base camp of Everest. This trip does not include a lot of walking, but central Tibet remains a destination for any traveler loving Tibetan culture.
Itinerary
Day 1/ Arrival in Katmandu
Arrival in Katmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star hotel. Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.
Day 2/ Katmandu valley
Visit the most beautiful sites of the Katmandu valley, accompanied by an Anglophone Nepalese guide who will assist you in discovering the Bouddhanath Buddhist temples (largest Stupa, religious monument, of the valley), the Hindu Holy City of Pashupati Nath (cremations), and Bhaktapur, a live museum of a medieval city.
Day 3/ Kathmandu - Lhassa
Transfer to the airport and fly to Lhasa where we will settle in at our 4 star hotel for three nights. First discovery of the Forbidden City.
Day 4/ Lhassa
Visit of the Potala Palace, the temple of the Jokhang and the old districts, which all allows for a good acclimatization to the high altitudes of Tibet. The capital of the "roof of the world" is indeed located at 11,660 feet. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5/ Lhassa
In the morning, visiting visit the Drepung monastery (founded in 1416). An afternoon visit to the Sera Monastery and the Norbulingka, the ex summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6/ Lhassa - Gyantse (13,123 feet)
Departure by vehicle. Ascend to Kamba La (15,748 feet), which overlooks lake Yamdrok. The trail then descends to the shore of Lake Yamdrok. We then cross the Karo La (16,568 feet), dominated by the glaciers of Nojin Kangtsang (23,593 feet), before joining Gyantse. Tour of the city, an important economic center, once a natural pathway to Tibet from the green hills of Sikkim. The Kumbum, the monastery of numerous chapels, is certainly one of the great cultural treasures of Tibet. Overnight in hotel.
6 to 8 H of road.
Day 7/ Gyantsé - Shigatse (13,123 feet)
A three-hour drive takes us to Shigatse. Visit the huge monastic city of Tashi-lumpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama housing giant stupas. The monument, spared during the Cultural Revolution, may exceed the Potala in interest. Stop at the market in the old streets. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8/ Shigatse - Sakya - Shegar (14,108 feet)
We go to the village of blue and gray houses, that of Sakya. Visit the monastery, large Mongolian fortress-style whose assembly room is one of the largest in Tibet. Continuation to Shegar (New Tingri) where we settle in for the night in a lodge. This village, separated from the summits by a vast mineral desert, offers a splendid view (outside the monsoon period) onto the Everest and Cho Oyu summits.
Day 9/ Rongbuk Monastary
Crossing the Pang before arriving at the Rongbuk monastery, from where begin expeditions to the Everest north side. Back to Shegar (New Tingri).
Day 10/ Tingri - Nyalam - Zangmu - Friendship Bridge
From Shegar, our vehicle leads us to Tingri, where the view on the Himalayas Mountain range is exceptional during good, clear weather. The road continues to pass through some villages before crossing the Nyalam Tong La, at the foot of the Shishapangma massif. Again,the panorama gives way to a superb view of the nearby mountains. At this point, we then switch to the south slope of the Himalayas and continue until Zangmu, approximately 45 minutes from the border. Overnight in a comfortable hotel after the Sino-Tibetan border (6 hour drive).
Day 11/ Friendship Bridge - Nagarkot
Ultimate journey to join Nagarkot, a peace of heaven after the turmoil of the road. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12/ Nagarkot - Bhakpatur - Kathmandu
After a well-earned rest, only a short transfer remainder remains to reach Kathmandu. Along the way, stop at Bhaktapur, a medieval city completely renovated in the traditional Newar style. Overnight in 5 star hotel.
Day 13/ Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.
Arrival in Katmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star hotel. Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.
Day 2/ Katmandu valley
Visit the most beautiful sites of the Katmandu valley, accompanied by an Anglophone Nepalese guide who will assist you in discovering the Bouddhanath Buddhist temples (largest Stupa, religious monument, of the valley), the Hindu Holy City of Pashupati Nath (cremations), and Bhaktapur, a live museum of a medieval city.
Day 3/ Kathmandu - Lhassa
Transfer to the airport and fly to Lhasa where we will settle in at our 4 star hotel for three nights. First discovery of the Forbidden City.
Day 4/ Lhassa
Visit of the Potala Palace, the temple of the Jokhang and the old districts, which all allows for a good acclimatization to the high altitudes of Tibet. The capital of the "roof of the world" is indeed located at 11,660 feet. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5/ Lhassa
In the morning, visiting visit the Drepung monastery (founded in 1416). An afternoon visit to the Sera Monastery and the Norbulingka, the ex summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6/ Lhassa - Gyantse (13,123 feet)
Departure by vehicle. Ascend to Kamba La (15,748 feet), which overlooks lake Yamdrok. The trail then descends to the shore of Lake Yamdrok. We then cross the Karo La (16,568 feet), dominated by the glaciers of Nojin Kangtsang (23,593 feet), before joining Gyantse. Tour of the city, an important economic center, once a natural pathway to Tibet from the green hills of Sikkim. The Kumbum, the monastery of numerous chapels, is certainly one of the great cultural treasures of Tibet. Overnight in hotel.
6 to 8 H of road.
Day 7/ Gyantsé - Shigatse (13,123 feet)
A three-hour drive takes us to Shigatse. Visit the huge monastic city of Tashi-lumpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama housing giant stupas. The monument, spared during the Cultural Revolution, may exceed the Potala in interest. Stop at the market in the old streets. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8/ Shigatse - Sakya - Shegar (14,108 feet)
We go to the village of blue and gray houses, that of Sakya. Visit the monastery, large Mongolian fortress-style whose assembly room is one of the largest in Tibet. Continuation to Shegar (New Tingri) where we settle in for the night in a lodge. This village, separated from the summits by a vast mineral desert, offers a splendid view (outside the monsoon period) onto the Everest and Cho Oyu summits.
Day 9/ Rongbuk Monastary
Crossing the Pang before arriving at the Rongbuk monastery, from where begin expeditions to the Everest north side. Back to Shegar (New Tingri).
Day 10/ Tingri - Nyalam - Zangmu - Friendship Bridge
From Shegar, our vehicle leads us to Tingri, where the view on the Himalayas Mountain range is exceptional during good, clear weather. The road continues to pass through some villages before crossing the Nyalam Tong La, at the foot of the Shishapangma massif. Again,the panorama gives way to a superb view of the nearby mountains. At this point, we then switch to the south slope of the Himalayas and continue until Zangmu, approximately 45 minutes from the border. Overnight in a comfortable hotel after the Sino-Tibetan border (6 hour drive).
Day 11/ Friendship Bridge - Nagarkot
Ultimate journey to join Nagarkot, a peace of heaven after the turmoil of the road. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12/ Nagarkot - Bhakpatur - Kathmandu
After a well-earned rest, only a short transfer remainder remains to reach Kathmandu. Along the way, stop at Bhaktapur, a medieval city completely renovated in the traditional Newar style. Overnight in 5 star hotel.
Day 13/ Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.
Itinerary Notes
Short walks and walking tour of the monasteries (surface area of monasteries is quite large). The elevation of the Tibetan plateau (between 11,811 and 14,764 feet) requires each participant a minimum level of physical fitness from the get go. The long road on the Friendship Highway is inadvisable for those who do not support like vehicle transportation because of the length of the trip.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.
Luggage Tips
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the visits (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the vehicles to the hotel.
The other part of the equipment is transported by the vehicles to the hotel.
Staff
The guide
- an English-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide during the entire trip.
The local team
A Tibetan guide-interpreter speaking Chinese, Tibetan and English assigned by the Chinese authorities.
- A driver.
- an English-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide during the entire trip.
The local team
A Tibetan guide-interpreter speaking Chinese, Tibetan and English assigned by the Chinese authorities.
- A driver.
Transportation
- Kathmandu-Lhasa flight on airlines with China Southwest.
- Ground Transportation: 4WD vehicles (4 doors) for road transfers. 4 passengers maximum plus the driver per vehicle.
We draw your attention to the condition of the vehicles in Central Tibet. In the summer, the roads are difficult because of the monsoon rains and mechanical components are suffering. Despite our vigilance, we can not guarantee in advance, a comfortable vehicle in perfect condition. On the other hand, the road network in China is constantly changing. Many trails are under construction, making room for comfortable roads. But, it is impossible to predict in advance, what the condition of the roads will be: changes are considerable from one period to another. Everything to best manage this situation will be implemented by your guide and the local team.
- Ground Transportation: 4WD vehicles (4 doors) for road transfers. 4 passengers maximum plus the driver per vehicle.
We draw your attention to the condition of the vehicles in Central Tibet. In the summer, the roads are difficult because of the monsoon rains and mechanical components are suffering. Despite our vigilance, we can not guarantee in advance, a comfortable vehicle in perfect condition. On the other hand, the road network in China is constantly changing. Many trails are under construction, making room for comfortable roads. But, it is impossible to predict in advance, what the condition of the roads will be: changes are considerable from one period to another. Everything to best manage this situation will be implemented by your guide and the local team.
Lodging
In Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti, 5-star deluxe Hotel, based on double occupancy.
In Lhasa: luxury hotel, 4 stars.
- In other cities: much simpler hotels, but the best available in the region.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose these hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality. However, occasionally, there is but only few accommodations in the area and, in these cases, we are not given a choice.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.
Food and Beverages
- In cities and major towns, meals at the hotel or in restaurants.
- During visits, depending on the day, meals at restaurants or packed lunches.
Beverages: mineral water and tea provided.
Note: You will have a chance to sample the local specialties: Tsampa, momos, butter tea.
- During visits, depending on the day, meals at restaurants or packed lunches.
Beverages: mineral water and tea provided.
Note: You will have a chance to sample the local specialties: Tsampa, momos, butter tea.
Additional Information
Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best
to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed
itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify
it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the
Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of
Liability.
Important Information
What's Not Included
- International flight in/out Kathmandu
- All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
- Personal medical & Travel Insurance
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Extra Costs
- Drinks (except mineral water and tea)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Cost of foreign country entrance visa
- Airport taxes at departure from Katmandu (approximately $35)
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Air Travel
As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).
Our preferred airlines to fly to Katmandu:
- Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
- Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Katmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
- Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.
Our preferred airlines to fly to Katmandu:
- Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
- Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Katmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
- Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.
Foreign-Entry Requirements
Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey.
Nepal
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can get a transit visa, valid for 2 days and free. The same when returning from Tibet.
China
a visa is required.
US citizens, please check with:
Nepal US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
and http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
China US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese and Chinese embassies in your country.
Health and First Aid
Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and one protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for persons at risk.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.
Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx
Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended
Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and one protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for persons at risk.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.
Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx
Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended
Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx
Physical Preparation
LEVEL 1
2 months prior: Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days. Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.
2 months prior: Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days. Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.
Equipment
Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.
Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.
Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.
Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.
Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).
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