Day 01 : KTM - Lhasa, transfer to hotel.
Morning
transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Tibet. This spectacular
flight, on a China Southwest Airlines Boeing 757, takes us right across the
main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After
landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further
2-hour drive by Landcruiser jeep to Lhasa where we will check in to the
Hotel Dhood Gu or Dhood Gu. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the
remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.
Day 02 : 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 staterooms 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 03 : 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 its 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 that is the central
market of Lhasa.
Day 04 : Lhasa - Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake, o/n Hotel.
Today we start our overland journey towards Kathmandu. Travelling by jeep
along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La [4794m] from which there
is stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit
of Nazin Kang Sa [7252m]. We continue westwards over another high pass the
Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge
glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After
passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages we arrive
in the town of Gyantse
Day 05 : Visit Kumbum and Pagoda, drive to Shigatse, o /n hotel.
Before
leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse Dzong and
Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which
there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu
Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels
house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.
We then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in
time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after
exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo
Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in
Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls
Day 06 : Shigatse to Shegar, o/n hotel.
Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling once more at the
barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse
we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here
we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of
nomadic herders, en route to Shegar and our overnight accommodation at Hotel
Quomolongma
Day 07 : Shegar to Rongbuk, o/n Guest house.
Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head
south over the Pang La [5150m] towards the main Himalayan range. The view
from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu
to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but
as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive
than ever. We stay overnight at the Gompa Guest House.
Day 08 : Explore Base camp, o/n Guest house.
Day 09 : Rongbuk to Nyalam, o/n Guest House.
Today we rejoin the Friendship Highway and drive to Tingri. Guest House
Day 10 : Tingri - Zhangmu
Leaving Tingri, we cross another two high passes, the Lalung La [5124m] and
the Shung La [5200m]. Once more we are rewarded with magnificent views of
the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri
Shankar. Now we begin our descent from the Tibetan Plateau to Zhangmu via
Nyalam. With dramatic suddenness, everything appears incredibly lush and
green.
Day 11 : Zhangmu Exit to KTM
From Zhangmu we drive to the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Bhote Koshi
River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan
guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where
our Nepalese staff will meet us. After completing the re-entry formalities
we continue the drive to Kathmandu, which, depending on road and weather
conditions, should take about 5 hours.
Important Pre Departure Information
» Visas and documentation : You must be in
possession of a valid passport. We obtain your visa for Tibet, and will
require the following information when making your reservation : full name,
date of expiry, place of issue, nationality, date of birth, sex and
occupation. Two passport size photographs are also required. Additionally
you must allow three full working days in Kathmandu for the visa to be
fiscally stamped in your passport. A 30 day's visa for Nepal can be obtained
from all Nepalese Embassies abroad or upon your arrival in Kathmandu
airport. You will require a double entry visa into Nepal.
» Accessories : We recommend you to bring the
following items to make your journey more comfortable : Personal first aid
kid, water purification tablets, toilet kit with toilet paper, flashlight
with extra batteries, sunglasses, water bottle, note book, pens, pencils,
camera and film and extra batteries for electronic Cameras, binoculars,
Duffel bag, rain gear, strong footwear, pocket knife, sewing kits, compass,
altimeter, drinking cup, towel, plastic bags, dust mask, strong suncream,
chapstic, and money belt.
» Altitude Sickness : The Tibetan Plateau lies over
12000 feet, most people will experience some of the minor symptoms and
discomfort of altitude sickness, until their body adjusts to the elevation.
This can take from a few hours to couple of days, depending on the
individual. Please consult with your doctor and ask their advice.
