Overland to Lhasa - 13 days / 12 nights (includes Everest Base Camp) Nepal - Tibet

Transcription

1 Overland to Lhasa - 13 days / 12 nights (includes Everest Base Camp) Nepal - Tibet We start our thirteen day tour in Kathmandu visiting the Buddhist temple Bodhnatha, the city of Patan and Swayambhunath temple. The following day we fly to Lhasa over the spectacular snow capped Himalayan Mountains with great views of Mt Everest on a clear day. and spend the next two days acclimatising and visiting Potala Palace the Sera, Jokhang and Drepung monasteries, where we will see the monks debating their knowledge on Buddhism. We then start on our spectacular drive in land cruisers across the Himalayas along the Tibetan Plateau via the Friendship Highway, crossing five passes over 5,000 metres which have colourful prayer flags blowing in the wind. These prayer flags send out prayers to the universe to keep everyone safe in their journey. We visit Everest Base camp on the Tibetan side where the views of Mt Everest and the North Face and the Himalayan mountain range are fantastic. After visiting Base Camp we head towards the Nepal border driving down the longest downhill (160k s) in the world through spectacular waterfalls in a lush green valley. This is a tour of impressive Tibetan Monasteries where you will see traditional architecture, the multi storey Khumbhum Stupa, the famous 7 th century Potala Palace in Lhasa and the bustling Barkhor bazaar. There is a free time in Lhasa to watch the devout pilgrims circle the temple or search for beautiful Tibetan souvenirs in the local markets..jokhang Temple The golden roofed Jokhang temple is 1,300 years old and is one of Tibet s holiest shrines and houses a pure gold statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by a princess for the marriage to King Songtsen. There are still prayers held by monks here in the early evening. Potala Palace Lhasa s main attraction is the Potala Palace which was once the centre of the Tibetan Government and the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. This architectural wonder of the world is 13 storeys high and contains thousands of rooms. The present building took 50 years to build and construction began in The Potala Palace is made up of the White palace (the Dalai Lama s living quarters) and the Red palace with all it chapels and halls. There are fantastic views of Lhasa and surrounding area from the rooftop of

2 Potala Palace. On a daily basis chanting Tibetan pilgrims bring offerings of ceremonial scarves or yak butter to Potala palace. Drepung Monastery Drepung Monastery dates back to the 15 th century and some maintain that it was the largest monastery in the world. At one time there around 7,000 monks in residence however there are only about 700 residing here now. If we are lucky we will get to see the monks debating their knowledge of Buddhism to one another. Sera Monastery This monastery was built in 1419 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa and around 600 monks are still in residence. Large numbers of debating monks debate their Buddhist knowledge here each afternoon which is very noisy but also very entertaining. The monks sit in pairs and ask each other questions with expressive hand gestures and shouting. This certainly can not to be missed off your itinerary. Tashi Lumpo Monastery Yashi Lumpo Monastery is Sighaste main attraction which was built in 1147 by a nephew of King Tsongkhapa. There was once 4,000 monks here but only around 600 are in residence. The Monastery is famed for its grand hall which houses a tomb said to contain 85 kg of gold and jewels. The giant statue of Maitreya Buddha stands an impressive 27 metres in the Maitreya Temple. Itinerary Overview Trip Overview Day 1 Kathmandu Day 2 Kathmandu - Lhasa Day 3 Lhasa Day 4 Lhasa Day 5 Lhasa - Gyantse Day 6 Gyantse - Shigatse Day 7 Shigatse Day 8 Shigatse - Xegar Day 9 - Xegar - Rongbuk Monastery Day 10 Everest Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery Day 11 Everest Base - Nayalum Day 12 Nyalum - Kathmandu Day13 Kathmandu Highlights Himalayan Overland drive across one of the highest passes in the world. Side trip to Mt Everest Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery The multi storey Khumbhum Stupa Potala Palace Cultural highlights of Lhasa, Gyantse and Sighaste Tibetan Monasteries The turquoise Lake Yamdrok Barkhor Bazaar Tibetan market shopping Flight over the Himalayas from Lhasa to Kathmandu

3 Itinerary Day by Day Day 1 Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal metres above sea level) We hand over our passports to our leader for the final arrangement of Tibet / Chinese visas. After a briefing we will take in some sightseeing plus meet in the early evening for a traditional Nepali dinner and cultural programme (included in the price). Beverages at your own expense Accommodation: Sacred Valley Inn Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (1,400 metres 3,680 mt) - 70km Early morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Lhasa - 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 45 minute drive on the new road to Lhasa where we will check into the Hotel. We will go on a short walk to Barkhor Square to stretch our legs and follow the crowds into the square which gives us the sensation of slipping into a medieval carnival. This is one part of Lhasa that has resisted any invasion of the modern world where ancient way of trading is still practiced. Accommodation: Hotel Day 3: Acclimatisation day - Lhasa (3,680 mt) - full day sightseeing 20km After Breakfast we will visit the famous Potala Palace, the seat of the both religion and politics in Tibet. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and later renovated by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. This is the cardinal landmark and a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of eastern architecture and it looks best from a distance. It is also great to view in the evenings from either the rooftop of our hotel or taking a stroll to the front of the Potala Palace We will take an afternoon visit Sera Monastery 5 kilometers north of Lhasa city, it was built in 1419 by Jamchen Choejie, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect, Sera is one Of the three major monasteries of Yellow sect in Tibet. This monastery is beautifully preserved which is one of Lhasa s great monasteries that survived the Cultural Revolution better than most. We can get up close and personal to a Debate where the monks will try and outwit their colleagues with questions on religion. To this day several hundred monks live and study in this architecture. Accommodation: Hotel. Day 4: Acclimatisation day - Lhasa (3,680 mt) - full day sightseeing 25km In the morning we visit Drepung Monastery which is situated 25km to the west of Lhasa. Drepung Monastery the largest of the monasteries out of the great Gelugpa monasteries and was home to around 10,000 monks during the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1951 This monastery was built in 1416 by Jamyang Choejie, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Along the way we will be stopping for a photo in front of the Potala. Gampo. O Accommodation: Hotel. The afternoon will be spent visiting the Jokhang and Norbulingka temples. Jokhang has the holiest Shrine in Tibet and houses a golden statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni which was brought to Tibet by Chinese princess Wencheng on her marriage with the Tibetan King Songtsen. Jokhang Temple will provide one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day circling it all day, every day. You will see many Tibetans prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple in the hope they will receive a good path for their afterlife.

4 The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Surrounding Jokhang Temple is the Barkor central market with cobbled streets and it is possible to purchase some amazing crafts and jewellery. Accommodation: Hotel. Day 5: Lhasa Gyantse 3,680-3,950 mt 270k s We follow the Kyi Chu (Lhasa) River on the Friendship Highway stopping at the Blue Medicine Buddha which is said to boost your healing powers Our first mountain pass awaits us with number of switchbacks. The summit is lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m) and there are views of the dazzling Yamdrok-tso (also known as Scorpion Lake) from the Khamba-La pass. The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather the lake is seen as a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. There are number of Yaks dressed up for the tourist to pay some money to have their photo taken with these giant animals. Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we continue along the Friendship Highway and over the Karo La at (5,045m). The road out of Nangartse starts off as a gentle & gradual climb across the plain. Upon reaching the summit one can awe at the sight of the glacier which is approximately 50 meters above the pass. We pass the dam just before Simi La pass (4,330m), The road gives pleasant views of a man-made lake for the purpose of generating electricity from a dam. Upon reaching Gyantse (3,950), in the Nyang Chu valley 254km south-west of Lhasa, we will visit the Gyantse Dzong fort dating from 14 th century. We also visit the Phlkor Monastery founded in 1418 which is notable for its large multi storey Khumbhum Stupa and has 108 chapels as per Buddhist tradition and 10,000 Stupa images. You will notice that this town is very Tibetan in character and is one of the least influenced Chinese towns of Tibet. Accommodation: Hotel. Day 6: Gyantse Shigatse ,800 metres 94k s Leaving Gyantse, we head out on a newly paved road which will take us across vast stretches of flat agriculture land where the houses are traditionally Tibetan with the whitewashed walls tiled with yak dung cakes. We arrive in Shigatse (3800m) our destination to stay the night and is Tibet's 2nd largest town in the traditional capital of Tsang. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the towering heights of Shigatse turning this town in to an important trading town as well as an administrative centre. Day 7: Shigatse, Rest day, (3,800 mt) (sightseeing) In Shigatse we will visit to the famous Tashi Lumpo Monastery with its Tibetan architecture, golden roof and 26 metre high Buddha. This was also the seat of the Panchen Lama until his death in The Tashi Lumpo Monastery with its well known Thangka wall. While little remains of the former Shigatse fortress it is still an imposing site and possible to walk up to the top to get good views of the town. En route we visit Shaulu Monastery which is located 20 kilometers southeast of.shigatse it was first built in 1087 and is

5 famous for its sandalwood slips carved with Buddhist scripture and a jar for filling sacred water. It is said that for years the water does not decrease or deteriorate. The murals in the monastery are rich in contents and excellent in workmanship and are one of the rare fine arts in Tibet We also visit the Phlkor Monastery founded in 1418 which is notable for its multi storey Khumbhum Stupa and has 108 chapels as per Buddhist tradition and 10,000 Stupa images. Today will also be a day to explore this fantastic Buddhist town by fcatching up on s, shopping in the great markets or just relax reading. Shigatse is also a good place to stock up on medical supplies. It is necessary to stop in Shigatse gain extra visas for Everest Base Camp and our onward journey. The railway from Beijing to Shigatse is due for completion by April 2012(at present it only goes as far as Lhasa). Accommodation: hotel Day 8: Shigatse Xegar (3,800 mt) 240k s We leave Shigatse travelling over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. The scenery switches from narrow river valley s to wide open valley areas. The route leads us over the Tso-La (4520m). On leaving Tso-La pass we go down a long 9km descent and head towards Lhatse passing hot springs and visiting Sakya Monastery, which is 25km from the main road of the Friendship highway. This is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 6thyear (1073) of the Xining reign of the Song Dynasty ( ) by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Sakya, meaning "Grey Soil" in Tibetan since the soil surrounding it is gray; it is the central monastery of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It became the political center of Tibet at that time. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the Sakya Monastery's position was replaced by Kagyu sect. Sakyapa sect only retained its religious and political power in Sakya region. As a result, the Sakya Monastery gradually declined and fell into disuse. Accommodation: Hotel Day 9: Xegar Everest Base Camp - 110k s We will have to produce our passport to the authorities at the check post then then turn off the Friendship Highway around 6km west of the Shegar and at the Everest region checkpoint. Our guide will sort out the permits and we then head towards the world's highest peak, Everest. You will be faced with 20km s of bumpy uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang La Pass (5,150m). After going over the Pang La pass your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and the surrounding peaks such as Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Everest (8,848m) and several other breathtaking peaks. On the descent down there a number of interesting meditation caves and ridge topped ruins. Tashi Zong village until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. We visit Rongbuk monastery which, is the highest monastery in Tibet.Rongbuk Monastery is the main Buddhist centre in the valley and once coordinated the activities of around one dozen smaller religious institutions. There is little else to see at Base Camp except the mighty Mt Everest, but just imagine you are actually standing at the base of the world s highest mountain. We will take the compulsory photo and leave our prayer flags to the gods, so they can keep us safe in the rest of our journey ahead.

6 At Base camp you can also take photos next to a marker that reads Qomolangma Base Camp which means Mother God and indicates you are at 5,200mts above sea level. Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse. Day 10: Rongbuk Monastery -Everest Base Camp (5,100-5,200 5,100 mt) : 16 km return Today we take the bus (at a cost of Yuan) and visit the fantastic Everest Base Camp, which is 8km from the guesthouse. There is little to see at Base Camp except Mt Everest, but just imagine you are actually standing at the base of the world s highest mountain. While Everest base camp is dry and barren, 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 We will take the compulsory group photo and leave our prayer flags to the gods, so they can keep us safe in the rest of our journey ahead. At Base camp you can also take photos next to a marker that reads Qomolangma Base Camp which means Mother God and indicates you are 5,200mts above sea level.. Accommodation: Tented Guesthouse Day 11: Everest Base Camp Nyalam 220k s We will leave EBC and drive towards Tingri via Lamna La Pass ( 5,069 mts). It is a rough road until we reach the Friendship highway where we will once again be on a much deserved smooth highway not far before Tingri. This journey offers more picturesque views of Tibetan homes overlooking a sweeping plains bordered by the towering Himalayan range. It is also called Tingri Dzong and is overlooked by ruins that were a fort which was destroyed by the invasion of Nepalese in the late 18 th century We cross Lalung-la pass 4,990m, which offers spectacular views of Gaurishankar, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma 8,012m, and Langtang. From here you will feel like you are as high as the peaks around you. Travelling over Thang Pass at 5,050m has breathtaking views all the way to Nyalam which means The Gateway to Hell in Tibetan, because the road drops from Nyalam like a stone off the Tibetan plateau into a mossy gorge of waterfalls and cascades which during the monsoon creates a sea of clouds that submerges the road and thus giving the effect of an eerie scene. There is a cultural sight 10km before reaching Nyalam called Nyalam Pelgye Ling. This is a small temple that is associated with the Cave of Milarepa, the famous Buddhist mystic and composer of songs who lived during the late 11th to the early 12th century. This will be our last day in Tibet with our support crew and we all join in to celebrate our wonderful shared journey with a bit of singing and dancing. It will also be a chance to catch up on s and have one of the most fantastic showers in the whole trip. Accommodation: Guesthouse Day 12 Nyalam Kathmandu Our last day in Tibet, we descend (2,850 mts to Barabise) past countless waterfalls and pine tree, to the border town of Zhangmu (2300m). Zhangmu which is also known as Khasa in Nepali and Dram in Tibetan. After crossing the border into Nepal and clearing immigration we will be met and transferred to Kathmandu where you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. We will all get together in the evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of this amazing adventure.

7 Accommodation: Sacred Valley Inn Day 13 Kathmandu After breakfast and checking out of your hotel the trip will end. Guide to Tipping It is customary to tip the local guide. This is not included in the advertised price. Accommodation All accommodation is on a share basis (usually twin) and in standard hotels. Extra accommodation can be reserved for you in Kathmandu for before and after your tour. Visas You will need to arrange your own visa to enter Nepal which can be obtained upon your arrival at Kathmandu international airport. This will be at you own expense at a cost of USD$40 for 30days. Your Tibetan visa and group travel permit will be arranged in Nepal by Trekking 4 Women, hhowever for US citizens there is a extra cost of US$ 114. Distances Please be aware that there are some long driving days in Land cruisers between the Tibetan border and Lhasa. Altitude and acclimatisation We will be travelling to the highest plateau in the world where we will be crossing passes above 4,000 metres during our journey to Lhasa (3,650 metres). You should be aware that before taking this trip you should consider and we strongly recommend that you take some trek in Nepal or other altitude activities which will help you to acclimatise to altitude. Driving at elevation rapidly causes a medical condition called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be serious if not prepared. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is and at the passes we cross there will be 50% less oxygen in the air than at sea level. To avoid this one needs a few days to slowly adapt to the altitude to ensure a safe journey. To minimise AMS it is essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation before the start of your overland journey to Tibet. It is advisable if you have any known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult your doctor before booking this trip. Clothing note This trip is scheduled in the summer time; however it is advisable to take mixture of warm and cool clothing due to it being very warm in Nepal but still very cold in Tibet. Important Information You will need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance policy to the briefing on day one to your tour guide before joining the trip on day one. Pre departure information Further to the information provided in this dossier, a pre departure information booklet will be sent to you. This booklet provides you with information regarding visas, joining instructions, what to bring, health

8 requirements and vaccinations, extra hotel accommodation, and tips for altitude etc. Please read it carefully to make sure you are fully prepared. Important The enclosed notes are intended as a guide only, indicating a typical itinerary and series of activities and highlights. While every effort will be made to follow the route published on any departure and the distances travelled, driving time and available activities can vary for a number of reasons, in the event of political problems or natural difficulties which are beyond my control and prevent travelling to a particular area, Trekking 4 Women reserve the right to substitute an alternative activity for that section of the trip. Overnight stops may vary on occasions from those suggested Please note that your trek leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, the Overland to Lhasa trip is adventure travel in a remote mountain region. Weather conditions and health of group members can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Overland to Lhasa (including Everest Base Camp): 13 days/ 12 nights Trip Code: T4W 130 Grade Easy Group Size: 4 12 Accommodation: Basic Hotels/Guesthouses Price: Please check Trekking 4 Women s website for departure dates and prices. Includes International flight Kathmandu to Lhasa Start : Kathmandu End: Kathmandu

9 Price includes Price does not include Guide salaries Entry visas into Nepal Two nights hotel accommodation in Tips for guides Kathmandu on a share bases Any tour entrance fees that are not indicated in 10 nights hotel/guesthouse accommodation itinerary while touring twin/triple share bases Drinks, tips, laundry, and other items of a personal International flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa nature. Breakfast in some Tibetan hotels International Flights Most overnight stops will include breakfast Arrival & Departure transfers One group dinner (excluding drinks) as Meals except where indicated as per itinerary indicated in the itinerary. Alcohol drinks, soft drinks and tips Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (excluding All personal gear entrance fees) Personal first aid kit Sightseeing tour in Tibet plus entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary Tibet visa fee Travel Insurance Chinese/Tibet visa fee will be US$ 114 for US citizens. Tibet travel permit Everest National Park admission fee Authorised English speaking Tibetan tour guide Transport cost Kathmandu to Lhasa Trekking 4 Women Tee Shirt All Trekking 4 Women (T4W) trips will be personally lead by Ann, (the Director of T4W) or one our Representatives to ensure you, the client, of the best possible experience. My passion for travel and desired objective is to offer a unique experience, enrich lives, and encourage personal growth which is fun and affordable. This objective is to provide sustainable active travel adventures that are beneficial for the local communities we visit. Updated June 2012 Trekking 4 Women, P O Box 5543, Palmerston North 4441, New Zealand. Phone: , Fax: , Mobile: + 64 (027) ann@trekking4women.co.nz, web: