OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our staff then transfer to Hote.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Sightseeing Kathmandu - Drive to Nagarkot
Day 04: Drive to Nyalam
Day 05: Excursion around Nyalam for acclimatization
Day 06: Drive to Tingri
Day 07: Drive to Rongbuk
Day 08: Explore Everest base camp & drive to Shegar
Day 09: Drive to Shigatse
Day 10: Drive to Gyantse
Day 11: Drive to Lhasa
Day 12-13: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 14: Transfert to Xian by train
Day 15: Arrive in Xian
Day 16-17: Xian sightseeing
Day 18: Transfert to Beijing by train
Day 19-20: Sightseeing in Beijing
Day 21: Last minute, transfer to Airport for onward Journey.
OPTION - GOLDEN TRIANGLE IN INDIA
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
Day 02: Sightseeing in Delhi
Day 03: Delhi - Agra
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur
Day 05: Jaipur
Day 06: Delhi
Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu -Start of tour described above.
FLIGHT/TRAIN FARE
Flight: rates and taxes are subject to change without prior notice
Kathmandu - Lhasa: USD 439 (Tue & Sat in high seasons)
Chengdu - Lhasa: USD 250
Beijing - Lhasa: USD 490
Shanghai - Lhasa: USD 512
Kathmandu - Beijing: 790
NOTE:
- Train to Lhasa from Beijing USD 295 on soft sleeper bed (subject to availability, please read conditions/other available options)
- Tibet (Chinese) visa: USD 114 for all nationality (For those having American passport, additional USD 85 would be applicable as levied by Chinese Govt.)
- If you are traveling in Nepal before going to Tibet, you MUST apply for your Chinese visa in Kathmandu. We can get it within two working days with your original passport.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu - It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances.Today you will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and Kumari temple. Kumari is the Living Virgin Goddess of Hindu religion. Kumari temple is situated inside the Basantapur Durbar built by King Jaya Prakash Malla near Hanuman Dhoka. Kumari is chosen from a Newari Shakya family after meeting up with all the criteria. There will be a guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath.
Day 03: Sightseeing Patan& Bhaktapur - Drive to Nagarkot Today you will visit Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple etc. Thereafter, your next destination is Bhaktapur where you will witness unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal which has remained untouched by western culture. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur and you will tour around all these places. In the evening, you will head towards Nagarkot. On your way to Nagarkot breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views of Mt. Everest, Manaslu and Gauri Shankar will have completely smitten. Nagarkot accommodates finest of resorts, hotels, restaurants and cafes. You will spend your night at one of the best resort or hotel in Nagarkot.
Day 04: Drive Kathmandu- Nyalam (3780m.) - We leave Kathmandu early in the morning to cover the123km to reach the Nepal-Tibet Border. After completing the immigration formalities at the border, we drive towards Nyalam. Moving up a series of incredibly steep switchbacks, which passes through a mossy gully with cascading waterfalls, we reach Nyalam.
Day 05: In Nyalam (3780m.) - It would be wise to spend a day resting and acclimatizing in Nyalam before heading up higher. A short way out of town there is a small temple, Nyalam Pelgye Ling, which is associated with the eleventh and twelfth century poet-lama Milarepa.
Day 06: Drive to Tingri - Today's drive to Tingri takes around five to six hours, crossing two spectacular passes along the way; Nyalam pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m). Today there are some spectacular views of the Himalayas to be had, including Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m) and, of course, the mighty Everest (8848m).
Day 07: Drive Tingri (4390m.) to Rongbuk (5100m.) – 105 Kms. - After breakfast it's just a short, easy drive to Rongbuk - the home of the highest monastery in Tibet – leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure. Once again, there are some stunning views to be had of the Himalayas.
Day 08: Explore Everest base camp(5100m.) & drive to Shegar - A two hour trek from Rongbuk will take you to the base of the highest peak on earth; the north face of Mount Everest (8848m). Explore the Base Camp where countless expeditions have set off and see the Rongphu glacier. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this; having the highest mountain in the world towering over you is an experience you'll never forget. No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking team, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you need to walk or take a horse cart
Day 09: Drive Rongbuk to Shigatse (3900m.) - 304 Kms. - Today your Land Cruisers will cover some rocky terrain, covering the eight to ten hour drive to the city of Shigatse. Shigatse is the home of the famous Tashilunpo Monastery; the historical seat of the Panchen Lama lineage and well known for its huge Thangka wall.
Day 10: Drive Shigatse to Gyantse (3950m.)-90kms. - In the morning we'll visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Shigatse. After lunch it's just a pleasant two hours drive to Gyantse, which has the Khumbum Stupa and the Phalkot Monastery.
Day 11: Drive Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m)-259kms.- The drive to the final enticing destination of Lhasa takes eight hours, crossing two passes - The Karo La pass (5010m) and Kamba La pass (4794m) – as well as the dazzling lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). We'll also cross the wide Yarlung Tsangpo river and catch our first views of the legendary Potala Palace.
Day 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa - After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day's program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day's tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Day 13: Sightseeing in Lhasa - After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day's tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.
Day 14: Transfer to Xian by train - Transfer to train station for a memorable world’s highest train journey to Xian. The train is newly built state of art technology with pressurized cabins. We will enjoy the train ride passing through villages and scenic spots.
Day 15: Arrive in Xian - We continue our journey via Xining, Lanzhou and finally arrive at Xian. Upon arrival, meet & transfer to Hotel.
NB: the schedule of trains will be known only a couple of weeks before the departure date.
Day 16-17: Xian sightseeing - Xian is the largest city in the Shaanxi Province with a history that goes back more than 3000 years. Xi’an served as the capital for twelve dynasties. When the Silk Route was popular among traders, Xian was the cultural centre. Xian is also the site of excavation of the vast army of terracotta warriors and horses from the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuang, from whom the country derives its name. The highlights of Xian includes:
The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:This incredible 2000 year-old army of life-sized warriors, each one unique, is part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Well over 7000 figures were drawn up in full battle array in several large pits. Many of the figures, including soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, have been restored, and the repairs and excavations continue at the site where you can see both repaired and broken warriors in a truly impressive display. There is also an excellent museum, including bronze chariots unearthed nearby, and a film about the history and discovery of the tomb. It is about 35 km from Xian.
The Wild Goose Pagoda:The pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his classics brought from India.
Day 18: Transfer to Beijing by train (1200km)- On board the train.
Day 19: Sightseeing in Beijing - Arrive Beijing. Check in to Hotel. Beijing, China’s capital and a well known tourist city of the world, offers sights found nowhere else on the earth. One can see the interwoven sights of its history and the drastic change of the current times. In the afternoon we will be visiting the famous Tian’anmen Square. It’s located in the center of the city proper with an area of some 400,000 square meters. It’s the largest square in the world today. In the center is the Column Monument to the People’s Heroes. We will also visit the Ming Tomb, located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, it consists of thirteen tombs of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1,368 – 1,644) after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing.
Day 20: Sightseeing in Beijing - Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing, at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620. Afternoon free for shopping and other independent activities.
Day 21: Trip end at Beijing - We will have morning free before going to airport for the flight back home after completing a memorable journey.
While packing for Tibet tours warm clothing is essential to ensure comfort and safety, while non-essential gear such as a knife may simply come in handy. Here we have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:
1. Walking boots and sandals for rest (normal sports shoes also work)
2. A water & wind proof jacket
3. Woolen T-shirt/base layer
4. T-shirts
5. A thick pullover/fleece
6. Shorts/skirt for sunny days
7. Trousers/track suit or long pants
8. Thermal long underwear
9. Water bottle
10. Warm socks (woolen is best)
11. Swiss army knife
12. Torchlight with spare batteries
13. Sunglasses
14. Sun lotion
15. Personal medical supplies
16. Towel
17. Day pack for your valuables (camera, money, Passport etc.) and rucksack or duffel bag for your clothes
18. Warm hat with sun protection
19. Gloves
