Southern Tibet

This is a grand tour of southern Tibet, starting with a flight into Tibet from Nepal and then an overland journey back to Nepal. There are side journeys into the Yarlung Valley, Sakya County and time to trek near Everest base camp. During the overland section there are frequent options to hike - allowing you to get closer to the real Tibet.

It is still possible to see the real culture of the Tibetan people, despite the Chinese efforts to remove all traces of the culture.  Hike high in the Himalaya and gaze down on the rest of the world.

           

With an average altitude in excess of 3500m, Tibet can truly be described as the roof of the world. Lying to the north of the Himalaya which separates it from its neighbours India, Nepal and Bhutan, much of the country is high-altitude desert. With spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, post 'Cultural Revolution' Tibet is still a remarkable place to visit.

On this trip, we get to know Lhasa quite well, then we head to Yarlung Valley, home of the first Tibetan kings. From Yarlung we travel the Friendship Highway through some of the most amazing landscape on Earth. We'll stop at small Tibetan settlements, exchange smiles and a few words with nomadic herdsmen as they wander across the wide arid plains, and we will be awe-inspired by the mountain peaks. Equally as fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest and we will have plenty of opportunity to explore this, both in Lhasa and the other towns we pass through on our journey to Kathmandu, particularly in Sakya. Sakya is one of the best preserved towns in central southern Tibet, with its village like atmosphere.

We spend 4 nights in Lhasa, staying right in the heart of the city. This will allow plenty of time for acclimatisation to the reduced oxygen levels at this altitude. We will see the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace, Barkhor Square and the Jokhang Temple in particular.

Without doubt, a highlight of this trip is the time spent near Everest North Base Camp, where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face has to be seen to be believed. Inspiring landscapes and mountain views combined with the rich Buddhist history and culture, make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to the Excelsior Hotel (Tibetan owned).

Day 2  Kathmandu A half day guided tour and then free time to wander the chaotic colourful streets. Overnight at the Excelsior Hotel. B.

Day 3  Kathmandu (1400m) - Lhasa (3660m) Morning transfer to the airport for the hour long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight takes us right over the Himalaya and provides us with magnificent views. After landing at Gongkar and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further 2 hour drive by Land cruiser to Lhasa where we will check in to the Hotel Kyichu (Tibetan owned). It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. B.

Day 4  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 it's white-washed 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 Barkhor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa. Hotel Kyichu. B.

Day 5  Lhasa This morning we will visit the Potala Palace which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the rooms that were once the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms 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 awesome 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. Hotel Kyichu. B.

Day 6  Lhasa A final day in Lhasa for acclimatisation. This is a day at leisure in which you are free to explore, maybe revisit a favourite monastery or simply sit in a café overlooking the Barkor and watch the pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang. You could do your gift shopping at the many craft stalls.

There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden monastery and Tsurphu monastery, but this will incur extra costs. Hotel Kyichu. B.

Day 7  Lhasa - Tsetang (3567m) 184 km Today we start our overland journey across Tibet. We Travel by Landcruiser along the Friendship Highway and then eastwards past the airport at Gongkar to Tsetang at the mouth of the Yarlung Valley. The area around Tsetang is known as the cradle of Tibetan civilisation. It is probable that the first home in Tibet was made in the caves above where the town stands. The area was home to the first Kingdom and Buddhist temple. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Days 8 & 9   Tsetang Over the next 2 days we explore the Yarlung Valley, in particular the fortress at Yumbu Lagang, the site of the Nedong Kunzang Tse Palace and up the valley to Yarta Drak La (4970m), from where there are spectacular views down the valley. There are plenty of walks to undertake in the valley. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 10   Tsetang - Nakartse (4577m) 165 km Today we head back to the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La (4794m) from which there are stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 11   Nakartse The area around Nakartse is tranquil and awesome, an area of vast lakes and plains. There are some beautiful lakeside walks in this area and we enjoy a full day just taking in the glorious surroundings. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 12   Nakartse - Gyantse (3950m) 118 km We continue westwards over the Khari 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. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 13   Gyantse Today we 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 golden stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 14   Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m) 90 km We 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. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 15   Shigatse - Sakya (3856m) 142 km A detour of the main Lhasa to Kathmandu road, southwards for 21 km to the home of the Sakya School of Buddhism. We explore the town of Sakya, its surrounds and the nearby Shab Valley. The area is of great historic importance as it was from here that the whole of Tibet was ruled following independence from the Mongolians. It was the Sakya monks who introduced Buddhism into Mongolia and the reward given by the Kublai Khan was the kingdom of Tibet, which included parts of modern day China. Many of the buildings of Sakya survived the cultural revolution. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 16   Sakya - Shelkar (4050m) 123 km We head north and rejoin 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 Shelkar. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 17   Shelkar - Rongpu (5000m) 68 km Shortly after leaving Shelkar, 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 Rongpu Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 18   Rongpu Today we have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5200m) and the surrounds. 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 us. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 19   Rongpu - Tingri (4390m) 65 km More time to soak in the views of Everest. After lunch, we rejoin the Friendship Highway and drive to Tingri. Overnight in a supported camp. B.

Day 20   Tingri - Zhangmu (2300m) 181 km 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 arid Tibetan Plateau to Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After Tibet, it appears an incredibly lush and green town and we stay overnight at the Zhangmu Friendship Hotel. B.

Day 21   Zhangmu - Kodari - Kathmandu 123 km From Zhangmu we drive a few kms to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye (Tarshi Delek) to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. Overnight at the Excelsior Hotel. B.

Day 22   Kathmandu Free time for those last minute bargains. Gala dinner on this the last night. Overnight at the Excelsior Hotel. B, D.

Day 23   Departure day Free time until you are transferred to the airport. B.

Start Dates : 25th July 2007  Ref: KELYC02

Price Indication per person:                  email to enquire about availability

GBP2069 / USD3653 if 2 people book.

GBP1976 / USD3488 if 3 people book.

GBP1756 / USD3100 if 4 people book.

GBP1609 / USD2841 if 5 or 6 people book.

GBP1442 / USD2546 if 7 or 8 people book.

GBP336 / USD580 single supplement.

The base currency is the US Dollar.  Payments in other currencies could involve an adjustment in the price payable if exchange rates vary. Calculated when 1GBP = 1.765USD.

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trip to proceed at these prices. The maximum number in the group is 8.

What is included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu. Luxury 4X4 Landcruisers for all the transportation in Tibet and Nepal. Tibet visa fees (unless there is less than two months available prior to departure – in which case an additional charge is necessary of GBP20 / USD35 and if less than two weeks GBP35 / USD65). English speaking Tibetan guide. Mid quality hotels in Lhasa and camping in Tibet and Nepal on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

What is Not Included
Airfare from your home to Kathmandu. Airport departure taxes (these must be paid in local currency). Meals other than breakfast. Personal insurance. Nepali double entry visa fees. Tips, vaccination costs, all items of a personal nature and all alcoholic drinks

Airfares (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range GBP500 - GBP600 for economy class.

Lhasa Hotels
We prefer to use Tibetan owned hotels, wherever possible. If you require a specific hotel we will be pleased to substitute what ever is available that suits your needs, subject to the extra cost being paid by you 40 days prior to the start date.

Kathmandu Hotels
We can arrange additional nights accommodation at discounted prices. Prices per person per night from as little as GBP4, with two star quality at GBP8 and three star (such as the Excelsior) circa GBP11 per person per night. Luxury options up to GBP350 per night per room are available. All subject to the extra cost being paid by you 40 days prior to the start date.

Visas: Tibet - We arrange this for you at no extra cost, subject to you providing the personal details needed before the 60th day prior to the start date.

Visa: Nepal - A double entry visa is required for Nepal if you plan to visit Tibet and return via Nepal and this will cost about GBP55.  We will send the form to you on receipt of your booking.  We can arrange the Nepali visa for you should you wish for an additional fee.  The Tibet visa is arranged for the group by Muir's Tours.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.