Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Today is your arrival day we welcome you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu or your choice of Hotel in KathmanduValley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur).Arrival city briefing follows after Hotel check in concerning the necessary formalities on your tour and trek program. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/Countryside areas or resting.
Day 02 - Half Day Cultural Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage sights where your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kapan Monastery and the unique fusion shrines of Newari architectural Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting ancient golden era of the glories. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest with your guide or in your own or take a rest. Our Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for the trek briefing while we finalize your VISA. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali Welcome dinner in authentic Nepali Restaurant with the cultural dances that represents different customs and music instruments of Nepal. Private vehicle is there for you to pick up and drop in Hotel with our staff. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 03 – Kathmandu to Lhasa in Fight
We pick you up in the morning with our Tour Officer to the TribhuvanInternationalAirport in Kathmandu for the incomparable one hour scenic flight to GonggarAirport, Lhasa. We fly from Kathmandu to Gonggar (3680 m). The flight itself is exciting. we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet then justover the Himalaya having opportunity to sight the Highest Mountains of the World The Everest, Kanchanjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangam and many other spectacular Mountain Peaks to Tibet.
Once you arrive at Gonggar airport, Lhasa, an easy one hour drive transfer to your Hotel in Lhasa. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.
Day 04 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka. The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. JokhangTemple will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the JokhangTemple. In these cobbled streets you can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.
Day 05 – Sightseeing in Lhasa
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has been around since before the 17th century. To add even more history and culture we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of the few sights to escape the Cultural Revolution without widespread damage.
Day 06 – Sightseeing in Lhasa / Free in the Afternoon
Today is a day for you to enjoy yourself and further explore the ancient city of Lhasa. It is completely up to you on how you spend your day. Many like to explore the city further, immerse themselves in Buddhist culture, or just relax in one of the city's excellent restaraunts. The locals are friendly and the sights are amazing.
Day 07 - Lhasa to Gyantse
In the morning we will depart from Lhasa and travel in Land cruisers along the Friendship highway. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La and Kharo La, provide wondrous views of the Himalayan range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pasS Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way. Our final destination is the first class Gyantse hotel.
Day 08 - Gyantse to Shigatse
We will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be seen from the ancient Dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is surrounded by numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you are no art connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and architecture. We continue on with a short drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Not a minute is wasted as we have a full afternoon of exploring the local markets and monasteries. It is very intriguing to see how ancient Tibetan culture compares to the modern day culture we will experience. There are endless amounts of sights, both modern and ancient, to see around this city.
Day 09 – Drive to Lhatse
A short drive will take us to the small town of Lhatse. Along the way we will visit the beautiful Sakya monastery. Towering walls surround this intricate maze of ancient monasteries and red and white striped buildings. After exploring for a while we will spend the night in Lhatse.
Day 10 – Drive to Saga
Our final destination today is the small town of Saga. We will cover many miles during the day but also encounter alluring river valleys and scattered villages.
Day 11 – Drive to Paryang
Even more gorgeous Tibetan Landscape will surround us as we drive to Paryang. Today is arguably one of the most beautiful days of our entire journey.
Day 12 – Drive to Mansarovar
After several river crossings we will finally arrive at the shores of LakeManasarovar. Prepare for one of the most awe-inspiring and holy places you have ever seen.
Day 13 – Excursion Around Lake Mansarovar
Today will be a day to rest and experience the magic of this holy site. We will take it easy but also meet with local pilgrims and visit the beautiful Chiu Monastery. Mt. Kailash looms in the distance.
Day 14 – Drive to Tarboche
After only a 35 km drive we will reach Tarboche. Tarboche marks the start of our religious 53 km trek around the mountain. Finally we have arrived!
Day 15 – Trek to Dira – Puk
From Tarboche, we walk up the LhaChuValley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira - puk.
Day 16 – Trek to Zutul - Puk
We now leave the Lha Chu Valley and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La [5630m]. It's a tough climb to the summit which is festooned with prayer flags but from there it is all downhill or flat to Zutul-puk, with views of one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion. As well as the monastery at Zutul-puk, there are several meditation caves and another cave containing an image of Milarepa.
Day 17 – Trek to Darchen
On the final day of the kora we cross several streams, and follow an impressive gorge. Along the way we are once again treated to magnificent views of Kailash. We then enter the Bharka plain and it's about an hour's walk through this desert-like landscape to Darchen.
Day 18 – Drive to Paryang
Today is a long drive, about 300km, to Paryang. Along the way, we cross the Mayun-la and make several river crossings. The scenery along this section is some of the most panoramic of the entire journey.
Day 19 – Drive to Saga
Today is another driving day as we head towards Saga. Take in the sights of the small dusty towns along the way! Today gives us more time to appreciate this truly ancient Tibetan culture.
Day 20 – Drive to Peiku Tso
In the morning we will take a ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo [Brahmaputra River]. As we continue our journey stunning Himalayan views surrounds us once again. Some of the attractions include Shishapangma and our end destination of Peiku-tso, a large majestic lake.
Day 21 – Drive to Zhangmu
Another 180 kilometers is tackled as we head down the Friendship Highway. Along the way we pass through the small town of Nyalam. After Nyalam we descend down through a mossy gorge and brilliant cascading waterfalls. We will spend the night in Zhangmu, a border town.
Day 22 – Drive to Kathmandu
In the morning we cross the Bhote Kosi River using the Friendship Bridge. At this point we must bid a fond farewell to our Tibetan guide and go through all the border formalities. Our last night will be spent in the bustling city of Kathmandu. Sadly our trip has come to an end.
Day 23-Leisure in Kathmandu
Leisure Time in Kathmandu. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic Heritages in your own or with us or with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere.
Day 24- Departure Kathmandu
Our Tour officer meets you in Hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport. We will be always welcoming you back to Nepal for various other stunning Trekkings or looking forward to serving you in our other country travel arrangements.
The Tour Cost Includes:
-- All the International Arrival and Departure Transfers
-- Pre and Post Tour 4 Star Hotel Accommodations in Kathmandu
-- Three Star and Equivalent Hotel Accommodations in BB in Tibet and
Guest Houses
-- Flight To Lhasa and the Airport Taxes
-- Transfer Service to Kathmandu by Private Vehicle from Kodari
-- Half Day Guided World Heritage Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Entrance Fees
and Transportation
-- Four Days Camping Mt. Kailash Trekking, Twin sharing Tent Accommodation
with Sleeping bag, Foam mattresses, Full Board Meals, Required
Equipments, Yaks and Yak men, Cook, Staff Truck.
-- Authentic Nepali Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu
-- All the Tour, Trekking and Monastery, Palace, Travel Permits and Entrance
Fees in Tibet
-- Expert English Speaking Guide in Tibet and in Nepal, 4WD Land cruiser
everyday in Tibet.
-- Field staff Insurances
-- Down Jackets, Sleeping bag, duffel bag, facilities on loan
-- Quick Rescue supporting services in case of Emergencies
-- Communication services in case of Emergency
-- Tibet VISA processing arrangement in Nepal
-- Applicable government Taxes
-- Himalayan Eco Trek Team Management
-- Tibet Agent Management Services
The Trek cost excludes
-- All the personal expenses like Alcoholic beverages, Bottled drinks etc.
-- Medical and Travel Insurances
-- International Airfare and taxes to / from Nepal
-- Nepal and Tibet Visa Fees
-- Photography permits inside the Monasteries in Tibet
-- Gratuities / Tips
-- Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges
-- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Tibet Tour