This tour includes all of the best sights, sounds, and smells Tibet has to offer. You could wind your way up through the Potala, join the shuffling, murmuring pilgrims around the shrines of the Jokhang, let yourself be swept around the Barkhor, and be enveloped in the vast expanses of the Tibetan landscape. For centuries, the impassable routes and political upheaval have made Tibet and Everest one of the last great unexplored territories in the world, but this expedition could offer you a chance to see the great Mt. Everest, one of earth’s most remote corners. To view the sunrise and sunset there, you can do nothing but feel marvel for the nature’s masterpiece.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 01:
Arrive in Lhasa (alt. 3600m)
Welcome to the “Roof of the World.” On your arrival to Tibet, we will meet you at the airport/train station and transfer you to the hotel. Plan on taking it slow the rest of today, so you can adjust to the altitude. Remember to drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep for the long journey ahead.
Day 02:
Tour of Lhasa [B]
This morning you’ll wind your way up through the stunning, awe-inspiring Potala Palace. Built in 637 AD by Songtsen Gampo, it was the former winter residence for the Dalai Lamas and is truly a splendor of Eastern architecture. Next, visit the Johkang Temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism, also built in the 7th century on the legendary pond of “Wothang.” Later after lunch, witness the famous debate sessions by the monks at Sera Monastery. And finish the day by taking a Kora around the Barkhor. Test your bartering skills with the locals in this push-and-shove economy.
Day 03:
Drive to Shigatse via Gyantse [B]
In the morning you’ll start the drive to Shigatse, via Gyantse on the Southern Friendship Highway. Crossing over the summit of Kamba La (4794 m), you’ll see the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok below; one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Far in the distance you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045 m). After arriving in Gyantse you’ll have the choice to either stroll around town; explore Gyantse Dzong, the legendary battle site of the British invasion of Tibet; or visit the Pelkor Tsode Monastery (optional, self-paid), with its huge and elaborate murals of sky burials, Sakyamuni, and even mahasiddhas (highly accomplished Tantric practitioners). Afterwards, you’ll drive to Shigatse, and overnight there.
Day 04:
Tashilunpho Monastery & Drive to Mt. Everest [B]
In the morning, you’ll be driven to Rongphu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. This evening you’ll have free time to explore the monastery, or go on short hike so you can drink in the intoxicating views of Mt. Everest. Overnight in the Rongphu Monastery Guesthouse.
Day 05:
Mt. Everest Base Camp & back to Shigatse [B]
Wake this morning below the stunning north face of Mt. Everest , (8848) the tallest mountain on earth. After breakfast, drive the remaining 8 km to Everest Base Camp, where you’ll have 1-2 hours to explore. In the afternoon, drive back to Shigatse, and be wrapped again in the endless vistas of the Tibetan plateau.
Day 06:
Back to Lhasa [B]
This morning you’ll have a chance to visit Tashilunpho Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, which is essentially a walled town with cobbled and twisting lanes that revolve around a magnificent monastery. Then you’ll drive back to Lhasa, but don’t worry, you’ll take a slightly different route this morning back to Lhasa. So, sit back and enjoy another full day of breathless mountains under an endless Himalayan sky. Those with shorter tour options will be transported to the airport.
Day 07:
Lhasa & Return Home [B]
Free time in the morning for you to wander around Lhasa. Take a last, memorable look at the Potala Palace before being transported to the airport at 12:00 p.m.
Price Quotation:
Departures (dates omitted)
|
Tour Cost (in RMB)
|
Tour Cost (in USD)
|
Single Supplement (in RMB)
|
Single Supplement
(in USD)
|
Apr. to Oct.
except August
(High Season) |
￥4550 |
$669 |
￥650 |
$96 |
August
(Peak Season) |
￥5435 |
$799 |
￥710 |
$104 |
Nov. to next Mar.
(Low Season) |
￥4420 |
$650 |
￥590 |
$87 |
Price includes:
1)
Airport Transfer: The group airport pick-up high-season at 3:20 p.m. and drop off once at 12:00 p.m, but low-season pick-up and see off at before noon time. These are the most common flight times in and out of Lhasa, but if you would like to schedule a different time or place to enter/leave Tibet we will be happy to arrange that at the following prices:
Item |
Cost per person (in RMB) |
Cost per person (in USD) |
| Transfer from Lhasa to airport |
￥320 |
$47 |
| Transfer from Lhasa to train station |
￥150 |
$22 |
2)
Accommodation: 5 nights stay in comfortable, 3 star standard hotels in Tibet. 1 night stay in Rongbulk Monastery Guesthouse .
3)
Meals: 11 meals in total, mainly Breakfast and Lunch. 5 meals outside of Lhasa. See detailed itinerary for complete listing.
4)
English Speaking Guide: All of our guides are local Tibetans with infectious smiles and a passion for sharing their homeland. From them you’ll receive extensive information about the history, geography, culture, religion, traditions, art and music.
5)
Vehicle Rental & Driver: All of our vehicles are well maintained and safe. Our drivers are experienced in driving in the Tibetan landscape. Vehicle type will be according to group size.
6)
Travel Permits: All Tibet traveling permits.
7)
Entrance Fees: All entrance fees listed in the itinerary, (except optional sites) including vehicle and personal entry permit for Qomolangma Nature Preserve
Price Excludes:
1)
Transportation to and from Lhasa
2)
Other services of non-Tibetan parts
3)
Personal expenses like laundry, IDD calls, drinks, etc.
4)
Tips for the tour guide and driver
5)
Extra expenses incurred due to unexpected natural events (delays, road washouts, etc.)
Notes:
This trip can basically be broken into two parts. Part A inside Lhasa and Part B outside of Lhasa. Either part can be done first depending on the day you join the group. And, you can join the group any day, except the 4th, and still see everything listed on the itinerary.
We have vehicles departing Lhasa every 6 days:
Important Notice:
1)
Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy. Tour cost in USD is subject to exchange rate of the day you book the tour. (Rate in chart is 1:6.8)
2)
The minimum participant number should NOT be less than 2, otherwise we could not commence the tour.
3)
We will charge you for 100USD per person as a deposit for booking the tour. We will confirm with you the group size 5 days prior to the departure day, and you need to pay for the balance at that time. For the payment, we accept cash, credit card or West Union.
4)
Because it need original copy of the Tibet permits to board the plane, in this way, all the clients in one group who depart from the same city should take the same airplane. So the airplane schedule should be fixed and arranged by us, sorry for any inconvenience it may cause.