Cultural Tibet Tour
Lhasa Culture Tour: 11 days
Mode of transport: Land Cruiser (TOYOTA: MODEL 4500)
Accommodation in Tibet: Economic
Tour departure: On your request
Day 1
KATHMANDU TO NYALAM (3750 m.)
We begin the day with early wake up and take breakfast then head to Nepal-Tibet border (Kodari) by private vehicle from Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we complete the formalities of immigration & custom in Nepal & China side then you will continue up the steep switch back road to Nyalam. You are totally prohibited to take picture in friendship bridge. It is your first day in Tibet with higher elevation about 3750 m high.
- Kathmandu to Kodari – 115 km – 4 &1/2 hrs
- Kodari to ZhangMu – 10 km – ½ hours
- ZhangMu to Nyalam – 30 km – 2 & ½ hrs
Overnight at Nyalam Guesthouse
Day 2
NYALAM TO LHATSE (3950 m.)
Wake up according to our program timetable prepare by guide and take breakfast in the morning. Then after, we commence our journey to our further destination – Lhatse. On the way drive from Nyalam to 10 km ahead you will visit Milareppa cave monastery which is located down side of the highway (requires only a 10 minutes walk to reach there).
Our further voyage goes across the Tibetan plateau with Spectacular Mountain views including Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu during high pass in Lalung-La (5050m) and passing through the old town of Tingri
- Nyalam to Lhatse: 7 hours drive
Overnight at Farmer Guesthouse
Day 3
LHATSE TO SHIGATSE (3900 m.) VIA SAKYA MONASTERY
We set off for our further journey to Shigatse. Enroute, we visit Sakya Monastery which is one of the largest Monastery in Tibet for Sakya sect of Buddhism. Sakya situated 21 km off the friendship highway.
- Lhatse to Shigatse: 150 km, 4 hours
Overnight at Hotel Everest Friendship
Day 4
SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE (3950 m.) VIA SHALU MONASTERY
After breakfast, we begin our journey for Gyantse. Before we leave Shigatse, we visit Tashilunpu Monastery in Shigatse, and take short drive to Gyantse with its amazing sites – Khumbum, Palkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Dzong. On the way to Gyantse, we visit Shalu Monastery also.
Shigatse to Gyantse: 93 km, 2 hours
Overnight at Hotel Zongsan
Day 5
GYANTSE TO LHASA (3650 m.) VIA YAMDRUK LAKE
The highlight of this day is the beautiful turquoise lake (Yamdruk Tso). After crossing the Kamba- La, Karo La and the Yarlung River (Brahmaputra), the journey ends in Lhasa.
Gyantse to Lhasa: 265 km, 5 hours drive
Overnight at Hotel Nyalam
Day 6
LHASA SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa – you will visit Jokhang temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace (the summer Palace of Dalai Lama).
Overnight at Hotel Nyalam
Day 7
LHASA SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Guide sightseeing tour in Lhasa – you will visit two most significant monastery called Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery and then Tibetan medical center by evening.
Overnight at Hotel Nyalam
Day 8
LHASA TO TSEDANG
After breakfast, take 1.5 hours drive from Lhasa to Tsedang. Tsedang, the capital of Shannan Province, is located by Yarlung Valley It is regarded as “the cradle of Tibetan Civilization where the first farmland, village, palace, temple, and sutra were given birth. In fact, it is also the birthplace of Tibetan Opera. Culturally rich and fascinating, some of Tibet’s outstanding monasteries and religious monuments are sited near the Lhasa to Tsedang highway.
Day 9
TSEDANG SIGHTSEEING
Today we will visit the significant sites in Tsedang. You will visit Yambhu Lhakang Palace, Trandruk Temple and Tombs of Tibetan kings.
After sightseeing tours return back to hotel in Tsedang and stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 10
TSEDANG TO SAMYE
After breakfast, we headed to visit Samye Monastery.It is on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River of Zharang County, Samye Monastery is about 65 kilometers from Tsedang.
Visitors can take powerboat or sheepskin draft to cross the river. The construction of Samye Monastery began in 762 AD and was completed in 779 AD combining buildings of Tibetan, Han and ancient Indian styles. In addition, it is the first temple complete with all the three treasures of Buddhism: hierarchy, doctrine and monk, regarded as the headstream of Tibetan Buddhism.
Samye means ‘unimaginable’ in Tibetan. It was said that when Tritsong Detsen asked for suggestions about the construction of the monastery, Padmasambhava, exerting his magic power, showed the king an image of a monastery in his palm. That is the origin of the name.
After visiting Samye, we get back to Tsedang and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 11 DEPARTURE
Breakfast in the morning and transfer to the airport for your onward destination. TOUR END.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
01. All necessary Tibet travel permits
02. Tibet group visa
03. Transportation in Tibet with 4WD Land Cruiser
04. Accommodation in Tibet on room sharing basis with breakfast
05. Two days guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa
06. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
07. Monastery entrance fees / sightseeing entrance fees
08. Flight ticket, Lhasa to Kathmandu + airport tax
09. Kathmandu to Nepal/Tibet border (Kodari) transfer by private vehicle + office representative
10. All applicable taxes and service charge
SERVICE EXCLUDES:
01. Lunch & dinner in Tibet
02. Nepal re-entry visa fee (US $ 40 per person)
03. Your travel insurance
04. Insurance for any loss and damage
05. Personal tip for guide and driver
06. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
Extra cost for extra services other than mentioned above.
01. Single supplement: US $ 210.
Note:
1. If you are an American citizen, the visa fee is: US $ 142.
2. For standard package tour we will provide hotel in Zhangmu for the first night instead of Nyalam as there is not good hotel to upgrade in Nyalam.
