Everest from Tibet Tour

Everest from Tibet Tour 16 Days

From $3945 USD

Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/

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Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour
Everest from Tibet Tour

Overview
Itinerary
Nuts & Bolts
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 16 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 80.0%
Trip ID: 62504
Start Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal
End Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal

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Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Local Culture & Cuisine, Religious and Spiritual Sites, Historical Sites, Temples & Shrines, palace, Urban Exploration, Local Markets, Monasteries, Camping

Providing a range of rich experiences and an insight into one of the world's most fascinating countries, this unbeatable Tibetan adventure holiday will excite even the most seasoned traveller. After a day's exploration of colourful Kathmandu in Nepal, we fly over Mount Everest to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

We spend 4 days here, acclimatising and visiting all of the city's highlights, including the Jokhang Temple, the astonishing Potala Palace and many other important Buddhist monasteries and buildings. Then, crossing the Tibetan Plateau in comfortable transport, we will stop off at roadside villages, make short afternoon walks and also have the chance to meet the Tibetan people, most of whom are nomadic herdsmen living in yak-hair tents.

We overnight at the magical monastery towns of Gyantse and Shigatse and camp for 2 nights in the Rongbuk Valley beneath the singularly spectacular north side of Mount Everest. This is unquestionably one of the world's great journeys.

Additional Information

The group size for this holiday is: 5-16

Optional Single Tent Hire from: $85

Additional Costs

Chinese Visa Fee: 120.00 Us Dollars

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services begin with dinner and overnight at the group hotel in Kathmandu. (Included meals: Dinner)
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu: A free day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. There is an ‘optional’ guided tour of some of the city’s main attractions, which include the Buddhist temples at Swayambhunath (the 'Monkey Temple') and Bodhnath, the principally Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath, as well as the Durbar (temple) squares of Patan and Kathmandu centre. Alternatively, you may prefer to do your own thing, especially if you have visited Kathmandu before. This day will also be used to finalise the arrangements for the group’s Chinese / Tibetan visas. With advance notice it is possible for us to arrange seats on the scenic flights over the Everest National Park (at extra cost). (B, L, D)
Day 3: Fly to Lhasa: After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and check in for the 90 minute flight to Lhasa. The flight passes over the Khumbu area, and affords excellent views of Mount Everest, Makalu and Kangchenjunga to the east. After landing at Lhasa Airport it is an hour’s drive to the Tibetan capital, where we check in to our hotel. The altitude at Lhasa (3660m / 12,000ft) will dictate that we take easy for the first 3 or 4 days. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Sightseeing in Lhasa: A rest and acclimatisation day. One of the important things to note about the time that we spend in Lhasa - is that we will have a first rate guide and interpreter with us at all times. This will add greatly to our understanding and enjoyment of the many impressive landmarks that we will see. In the morning we will make a leisurely investigation of the 7th century Jokhang Temple, which is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet. The temple is made up of a large number of small chambers and chapels, each with its own significance. There is always a queue of devout Tibetans forming an orderly procession through the complex. We will have to join this queue to gain access to the inner areas of the Jokhang. Surrounding the Jokhang is the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses which is the central market of Lhasa, the Barkor. The name Barkor actually refers to the pilgrims’ circuit around the Jokhang, which winds its way through the market streets. During the course of their clockwise circumambulation of the Jokhang, the pilgrims regularly stop to scrutinise the merchandise on the stalls which line both sides of their route. The Barkor is a fascinating glimpse of the Tibetan past. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Another rest and sightseeing day. In the morning we will drive a short distance from the city to the Sera Monastery, which is a fascinating complex of whitewashed walls and golden roofs, housing one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. From the monastery there are splendid views across the plains to Lhasa. In the afternoon we make a visit to Tibet’s largest monastery, Drepung, with an area of more than 20,000 square metres. The seat of power prior to the construction of the Potala, Drepung is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) to the west of Lhasa. We return to the city and sample the fare of one of the city's typical Tibetan restaurants. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Our third acclimatisation and sightseeing day. In the morning we will visit the Potala Palace, the most spectacular of the sights of Lhasa. Built on a small outcrop known as the Red Hill, the Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. The Potala is a vast building, containing the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. The afternoon is best spent in and around the Barkor, quietly watching Tibetan life pass by. A further sightseeing option is a visit to the Norbulinka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, with its pleasant and peaceful gardens. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Visit to Samye Monastery: We drive back past the airport and in a further 30 minutes arrive at a ferry landing beside the great Bramaputra River which here is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. Boarding the ferry, a flat bottom wooden barge powered by a tractor engine we cross the wide shallow river. The journey across negotiating the several sandbanks takes up to 1½ hours. On the other side we will hire a bus from the collection of vehicles waiting to take the disembarking pilgrims on the 30 minute drive up to Samye Monastery. Established in the mid 8th century, this 3–storey building was the first formally established monastery in Tibet. Its architecture reflects the several influences prevalent at that time in this part of Tibet and displays Han, Tibetan and Indian styles. We check into the monastery guesthouse. This is basic accommodation designed principally for visiting pilgrims. There are no en-suite rooms but it is clean and tidy and has a kettle and basin in each room. The whole experience today is very much away from the normal tourist attractions and a chance to experience the real Tibet. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Across the passes to Nagartse: We rise early to witness a morning pujah at the monastery and then we return to the ferry for the crossing back to our waiting bus. We retrace our route as far as the turning for the 'Friendship Highway' where we begin our epic journey along this famous high altitude road to Kathmandu. We cross the Khamba La (4794m / 15,728ft), the first of the 6 major passes of our route, on a switchback road which winds to the summit. From the top of the pass there are dazzling views out across the deep turquoise waters of Namdrok Lake to the snow summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m / 23,793ft). During the period of maximum snowmelt in the spring, several rivers flow into this lake, but they dry up for most of the year. Similarly, the lake has no permanent outflow. Beyond the lake we come to the small town of Nagartse where we check into the newly built hotel. There is time in the afternoon to visit the Samding Monastery. Tibetans believe that this monastery is the home of the earthly incarnation of the goddess Dorje Pagmo. (B, L, D)
Day 9: To Gyantse – visit the Kumbum: Heading generally westwards, with distant views of the Bhutan Himalaya which lie to the south of the lake, we begin the climb to our next pass. the Karo La (5045m / 16,552ft), where there is the amazing sight of a huge glacier which tumbles down to within a few hundred metres of the road. Descending from the pass, we drive through the village of Ralung and then continue through a wonderful valley, with a series of colourful Tibetan villages. The beauty of our slow-paced tour through Tibet, is that we are able to stop whenever we want, to take photographs and to meet the local people. Beyond the Simi Pass we continue mostly downhill to Gyantse. This is a very important town, which was until recently the third largest settlement in Tibet. There are some very impressive military and religious sights at Gyantse. The commanding fort dates from the 15th century, when it was the seat of a powerful war-lord. Younghusband and his troops occupied the fort for a month during his expedition to Tibet in 1904. The most famous and beautiful of Gyantse’s numerous monasteries is the spectacularly large and complex stupa which is known as the Kumbum. This gold-topped pyramid has been little-damaged over the centuries, and is one of the finest buildings in Tibet. The paintings which adorn its many chapels (there are 112 chapels in all) are especially fine. We will stay in the new Gyantse Hotel and have most of the afternoon to explore this fascinating town. (B, L, D)
Day 10: To Shigatse – visit the Tashilunpo: A short, level drive of only 90 kilometres (55 miles) to Shigatse today, on a road which has been recently surfaced. This means that there is no need to rush breakfast. On arrival, we check in to the Shigatse Hotel, which has good hot baths. Shigatse is Tibet’s second largest city, and capital of the province of Tsang. The most interesting of its many sights, are probably the Tashilunpo monastic complex, and also the ruined fortress which dominates the city’s skyline. The red and gold buildings which make up the Tashilunpo Monastery are surrounded by a high wall, and around this wall there is an important circumambulation route, which includes small shrines, significant rock inscriptions and many prayer wheels. The circuit takes less than an hour, but much longer if you stop regularly to watch the goings on of the Tibetan pilgrims. Little remains of the Shigatse fortress, but the view from the top is spectacular. (B, L, D)
Day 11: To Shegar: Continuing our drive along the Friendship Highway, we climb to a pass which offers a first distant view of the main Himalaya range (which we must eventually cross). Descending from the pass we reach the small town of Lhatse, which has the feeling of a frontier town in the Wild West. Apart from its hot springs, Lhatse’s claim to fame is that the long road to western Tibet begins a short distance west of the town, where there is a ferry crossing of the Brahmaputra River. Beyond Lhatse, we climb up to cross the highest pass on the Friendship Highway, the Gyamtso La (5220m / 17,125ft). Rounding a bend on the descent from the pass, we are confronted by our first views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. We encounter wild Tibetan settlements, lonely monasteries and the encampments of nomadic herders on the next 50 kilometre (30 mile) stretch of road to Shegar. We overnight at the Shegar Hotel, which offers basic but comfortable accommodation. It is from here that we will set off on our detour to the Rongbuk Valley. (B, L, D)
Day 12: To Rongbuk: We leave the Friendship Highway and head southwards towards the great chain of the Himalaya on a rough road which was constructed by the Chinese for a 1960 Everest expedition. Shortly after leaving the main road, we cross the Pang La (5150m / 16,896ft). The views from the top, of the arrayed peaks of the Himalaya, just about beats anything from any other road pass in the world. Passing through the village of Phadhruchi below the pass, the road follows the river and ascends very gradually. Everest is lost from sight to begin with, but as we turn into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. The Chinese authorities do not permit private buses on the road to the monastery at Rongbuk and we will make a short transfer in official cars. Our support vehicle is allowed to bring our equipment and supplies. Tonight we sleep in tents, setting up our camp close to the Rongbuk Monastery. This is reputedly the highest monastery in the world and the site of the original basecamp for the first British expeditions on Everest. If we are blessed with good weather, as the sun sets, the north face of Everest is typically illuminated by pink and orange light – a truly memorable sight. Altitude at camp is 5200 metres / 17,060 feet. (B, L, D)
Day 13: A rest day at Rongbuk: We have allowed a day at this remarkable place for rest or for exploration. The site of the modern day base camp for Everest is situated close to the snout of the Rongbuk Glacier a couple of hours walk up valley from our camp. Although there is a rough road to this camp, the Chinese do not allow any vehicles to use it without special permission. We spend a second night at the monastery campsite. (B, L, D)
Day 14: To Nyalam or Zangmu: We board our transport for the drive out of this remote place. We take the old road directly to Tingri from the lower Rongbuk Valley. This is a pretty rough road, crossing another 5000 metre (16,400 foot) pass, which provides excellent views of Everest and Cho Oyu. Back on the main road, we cross 2 more 5000 metre passes, the Lalung La and then the Shung La. It may seem repetitive to describe yet again another magnificent view, but this is just one of those trips. A photo stop is a must at the prayer flagged crest of the Shung La, for on one side of the pass is the huge bulk of Shishapangma, the only 8000 metre peak which stands completely in Tibet, whilst on the other side of the pass is a unique panorama of the north faces of Cho Oyu, Menlungste and Gauri Shankar. Photo session over, we begin the longest road descent in the world, from 5200 metres (17,060 feet) to 590 metres (1935 feet) at the Sun Kosi River in Nepal. We leave the cold, arid Tibetan Plateau and drop down into the warm jungle of Nepal. The road enters a steep, narrow gorge with many waterfalls and the hillsides are covered with trees and plants of many colours. It is all very verdant, after the arid Tibetan Plateau. We may choose to camp at Nyalam or continue to the Chinese border checkpost of Zangmu and the Zangmu Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 15: To Kathmandu: After the border formalities, and the crossing of the 'Friendship Bridge', we continue our descent, reaching a low point at Dolaghat. The road then climbs again to Dhulikel and from there it is an easy drive to Kathmandu. We check in to the group hotel and have the rest of the day free for relaxing. As a part of the holiday package, we have included complimentary evening meals in Kathmandu on each of the nights that we stay in the city. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. (B)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

A professional English-speaking local guide
Kathmandu Airport transfers
All land transport involved in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu - Lhasa - Shigatse - Shegar and Zangmu
All meals whilst at all hotels
During the trek a full service - including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Guided sightseeing tours of Kathmandu and Lhasa

Trip Excludes

Travel insurance
Nepalese and Tibetan visas
Tips for porters and other trek staff
Departure tax on leaving Kathmandu
Miscellaneous expenses - souvenirs and drinks etc.

Trip ID#: 62504

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Operator

For the specifics on this tour operator, please contact AdventureLink directly.

Reviews (1)

John Rainer

Ravi Gurung our leader is a credit to himself and to KE and a real gent of the old school. Always super-attentive and highly professional. He kept us endlessly entertained with his Himalayan and trekking anecdotes from his many years on the job. There surely can be no better guide, trek leader or all round good bloke out there? He is simply superlative.
- Overall Rating
  80%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  80%

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