Itinerary
Day
1 Arrive Hhasa
Days 2-4 Lhasa
Day 5 Gyantse
Day6 Shigatse
Day 7 Sakya
Day 8 Rombuk
Day
9 Everest Base Camp & Lao Tingri
Day 10
Kathmandu
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Tibet Tour: Tibet
Overland with Everest Base Camp -
10 Days
With a relaxed
pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic
city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the
Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring
offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above
the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history
and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities
of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the
Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok
Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains
a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.
 In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery
– Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum,
within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong
(fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the
short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.
Tashilhunpo
is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the
Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue
of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary
chorten. After lunch drive via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the seat
of political power in central Tibet from the 10th to mid 14th century.
The fortified monastery is still head of one of the most important
schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Turn off the
Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National
Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here
is utterly spectacular!
Trek or drive
the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri
via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes.
Another high
pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to
Zhangmu – on theChina-Nepal
border. Completing border formalities the drive continues down the
Bote Khosi valley to Kathmandu.
Arrival options for this tour:
Chengdu:
Delight
in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary and discover Sichian's
ancient tea houses**
Beijing:Marvel at the vast expanses of Tiananmen and the Forbidden City**
Kathmandu:Explore
the religious centers of old Kathmandu
** From Beijing or Chengdu you may prefer the option of the train to Lhasa rather than flight. Allow 1 extra day.
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Potala
Palace
The symbol of Tibet, this awesome palace containing
over 1000 rooms and 200,000 images dominates the city. The original
7th century building was replaced by the current 130,000square
meter structure in the 17th century. |
| Jokhang
Temple
This 1300-year-old, golden-roofed building at the center of
the Barkhor is the spiritual heart of both the city and of
the Tibetan world. The most sacred and active of Tibetan temples,
it is the principal geomantic power-place in Tibet. The courtyard
in front of the entrance is almost constantly filled with
prostrating pilgrims – inside the labyrinth of shrines,
halls and galleries are dimly lit by butter lamps and filled
with pilgrims and incense and house some of the finest treasures
of Tibetan art including a pure gold statue of Sakyamuni.
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Gyantse
‘The Royal Summit’ is named after a crag rising
suddenly from the plane, which has been fortified since early
antiquity – the fort (dzong) which crowns the crag dates
from the C14th. Gyantse quickly emerged as center of a fiefdom
with powerful connections to the Sakyapa order and dominated
the wool and timber trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan
for centuries. By 1440 Gyantse’s most impressive architectural
achievements had been completed – the Kumbum, the dzong
and Pelkor Chode monastery. |
Rongbuk
& Everest Base Camp
The view from the world's highest monastery is
incredible, and from EBC at 5200m, even more stunning. |
Tashilumpo
Founded
in 1447 by a nephew and disciple of Tsongkhapa who was retroactively
named the first Dalai Lama. The original building was built
above a sacred sky-burial site, the stone slab of which can
still be seen on the floor. Tashilhunpo is one of the four great
Geluk monasteries in Tibet and at its peak housed 4700 monks
and is still the largest functioning monastic community in Tibet.
The most amazing image is the 26m Maitreya, erected in its own
Lhakhang by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914 and covered with 279
kg of gold. |
Sakya
Once the political center of Tibet, the walls
of Sakya's great fortified monastery are painted the dark grey
typical to buildings in the area. |
Kathmandu
Busy streets, temples and shrines, historic sights,
restaurants galore and shopping to keep you busy for days.
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GROUP
DEPARTURES 2011
April 07, April 14, April 28
May 12, May 19, May 26
June 09, June 23
July 14, July 28
August 11, August 25
September 08, September 15, September 29
October 06, October13,
October 20
November 01, November 15
PRIVATE
DEPARTURES
available at any time - suitable for children (8+)
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Included
in the Tour Cost:
• Land transport and transfers by private vehicle.
• Accommodation
• English speaking Tibetan guide
• sightseeing as indicated including entry fees
• Entry & travel permits for Tibet
Not included in the Tour Cost:
• Flights & taxes
• Drinks
• Meals other than specified
• Visa & passport fees
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs etc.
• Tips & gratuities
• Personal travel insurance
•
Costs arising from events outside the control of Asian Footsteps
or its agents - including the delay or extension of a trip due to
weather, equipment failure, illness, or other causes beyond our
control. No refunds can be made for any unused services or accommodation
on the trip.
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