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| 11 | |
Trek |
DAYS |
The tour includes all the important places of interest in central & south Tibet. We have two full days in Lhasa which gives us ample time to see the most important sites and allows us to acclimatize to the altitude in the comforts of the hotel in the old town, and then really enjoy the overland trip through the Himalaya. The breathtaking view of Qomolangma Peak at the Base Camp, the fascinating Monasteries in Gyantse and Shigatse, and the devout pilgrims making their way to Lhasa will make our journey a life-time trip.
Note: All the time and distance shown here are approximate and indicative only, if there is inconsistency, it will depend on the weather, local road condition and other actual situation.

ARRIVE IN LHASA
Take
the flight into Tibet. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and
warmly welcomed with a pure white katak scarf (prayer scarf). Then drive to
Lhasa, 100km away from the airport. On the way, you may enjoy the heart-beating
highland view along the Lhasa River and stop occasionally for pictures of local
villages. As you have just made a sudden ascent to 3,670 meters, transfer to
the hotel for a good rest. The rest time is free for relax and adjustment. We
suggest taking it easy, drinking lots of water, and avoiding heavy foods.
Accommodation comfortable hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
LHASA
We will visit the Potala Palace, landmark of Lhasa and spiritual symbol of Tibet - you will join many pilgrims on your way to the top of a hill where this 13-storey architectural wonder is perched upon. The approach to the Potala is not easy, and requires climbing many steep steps, so we take it slowly and allow ourselves to leisurely enjoy the Palace and its surroundings. We enjoy strolling through its winding corridors and peaking in some of its thousand rooms, and can only imagine what life here was once like. In the afternoon, we visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Lhasa. As we make the inner circuit around the courtyard, spinning numerous prayer wheels as we go, we are swept up in the energy of the devout. From the rooftop, we get stunning views of the Potala, and the snow capped peaks off in the distance. Around the Temple runs the Barkhor, a holy circuit which pilgrims undertake and a bustling commercial market. The rest of the time is left free for you to venture around Bakhor market, where you will feel you are right at the heart of Tibet.Accommodation comfortable hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
Meals B
LHASA - GANDEN - LHASA
Today we will drive from Lhasa to Ganden where we will visit the Ganden monastery. Ganden Monastery is one of the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, famous for its Buddha Painting Unfolding Festival. It was founded in the early 15th century by Tsong Khapa, a well-known Tibetan religious philosopher. 45km away Lhasa City, the monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain, on the southern bank of Lhasa River. Its significance as a religious, artistic, political and cultural relic led to it being preserved by the National Key Cultural Relic Preservation scheme in 1961, and is now known as being one of the 'Three Great Temples', together with the Sera Monastery and the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.
After arriving at Ganden, spend at least a half day to explore the attractions in and around the ancient monastery, home to the earliest monastery of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Although the monastery is mostly in ruins, it is a fascinating place. Pilgrims arrive in Ganden from all over Tibet to walk around the site of the monastery, and one can observe the rituals they perform on this ‘Kora’ around the monastery.
Accommodation comfortable hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
Meals B
LHASA / TSURPHU MONASTERY / DRIVE TO NAMTSO
After breakfast, we will have a travel explanation meeting and then our driver will take us to Tsurphu Monastery for the acclimatization. It takes about 2 hours, and the altitude will up to 4,480m. Around 60km west of Lhasa, Tsurphu Monastery is the seat of The Karma branch of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the middle of the valley facing south with high mountains surrounding the monastery complex. As the birthplace of the Reincarnation System of the Living Buddha, this over 800-year-old spiritual hub still pulsates with religious activities. After that we will drive to Namtso Lake for night.
Accommodation Holy lake Guest House
Distance 70km
Meals B
Time 2hrs driving
NAMTSO / LHASA
In the quiet morning, beat the cold and get up early to the lakeside of Namtso to appreciate the sunrise and beautiful scenery. In Tibetan, Namtso means 'Heavenly Lake.' Namtso Lake, considered one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, is the second-largest saltwater lake in China and the highest lake in the world. As the sun rises, cloud lifts from the mountains and the scene is bathed in golden sunshine. When the weather is clear, the water is a stunning shade of turquoise and we will be surrounded by magnificent views of the nearby Mount Nyenchen Tanglha range with peaks of more than 7,000m. The wide open spaces, dotted with tents of local nomads, are breathtaking. We may also walk along the lake or climb up the hill near the lake to explore the area. After visiting the lake, we will drive back to Lhasa.
Accommodation comfortable hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
Distance 250km
Meals B
Time 6hrs driving
LHASA / GYANGTSE
Accommodation Yeti hotel in Gyangtse
Distance 435km driving
Meals B
GYANGTSE / TINGRI
This day can make you tired as you basically spend the whole day on the road driving (about seven hours on the way). On the way, you will cross over Gyatsola Pass at 5,220m. You will also visit Sakya Monastery and see Mt. Everest far away. Located in Sakya County southwest of Shigatse, the Sakya Monastery is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tingri or rather Lao Tingri is the last stop before Everest Base Camp Tour.
Accommodation Kangar Hotel in Tingri
Distance 330km
Meals B
Time 7hrs driving
MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP / BACK TO TINGRI
Although it's just 100km from Tingri to Mt. Everest Base Camp, it takes about 5 hours since the cracked winding roads demand much caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day and f eature a huge sweep of the spectacular Himalaya ranges including its glorious peaks over 8,000km, Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m), Everest (8,844m), Gyachung and Cho Oyu, especially when you cross over the top of the Gawu la Pass (5,250m) on the way. When you finally get to Everest Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest simply leaves you speechless. All the hardship you bear along the way makes sense at the while. As the supreme point of the world, Mt. Qomolangma is also blessed with many starkly beautiful and extreme wonder. This afternoon is left free for you to wondering around. Then drive back to Tingri in the late afternoon.
Accommodation Kangar Hotel in Tingri
Distance 100km
Meals B
Time 5hrs driving
TINGRI / SHIGATSE
After breakfast, drive about 300km to Shigatse and have lunch. Then, we will visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Built in 1447 and the seat of the Panchen Lama, the monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha and The Stupa-tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama, which contains masses of jewels and gold and is the most splendid and costly mausoleum in China since the 1950s. Just close Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse, a great place to wander around: Nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting market and bazaar give you a vivid picture of local people's life.
Accommodation Shigatse Hotel or similar
Distance 300km
Meals B
Time 5hrs driving
SHIGATSE - LHASA
After breakfast, drive 5hrs back to Lhasa, free in the afternoon.
Accommodation comfortable hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
Meals B
LHASA DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport, see off.
Meals B
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.