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21 |
Soft Hiking |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Potala Palace: Winter palace of the Dalai Lama
- Yamdrok-tso: One of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet
- Mount Kailash Circuit Trek: the most sacred of Holy Mountains in Tibet
- Guge Kingdom: fascinating ruins of the highest ancient Kingdom
- Tashilunpo Monastery: the seat of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 ARRIVE LHASA
- DAY 02 LHASA SIGHTSEEING
- DAY 03 LHASA SIGHTSEEING
- DAY 04 LHASA / GYANGTSE / SHIGATSE
- DAY 05 SHIGATSE / LHATSE
- DAY 06 LHATSE / SAGA
- DAY 07 SAGA / ZHONGBA / STAY IN PARYANG
- DAY 08 PARYANG / LAKE MANASAROVAR
- DAY 09 LAKE MANASAROVAR / DARCHEN
- DAY 10 START MOUNT KAILASH CIRCUIT TREK FROM DARCHEN / DIRAPHUK
- DAY 11 DIRAPHUK / ZHULTHULPHUK
- DAY 12 ZHULTHULPHUK / DARCHEN
- DAY 13 DARCHEN / TSADA
- DAY 14 RUINS OF GUGE KINGDOM IN TSADA
- DAY 15 BACK TO DARCHEN
- DAY 16 BACK TO PAYANG
- DAY 17 BACK TO SAGA
- DAY 18 SAGA / SANGSANG
- DAY 19 SANGSANG / LHATSE / SHIGATSE
- DAY 20 SHIGATSE / LHASA
- DAY 21 LHASA / HOME
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
We have two full days in Lhasa which gives us ample time to see the Potala Palace and many magnificent monasteries. From Lhasa to Gyantze to Shigatse, the original birth place of Tibet civilization. Then move to the most sacred of Holy Mountains in Tibet, Mount Kailash, and have the great Mount Kailash Circuit Trek. Along the way we will explore the holy lakes of Tibet, Yomdrok Lake, Lake Manasarovar, and the Ghost Lake. Pass by three of the Orient's greatest rivers, The Yaluzhangbu, The Mekom and The Indus. We will discover the fascinating ruins of the highest ancient Guge Kingdom in Ngari region, a powerful kingdom born a thousand years ago on the ridge of Tibet. Our last stop is the Tsurphu Monastery in Shigatse.
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.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVE 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. Tonight you will enjoy a local characteristics welcome dinner.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
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Meals D
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LHASA SIGHTSEEING
Today, the highlights are Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. As the cardinal landmark of Lhasa, Potala Palace is a structure of massive portions which itself contains a small world within it. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. After lunch you will visit Jokang Temple, which is the most scared shrine and the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple to pray for their now and future. Around the temple is the Barkhor Street, the oldest street and a bustling commercial market. The rest of the time is left free for you to venture around Bakhor Street, where you will feel you are right at the heart of Tibet.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
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Meals BL
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LHASA SIGHTSEEING
This morning, our tour begins with Drepung Monastery, about 8km west of central Lhasa, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. Sera Monastery, one of the three main Gelupka monasteries in Lhasa, is an important spiritual center for Buddhist monks. If we are lucky enough, we could watch the Lamas in their traditional theological exercise of lively debating. Norbulinka is recognized by “the summer palace of dalai lamas”. "Norbu Linka" means beautiful gardens. It is the annual vacation home for the Dalai Lama, who would move here from the Potala Palace to this summer palace and spend most of their summer here.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in the center of the old town of Lhasa
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Meals BL
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LHASA / GYANGTSE / SHIGATSE
It would be a long day for about 10 hours. Drive from Lhasa to Gyangtse (3,950 m or 12,956 feet), and pass Yamdrok Tso Lake (4408 m), one of Tibet’s three holy lakes and located 110km outside of Lhasa. Most of the time, we are driving on the mountain road, winding and bumpy. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mount Nyenchen Tanglha (7,191m). At arrival at Gyantse visit the Pelkor Chode monastery and it’s the most symbolic architecture, the Kumbum Stupa. Kumbun consists of 8 levels and a total of 77 temple halls with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Then drive to Shigatse, prepare food and other necessity for the following trip. Don’t forget have a shower today.
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Accommodation Shigatse Hotel or similar
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Distance 380km driving
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Meals BL
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SHIGATSE / LHATSE
Visit Sakya Monastery on the way, which is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. And further on to Lhatse which is located in the valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Lhatse is one of the best counties of Shigatse.
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Accommodation Camp at the outskirt of the town
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Distance 151km driving
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Meals BLD
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LHATSE / SAGA
From Lhatse onwards, we will be driving on rugged roads. Saga, meaning 'Happy Land', is a town situated along the Tsangpo River in a region crisscrossed by the upper Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The land becomes rugged, the air thinner and the sky endless and impossibly blue. Tonight, we will stay at Saga in a tent or a local guest house.
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Accommodation tent or a local guest house at Saga
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Distance 299km
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Meals BLD
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Time 7hrs driving
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SAGA / ZHONGBA / STAY IN PARYANG
From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 4-5 hours. There is also a small monastery at the western end of town on a hill. From Zhongba onwards the southern road deteriorates. There is also danger of vehicles getting stuck. But this section of the road has the typical plateau scenery and landscape, and you could enjoy the panoramic views of the snow covered mountain peaks on either side of the road.
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Accommodation tent or a local guest house in Paryang Village
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Distance 255km driving
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Meals BLD
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PARYANG / LAKE MANASAROVAR
The sightseeing today will focus on another famous holy lake of Tibet, the Manasarovara Lake. From Paryang to Lake Mansorovar is a long drive of 10 hours or more. There will be several river crossings and when drive past the Mayum La Pass (4,600m), the scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Chiu Gompa which is at a fabulous location on the top a hill overlooking Lake Manasarovara. Every summer to autumn, many pilgrims bathe in the lake and take water back as a gift for their relatives and friends. Another highlight of today is the visit of Ghost Lake, which is only 8km away from the Lake Manasorovar. You could have a breathtaking view of the Namunali Peak (7,694m) in the evening.
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Accommodation Camp near the Lake Manasarovara
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Distance 260km
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Meals BLD
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Time 10hrs driving
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LAKE MANASAROVAR / DARCHEN
About 60km north of Lake Manasorovar is Darchen, the main gateway and the village, and stay overnight there, which is located at the foot of the majestic sacred Mt. Kailash. Here we organize yaks or ponies for the next Kailash Circuit Trek.
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Accommodation tent or overnight in Gangdisi Hotel
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Distance 60km driving;
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Meals BLD
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START MOUNT KAILASH CIRCUIT TREK FROM DARCHEN / DIRAPHUK
This Kailash Circuit covers 53km and can be done in 3 days. This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama. We should start our journey after breakfast as early as possible. This day we have to walk continuously for about 6 to 7 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment. We head west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4,730m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. En route we will visit Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa.
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Accommodation tent
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6-7hrs hiking
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DIRAPHUK / ZHULTHULPHUK
This day is very sensitive and we have to cross Dolma-La Pass (5,630m) and Gauri Kund Lake (5,608m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake. The weather is unpredictable in Doma-la Pass and at any time snowstorm can fall. So we try to start our journey as early as possible. In route we can have Darshan of Gaurikund but it is very difficult to go and touch.
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Accommodation tent in route to Zhulthulphuk
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6-7hrs hiking
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ZHULTHULPHUK / DARCHEN
The final end of the Parikrama is an easy 2-3 hours walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga Plain. We complete the 3-day Circuit Trek of Mt. Kailash. Then drive north further and camping.
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Accommodation Camp in the route to Darchen
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Distance 6km
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Meals BLD
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Time 2-3hrs hiking
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DARCHEN / TSADA
We will spend a day driving to Tsada, a small town situated deep in a valley. The drive itself offers a breathtaking view of sand-rock formations shaping the deep valley.
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Accommodation tent or a local guest house in Tsada
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Meals BLD
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RUINS OF GUGE KINGDOM IN TSADA
We will visit the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom, which is in today Zhada County, Ngari Region of Tibet. It is said to be the highest ancient kingdom ruled western Tibet 1,000 years ago. The buildings follow a small earth mountain, covered by the yellowish constructions and caves, to the top in a rigid layout and an imposing manner. It was a powerful kingdom with a splendid civilization and prosperous state. The estate was almost ruined after the civil revolt and the invasion of the allied armies of eight foreign countries, but the legendary kingdom hasn't been totally vanished and one can learn a lot about it from its remains. The structure of The Ruins of Guge Kingdom was the political center of The Guge Kingdom and the religious center is the sublime Tholing Monastery which you will explore today in the afternoon.
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Accommodation tent or a local guest house in Tsada
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Meals BLD
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BACK TO DARCHEN
Today you will be driven to Darchen and check in the hotel upon arrival.
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Accommodation Gangdisi Hotel
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Meals BLD
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BACK TO PAYANG
It is a hard driving day on the road, with Gobi and broken road most of the time, camping somewhere when sunset.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 310km driving
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Meals BLD
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BACK TO SAGA
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 260km driving
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Meals BLD
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SAGA / SANGSANG
From Saga we dive face to east and along the Yalongzangp River. Camp near Sangsang, a village and township.
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Accommodation Shigatse Hotel or similar
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Distance 300km driving
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Meals BLD
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SHIGATSE / LHASA
We will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery this morning. Built in 1447 and the seat of the Panchen Lama, the monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama, which contains masses of jewels and gold. 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. Carry on the way back to Lhasa in the afternoon for about 5 hours. Road is quite good.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Lhasa
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Distance 250km
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Meals BL
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Time 5hrs driving
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LHASA / HOME
Transfer to the airport for the flight back.
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Meals B
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
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
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
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.
