-
You do not have any saved holidays. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday.
Please note: all saved holidays will be removed when you clear your cookies!
16 Days 4WD Plateau In-Depth Exploration-Tibet-t. Kailash and Ngari North Route [WL16-01]
 |
16 |
Trek |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Potala Palace: Winter palace of the Dalai Lama
- Mount Kailash Circuit Trek: the most sacred of Holy Mountains in Tibet
- Ngari North Route
- Manasarovar Lake: One of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet
- Sources of three major rivers: the Yaluzhangbu, the Mekom and the Indus
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 ARRIVE LHASA
- DAY 02 LHASA
- DAY 03 LHASA
- DAY 04 LHASA / GYANGTSE
- DAY 05 GYANGTSE / SHIGATSE
- DAY 06 SHIGATSE / SAKYA
- DAY 07 SAKYA / LHATSE / SAGA
- DAY 08 SAGA / ZHONGBA / LAKE MANASAROVAR / DARCHEN
- DAY 09 DARCHEN / NGARI PREFECTURE
- DAY 10 NGARI PREFECTURE / GERTSE
- DAY 11 GERTSE / TSOCHEN
- DAY 12 TSOCHEN / WENBU, VIA TANGRA YUMCO
- DAY 13 WENBU / NYIMA
- DAY 14 NYIMA TO BANGA, VIA SERLING TSO
- DAY 15 BANGA - LHASA, VIA NAMTSO
- DAY 16 LHASA DEPARTURE
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. At the end, do a Nagri Loop tour, the Ngari Loop tour goes through the remote west Tibet passing huge salt lakes and valleys of seminomadic herders, as well as marmots, blue sheep, wild asses and antelope.
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
-
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.
-
Accommodation Ganggyan Hotel
-
Meals D
-
-
LHASA
Since we have just made a sudden ascent from lowland to an altitude of over 3,700 meters (12,139 ft), today’s itinerary is not so tight. Visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka. Drepung is about 8km west of central Lhasa, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day's sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains. Sera Monastery sits at the foot of the mountains. One of the three main Gelupka monasteries in Lhasa, Sera 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. is recognized by “the summer palace of dalai lamas”. "Norbu Linka" means beautiful gardens. This garden covers an area of 36 hectares and it is the annual vacation home for the 7th to the 14th Dalai Lama, who would move here from the Potala Palace to this summer palace and spend most of their summer here.
-
Accommodation Ganggyan Hotel
-
Meals B
-
-
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 Lhasa
-
Meals B
-
-
LHASA / GYANGTSE
Morning drive up to Kampala pass (5,030m), you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok Tso Lake on the way and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Tanglha in the distance, which are wonders of the day. Lying at the south foot of the uninterrupted snow-capped Himalayas, the turquoise colored Lake Yamdrok Tso appears like a holy sapphire and evokes solemnity. In clear weather, the reflection of sunshine in different depths lends the lake gorgeous and mysterious colors. Tibetans here believe that it is a dwelling place of the spirits that protect the people. Every year, many devotional followers would come here for pilgrimage.Then along the highway drive to Gyantse, visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum. Gyangtse is very famous for its giant architectural stupa in Tibet.
-
Accommodation Yeti Hotel
-
Distance 435km driving
-
Meals B
-
-
GYANGTSE / SHIGATSE
At Gyantse, in the morning, go to visit the Pelkor Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Pelkor Monastery was built when different religious sectors conflicted neck and neck in Tibet. So it occupies a stunning position in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and features a mixture of pagoda and monastery. The most symbolic architecture in the monastery is the Kumbum Stupa, which is composed of nine layers of nearly 77 temple halls with numerous Buddha statues in halls and murals. The mural paintings are the wonders of the stupa that mostly date back to its original time, there are around 108 cells all around the stupa and every cell has different paintings and statues inside.
Tashilhunpo Monastery. 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.
At the end of visit, take 1.5hrs drive to Shigatse.
-
Accommodation Sakya Hotel in Tashi Choetar
-
Distance 95km
-
Meals B
-
Time 1.5hrs driving
-
-
SHIGATSE / SAKYA
Tibet has a serious rule about speed-limit. Though from Shigatse to Sakya is only abt 150km or so, the no-more-than-40km/hr regulation, and the many road checks dotted on the way, really slow us down. So today, you will take nearly 3hrs drive to Sakya. And 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 Sakya Hotel in Tingri
-
Distance 153km
-
Meals B
-
Time 3hrs driving
-
-
SAKYA / LHATSE / SAGA
This day can make you tired as you basically spend the whole day on the road driving (about seven hours on the way). Pass by Lhatse which is located in the valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. 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.
-
Accommodation Xibu Hotel
-
Distance 347km
-
Meals B
-
Time 6.5hrs driving
-
-
SAGA / ZHONGBA / LAKE MANASAROVAR / DARCHEN
From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 3 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.
The sightseeing today will focus on another famous holy lake of Tibet, the Manasarovara Lake. From Zhongba to Lake Mansorovar is a long drive of 4.5 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. Then drive to the hotel in Darchen. the main gateway and the village, and stay overnight there, which is located at the foot of the majestic sacred Mt. Kailash.
-
Accommodation Himalaya Hotel
-
Distance 492k
-
Meals B
-
Time 8hrs driving
-
-
DARCHEN / NGARI PREFECTURE
Take 3.5-4hrs drive from Darchen to Ali. Free in the afternoon, you could have a time to visit Shiquanhe Town.
-
Accommodation Ying He Hotel
-
Distance 248km
-
Meals B
-
Time 3.5hrs driving
-
-
NGARI PREFECTURE / GERTSE
Take 7-7.5hrs drive from Ali to Gertse.
-
Accommodation Local Guesthouse
-
Distance 490km
-
Meals B
-
Time 7-7.5hrs driving
-
-
GERTSE / TSOCHEN
Take 4hrs drive from Gertse to Tsochen.
-
Accommodation Local Guesthouse
-
Distance 251km
-
Time 4hrs driving;
-
-
TSOCHEN / WENBU, VIA TANGRA YUMCO
It is a hard driving day on the road, with Gobi and broken road most of the time. Pass by Tangri Yumco. Lake Tangra Yumco is considered as a holy lake in Bon Religion followers, which was a place where the most respected Goddess Gangzhuoma of the Bon stayed according to a legend. It lies in the deep lake basin bottom, with 4,530 meters above sea level. It is said that water of the lake may change into three different colors a day.
-
Accommodation Local Guesthouse
-
Distance 270km
-
Meals B
-
Time 7-8hrs driving
-
-
WENBU / NYIMA
Take 4hrs drive from Wenbu to Nyima.
-
Accommodation Nyima Hotel
-
Distance 124km
-
Meals B
-
Time 3.5hrs driving
-
-
NYIMA TO BANGA, VIA SERLING TSO
Today, we will take a 5hrs drive to Banga by pass the Serling Tso which is the second largest saltwater lake in Tibet, the lake is 4,530 meters above sea level, 72 kilometers long from east to west, 22.8 kilometers wide from south to north, and 40 kilometers wide at its widest point in the east. With an area of 1,640 square kilometers and a depth of more than 33 meters, Serling Tso is the largest inland lake system in Tibet. Here you will also have a chance to see Tibetan antelope.
-
Accommodation Local Guesthouse
-
Distance 335km
-
Meals B
-
Time 5hrs driving
-
-
BANGA - LHASA, VIA NAMTSO
Today will be a long driving day. Today’s highlight is Namtso Lake. 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 Lhasa
-
Distance 556km
-
Meals B
-
Time 9.5hrs driving
-
-
LHASA DEPARTURE
In the morning, transfer to the airport, see off.
-
Meals B
-
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.
