Tibet - The Land of Snow
Tibet a rich and beautiful land, is located at the main part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, south-West frontier of China. Tibet borders with India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Burma, and Kashmir on the west. See some of the world's greatest ranges, with beautiful snow covered peaks against the bluest of skies and aquamarine lakes..
| Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour |
Tour Overview - Drive over the Himalayas through the incredible Arniko Highway that connects Kathmandu with Lhasa. Enjoy fabulous mountain scenery, visit mystical Buddhist monasteries of Tashilungpo at Shigatse, the Kumbum Stupa at Gyantse, and drive past the beautiful turquoise lake. In Lhasa visit the famous Potala and Norbulinkha palaces, the great Drepung Monastery and walk through the bustling Barkor Bazaar before flying back to Kathmandu. An unforgettable journey in forbidden Tibet.
Tour Departures: Saturday and Tuesday from Kathmandu (April to November).
Itinerary:
Day 1: Saturday: Drive Kathmandu to Kodari (6 hrs). After immigration and custom formalities drive to Zangmu. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Sunday: Drive to TINGRI (4342m/8 hrs) crossing two passes NYALAM (3800m) and LALUNG LA (5050m) with excellent views (weather permitting) of the lofty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest. Overnight Hotel.
Day 3: Monday: Drive from TINGRI to XIGATSE (3900m/8 hrs) crossing two passes LHAKPA LA (5200m) and TSUO LA (4500m). Overnight Hotel.
Day 4: Tuesday: Sightseeing tour of TASHILUNGPO MONASTERY and XIGATSE MARKET. Afternoon drive to GYANTSE (3950m/3 hrs). Sightseeing tour of Phalkor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa and Gyantse Market. Overnight Hotel
Day 5: Wednesday: Drive Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m/8 hours) crossing two passes KARO LA (5010m) and KAMBA LA (4794m) via YAMDROK LAKE (Turquoise Lake).Overnight hotel.
Day 6: Thursday: Sightseeing tour of DREPUNG adn JOKHANG MONASTERIES and BARKHOR MARKET. Overnight hotel.
Day 7: Friday: Sightseeing tour of POTALA and NORBULINGKA PALACES and SERA MONASTERY. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Saturday: Drive to GONGGAR airport for departure flight. Fly to Kathmandu. End of Tour.
Tour cost: AUD $2,250 fully inclusive p.p
Costs Include: - Tibet Travel Permit Feees, Tibet Visa fees (including all visa procedures / embassy formalities) - Airport drop, Kathmandu - Lhasa airfare - Hotel accommodation in Tibet for 7 nights, (twin sharing) - Daily breakfast at hotels - Sightseeing tours and entrance fees, local guide, driver / staff, transportation in Tibet by Deluxe Tourist Bus - Pick-up at Nepal / Tibet border and transfer back to Kathmandu
| Pilgrimage to Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar |
What is the significance of circumambulating Mt. Kailash ?
Circumambulation of Mt Kailash, a circuit of 53km, is the ultimate goal of all pilgrims. Hindus call the circumambulation as "Parikrama" and Tibetans as " Kora". It is believed that a single kora cleanses the sins of a lifetime while 108 koras, will give you Nirvana. The Kora begins in Darchen in a clockwise direction of the mountain and includes various sites of religious significance.
Tour Overview: 14 day Tour starts from Kathmandu, Nepal. Drive to/from Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar . Including 2.5 days strenuous KORA around Kailash. Elevation max. 18,480 feet. Driving max. 10 hrs a day.
Day 01: KATHMANDU / NYLAM. ( 3750m ) Tour starts early morning at 06:00. Drive to Dhulikhel, stop for breakfast and then again drive to Kodari which is 114 kms from Kathmandu takes 05-06hrs. Upon arrival our tour escort will help you to go through immigration formalities at Nepali border, after immigration formalities 03-04 minute walk to other side of the border. You will then be met by our Tibetan Guide with 4WD Jeeps and supporting trucks takes you to Zhangmu (Tibetan town 09 km uphill drive form border.). At Zhangmu you again have to go through Chinese immigration formalities and there you will have your lunch and further drive to Nyalam (30 kms form Zhangmu, 2 hrs drive.) Overnight in guest house.
Day 02: NYALAM / PAIKO TSO. After breakfast our journey starts to Paiko Tso which takes 06-07 hrs drive, 4350m in elevation and over night in camp.
Day 03: PAIKO TSO / ZHONGBA. After breakfast journey to Zhongba, which is 06-07 hrs drive, 4700m in elevation and over night in traditional Tibetan camp.
Day 04: ZHONGBA / MAYUM LA. After early morning breakfast drive to Mayum La, 06-07 hrs drive, 5200m in elevation and over night in traditional Tibetan camp.
Day 05: MAYUM LA / MANASAROVAR. Early morning drive to Manasorovar (4-5 hours drive), 4550m in elevation and over night in camp.
Day 06: MANASAROVAR / DARCHEN. Explore Lake Manasorovar in the morning and drive to Darchen (1 hour drive) 4,560m in elevation and over night in local Tibetan guest house.
Day 07: DARCHEN / DIRAPUK. After early morning breakfast trek starts (The Kora begins!) and after 5-6 hours trek to Dirapuk, 4,890 m in elevation and overnight in camp.
Day 08: DIRAPUK / ZUTULPUK Parikrama contionues to Zutulpuk which will takes approximately 08 hours, 4,790m in elevation and overnight in camp.
Day 09: ZUTULPUK / DARCHEN / MANASORAVAR. End treks at Darchen and drive to Manasoravar and over night in camp.
Day 10: MANASAROVAR / PARYANG. Drive back to Parayang and over night in camp.
Day 11: PARAYANG / SAGA. Drive to Saga and over night in camp.
Day 12: SAGA / PAIKUTSO. Drive to Paikutso and over night in camp.
Day 13: PAIKUTSO / NAYALAM. Drive to Nayalam and over night in Tibetan guest house
Day 14: NAYALAM / KATHMANDU. Drive back to Kathmandu, Nepal and transfer to guest house.
Tour Cost: - AUD $3,890 Fully inclusive per person.
For detailed tour itinerary and further details please call PH: 1300 136 849 or email meredith@tiwaritravel.com