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TIBET – ACROSS THE GREAT BARRIER
Once a remote and ancient trading post, Tibet remains one of the world’s most mysterious wonders. Despite it now being easier to reach, travel to Tibetan Plateau is still in its infancy and this itinerary introduces the intrepid traveller to a unique and beautiful land. Although this tour is centred on Tibet, an itinerary such as this is flexible and can be extended with, for example, a journey overland to Kathmandu or a visit to Lijiang in Yunnan. Please contact us for further details.
Day 1 London Heathrow to Beijing
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Beijing.
Day 2 Arrive Beijing
Arrive into Beijing where you will be met and transferred by car to the Grand
Hotel or upgrade to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. (N)
Day 3 Beijing
This morning visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven before continuing onto Tiananmen
Square the largest public square in the world. Walk through the square to
enter the Forbidden City, the seat of supreme power for the emperors of the
Ming and Qing Dynasties, where you will spend the remainder of the day exploring
the courtyards and buildings of this breathtaking complex. (B)
Day 4 Beijing
Travel through the countryside to Mutianyu for the cable car up to the Great
Wall. As you stand on the Wall and look at it snaking its way across the top
of the mountains it is easy to imagine ancient armies locked in battle on
the misty slopes. Afterwards, continue across the mountains and after lunch
visit the fascinating tombs of the Ming Emperors. Return to Beijing later
in the afternoon. (B/L)
Day 5 Beijing to Lhasa – by air
This morning transfer to Beijing Airport in good time to catch your onward
flight to Lhasa. On your arrival you will be met and transferred the 90kms
from the airport to the House of Shambhala or upgrade to the Brahmaputra Grand
Hotel in the city where you will stay for the next three nights. Believed
to be over 1,400 years old Lhasa was founded with the introduction of Buddhism
to the region. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatise to the high
altitude. (B)
Day 6 Lhasa
Today visit the famous Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery, the largest monastic
university in Tibet. The Potala Palace is built on an escarpment of Red Hill
and rises more than 300 metres above the valley floor dominating the surrounding
countryside. The present Potala Palace was built in the 17th Century and was
the centre of political and religious power for the Dalai Lamas. With over
one thousand rooms the palace was both the living quarters of the Lamas during
life and the site of their tombs when they died. (B)
Day 7 Lhasa
Visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre of Tibet, at Barkhor which
is also noted for its bazaar. Located around the temple there are many shops
and stalls. A visit will also be made to the Tibetan Medical Centre. (B)
Day 8 Lhasa to Gyantse
Leave Lhasa for the long but fascinating drive to Gyantse stopping en-route
at Yamdrok Tso – the ‘Turquoise’ Lake. Two passes at Karola
and Kampala will be negotiated today and on your arrival continue to the basic
Gyantse Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Gyantse
Gyantse is one of the least Chinese-influenced cities in Tibet. Today visit
the imposing Kumbum Chorten which is renowned for its murals as well as the
nearby Dzong Fortress.(B/L/D)
Day 10 Gyantse to Shigatse
Today leave Gyantse and drive onto Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest
town, important monastic centre and one-time trading stronghold. Shigatse
is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and later today visit the Tashilumpo
Monastery – famed for its Grand Hall and opulent tomb of the Lama –
before exploring the bustling Khampa Bazaar. Stay overnight at the basic Shigatse
Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Shigatse to Lhasa
Return to Lhasa and stay overnight at the House of Shambhala or upgrade to
the Brahmaputra Grand Hotel. (B/L)
Day 12 Lhasa to Beijing – by air
This morning transfer back to Lhasa Airport in good time to catch your onward
flight to Beijing where you will stay overnight at the Grand Hotel or upgrade
to the Grand Hyatt Hotel.(B)
Day 13 Depart Beijing
Depart Beijing on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
(B)
High Altitude: At all places in the Tibet section of this itinerary the altitude exceeds 3000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Nepal beckons across the vast Tibetan plateau. For the intrepid traveller, journey overland over the high passes into neighbouring Nepal ending in the lush valleys that surround the colourful capital of Kathmandu.
Luxury is close at hand with both Banyan Tree resorts at
Ringha and Lijiang a direct flight away from Lhasa.
Experience a long distance train journey with the newly opened
service from Beijing which traverses virtually the entire width of this vast
nation.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – ACROSS THE GREAT BARRIER
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,600. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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