Home > Destinations > Nepal > Into Tibet
INTO TIBET
Day 1 London Heathrow to Kathmandu
via Delhi
Depart London Heathrow on the Jet Airways flight overnight to Kathmandu
via Delhi.
Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive into Kathmandu in the afternoon where you will be met and transferred
by car to the Yak & Yeti Hotel where you will stay for the next
two nights. This evening take a walking tour of the old city of Kathmandu
following local paths and back streets of the hidden parts of the
city. See the temples, shrines and palaces of Durbar Square including
the famous temple of the Kumari, or Living Goddess.
Day 3 Kathmandu
Today visit the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa where the all-seeing
eyes of Buddha stare down on the valley, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath,
one of the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan
pilgrimage.
Day 4 Kathmandu 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.
Day 5 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.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 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.
Day 9 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.
Day 10 Shigatse to Xegar
This morning leave Shigatse and drive to Xegar. On your arrival continue
onto your Hotel where you will stay overnight.
Day 11 Xegar to Zhangmu
Today drive from Xegar to Zhangmu. As you cross both the Nyalamu Pass,
3,800 metres, and the Lalung La Pass, 5,050 metres, the views of the
high mountains are spectacular and, on your arrival in Zhangmu, stay
overnight at your Hotel.
Day 12 Zhangmu to Kathmandu
This morning drive towards the Nepalese-Tibetan border. Cross Friendship
Bridge into Nepal and continue onto Kathmandu where you will stay
for two nights at the Yak & Yeti Hotel.
Day 13 Kathmandu
This morning visit Bhaktapur capital of the Kathmandu Valley between
the 14th and 16th Centuries. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square features
an array of shrines, courtyards, and memorial pillars with copper-gilt
statues of kings and the famous Golden Gate made of pure gold. However,
it is the delicate woodcarvings that adorn virtually all the buildings
for which this city is noted and the sculptures guarding the Nayatpola
Temple, the tallest shrine in the Kathmandu Valley, are impressive.
In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla
Kings. Durbar Square contains a striking array of temples fountains,
and royal palaces covered with exquisite carvings and adorned with
beautiful bronzes.
Day 14 Depart Kathmandu
Today return to London with Jet Airways via Delhi
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
Trekking is synonymous with Nepal and we are pleased to offer a choice of short treks from Pokhara using Ker & Downey trekking lodges. Based in the picturesque villages of Birethanti, Ghandruk and Dhampus, these small and intimate lodges are managed by former Gurkha servicemen, cater for around sixteen guests and offer a wonderful insight into this beautiful country.
Experience the mountainous Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan is a hidden gem that captivates travellers and has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Sacred Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is only a short flight from Kathmandu. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is an assault on the senses and, at dawn, a sight to behold. Vibrant Kolkata can also be reached from Kathmandu by air.
Extend your stay in the subcontinent with a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan.
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 – INTO TIBET
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is PRICE ON REQUEST. 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
For further important information please click here.