Overview
Lhasa (3650 m)
Lhasa has always remained the cultural, political and economic centre of Tibet. It is the heart and soul of Tibet, the abode of the Dalai Lamas and an object of devout pilgrimage. The places of interest in Lhasa include the Potala palace, Norbulinka palace, Jokhang temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries etc. The JOkhang temple and Bharkhhor circumambulation circuit , full of pilgrims from all over Tibet ,innumerable shops and wayside peddlers selling everything from prayer flags to yak skulls is the most amazing of the experience of being in Tibet.
Potala Palace
Potala dominates the Lhasa skyline from every corner. Originally there wer e buildings from 640 AD but the present Potala palace was built in 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. It has served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas .It is 117 m high, 13 storied and has 1000 rooms. Different sections of the palace houses a great wealth of cultural and art objects of Tibet. Many parts of the palace , now turned to a museum is open for the visitors .
Jokhang temple and Bharkhor bazzar
About 2 km east of Potala and built in 647 AD , Jokhang is the holiest and the most active of the Buddhist temples in Tibet.Jokhang was built by the greatest of the Tibetan King Shrong Tsong Gompo to house the Buddha image brought from Nepal by his Nepalese wife Bhrikuti .Equally interesting is the Bharkhor bazzar that cirles Jokhang.The medieval atmosphere of push and shove of crowd, innumerable shops selling ritual objects, and the never ending pilgrims will take you to its spell . It is here that the heart of the Tibet throbs most.
Norbulinka Palace
Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, lies in a quiet and beautiful garden in the west part of Lhasa . The well preserved murals, superb mandalas and frescoes are fascinating sights not to miss.
One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lama was living here during his last days in Tibet The rooms have remained as they were when the Dalai Lama left in 1959. Here you can also see the cars which the Great 13th Dalai Lama imported to Tibet.
Drepung Monastery
About 8 km to the west of central Lhasa , Drepung was once Tibet's largest monastery , with a population of around 10,000 monks. Built in 1416 this is one of the important Gelukpa monasteries .It houses different colleges for the study of buddhist philosophy and the interesting sight is to see is the debating monks. The Ganden Palace also located in the Drepung complex , is where the Dalai Lamas used to live before the Potala was built. The Nearby Nechung monastery at a five minutes distance from here is also worth a visit.
Sera Monastery
Though not as big as Drepung it is another big and important Gelukpa monastery in Lhasa which has served as " university monastery " . It is about five km north of central Lhasa. Built in 1419 it was the home for 5000 monks in the days of its highest glory, though the number now is reduced to few hundreds. Like Drepung it houses different colleges to teach buddhist Philosophy. In the debating courtyard you can see the monks debating from 3 to 4 pm.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu(B)
Day 02: Full day tour of Kathmandu Valley. (B)
Day 03 :Kathamndu-Lhasa (B)
Day 04 : Lhasa Tours(B)
Day 05 :Lhasa Tours ( B)
Day 06 : Lhasa-Kathmandu ( B)
Day 07: Kathamndu-Home ( B)
Itinerary Detail
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu(B)
Day 02: Full day tour of Kathmandu Valley. (B)
Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.And then transfer to Hotel.
Day 03 :Kathamndu-Lhasa (B)
Transfer to KATHMANDU airport and flight to LHASA. Transfer to Hotel . acclimatization.
Day 04 : Lhasa Tours(B)
After breakfast, Sight seeing of Drepung monastery- the largest monastery in the Tibet which was founded in 1416 and until Potala was built, it used to be the residence of 3rd ,4th & 5th Dalai Lama. which was once the world's largest monastery. Housing 10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left untouched throughout so many hundred of years. & Norbulinkha-the summer palace of Dalai Lama
Day 05 :Lhasa Tours ( B)
After breakfast, sightseeing at POTALA palace - gold roofed palace built in the time of fifth Dalai Lama. Potala palace is Lhasa's most important landmark and she is a wonder of Eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive structure will be a magical moment which will be remembered for your rest life time. It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once the home to the Dalai Lama.Sera Monastery- one of great institution of Gelugpa sect. JOKHANG- spiritual center of Tibet founded in 7th century by the King songtsen Gompo and BARKHOR market- a colorful market .
Day 06 : Lhasa-Kathmandu ( B)
Early in the morning transfer to GONGGAR airport and flight to KATHMANDU,transfer to hotel.
Day 07: Kathamndu-Home ( B)
Equipment List
Note: This is city tours only hence only basic things are necessary which we can final at the time of booking.
Clothing
Lightweight walking boots.
If new one is being bought, "walk them in" to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet.
Warm jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate. This is especially essential during winter, from December to February.
A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February these items are essential.
Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Cheap loose cotton pants are available in Kathmandu.
Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10.00ft.
Thermal underwear. Which is excellent to sleep in at night in the winter months.
A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
1 lightweight long sleeved -shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
A sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp.
2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.
"Underwear" normal quantity and swimming costume, hankies.
Equipment & Accessories
Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film towel, soap, a book etc.
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones.
6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
Toiletries with large and small towels.
Toilet paper can buy in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Small headlamp and/ or torch with spare batteries and bulbs candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
Snow gaiters essential during wither and all treks going over at other times.
An umbrella (optional), which is quite useful to as a sunshade and useful when it rains.
Reading materials, camera and film, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional) - an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs.
Note: What ever mentioned above, we can suggest important thing while finalising booking.
Altitude Sickness
Note: Normally there will be not big problem as it is only 3650m and drive tours.
When trekking in Nepal/Tibet Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because
there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers
understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000
meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on
those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly
if the mild effects are ignored.
We advise you to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000
meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few
important points.
1. Basic Symptoms:
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms:
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms:
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 –
500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to
dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day.
On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination
it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really
good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets( as suggested by physician) the night before
flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it
night. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged;or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There is communication facility at Namche Bazaar; Doctors
at near by health post. Pigeon Travel & Tours (p) Ltd will arrange to hire Gammo bag upon request with extra cost.
The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. We can arrange for immediate evacuation,
by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.It is suggested all trekkers that to bring insurance
which cover helicoptor flight. It may cost you approximately Usd 3000-6000.
cost
Tibet Overland with EBC
