Overview

Tibet Autonomous Region has long been known as the "Roof of the world" and is no idle statement. The land veiled in secrecy, closed to the outside world for centuries. 'The Roof of the World" is now open to you. The valley bottom of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. Its now-covered plateau are the highest in the world. Apart from Everest, which Tibetans see form the other side, many a mountain ranges are over 15000 ft. We are introduced with chanting monks' stopped in prayer, the nomadic herds men of the Tibetan plateau single and wade through prostrating citizens as they circumambulate monasteries on their bellies w6ileprayer flags fan the burning incense as the smoke rise towards the heaven, to God who govern by a faith compassionate to all living thing. 

Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet and an object of devout pilgrimage, is still a city of wonders. "Lhasa" in Tibetan means "the land of gods" and is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650 meters above he sea level. Lhasa has history of more than 1300 years and it's been the center of politics, economy, culture and religion in Tibet since ancient times. Places of interest include the Potala, the 13 storey vast white and ochre fortress of theDalai Lama, dominates the Lhasa skyline. Once the seat of Tibetan government and the location of the tombs of previous Dalai Lamas, the Potala serves as a symbolic focus for Tibetan aspirations. The Drepung monastery (8 kilometers (5 miles) west of Lhasa under Mt. Gambo Utse)is the largest and richest monastery in Tibet.and the Sera monastery are the most famous. The summer palace of the Dalai Lama, Norbulingka; and the Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine of Tibet are the major attractions in Lhasa. The circular Barkhor Street with innumerable shops and wayside peddlers intermingle with the devotees. The Ganden Monastery and the Yangpachen are the two most famous place in the surrounding of Lhasa which are a must see for tourists.

Potala Palace: Built in the 17th century, the Potala Palace, a pearl on the plateau is one of the architectural wonders of the world. The word "Potala" comes from Sanskrit. In the 7th century, after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's marriage with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Palace was built for meditation. In the mid-17th century, it was re-built by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size, and ever since it became the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from its beginning to completion.Potala Palace is located on top of a red hill in Lhasa's city centre. It stands at the site of older structures, dating back another thousand years. In the center is the older, red palace, surrounded by the large white palace. With over 1000 rooms, the one storeyed palace covers an area of 10,000 square meters. It witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important politicaland religious activities in the past centuries. There are grand palaces within palaces. The Palace stands up so high that it resembles a magnificent castle in the heaven. It makes itself a good example of the ancient Tibetan culture and architecture. There also stored the world treasure-the goldhand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques.You will be amazed bythe colorful sculptures and paintings. The Potala Palace deserves the title of art gallery and museum. It is a symbol of the wisdom and power of the Tibetan people. It is a majestic architectural work and the cream Tibetan culture and complex of Tibetan and Han culture. The view from the roof over Lhasa, the valley and to the mountains is just spectacular.

Gyantse (13,050 ft.) is a small agricultural town famous for its wool carpets and the Palkhor Choide Chorten. It is small as cities go (population perhaps 10,000) and largely Tibetan in character - for a change. The town is situated about two small hills which lie east and west, and is united by a saddle; the western hill is further connected with a chain of mountains to the north. On the eastern hill, which is about 600 feet above the surrounding plain, is a large fort, which towers above the village offers a fine view over the valley and on the western hill is a Gomba inhabited by five hundred Dabas. In this Gomba there is a chorten, called Pangon Chorten, which is considered by the Tibetans a most holy place and is notable for its superb Kumbum (10,000 images) stupa. Besides the fort and temple, there are about one thousand dwelling houses on three sides of the double hill.
Before 1959, traders coming from Kalimpong and Gangtok (India) used to enter Tibet through Yadong and then to Gyantse, enroute to Lhasa.

Shigatse, also known as Xigatse, which means "fertile land", is the second largest city in Tibet. It is the seat of Panchen Lama who is regarded as the reincarnation of the Buddha of Endless Enlightenment. This city stands between the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu River, used to be the capital of Tsang and now is the capital of Shigatse prefecture.
Shigatse (12,600 ft.) is most famous for its Tashilhunpo Monastery - the seat of the Panchen Lama. Places of interest within this monastery include the relics sakyamuni, the hall of maitreya and mind-boggling collection of thankas, etc within the Tashilhunpo Monastery. There is also bustling "free" market at the foot of the ruins of the xigaze fortress and one can buy local handicrafts embedded with coral and torquoise, chinese porcelain and yak butter etc. The highlight of Shigatse is surprisingly high snow capped peaks. Most of the highest peaks in Tibet, including Mt. Everest, lie around Shigatse. The other wonderful monastery near Shigatse is the Sakya Monastery and Shalu Monastery.

LHATSE (13,100 ft.)
It is situated at the cross roads from where the road turns westwards towards Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar lake
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XEGAR (13,800 ft.) .Is a new Chinese commune built at the ruins of Xegar Dzong , and is 7 kms from the main road . With a population of 3000 , its importance lies in the fact that it is the center of this large and remote country .and also a base from where expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched.

NYALAM ( 12200 FT)Known as `Kuti' to Nepalese traders, it used to be an important trade post tucked into a fertile valley. Now a days, barrack style Chinese communes surround the typical old flat roofed mud-brick houses. Although vegetation is sparse, one can see an abundance of alpine fauna on the hillside during the summer months. 

ZHANG MU (7000 FT) This small town has become a major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. The subtropical climate endows the small town with warm, humid weather and beautiful scenery throughout the year.
The town is built along a winding road that is lined with private homes, shops, restaurants and government buildings. The booming border trade attracts merchants from inland China, Tibet and Nepal. Nepalese merchants export rice, flour, pepper, vegetables and perfumes while Chinese merchants sell wool, tea, salt and Tibetan medicine. There are also restaurants run by the Nepalese serving traditional dishes, instant noodles and beer produced in Nepal. A free trade market formed spontaneously near the Friendship Bridge about 8 years ago, still developing today.According to an agreement between the Chinese and Nepalese governments, people living within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the border may cross the border freely. Every day, hundreds of Chinese and Nepalese merchants conduct business under this agreement. Local Sherpa lease their houses to the merchants thus sharing in the profit of the border trade.

Zhangmu is going to undergo major construction to meet the demands of the booming tourism and border trade. Zhangmu Hotel, the town's only hotel, will be rebuilt and expanded. Within the next 5 years the local government plans to build a 2,220-metre (7,280 feet) roadway to improve traffic flow.

KODARI ( 6500 FT) It is a boarder town with Nepal 8 km from Zhang Mu and 114 km from Kathmandu,Nepal.

Short Itinerary

Itinerary Detail

Day 01:  Kathmandu ( It must be Thursday or Sun or Tue )
Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. The tour manager will give pre-tour briefing. Rest of the day is leisure. O/N at Hotel.
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 : KATHMANDU – KODARI  – ZANG BU 123 km (B)
Wake up in the early morning & then dirve to Kodari (114km). Probably we will reach Kodari at 10 o'clock. We Finish immigration formality (Nepal side) and meet our Tibetan team (Landcruiser,driver,guide). After immigration formality we drive up to Zhang Mu for overnight.
Day 04 : ZANG MU-NYALAM – XEGAR  206 km(B)
Our first stop on the Tibetan plateau will be on the 5200 m. high Lalung la pass from where we have a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and Shisabangma, the highest peak in Tibet. While having lunch in Lao Tingri, the peaks of Mt. Everest (Qomolongma in Tibetan) and Cho Oyu can be seen. This day our journey is long but the spectacular Tibetan plateau will make you forget time.Altitude 4342 m.,
Day 05: XEGAR – SHIGATSE 150 km(B)
A four hour drive brings us to Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse-.A traditional capital of Tsang. Shigatse has long been an important trading town and administrative center. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the once imposing heights of the Shigatse Fortress-the present ruins only hint at its former glory- and the fort later became the residence of the governor of Tsang.  Here we visit Tashilumpo monastery,the seat of the Panchen Lama,hence one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.Altitude3900m.
Day 06 :SHIGATSE – GYANTSE 90 km(B)
After a stroll through the old city we depart for the two and a half hour drive to Gyantse. While approaching the small farming town we can clearly see the old fort that was captured by Younghusband during his 1904 raid into Tibet. Here the main attraction is the Kumbum monastery with it's extraordinary architecture.Altitude 3900 m.
Day 07: GYANTSE – LHASA  261 km(B)
This will be a long drive but on the way we cross the Karo la with the beautiful glacier, we see Yamdrok tso which is named the Turquoise lake and cross the Kamba la from where we descend to the main road which brings us all the way to Lhasa.Altitude 3650 m.
it is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers' distance to the southwest of Lhasa. it is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 metres. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms. That is why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet". The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make it an intoxicating quite picture.
Day 08 :Explore Lhasa (B)
Visit Potala palace- gold roofed palace built in the time of fifth Dalai Lama. And explore Jorkhang temple- spiritual center of Tibet founded in 7th century by the King songtsen Gompo and then continue to Barkhor- a colorful market. Finally vivit Norbu Lingkha the summer palace of Dalai lama. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Explore Lhasa (B)
Excurssion tour to Drepung- is the largest monastery in Tibet which was founded in 1416. Then continue to Sera Monastery- one of the great institution of Gelugpa Sect. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 :FLIGHT LHASA – KATHMANDU(B)
 Wake up in the early morning and then drive to Lhasa airport (55 Km). Fly to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu at 09:45 Am and transfer to Hotel. One can fly out same day too.
Day 11: Kathmandu-Home (B)
Departure

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

Arrival/departure transfers
Accommodation on twin share room with daily breakfast ( 1 night in basic lodge)
All entrance fees
All land transportation as per itinerary
English speaking tourist guide
Tibet travel permit
Visa fee 
Air ticket Lhasa-Kathamndu

Cost Excludes

Daily lunch and dinner
Travel & health insurance
Emergency expenses
Urgent visa fee charge if required/Usd 90 more for Us citizen

Equipment List

Altitude Sickness

An altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude. Since most places in Tibet are higher than this level, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called Altitude Sickness is the biggest health risk to tourists in Tibet. AMS is common at high altitudes due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. Most people will experience differing degrees of symptoms at high elevation. The occurrence of AMS is dependent on the altitude, the ascent rate and individual physical condition. Symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Most people will experience one or more AMS symptoms upon their arrival in Tibet. The symptoms will usually gradually decrease in severity during acclimatization. Mild AMS usually will not interfere with mild activity.

However, AMS can be very serious, with the most serious symptoms being High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal. Symptoms of HAPE include weakness, shortness of breath, even at rest, impending suffocation at night, and a persistent productive cough with white, watery, or frothy fluid. Symptoms of HPCE may include headache, ataxia, weakness, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, coma and loss of memory. Both approach and strike at night and can be fatal! Immediate descent is the surest treatment.

Before visiting Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.

AMS can be lessened or avoided with proper acclimatization, which will also ease and reduce AMS symptoms. A gradual ascent will allow your body to acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. Go no higher 300 - 400 hundred meters (984 - 1,312 feet) daily and have a rest after each 1,000 meter (3280 feet) ascent. Medication also helps to prevent AMS. Mild AMS symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication does not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude!

The following precautions may help to prevent or lessen the effects of AMS:
Since fluid loss usually accompanies the acclimatization process, drink plenty of fluids (3 - 4 litres daily at least) and eat carbohydrate food to keep the body properly hydrated;

Do not over exert and only partake in light activity immediate after your arrival; Don't smoke, drink alcohol or take other depressants such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These will depress the respiratory drive and limit oxygen intake.

Always keep in mind the following rules which will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Tibet:

Any sickness at high altitude is AMS until proven otherwise;
Never go higher with symptoms of AMS;
It is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to other group members in the trip.