Overview

Lhasa (11850 ft) - The land of Gods
"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. There are numerous scenic spots and historical attractions, among which Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple, being the most famous.
Potala Palace:
The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of our nations, is erected on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. 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. The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and White Palace. The total height of the Potala is 117 meters which is built in thirteen storeys, the length of the Palace from east to west has 400 meters and the breadth from south to north has 350 meters. The whole building is a structure of stone and timber. The top most flat glistens with golden roofs. It is a majestic architectural work and the cream Tibetan culture and complex of Tibetan and Han culture.
Yamdok Yumtso - The Sacred Lake
Yamdok Yumtso, one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometer's' distance to the southwest of Lhasa. The surface of the lake, with its fathomless depth, covers some six hundred squire kilometers. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wide ducks. Fish in the lake is plentiful and tasty for diet.
Gyantse (13050 ft):
A small agricultural town famous for its wool carpets and the Phalkor Choide Chorten.Between the monastery and the fort, this unique structure built in 1414 consists of five stories representing the five steps to enlightenment, topped by thirteen rings which symbolize the stages of advancement towards Buddhahood. There are 108 halls inside, each with frescoes and Buddha Shrines, the frescoes showing a strong Indian influence. Before 1959 traders coming from Kalimpong and Gangtok (India) used to enter Tibet through Yandong and then to Gyantse, en route to Lhasa.
Shigatse (Xigatse) - 12600 ft.
"Shigatse" in Tibetan means " the Estate that fulfills one's Wishes". There is a bustling 'free' market at the foot of the ruins of the Xigatse Fortress where one can buy local handicrafts embedded with coral and turquoise, Tibetan daggers, Chinese porcelain and yak butter.
It is situated between 29o 02'N and 88o 08'E in the south - west of the Tibet Autonomous Region where Nyangchu River joins the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Shigatse is the second biggest town in Tibet and it is the center of transportation and the distributing center of agriculture and husbandry products of south eastern part of Tibet. It is famous for the great Monastery.
Xegar (13800 ft.):
A new Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar Dzong, 7 kms. from the main road. With a population of 3000, it is the centre of this large and remote area and a base from which expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched.
Mt. Everest (Qomolangma)
Qomolangma Meaning " Goddess" in Tibetan, is the highest mountain on earth with an altitude of 8848m. Mount Qomolangma, known to the western world as Mt. Everest, stands a the south of Tingri in the southern Tibet, on the border land of the central Himalayas, between China and Nepal, capped with accumulated eternal snow. The optimum weather on Mount Qomolangma is from April to June, an golden period for mountaineers. Each year a great number brave robust mountaineers come from all over the world to tour and climb Mount Qomolangma, hoping to fulfil a life-long wish by climbing and looking out the world's highest peak.

Nyalamu (12200 ft.):
Known as 'Kuti' to Nepalese traders, tucked into a fertile valley, Nyalamu used to be an important trade centre. Nowadays, 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 of the hillside during the summer months.
Zhangmu (7000 ft.):
Better known by it's Tibetan name, Khasa. A small settlement clinging to a hillside 10Kms. from the Friendship Bridge across the Bhotekoshi river. Since the closure of the China/India border from Gangtok, Zhangmu has become the major trading point between Tibet and Nepal. The climate is quite different from the hinterland. The hills around Zhangmu are heavily wooded with many waterfalls in summer and impressive ice formations it winter. It has a bank, a post office, a government store, and is presently undergoing a construction boom to meet the demands of trade and tourism.

Short Itinerary

Day 01:  Kathmandu ( It must be Thursday or Sun or Tue )
Day 02: Full day Kathmandu Tour (B)                                                                                                                                                                                             Day 03: FLIGHT KATHMANDU – LHASA (B)
Day 04 :Explore Lhasa (B)
Day 05:Explore Lhasa (B)
Day 06: LHASA – GYANTSE 267 km (B)
Day 07: GYANTSE – SHIGATSE 94km,(B)
Day 08: SHIGATSE –LHATSE-SHEGAR,(B)
Day 09: SHEGAR - ROMBUK, (B)
Day 10:  Explore Everest :- Rongbuk-EBC-Rongbuk (B)
Day 11: ROMBUK - ZHANG MU(B)
Day 12: ZHANGMBU-KATHMANDU,(B)
Day 13: Kathamndu-Home(B)

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: FLIGHT KATHMANDU – LHASA (B)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Lhasa. This one hour Trans Himalayan Flight will give you an opportunity to have an aerial view of the Mt. Everest and other Himalayan Peaks (weather permitting). Arrival at Gonggar airport & after clearing immigration and customs it will be a one hour drive to cover the 55 km. to Lhasa which is situated at a altitude of 3650 meters (13,000ft). Upon arrival we check in at the Hotel
Day 04 :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 05: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 06: LHASA – GYANTSE 267 km (B)
, 6-7 hour, you begin your overland adventure with a full day drive to Gyantse. Along the way you cross the Kamba la (4794m) and the Karo la pass (5010m), both grant spectacular views. After the Kamba la you come to Yamdrok tso, also known as the Turquoise lake. You'll want to have your camera ready. Altitude 3900 m.
Day 07: GYANTSE – SHIGATSE 90km,(B)
 2 hour , this will be a busy day. In the morning visit Gyantse stupa,Palkhor chode , Kumbum( an oversized chorten of 100000 images) and monastery followed by a two hour drive to Shigatse. Here see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilumpo monastery. The seat of the Panchen Lama. Altitude 3800 m.
Day 08: SHIGATSE –LHATSE-SHEGAR,(B)
 279km,the journey today brings you over two high passes with fine views. For lunch we stop in the small town of Lhatse. Depending on how much time we spend during the morning in Shigatse we might stay overnight in SHEGAR. Altitude 4350 m. / 4000m.
Day 09: SHEGAR - ROMBUK, (B)
begins with the Tsho La (4500m) and ends with the spectacular view of Mt. Everest from Rombuk monastery. Relax tonight and stroll around the monastery. Altitude 5050m., hotel
Day 10:  Explore Everest :- Rongbuk-EBC-Rongbuk (B)
 , visit Everest base camp and explore surroundings. Overnight at Rongbuk Hotel.
Day 11: ROMBUK - ZHANG MU(B)
, get up early  morning and drive to Zhangmbu via Tingri.
Day 12: ZHANGMBU-KATHMANDU,(B)
Tibet team drops you to the border at around 10 Am Nepal time. At that time we will be there to pick you up. Cross the border and finish Nepal side immigration formality and then drive to Kathmandu(114km). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Kathamndu-Home(B)

Departure transfer

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

Arrival/departure transfers, accommodation in hotel with daily breakfast, all entrance fees, all land transportation as per itinerary, English speaking local tourist guide, Tibet travel permit, Tibet visa fee & service, flight ticket Kathamndu-Lhasa

Cost Excludes

Equipment List

Altitude Sickness

Being it is driving tours normally there will be no problem of altitude sickness. 

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