For the full story, visit www.nepalriver.com & www.nepalmountaintravel.com Lhasa Overland
Main Description
Isolated from the outside world for centuries and only relatively recently opened to Western travellers, Tibet is a magical and mysterious place. It is an intensely Buddhist land, and its richly decorated monasteries and temples testify to the deep-rooted faith of the Tibetan people. This a
dventurous, non-trekking trip visits many of Tibet's main attractions; Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural centre of the country, Tsedang and Samye in the Yarlung Valley and the ancient city of Shigatse, as well as a unique visit to Everest Base Camp! The overland journey to Kathmandu reveals the soaring mountains and stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau; standing on the roof of the world, with the predominant and towering north face of Mt. Everest close by, Tibet's image as a land of magic and mystery comes alive. Adventure Level
Although graded easy with no real physical activity, long driving days and high altitudes make this trip suitable only for the more adventurous traveller. Conditions outside Lhasa and Kathmandu are basic, as tourism is still in its infancy. Hotels are spartan and food is simple. Come prepared for some hard travelling over difficult, bumpy roads and high (5000m+), remote passes and you’ll enjoy this trip. Adrift Adventure Company leaves donations at the monasteries on your behalf, which will go to the restoration of the buildings. However, if you would like to leave more, you can do so at the altars in most temples or, if it’s possible, by visiting the kitchens at some of the monasteries and handing money directly the monks. Remember, you may have to pay for photographs twice or more for separate sections of each monastery or temple. Suggested Reading:
Day by Day Itinerary
(Departures in 2012)
Day1Trip starts Kathmandu (1330m)
Arrive at your first night’s accommodation and check in. You’ll have a chance to meet the other members of the group, and your Group Leader will brief you on relevant aspects of the trip. At this point your passport and air tickets will be collected, and your flights will be reconfirmed. These documents are held in a safe and your passport will be returned before the onward flight to Lhasa. The evening is free to dine at one of Kathmandu’s many excellent restaurants. Hotel - 2 nights
You will receive full details of exactly where to meet your Group Leader on the Joining Instructions which will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before your trip starts. For information on when the trip ends please refer to the itinerary as described below.
Day2Kathmandu (1330m)
After breakfast you'll see some of the spectacular sites of Kathmandu during a half-day guided city tour. Nepal’s capital is a labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a bewildering mix of people. You're likely to see Gurkhas from the area east of Pokhara, Tibetan women in their striped aprons, traders from India and sadhus - Hindu holy men - perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the many temples and shrines of the valley. Your sightseeing tour will take you to Durbar Square, historically the focal point of the city, and a mass of colour, activity and fascinating temples, as well as Swayumbhunath - a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site - for stunning views across the Valley. The afternoon is left free to do any last minute shopping for the journey, or simply to relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist in any way during your time in Kathmandu. (B)
Day3Fly To Lhasa; Tsedang (3550m)
In a little over an hour, the Kathmandu-Lhasa flight covers rugged terrain that once took trade caravans months to cross. On a clear day as many as eight of the world's 8000m peaks can be seen. As you cross the great barrier of the Himalaya, the landscape beneath changes dramatically, from Nepal's green terraced hillsides to the high barren plains of Tibet. On arrival, you make the short 90 minute drive to Tsedang along the banks of the Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, getting your first impressions of the Tibetan countryside. In this fertile region, you'll see fields of barley and mustard as you pass by small villages of whitewashed houses topped with prayer flags. Upon arrival in Tsedang, and if there’s time, you’ll visit the Yumbulangang Fortress, a short distance from the town. Hilltop Yumbulangang is the oldest fortress in the country, where colourful frescoes and statues of past kings adorn the walls; descriptions from your guide help to place them in history. An account of the daily lives of the 14 monks who live here will also start to make Tibet real. Upon your return to Tsedang, you can (if you wish) explore the old town this evening; four major monasteries have recently been restored here and are ornately decorated with vivid wall frescoes. Hotel - 1 night (B)
Day4Lhasa (3680m)
Today you cross the Yarlung Tsangpo by local boat - a wooden skiff powered by a tractor engine. The crossing takes about an hour. This broad river surrounded by huge, bare mountains and shifting sand dunes provides some breathtaking vistas. On the opposite bank you visit Samye, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet and founded by the Indian ta***ic master, Guru Rimpoche, in the 8th century. With its glittering golden roof, exquisite frescoes and elaborate shrines, Samye makes an impressive sight. You re-cross the river after your visit, and make the three hour drive to Lhasa by nightfall. Hotel - 3 nights (B)
Day5/6Lhasa
Lhasa is dominated by the imposing Potala Palace, which rises above the city on its rocky pedestal. Building of the palace started in the 7th century, but was not finished until the 17th century during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. The 13-storey Potala rises 117m and is made entirely of wood, stone and earth. It has over 1000 rooms and you will explore in depth those that are open to the public – some 15 or 16. Apart from visiting the palace, your time in Lhasa is spent exploring the sites in and around the city. The Norbulingka or 'Jewel Park', the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas was initially constructed by the seventh Dalai Lama and subsequently rebuilt by the current Dalai Lama in the 1950's. It was from here that he escaped across the mountains to India in 1959. These exquisite buildings in a park-like setting are less formal than the Potala's, but equally rich. You also visit the Jokhang, the religious and geographical centre of Lhasa, and the most important temple for all sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from across Tibet, many of whom have walked for many weeks to see the Jokhang once in their lives, queue for hours to enter the temple and perform a ritual circuit of its many sacred shrines. It is a moving experience to join them in the dark hallways lit only by butter lamps, filled with the sound of quiet chanting. The main image here is Jowo Rimpoche, a gilded statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, said to have been modelled in his lifetime. The Jokhang is encircled by the Barkhor, an 800m flagstone pathway that is both a sacred circumambulation route and the biggest bazaar in Tibet. Night and day, Tibetans walk clockwise around it, earning religious merit as they shop or chat with friends. Here you see people from all over Tibet; the striking, tall Khampa men from the east with large knives and red tassels wrapped about their heads; Golok women with their hair plaited in 108 tiny braids, and nomad families bundled in their sheepskins. You will also visit one of these great monasteries: Drepung or Sera. Set on the outskirts of the city, both date back to the 15th century and once housed almost 10,000 monks. Like all Tibetan gompas, they are treasure houses of art, ritual and symbolism. In the afternoons at Sera, an outside courtyard becomes a place of colourful discussion, as monks’ debate Buddhist theory, which is part of their religious teaching. (Bx2)
Day7/8Gyantse & Shigatse (3900m)
Your adventure continues as you drive by 4WD across the Northern Route via Shigatse to the old trading town of Gyantse. You overnight here and head out across the great Tibetan plain to the beautiful Yamdrok Tso (meaning Turquoise Lake), backed by snow-capped peaks. Returning to Gyantse for lunch, in the afternoon you see the great Kumbum Stupa (literally meaning 1000 pictures) and explore Pelkor C***e monastery and then continue to Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city. Here, traditional Tibetan architectural style survives in the form of its broad streets, lined with whitewashed buildings. Guesthouse / Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)
Day9 Drive To Shegar
Continuing westwards, you head for the village of Shegar. Although it’s a long driving day (approx. 9 hours including stops), the rough dirt tracks and muddy trails weave through stunning scenery. Driving by the Brahmaputra to start, you soon head into a patchwork of fertile agricultural fields, guarded by herds of yak, sheep, horses & cows and overlooked by hills and mountains. The company en route is equally pleasing; usually Tibetans in traditional dress will be walking from village-to-village, making their way between farmers’ villages and nomadic tribal settlements, distinguished by the yak hair huts. After dinner in Lhatse the journey takes you through Gyatso La Pass (5220m) which welcomes you to the Chomolangma (Everest) Nature Reserve, before you head into the tiny village of Shegar where you stay overnight. Hotel – 1 night (BLD)
Day10 Everest Base Camp
Today you continue south, over Pang La Pass (5200m), to Rongbuk (4-5 hours away), home to a monastery which dates from the 18th century. Your journey here has been difficult, but Everest Base Camp is now within striking distance and makes the journey worthwhile. For those unable to make the arduous trek from the Nepalese side, Everest Base Camp remained, until today, an elusive goal and not much more than a dream. As the Chinese authorities have relaxed their tight hold on where foreigners can visit, the possibility of actually seeing Everest from up-close has become a reality. Views of the Himalayas from here are absolutely stunning; Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and a band of smaller peaks line the horizon, with Shishapangma slightly to the north - a sight few will forget. Mt Everest itself is visible from a number of spots along the way to and from Base Camp so this trip provides different opportunities to view it. Probably one of the most awe-inspiring sights of Everest and the surrounding Himalaya will be from Rongbuk (4,980m) – your overnight stop. You can spend the evening here, looking at the changing colours and faces of Everest (and occasionally Lhotse) as nature tries to put the mountain to bed, waking to views of Mt Everest from your hotel window. NB - all views of Everest are subject to favourable weather conditions. Basic hotel / guesthouse – 1 night (shared bathroom facilities) (BLD)
Note:
The expedition to Everest Base Camp is a hard, long trip on rough desert tracks. Regulations mean the excursion must be conducted by a mixture of four-wheel drive vehicles and by horse and cart to Base Camp itself. Please be aware that this trip will only take place if weather and track conditions are favourable. It may also be possible to walk the 7km to Everest Base Camp from Rongbuk but, again, this cannot happen if time constraints and weather conditions are against you.
Day11The Tibetan Border
Topping the Lalung La Pass (5050m), you leave high altitude behind and spiral down the road to Nyelam (3750m), your last sight of a truly Tibetan village. From here the scenery changes dramatically, from high mountains and plateau to a lush, green-forested gorge with a river running through it and the cliff walls ribboned with waterfalls. You continue to Zhangmu on the border where you will cross back into Nepal. The transition from the high, dry and wild Tibetan Plateau to Nepal's green hills is breathtaking. Landslides often block the road here, and it may be necessary to walk a little. If so, porters will be hired to carry the baggage. Crossing the "Friendship Bridge" spanning the Bhote Kosi, you enter Nepal. After customs and immigration formalities, you board a bus and follow the course of the Sun Kosi (River of Gold), to your nightstop at a resort some 12km from the border. The resort is set in a tranquil, terraced area above the river and is surrounded by pristine forest – the perfect retreat before heading back to Kathmandu. Hotel – 1 night (BL)
Day12Drive to Kathmandu
Today you make your way back to Kathmandu via the ancient city of Bhaktapur, where you will stop for lunch. Bhaktapur meaning “the city of devotees” is a beautifully preserved medieval city with some great temples and small winding streets. This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and gives a glimpse of what a Nepali city would have been like a few hundred years ago. Hotel - 2 nights (B)
Day 13Kathmandu
Today has been left free for you to further explore this fascinating city. You could roam around the Thamel area of the city on the prowl for bargains, try out some of the many restaurants the city has to offer or simply relax and reflect on a memorable trip. (B)
Day 14Trip ends Kathmandu
The trip ends at your hotel in Kathmandu. (B)
Please note: Flexibility and patience are key words when travelling in Tibet. The location of night stops may vary in response to weather and road conditions. Tourism is still in its infancy in this wild, remote region and the Chinese authorities can, and do change arrangements and schedules without notice. Bear this in mind, and you’ll be rewarded with a unique insight into Tibet and its people. Tipping
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and - although it is always at your discretion - you will be expected to tip to reward service. Your Group Leader will give you an indication of when/how much is appropriate. This can vary, but please calculate on the basis of £25 per person for this trip. Also, if you wish to tip your Group Leader (in recognition of their contribution towards your overall enjoyment of the holiday) a suggested guideline would be approximately £1 to £2 per person, per day. Please note: The scene upon arrival at Kathmandu airport is getting increasingly chaotic. Often there will be people insisting to take your luggage for you who, in return, will expect a heavy tip. We advise you not give your luggage to anybody except for the person wearing an Adventure Company t-shirt and holding an Adventure Company placard. You may also like to ensure that you have some small change with you (1-2 GBP) in case of getting lured into the help offered by the touts.
Optional excursions
The excursion detailed below may be available. The approximate cost is given for guidance only and may depend on the number of participants. Your Group Leader should be able to assist you in arranging it (operation of the flight is dependant on weather conditions). Everest Overflight US$132
Some sites make a small charge if you wish to use a camera. The fees go directly to the monks and the upkeep of the monasteries - please allow approx. £10 if you wish to take photos inside temples.
Currency - Nepal
Nepalese rupee. The ideal currency is UK pounds - a certain amount of cash is always useful, particularly small denomination notes that are clean and untorn. Credit cards are becoming accepted more widely in hotels and restaurants now. Though ATMs (cashpoint machines) exist in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, they cannot be relied upon.
Local Costs - Nepal
Whilst on trek you are likely to spend £12-15 per day on meals not included. In Kathmandu you will probably spend around £12 for meals, drinks, etc. Approximate costs are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment. Coffee/tea UK£0.25
Soft drink £0.40
Medium beer £1.50
Local snack lunch £3.50
3-course dinner* £7.00
*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant
Visas & Permits - Nepal
Holders of European ,UK & IRL passports do require a visa. A Nepalese visa can easily be acquired on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the border from the immigration office. You will be required to fill in a form, submit 1 passport size photo and pay US$ cash ($25 for a 15 day visa or $40 for a 30 day visa). Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip. Information can also be found at www.nepalriver.com. This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please note that, where appropriate, obtaining a valid visa is ultimately your responsibility. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.
Currency - Tibet
Nepalese rupee/Chinese yuan. The ideal currency is US dollars as these can be easily changed in Nepal and China. You will be able to change money in the larger towns and cities of Tsedang, Lhasa, Shigatse and Zhangmu either in banks or hotels (at a lesser rate of exchange) – opportunities to change money outside these places are limited. Credit cards are becoming accepted more widely in larger Nepalese hotels and restaurants; however they are not generally accepted in Tibet. Though ATMs (cash-point machines) exist in Kathmandu, they cannot be relied upon. There are approximately 118 rupee to one British pound and 77 rupee to one US dollar. There are approximately 10 Chinese yuan renminibi to one British pound and 7 to one US dollar (as at January 2009). Local Costs - Tibet
Approximate costs are given for guidance only, and vary widely according to location and type of establishment. Visas & Permits - Tibet
Tibet - Holders of UK & IRL passports do require a visa. Tibet visas / permits are obtained by our local agent in Kathmandu on arrival but must be paid for locally in cash. Allow US$115, although the amount charged is subject to variation. Nationals oall other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Information can also be found at www.nepalriver.com
This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information. Vaccinations - Tibet
The following are recommended:
For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to:
Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest specialist travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to get up-to-date information. International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.
