Tibet overland expedition
| country: | Nepal, Tibet |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2010: 27 Mar, 29 May, 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep 2011: 9 Apr, 28 May, 30 Jul, 13 Aug, 3 Sep, 17 Sep |
| price: | From £2349 - £2679 (16 days) per adult and from £2229 - £2489 per child including flights from the UK. From £1899 - £2049 per adult and from £1899 - £2049 per child excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
The classic overland journey to the roof of the world
Kathmandu & Lhasa
From Kathmandu you fly across the Himalaya taking in breathtaking views of towering peaks all the way. From here you’ll visit Tsedang and cross the river to Samye Monastery. In Lhasa discover the famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple – the religious centre of Tibetan Buddhism, encircled by holy Barkhor Square – Tibet’s largest bazaar.
Across the Tibetan Plateau
Your spectacular journey back to Nepal includes a stop at Gyantse to see the frescoes of Kumbum Stupa, while at Shigatse you visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery. South of Shegar lies Rongbuk Monastery. There are stunning views of Everest’s north face from here and the chance to reach base camp itself by horse drawn cart. Finally in Kathmandu you can reflect on your adventure and explore the bazaars and temples of this fascinating medieval city.
To Everest by 4WD
You’ll journey by 4WD to the very heart of the Himalaya, to Everest Base Camp. The views of this mythical mountain that in Nepal is called ‘Sagarmatha’ meaning ‘goddess of the sky’ and in Tibet ‘Qomolangma’ meaning ‘mother goddess of the universe’, are truly inspirational.
Kathmandu & Lhasa
From Kathmandu you fly across the Himalaya taking in breathtaking views of towering peaks all the way. From here you’ll visit Tsedang and cross the river to Samye Monastery. In Lhasa discover the famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple – the religious centre of Tibetan Buddhism, encircled by holy Barkhor Square – Tibet’s largest bazaar.
Across the Tibetan Plateau
Your spectacular journey back to Nepal includes a stop at Gyantse to see the frescoes of Kumbum Stupa, while at Shigatse you visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery. South of Shegar lies Rongbuk Monastery. There are stunning views of Everest’s north face from here and the chance to reach base camp itself by horse drawn cart. Finally in Kathmandu you can reflect on your adventure and explore the bazaars and temples of this fascinating medieval city.
To Everest by 4WD
You’ll journey by 4WD to the very heart of the Himalaya, to Everest Base Camp. The views of this mythical mountain that in Nepal is called ‘Sagarmatha’ meaning ‘goddess of the sky’ and in Tibet ‘Qomolangma’ meaning ‘mother goddess of the universe’, are truly inspirational.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Overnight flight to Kathmandu |
| Day 2: | Kathmandu (1330m) After your flight, you transfer to 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 |
| Day 3: | Kathmandu (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) |
| Day 4: | Fly 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 (BLD) |
| Day 5: | Lhasa (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 tantric 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 (BLD) |
| Day 6-7: | Lhasa 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, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 8-9: | Gyantse & 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 Chode 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, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 10: | 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) |
| Day 11: | 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. |
| Day 12: | The Tibetan Border Topping the Lalung La Pass (5050m), you leave high altitude behind and spiral down the road to Nyalam (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 stop for the night just 20km from the Nepalese border, after a short journey along the Kosi River, where you are afforded one last opportunity to look back on the wonderful Tibetan region. Hotel (BLD) |
| Day 13: | Into Nepal This morning 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). You then make your way to Bhaktapur, where you will stop for lunch, before heading back to Kathmandu! Hotel - 2 nights (BL) |
| Day 14: | Kathmandu 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 15: | Depart Kathmandu The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK will have the morning free to relax in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight to London. (B) |
| Day 16: | Arrive London 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. |
travellers' tales
I had the most wonderful time in Tibet. The organisation worked very well, and the people looking after us were wonderful. Congratulations!! A great trip! I hope to go with you again next year. Many thanks (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: Your Group Leader will be Nepalese and your guide Tibetan, enabling you to gain an insight into a unique culture. Using local staff also provides employment and vital income to people whose nations are among the poorest in the world. As entrance fees to the monasteries and temples go directly to the Chinese government, we will leave donations to the monks on your behalf, to help with the upkeep of these sacred places. Our small groups (maximum of 16 people) have a minimal impact on the fragile environment. All tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimise the impact that they may have.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.  Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, & now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday & that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |