Tibet holiday; Kathmandu to Lhasa overland

country:	Tibet
departures:	2008: 10 Jul, 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct
price:	From €480 (11 days) excluding flights

read 2 travellers reviews

Tibet holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Traverse the world’s highest mountain range

In Lhasa - a city of marvels - history and art, commerce and religion meld into an unforgettable experience.

The exquisite turquoise lake – Yamdrok Tso, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, fields of rape and barley, colorful temples and imposing forts... The road twists and turns as it descends the narrow gorge cut by the Bhoti Kosi River; The harsh, barren beauty of the Tibetan Plateau gives way to waterfalls and steaming jungle.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:	Free day in Kathmandu
Day 3:	A long day as we drive, complete border formalities at Kodari and Zhangmu. It is then a steep and spectacular drive up the gorge and on to the Tibetan Plateau. Expect to feel the effects of altitude as we ascend.
Day 4-5:	Continue the scenic drive to Shigatse. For much of the way the road follows the Yarlung Tsangpo (known as the Brahmaputra once it reaches India). Here, the great Tashilhunpo Monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten.
Day 6:	Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of old Tibet. Gyantses monastery Pelkor Choede and the justifiably famous Kumbum, are within the same complex.There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers bove the town.
Day 7:	A long, yet scenic days drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Lhasa.
Day 8-9:	Two full days to explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera still active institutions.
Day 10:	An early departure to Gongkar airport for the flight to Kathmandu.
Day 11:	Departure.

travellers' tales

Memorable experiences were the scenery, having dinner in a Nepalese house the size of a broomcupboard. One of the best curries I have ever tasted. And of course seeing the monks in the Tibetan monesteries. (more)

how this holiday makes a difference

We use Tibetan drivers and interpreter/guide
We stay in locally owned Tibetan owned hotels unless clients request 4 or 5 star accommodation in Lhasa
Option to visit and support Project for the Blind, Lhasa
Proper waste disposal – encouraged to refill water bottles. Plastic water bottles all returned to Lhasa for recycling

Project Support: Project for the Blind commenced in 1998 in Lhasa with the opening of the first rehabilitation and training center for the blind in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Groups are encouraged to visit and make contributions both through interaction and financial. The main goal is the integration and acceptation of the blind in the Tibetan society, through the four major projects:

Implementation of a preparatory school for blind children
Production of educational materials for the blind.
Preparation of a reintegration program, facilitating the return to local schools and home life.
Realization of a vocational training which gives blind people an opportunity and skills to generate their own income.

Schools: Whilst remote schools are financially supported by the government access to learning materials is often restricted by access to cities to purchase supplies. In some villages, eg Samye, leaders have developed relations with schools and purchase materials (exercise books, pencils etc) in Lhasa for delivery to the school. This is administered on an order taken on one visit, materials delivered next visit basis to ensure schools receive exactly what they need (learning to write in 3 very different scripts means differently ruled exercise books for each). Groups are offered the option to contribute to or cover the cost of such purchases.

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