Tibet holiday, Kathmandu to Lhasa overland

Tibet holiday, Kathmandu to Lhasa overland

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.

Tibet holiday, Kathmandu to Lhasa overland

Reviewed 10 Nov 2008 by Pam Hartman

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing Tibet beyond Lhasa, off the beaten path.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

People should be advised that in late Oct / early Nov that some of the hotels turn off the hot water and there is no running water at all or heat in the rooms.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent.

Reviewed 14 May 2007 by Tom Gaule

I had a great holiday. Sometimes a little rough, but that's all part of the experience. The contact "Shishir" at the operator in Nepal was very helpful and honest. Some of the people on the trip expected a lot more, from the descriptions their travel companies provided, than I did so I have nothing to complain about.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

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 monasteries.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Tips for other travellers - Re confirm flights and don't forget the departure payment of approx 1600Rmb on departure from Nepal. Also don't be surprised about the number of forms you have to fill in for visa's and customs that all seem to be the same......

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Whilst the drivers and guide we had were local, only by personal input did you feel that you had control over the benefit to local people and environment.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Overall rating would be **** Thanks again it was a great experience.

Reviewed 16 May 2005 by Wolfgang Lofi

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The drive through the tibetan plateau.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Read books about Tibet (History, Bhuddism...) before the journey.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes.