14 independent reviews for Tibet cultural tours
Reviews for Tibet cultural tours
David Hatfield review 20 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was superbly organised, Achut and is team did a first class job with nothing too much trouble2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will not go wrong using Achut and his team the service is second to none3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Overall the holiday helped the conservation of all the temples and monasteries visited as they rely solely on money raised from visitors4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A once in a lifetime holiday that I plan to repeat in the futureAndy Lewis review 15 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The road journey from Lhasa to Sigatse alongside the Yamadroke Lake, with its stunning scenery, including a glacier. Our guide made sure that as well as the main sights, we also visited some more unusual things like the water powered incense factory. We were fortunate to be invited to visit our driver's home and share lunch with his family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for changes to your itinerary, treat it as an adventure! It now takes three working days to obtain a visa for Tibet. Also remember that it takes time to adjust to the altitude, we found that after three days we no longer suffered any ill effects.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, both the Tibetans and Bhutanese seemed to appreciate the fact that Western tourists want to visit and local people were very pleased to engage us in conversation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
In a word, excellent.Ann Williams review 31 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending my birthday at the Everest base camp. The weather was perfect, clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine. The Himalayas were stunning. The entire tour was amazing. The itinerary was great. You got to visit all the main Tibetan monasteries, which were fascinating. You also had time to explore on your own and do your own thing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware of the problems of altitude sickness and be prepared. All the guides are extremely helpful and have a lot of experience in dealing with this problem.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I got the feeling that our money was helping local businesses and contributing to their economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Our tour operator was excellent. Achut was friendly, organised and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Our guide in Tibet was called Sonam and she was outstanding. I was very lucky to have her. She was highly efficient, knowledgeable and lovely company. This was a holiday full of magical moments and memories that I will keep for ever.Ian Hunt review 30 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hitting a one in ten weather window for a perfect Everest view......2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will be high up Lhasa is over 3000 m and you go to over 5200... be aware.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday went smoothly and our tour operator organised visas into Lhasa, flights, hotels (employing largely tibetan staff) and an excellent locally-born tour guide and driver, Sonam and Tashi, who both rate very highly in my estimation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Difficult to improve on this Tibet Culture Tour without an extension either in Nepal or perhaps Bhutan, all of which can be expertly arranged by Achut of in Khatmandu.Philippa Cawthorne review 25 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the holiday was walking around Barkhor Square in Lhasa seeing people on pilgrimage from various regions of Tibet. The people were very friendly and even came to shake our hands and say hello. We were invited into a small temple to join the locals spinning their prayer wheels and chanting which was a magical experience as we were the only foreigners there. Seeing Everest from the Tibetan side was a highlight too.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take it easy to start with as the high altitude can give you a nasty headache. I took Diamox and it still took me four days to acclimatise, that said there were other people who were not affected by the altitude at all.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Although we travelled in a comfortable vehicle, we stopped off at local restaurants which benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was absolutely fantastic. The Tibetan landscape is stunning and the monasteries and temples are fascinating. Everywhere we went, local people were kind and helpful. Our guide and driver were brilliant and couldn't have done more to look after us.Haitham Al-ehahir review 3 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Achut at the holiday provider was very helpful and from the moment he met me at the airport with a traditional welcome garland of flowers I was well taken care of. The visa formalities for Tibet and Bhutan could have been a pain to sort out, but Achut and team made this as simple as possible. Our guides in Tibet and Bhutan were very informative, and the itineraries were spot on for the time we had. Finally, the welcome meal we enjoyed in Kathmandu at the holiday providers expense was delicious and memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take plenty of USD for changing into local currency, spending directly, tips, etc.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Apart from the tour guides and drivers, it's hard to say. But certainly nothing negatively impacting the local people was noticed.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A lovely and fascinating holiday and I would recommend the holiday provider.Alice Fieldhouse review 31 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our trip had to be rearranged when we arrived because China suddenly wouldn't let people in or out of Tibet for a few days. I was worried we wouldn't be able to do everything that had been planned, but Achut rearranged everything very well. It meant that instead of staying at Rombuk Monastery on the day we went to Everest Base Camp, we stayed in a tent at EBC itself! So it was pretty amazing waking up to the view of sunrise over Everest. The tent we stayed in was very basic but it was a real experience to basically spend a night there like the locals. Chitwan National park was our other highlight. We stayed at Jungle World Resort and they were incredibly friendly and provided everything we needed. Because it was off-season it was a very laid-back vibe. We arrived from our 8 hour bus journey from Kathmandu (there had been landslides on the road making it a longer journey than usual) and they gave us drinks immediately and told us what we'd be doing for the next couple of days. The resort comprises a courtyard with swimming pool, surrounded by beach huts and a larger block of rooms. We were given the choice of either style of room and they all had air con. There was no toilet roll in the room but they immediately gave us some when we asked. They always sorted out any problems immediately. After we freshened up on our first night they walked us through the town of Sauraha (wonderfully chilled out in comparison to Kathmandu, reminded me of Vang Vieng in Laos or maybe Chiang Mai in Thailand (a few years ago maybe). There were some stalls to buy the usual jewellery etc from but the salespeople were more chilled out than in Kathmandu. The walk was in order to see the sunrise over the National Park and the river. There is a sort of beach bar at the river and lots of seats to chill out and watch the sun go down. We saw crocodiles and lots of birds on the canoe ride and rhinos, deer and monkeys on the safari walk. And we went to a cultural show with Nepalese dancing and a man dressed as a peacock! That sounds ridiculous but he is genuinely a gifted performer! The Tibet guides were great. Incredibly informative and we had one guide throughout the whole visit in Tibet which was great. The Potala Palace and all the monasteries are incredible and the people in Tibet are kind and friendly. Also, on our first night in Nepal the agency took us out to dinner in a beautiful restaurant with traditional dancing which was a really great start to the holiday.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for changes of plan due to unforeseen circumstances such as China closing the Tibet airports. Everyone will be very accommodating if this happens but for us it meant staying in a tent at EBC which I'd have brought a sleeping bag for if I'd known. They provided beds and rugs but I personally prefer my own sleeping bag. Research beforehand how much is expected tipping-wise as we weren't entirely prepared for this. We didn't get Nepalese/Chinese sim cards. I would recommend doing this so that you could call or text the agency or guides if you have a question. They kept us informed on what we were doing but it's a lot of info to take in so it'd be good to have that as a fall back. Be prepared for some seriously unpleasant toilets in Tibet. Bring tissues and antibacterial hand wash and you'll be fine. A lot of people in Tibet wear face masks to protect against pollution or the wind. I wish I'd bought one at the start to use in toilets that have lots of flies. But we had it pretty taped by the end. And they weren't that much worse than what I've encountered in Malaysia and Cambodia. It's really just a part of travelling, but a mask would have been great in hindsight. And since they're sold on every corner in Tibet, you may as well!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of our hotels and guides were local and took us to small restaurants and shops. So I think it benefited local businesses as much as is possible. The Chitwan resort supports the safari park and so presumably helps conserve it the more people visit.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing experience. Everyone was great. The holiday provider in Nepal and the Tibet agency were both great, really keen to please. The only thing we didn't manage to do was our one day's volunteering at a school in Nepal. However, this was really due to the schedule change because of China closing the Tibet airports. The agency tried to still fit it in but was unable to. They are still going to deliver the gifts we brought for the kids though.frank ingram review 11 Jan 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful people / country Very well organised excursion - complicated itinerary that went very smoothly. Outstanding guides. Excellent2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use this operator3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
OutstandingChristopher Ashley-Jones review 18 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was thoroughly enjoyable. The highlights for us were Lhasa Old Town, the Potala Palace and Mount Everest. The unfortunate Landslide meant that we had to take an unexpected helicopter in Nepal, which turned out to be most exciting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The main area for development would be the quality of the Tibetan Guide. Whilst ours was okay, she was not very motivated and her English was in need of improvement.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It is difficult to identify when this happened, apart from knowing that we were using a local agency and they in turn employed local staff.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A real adventure. Definitely worth doing and we shall do something similar again soon.izabela spero review 13 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Crazy narrow maze of Kathmandu streets. It is an exciting but quite polluted city with plenty of interesting places to explore never-ending arts and crafts shops and friendly peoples. However the trip to Tibet was most unforgettable for me. I liked Barkhor Market in Lhasa, where hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims at any time of the day, walk clockwise preforming their kora. The highlights of the Tibetan trip for me was the visits the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Summer Palace, where I walked in the footsteps of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who has been banned forever to return to his country. For Tibetan to have his photo or excerpt from his teachings is punishable by a long prison sentence. The movie “Seven Years in Tibet” is banned. On a top of Potala Palace flies a Chinese flag. “. I have also enjoyed visit to Drepung Monastery. By share luck, I took part in an annual Lunar Festival in Shigatse where thousands of ethnic Tibetans gathered for three days, to watch on each day, unveiling of the Thangka with the images of the Past, the Present and the Future Buddha displayed on a huge wall on the top of the hill of Tashilhumpo Monastery – home of the Panchen Lama. I admired the resilience of Tibetan peoples who have been denied their human rights. Crossing the Friendship Bridge, I realized how lucky I was living in a free society.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the Tibetan adventure while it lasts. There are many changes taking places in the Tibetan landscape and in the Tibetan way of life. It is advisable to read before this trip to experience the visit with an open mind. Take it slow on a first day, when you arrive in Lhasa to avoid the altitude sickness. I never took any Diamox, even at the Everest base camp. I walked slowly (even if I didn’t have to), drank a lot of water, and only took an aspirin for the night. Take small change for the loos (they are payable in Tibet). Watch for the spies, it could be fun. If you can, leave some items from your medical kit behind, it will be greatly appreciated.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. We stayed in the hotels with the Tibetan staff. It is difficult to say if they were owed by Tibetans. We eat in the Tibetan restaurants, shopped in the placed owed by Tibetans and supported the monastery we visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was my dream to travel to Tibet and I wasn’t disappointed. I saw most of the places I wanted to visit. I only wish that the circumstances could be different. I am very happy with the tour company’s travel services and would recommend them without any doubts to anybody who wants to travel to this part of the world. Achut and Keshev have been very helpful and very professional.Thomas Miles review 11 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The stunning beauty of Tibet and the Himalayas, and the warmth of the ethnic Tibetans, cannot be overstated. We gained many cultural insights into Tibet and the Buddhist faith, and were helped very much by our excellent Tibetan guide and our driver. A particular memory is the traditional evening meal we enjoyed at a colonial style venue in Kathmandu with Newari food, music and dancers. This was arranged as a surprise by our hosts, Manakamana Treks.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Flying into Tibet via Lhasa then making the road trip west along the Freedom Highway to the Freedom Bridge back into Nepal is an ideal way to see southern Tibet on a relatively short timescale, but the altitude problems should not be underestimated. Start taking the altitude medication before you arrive in Lhasa.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried always to engage directly with the ethnic Tibetans and bought from local artisans where possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent and we could not fault the service provided. Highly recommended as trustworthy and reliable.JUDITH GRUBB review 13 Dec 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were several memorable moments. Seeing the Potala Palace for the first time, and walking up the steps with pilgrims from all over Tibet. Driving along the Friendship Highway with its changeable scenery. Meeting Everest! The open air toilets! The turquoise lakes...yaks...seeing how people make a living on the roof of the world.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Familiarise yourself with the Buddhist faith. If travelling in the colder months, a sleeping bag would be a very good idea as some of the rooms are unheated. Try the yak butter tea with an open mind - it's not that bad! Tsampa is delicious. Sharpen up your chopstick skills.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in local hotels, ate in local restaurants, and met local people. We had the opportunity to buy in local shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a great time. We were warmly welcomed by Kashev and Achut, who looked after us really well. Our Tibetan guide Tashi also took great care of us, and explained so much to us.Paul Aynsley review 18 Oct 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were quite a few beginning with the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa passing the Himalayan Mountains. I liked the peace and serenity of Lhasa which was a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Visiting the Potala Palace and seeing it lit up at night and watching the local people dancing in front of the palace in the people’s park in the evening with the fountain display. The stunning scenery on the road back to Kathmandu, in particular seeing Yamdrok Lake.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't take your Lonely Planet Guide to Tibet as it will be confiscated. I had my bags checked upon arrival and exit for books. I had an insight Guide which was ok. Always have your original copy of your Chinese Visa with you as it will be checked at various checkpoints on your journey and also at your hotel when you check in. Lastly despite the strict procedures - go and visit Tibet - it is a beautiful country. The scenery is spectacular and the people are very friendly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so - we ate at local Tibetan restaurants and stayed in Tibetan hotels, and certainly one farmer has benefited from being given my polorised sunglasses to protect his eyes from the extremely bright sunlight4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an amazing experience despite the fact that we got snowed in at Everest Base Camp and had to be rescued by the Chinese Army that delayed our plans by a day which just adds to the adventure. The tour company staff were excellent. They looked after me very well and made all the necessary arrangements and their prices were reasonable so i would definitely use them again and highly recommend them to othersMagdalena Hajdukiewicz review 2 Sep 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Himalaya; Tibetan and Nepali people (who are extremely friendly) with their amazing culture2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is a cultural trip. You will visit temples a lot. Also, you will spend quite a lot of time in a car, driving through Tibet. If you are looking for an active holiday, that's probably not the best choice.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guide was very environment-conscious, he picked rubbish left by other tourists! I wish other tourists/guides were aware of this problem to the same extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing. Everything was organised very well and we didn't have to worry about a thing. Moreover, we've met fantastic people both in Nepal and Tibet, have seen amazing views, and have gotten to know really interesting culture.Holiday Reviews
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