Where are you going? Day 1: The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1? hours' drive to Lhasa , first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley . Days 2-4 : With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, 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 5: A long, yet scenic day's drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old' Tibet . Day 6: In the morning visit Gyantse's monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse. Day 7: Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. After lunch it is a 4-hour drive to Lhatse. Days 08-10 : Long, yet spectacular days as we head west. Even along the road settlements are few as we cross vast, open valleys and prayer flag topped passes. Depending on the season there may be families of nomadic dropka moving their herds of sheep, yaks, goats and horses across the plateau. Day 11: Saga Dawa festival at Tarbo Che - This is the story about one of the most impressive moments we have ever witnessed anywhere. “Saga Dawa is an important Tibetan Buddhist festival, held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, to celebrate Sakyamuni's enlightenment. But actually having been there, at that moment it is more like being part of a magic event, somethingthat gets a total grip on all of your senses. Each year, they replace the Tarbo Che flagpole, a huge pole that stands roundof Kailash. People from all over Tibet gather here that day to attach their prayer flags they brought from home, to pray, and to help erect the flagpole. The flagpole should stand perfectly upright,or else things are not good for Tibet . A Lama leads the whole ceremony from the nearby monastery.It's his job to mae I t work ‘right first time'. Days 12-14 : The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibeta
n) is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point , both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second day. After completing Kora Mt. Kailash afternoon drive to Tirthapuri. Day 15-17: En-route to Guge the dramatically situated gompa and hot springs at Tirthapuri are closely linked to Padmasambhava and are traditionally visited in conjunction with Kailash Kora. The road into Tholing, once the most important monastic complex in western Tibet , is one of the most awesome sights in a region of awesome sites. Below stands the first capital of Guge whilst the skyline comprise a vast sweep of the Ladakh Himalaya. Guge's later capital at Tsaparang is of even greater significance in the history of Buddhist art, its fantastic wall murals displaying evidence of close links with Ladakh and Kashmir . On the afternoon of Day 17 we arrive in Manasarovar for rest. Days 18-19 : The drive retraces the outward route as far as Saga. Day 20 : Another long day's drive, but again scenically magical as we take a barge-ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo and head south via Pelkhu Lake . Rejoining the Friendship Highway cross the Lalung Pass and head to Nyalum. Day 21 : Dropping suddenly and steeply off the Tibetan Plateau descend through the Himalaya to cross the China/Nepal border at Zhangmu – Kodari before continuing the descent to Kathmandu. Note: On day 5 th of above itinerary departure is made from Lhasa to reach Kailash on the full moon. Those clients leaving from Kathmandu to Lhasa have to stay 3 or 4 nights in Lhasa as per the flight availability. Those clients coming from China mainland to make entry in to Tibet can follow above itinerary. Those who want to reach Lhasa quite earlier than the above itinerary via Kathmandu , Chengdu , Beijing , Xian Shanghai, Xining , Guang Zhou, Zhong Dian or Hong Koing is also possible. What is Included Accommodation Gyantse & Shigatse, - Twin share Lhatse & Nyalam multiple sharing including breakfast 2 nights guest house in Tsada ( Guge Kingdom ) All camping equipment whilst camping All meal whilst camping Transport as per itinerary Pick up from airport Sightseeing as per itinerary English speaking interpreter/guide Tibet entry permit Yaks or porters to carry personal gear whilst trekking Flight one way Kathmandu to Lhasa Chinese visa fees What is not Included Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry Sightseeing and hotel accommodation during stay in Lhasa. Meals apart from breakfast on non-camping portion of the trip International flights and departure taxes Travel insurance Emergency evacuation Tips and gratuities Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Royal Mt. Trekking (eg. Landslides)
