05 DAYS LUXURY TOUR OF LHASA, TIBET Starting Point Lhasa & Ending Point Lhasa
Tibet Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and lies on the Lhasa River in a valley. It is the second most populated city in Tibet and at 3,490m is one of the highest cities in the world. Traditional home to the Dalai Lama, Lhasa has significance to the Buddhist world. It is home to the Potala Palace (once home of the Dalai Lama), and Jokhang Temple, among other sights of cultural interest. This tour will take you on a cultural and heritage tour of Lhasa then head straight to the coiling scorpion-lake of Yamdrotso before heading to the glacier-draped Karola Pass to Gyantse with its must-see Pelkor Chöde Monastery with Gyantse Kumbum. Then on to Shigatse, with its impressive Tashilump Monastery, one of the six big monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. 2 Gurkha Encounters
Hotel Everest View and Surrounding Mountains Hotel Everest View is situated at an elevation of 3,880 metres and is the highest luxury hotel in the world. With space for helicopters to land, this is the perfect place for those who do not have time to trek into the Himalayas but who want to witness the mountains close up. From the hotel balcony view Mt. Everest (8.848m), the world highest mountain, plus the following impressive peaks: Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), the fourth highest mountain in the world; Mt. Nuptse (7,855m); Amadublam (6,812m), one of the most beautiful mountains in the world; Thamserku (6,608m); Kusum Khangru (6,367m); Kangtenga (6,809m); Lobuche Peak (6,119m), and various other mountains. Similarly, it also serves wonderful views of the Sherpa villages of Portse, Pangboche. and Tengboche. Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park is the best preserved conservation area in Asia and the most visited national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, and placed on UNESCO s World Heritage Site in 1984, the park covers an area of 932km2. Although situated in the lowland Terai area of Nepal, the park includes hilly areas of the Silwalik Range. The park is bounded by the Rapti and Narayani rivers, with an altitude from 110 to 850 meters. The park is the home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, and the Royal Bengal tiger. Other animals found in the park are rhesus monkey, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, marsh crocodile, and four species of deer, among others. Similarly, it is home to 450 species of birds. A birdwatchers paradise! The Park offers activities such as elephant safaris, jeep safaris, canoeing and safaris on foot. While nothing can beat the feeling of being part of the jungle that you get on foot, a jeep safari will get you deeper into the jungle with more possibility of viewing rare animals and birds. 3 Gurkha Encounters
ITINERARY OUTLINE Day 01: Arrival In Lhasa (3,680M) Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya Mountains. On arrival, our local Tibetan tour guide and driver will greet you at Lhasa Airport with a traditional Tibetan white scarf to wish you good luck. Transfer to the hotel. Today is an essential acclimation day. You are free to explore the city yourself but we suggest you go very slowly and do not overtax yourself in the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat lightly, and, if possible do not take a shower today as it is believed not showering on the first day at altitude is the best way to avoid any altitude related problems. Overnight: suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel Day 02: Lhasa Suburb After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, the world s largest monastery, with space to house more than 10,000 monks, and former residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, continue the tour with a visit to the Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa s disciple, Jamchen Choeje. Here we can witness Buddhist scripture debating held in the courtyard between 15:00-17:00 from Monday to Saturday. Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel Day 03: Lhasa City After breakfast, visit the famous Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. First built by the 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, and rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama, it is now amuseum and world heritage site. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple in the centre of old Lhasa city. Jokhang Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Tibet and it is always bustling with local pilgrims. After that your tour continues with a visit around Barkhor Street, one of the most devotional circuits of Lhasa, as well as being a crowded central market. Located in old Lhasa city, Barkhor Street is a circular street surrounding Jokhang Temple. Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel Day 04: Lhasa Gyantse (4,040M ) - Shigatse (3,840M) 360Km Approx 6Hrs Using a Toyota Parado vehicle for your comfort, we will pass GampalaPass (4,794m) on the way to Shigatse and visit Yamdrok Lake. At 638km², Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by many snow-capped mountains, it is fed by numerous small streams. Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier while heading towards the main monastery in Gyants: the Pelkor Chode Monastery. The monastery is a short walk from the heart of the town. Overnight: Qomo Langzong Hotel in Shigatse Day 05: Shigatse Lhasa 300Km Approx 5 Hrs In the morning, we will visit the home of the Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. It is a historic and culturally important monastery, whose name means all fortune and happiness gathered here. Drive back to Lhasa. Overnight: a suite room in Shangri-La Hotel or St. Regis Hotel Day 06: Depart From Lhasa Today your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. 4 Gurkha Encounters
Add on Experiences in Tibet (a) Thangka Paintings The art of Tangka painting dates back more than 10 centuries and you can see examples of this unique form of painting everywhere, depicting images of Buddhist culture and civilization. If you are an art lover or just want to know more about the art of Thangka painting, we suggest you add this to your list of things to do while in Tibet. culture. Here is an opportunity to learn how to make momo (Tibetan dumplings), yak butter tea, Tsampa and other traditional foods. (c) Tibetan Delicacies If you are more interested in eating food than making it, you can add some culinary experiences to your trip. 1. Cultural Meal in Lhasa Enjoy a traditional Tibetan themed dinner. (b) Learn how to make Tibetan food There is nothing more interesting than knowing how to prepare delicacies from a different 5 Gurkha Encounters
Services Included Round trip ticket from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Entry permit and other necessary permits for Tibet. All entrance fees to tourist sites. Travel agency liability insurance, government tax, and express delivery fee of permit. Knowledgeable and experienced English speaking guide. We can provide French, German, Japanese, Hindi and Mandarin speaking guides, if necessary. Please ask when booking. All rooms are suites in the St. Regis Hotel or Shangri-La Hotel in Lhasa and the Qomo Langzong Hotel in Shigatse. All meals, snacks, fresh fruit and mineral water provided. We use the latest Toyota Parado Land Cruiser for transportation throughout. One oxygen tank in each vehicle for emergency use. Price Excludes: Cost of additional days due to unexpected natural disasters such as landslides, avalanche etc. Personal expenses,personal travel insurance, and anything not listed above. Complimentary Services The following services are provided complimentary to our clients: Complimentary tourist registration in the respective consulate office or embassy. Complimentary international flight ticket re-confirmation. Complimentary Gurkha Encounters T-Shirt (subject to availability). Complimentary welcome dinner in one of the finest Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu, including a culture show presented by different ethnic groups. Complimentary use of freshly laundered sleeping bags and down jackets. 6 Gurkha Encounters
Mode of Payment To confirm your trip we request an advance payment 40% of the quoted amount. This can be done by credit card when filling up our GE Booking Form. If you pay by cheque/ bank draft please make it payable to: Gurkha Encounters Pvt. Ltd. GPO Box: 20195, Third Floor, Bhattachan Complex, Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Phone: +977 1 4417959 info@gurkhaencounters.com Note: Payment through Master/Visa card has an additional bank service charge of 4%. Payment through American Express has an additional bank service charge of 5.5%. Terms & Conditions The Company is not liable for any refunds after the departure date of the scheduled itinerary. Cancellation should be made not less than 48 hours before departure. There is a minimum 40% cancellation charge PLUS any tax, transportation and permit fees. See specific information below. No refund will be given if the programme ends before the stated itinerary date. The Company is not to be held responsible for the early termination of a trek should our experienced leader feel it is unsafe for you to continue due to fitness and/or health issues. The Company is not liable for cancellation or rescheduling due to natural, political or bureaucratic circumstances. The Company is not responsible for delays caused by local weather conditions resulting in local or international flights being missed. We suggest you leave adequate time between the end of your trek and your international flight. The Company is not responsible for the financial implications of rescue, should it be necessary. Please ensure you have the appropriate insurance to cover these situations before you arrive in Nepal. Our staff are very experienced in leading treks at all altitudes. It is their responsibility to ensure your safety. Therefore, their decision regarding safety is final. The Company is not responsible in any way, for any outcome, should you refuse to follow their advice. 7 Gurkha Encounters
Cancellation Charge Incurred If you cancel your trip for any reason the following scale of cancellation fees will apply: 60 days before departure Loss of deposit - 40% of total trip cost 29 days to 59 days before departure Loss of deposit -50% of total trip cost 10 to 28 days before departure Loss of deposit -70% of total trip cost Less than 10 days before departure Loss of deposit -100% of total trip cost Things to Bring Toiletry Items Please bring with you a towel, pre-moistened novelettes, wash cloth, lip balm, and any additional personal items. Please ensure you bring enough personal medicines and extras in case of flight delays. Miscellaneous Items Photo equipment with plenty of films and spare batteries Reading/writing materials Safety pins, sewing kits, zip lock bags for small items You may wish to bring postcards of your hometown and/or photos of home and family to share with locals you meet along the route. Please do not give money or sweets to children on the trails. Contact Us We are always happy to provide more information and suggestions. If you are in Kathmandu, please visit our office: Gurkha Encounters Pvt. Ltd. GPO Box: 20195, Third Floor, Bhattachan Complex Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Phone: +977 1 4417959 info@gurkhaencounters.com For general information please visit our website: 8 Gurkha Encounters