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Tibet Forever
offered by supplier M15964 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 11
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Tibet
Nepal
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1865 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1865 US Dollar (USD)
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Tibet Forever. A Cultural Tour of Tibet.
10 Nights / 11 Days
Inaccessible Tibet? These words conjure images of remote mountains inhabited by yeti and adepts who sit naked in the snow, warmed by elevated body temperatures. Tibet has remained a very difficult place to visit and is more fantastic than imagined.
It is a land of immense contrasts: snowy peaks and sandy deserts, barren plateaus and forested mountains, empty expanses and crowded cities, and a deeply religious people ruled by an avowedly atheistic Chinese government. Tibetan Buddhism inhabits most Tibetans’ hearts. Thus, a great deal of splendid monasteries, vivid murals and sculptures, and solemn stupas were built to worship the unparalleled Buddha.
Tibet, the Roof of the World, remained unknown to the world until the beginning of the 20th century. Its majestic scenery, mysterious and exotic religious culture, and wonderful people, reward every visitor with an indelible life long memory!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, Katmandu / Gonggar (Tibet) (flight) / Tsedang (drive)
We leave in the morning for Tibet via air. Upon arrival to Gonggar airport, we are met by our local guide and driven to Tsedang. The 1 hour 15 minutes Trans - Himalayan flight, from Kathmandu to Lhasa, across the towering peaks of the Himalayas, is one of the most remarkable moments of this trip. The flight provides a glimpse of majestic Himalayan giants, towering over the clouds.
The drive to Tsedang on the asphalt road, which snakes through Yarlung Tsangpo canyons and wind-blown mountains, takes at least four to five hours to wind-up to Tsedang, located in the heart of the ancient Yarlung Kingdom where it all began. Tsedang (3550m) 183 km southeast of Lhasa is the third largest city in Tibet.
It is the capital of Shannan Prefecture and an important administrative centre and Chinese army base. For travelers it is the jumping board for exploration of the Yarlung Valley area. Overnight: Hotel Tsedang. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 2: Sunday, Tsedang
Today we’ll start our Tibetan experience with full-day Sightseeing of the Tombs of Ancient Tibetan Kings, the Yambulakhang and the Trandruk Monastery. This is a journey through the early Tibetan history. We first stop by the Chongye Valley, located about 3 km southwest of Tsetang, which holds high significance in Tibetan history.
Here was the ancient capital of the Yarlung Kings and still retained its symbolic significance, even after the Great Yarlung King Songsten Gampo moved his court to Lhasa. The Yarlung Kings, including Songsten Gampo himself and Trisong Detsen, who founded the Samye Monastery, were entombed here making the Chongye region an area of paramount importance.
The Tombs of the Kings at Chongye represent one of the few historical sites in the country that give evidence of the pre-Buddhist culture in Tibet. Most of the Kings interred here are now firmly associated with the rise of Buddhism on the high plateau, but the methods of their interment point to the Bon Faith.
Sky Burial is the most popular; means of disposing of the dead on ‘sky’ these days, but recent archaeological evidence seems to suggest that burial might have been quite widespread in the time of the Yarlung Kings and may not have been limited to royalty.
An excursion to Yambulhakhang is a trip to discover the early history of Tibet. The fortress palace stands tall on a hill with its spire thrusting to the sky. The palace built in the 2nd century was later in the 7th century transformed into a monastery. The main hall of this Gelugpa chapel holds many images of the historical and religious luminaries of Tibet.
This fine, tapering finger of a structure the sprouts from a craggy ridge overlooking the patchwork fields of the Yarlung Valley is reputed to be the oldest building in Tibet. Trandruk Monastery, one of the three royal Buddhist temples of King Trisong Detsen from the 8th century, along with Jokhang and Samye Monastery. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Monday, Tsedang / Lhasa (drive)
Today we drive to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. En route we visit the Mindroling Monastery, one of the two great Nyingmapa monasteries of Central Tibet, founded in 1676. Further ahead we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo River on a ferry and then visit Samye Monastery. Samye was the first Monastery to be built in Tibet.
It was probably founded during the 770's under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen, with the work being directed by Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita, the two Indian masters that the king had invited to Tibet. The monastery is designed to mirror the structure of the universe, according to Buddhist cosmology. Overnight: Dhood Gu Hotel, Lhasa. (4 nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4: Tuesday, Lhasa
Our today’s Lhasa visit will start with the Drepung Monastery. About 8 km west of central Lhasa, Drepung is one of the world’s largest monasteries and was built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje a pupil of Tshong Khapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. Drepung literally means “heaps of rice” and the fertility of its fields supported a monastic community that before 1959, ranked as Tibet’s largest monastery with 7,770 monks.
For over 500 years Drepung served as the major pillar of the theocratic state, serving as the main political headquarters for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It also served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Potala Palace was constructed in 1645.
Suffering only minor damage during the ‘Chinese Cultural Revolution’, Drepung has plenty of historical relics, Buddhist scriptures and arts. From here we drive to: Sera Monastery. 5km North of Lhasa, its setting is one of the prettiest in Lhasa, hugging the ridge that forms the Northern wall of the Kyi Chu Valley.
Founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the monastery is one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, the other two being Drepung & Ganden. In its heyday, Sera hosted a huge monastic population and five colleges. Our next stop today is Norbulingka - the Summer Palace of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
The 8th Dalai Lama has designated it as a summer retreat, but the majority of the buildings were not erected until the reigns of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas. Every year as the chill air warmed, the Dalai Lama would leave Potala in a grand procession for six months residence in the Norbulingkha.
Norbulingkha is worth the visit and the park is a great place to be at festival times and public Holidays. During the seventh Lunar month of every year the Norbulingkha is crowded with picnickers for the Shotun festival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5: Wednesday, Lhasa
Today we’ll visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Market in Lhasa. Potala Palace has been the focus of travelers for centuries. It is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. This symbol of Tibet, an architectural Gem built in the colossal monastic style of Central Tibet by Gyelwa Ngapa, the fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century, stands 300 m above the valley, atop the hill called Marpo Ri.
The thousand rooms in Potala date from 1645 when the fifth Dalai Lama began erecting this Palace that would serve as a sacred and administrative center. It has served many succeeding Dalai Lamas and as one of Tibet’s most impressive and enduring monuments, the Chinese Army of Red Guards protected it during the ‘Cultural Revolution’. As a result, many of its chapels and treasures are intact, virtually unchanged since the 17th century.
Next is the Jokhang Temple. The oldest and the most revered religious structure in Tibet, it dates back to 639 to 647, construction initiated by king Songtsen Gampo to house a Buddha image Akshobhya brought to Tibet by his Nepalese wife. But now, the main statue in this temple is the Jowo Sakyamuni, which was a gift from his second Chinese wife Won Cheng in 641 A.D.
Pilgrims from all over Tibet come to worship here and prostrate themselves in full length in front of the main doors of the temple. It is truly a moving and unrivaled experience to witness such a sight and more so to actually join them in their pilgrimage around the temple. Around the Temple is the Barkhor Market.
The word Barkhor refers to the middle of the three concentric holy circuits around the Jokhang. The Barkhor Circuit runs through the heart of the old city where life has changed a little bit down the centuries, but it gives you a curious sensation of having slipped through time into a medieval carnival.
It is an area unrivalled in Tibet for its fascinating combination of deep religiosity; it pushes and shoves market economics. This is both the spiritual heart of the holy city and the main commercial district, being the center of Tibetan capital's trade for centuries. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: Thursday, Lhasa / Ganden / Lhasa (drive)
Today we travel 40 km east of Lhasa to explore one of the biggest and most important Gelugpa Monasteries in Tibet. Though many of the buildings are in ruins today, it is still worth a visit, giving you an experience unrivalled by other Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa. After years of wandering, Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa order decided to build his own monastery at Mount Droki.
Ganden soon gained a reputation as one of the biggest and most important Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet. With the onset of the ‘Cultural Revolution’, realizing its symbolic importance, it was destroyed by bombings and shelling. Ganden might have been a desolating experience, had it not been for the zeal with which work teams are carrying out reconstruction of the monastic buildings. We then return to Lhasa for our overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: Friday, Lhasa / Gyantse (drive)
The drive from Lhasa to Gyantse is a very fulfilling experience. The road uphill meanders through stark desolate mountains and beyond Kampa La Pass the scene changes dramatically as you see the turquoise-blue Yamdrok Tso Lake for the first time. The road runs parallel to the Lake for several kilometers until you reach Nakartse, an assuming town en route.
Slowly you begin to ascend again and you reach Karo La Pass (5010 m), where one of the highest battles in history was supposed to have been fought, between Young husband's British and Tibetan soldiers. As we reach the top of the pass the glacier that seems poised to crash down from Mt.
Nechinghangsang is an amazing sight. After a couple of hours the high wall of the Gyantse Dzong looms in the distance and is the most striking feature of the town. The Gyantse Dzong that serves as an encampment across the major part of the town is a very imposing feature of the town.
A walk up the cobbled steps and labyrinths lead to the top, which gives us a bird’s eye view of the entire Gyantse town. The multi storied Kumbum Stupa is an unusual architectural masterpiece nearby. Built in 1440 in the shape of a mandala, the Kumbum Stupa is distinguished by fine statues and 15th century murals. The 112 chapels, of which only 23 are open to the public, contain the images and murals that date back several centuries.
The Pelkor Choede Monastery that serves the Gelugpa, the Sakya and the Buluk orders was built here in 1418 and has remarkably remained intact and unscathed to this day. The antique thankas, the colorful murals and the several images that adorn the various chapels and assembly hall are a visitors delight. Overnight: Hotel Gyantse. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8: Saturday, Gyantse / Shigatse (drive)
After breakfast we leave for Shigatse, and visit en route Shalu Monastery, then in Shigatse the Tashilunpo Monastery and the local Market. A leisurely 2 hour drive along the asphalt road, a rare luxury along the dusty realms of Tibet, winds up at Shigatse the second largest town in Tibet. Just a few kilometers before entering Shigatse, spread over fertile farmlands is the Shalu Monastery.
The monastery stands in sharp contrast to all the other monasteries of the region. With glazed green tiled roofs and the Mongolian architecture it is set in a cluster of tall juniper trees. Dating back to the 11th century it is associated with the Buluk sect of the Shakya order. In contrast, the imposing Tashilhumpo Monastery located within city limits dominates the cityscape both physically and spiritually.
The expansive courtyards, the tiered golden roofs, massive gates, the huge complex with red and white buildings and the huge thanka wall that clings on to a steep hillside make it an aesthetically pleasing experience.
Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, the Tashilhumpo Monastery is renowned as the seat of Panchen Lama, an important figure in Tibet. It is one of Tibet's four biggest Gelugpa Monasteries. The monastery houses one of the largest images of Maitreya, or the future Buddha. The gilded image, which is 26 m tall, is said to have taken almost 4 years to complete.
The Kundung Lhakang with the tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama, the teacher of the 5th Dalai Lama and also believed to be the incarnation of Amitabha (or Buddha of infinite light), is the most an interesting feature of the tour. Within the premises of the huge structure that is the Tashilhumpo, the several chapels, the Ngagpa Tratsang Tantric College, The Tsenyi Philosophy and Debate College, and the invaluable artifacts, images and murals are some absorbing experiences.
Time permitting, we will follow the pilgrim's route and make a circuit around Tashilhumpo Monastery. It is believed that it will bring blessing to those who tread the circuit and also earn them merit. Overnight: Hotel Shigatse. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9: Sunday, Shigatse / Shegar (drive)
The drive from Shigatse to Shegar covers a distance of 279 km and passes through several high passes, flat farmlands, and farmsteads that dot the dusty road. You should make preparations for the altitude that you will be exposed to today. The road twists and tours and arrives at Gyatso La (5220 m), the highest point of the entire journey, which offers magnificent vistas on a clear day.
Take some time to absorb the impressive view of the north face of the world's highest mountains. Just a few miles from Lhatse, a small stopover on the highway, we take a dusty unmarked road and drive 26 km to Shakya. Set among desolate and rustic surroundings, Shakya is unique in every sense. Grey buildings with red and white bands give it an outwardly appearance.
Established in 1073 by Kongchok Gyalpo, the monastery holds an important place in Tibetan history, as it was from here that the Mongols chose the Shakya Pundit to rule over Tibet. Shegar or New Tingri as it is popularly known lies in the shadow of the Shegar Dzong. The first British mountaineers allowed into Tibet to attempt Mt. Everest in 1921 are said to have marveled at the grandeur of the Dzong below which they are said to have established their first base camp en route to attempting the highest peak.
However it has been reduced to rubble today, though some remains of the once majestic Dzong can be seen still. Today the town has nothing much to offer but if you are interested, you could mail a post card home from here, from the ‘highest’ post office in the world. Overnight: Chomolongma Shanghai Hotel, Tingri. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10: Monday, Shegar / Zhangmu / Kathmandu (drive)
After an early breakfast we leave Tingri and drive to Zhangmu, the ‘border city’ between Tibet and Nepal. This journey starts with an impressive close-up, right after Tingri, of the peaks of the Mt. Everest. The road zigzags several kilometers and then we reach Nyalam. As we descend the dry barren hills slowly recede and tree lines begin to appear and eventually the desolate landscape is replaced and gives way to greenery.
The vistas are breathtaking and awe inspiring, and at Lalung La Pass, the world's highest peaks seem to be within touching distance. We then arrive to Zangmu, an unassuming border town that clings on to the face of a hill. It is an amalgam of small wooden houses with corrugated roofs and concrete building. Apart from the immigration office, where we exit Tibet, it has nothing interesting to offer.
After necessary immigration formalities at Kodari, the Nepalese border, we follow the Arniko Highway and drive to Kathmandu passing though several small towns and villages. It offers a window to the Nepalese way of life as you make your way to the capital. Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11: Tuesday, Kathmandu / homebound
Today we leave Nepal, taking with us strong memories of what it is said to be the most ultimate cultural experience forever, Tibet. (Breakfast)
- End of our Tour and services -
Tour Details
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation as mentioned
- Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- All Sightseeing and Transfers by minivan & 4X4 vehicles
- Entrance Fees to Palaces, Monasteries and Sites
- Local English speaking guide
- Visa Support as required
Price does not include:
- International airfares and airport taxes
- Regional one-way airfare Kathmandu / Lhasa (USD: ~ 350.00 except airport taxes)
- Visa fees / Travel Permit fees (USD: 65 – for US citizens & others USD: 45)
- Personal expenses, like phone or laundry bills
- Photography charges (!)
- Departure / Border taxes
- Personal insurance, Visa fees
- Drinks / Beverages with meals
- Tips / Gratuities to drivers & guide
- All other items not mentioned
* Departure Dates for 2008: Every Saturday from Kathmandu from April trough October, or on any day when arriving from China.
* Tour Size: This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
* Tour highlights & World Heritage Sites (WHS)
- Potala Palace in Lhasa (WHS)
- Chongye Valley & Trandruk Monastery, Tsedang
- Drepung and Sera Monasteries & Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
- Gyantse Dzong
- Shalu Monastery
- Tashilhumpo Monastery, Shigatse
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Prices for 2008
Double Occupancy USD: 1,865.00 / CAD: 1,955.00 - per person.
Single Supplement USD: 280.00 / CAD: 290.00
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Tibet
Nepal
Cultural Journey
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