Day 01: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1730m) drive by Bus/Jeep 6–7 hours, overnight at Hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 02: Drive to Kerung (2900M), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 03: Drive from Kerung to Saga (5-6 hours, 4640m), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 04: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarover (4558m) 500km, overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 05: Explore, Puja and drive to Darchen (1 hour 40KM, 4575m), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 06: Trek to Deraphuk (5000m), overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 07: Trek to Zuzulpuk (Juthulpuk) 4760m, via Dolma-La Pass (19KM, 8–9 hours), overnight at Guest hours (B/L/D).
Day 08: Drive to Saga (4640m), overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 09: Drive Back to Kerung City, overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu, 7/9 hours, overnight at hotel (B/L/D).
Day 01: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1730m) drive by Bus/Jeep 6–7 hours, overnight at Hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
After early breakfast, drive to Syabrubesi 6/7 Hours drive) overnight stay hotel in Syabrubesi (Near to Nepal/China border).
Day 02: Drive to Kerung (2900M), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
After breakfast, we will get on a Tourist Bus and start our drive through the black-topped road to get to the newly opened friendship bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border. Immigration visa/boarder pass. We will arrive at the 1st village of Tibet, call Kerung in about 2 hours. Overnight at Guesthouse / Hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kerung to Saga (5-6 hours, 4640m), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
We will drive through the high hills on a comfortable black-topped road to get to the village of Saga. The path climbs up and down the passes of Thong La and La Lung before getting us comfortably to the village of Saga. Along the way, we will be able to see Lake Peikutso and the typical yak and sheep grazing technique of the Tibetan people. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 04: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarover (4558m) 500km, overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
The longest driving day starts with full of excitement, Jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley following rivers and grazing land of yaks and sheep. Far south you can see snow covered peaks nearby you, lots of rocky peaks and sand dunes give you an ideal world. Depends on season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers are attired by beautiful traditional costume, waiting for your arrival with hot tea and other supplies along with big smile, overnight at Guest house.
Day 05: Explore, Puja and drive to Darchen (1 hour 40KM, 4575m), overnight at hotel/Guest house (B/L/D).
Lake Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 4575 meters and holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon faith. Manasarovara is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning Bath and Puja we will be heading towards Darchen. It is considered as a base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama. Throughout the day, take in the unique culture and natural wonders of the Tibetan plateau, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of history and spirituality that defines the region.
Day 06: Trek to Deraphuk (5000m), overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky makes you feel the Great God Shiva is everywhere with tons of blessings to you. Time to time, the face of Kailash Parbat will keep on appearing. For 18 km trail, it takes almost 7 hours, overnight at Guest house.
Day 07: Trek to Zuzulpuk (Juthulpuk) 4760m, via Dolma-La Pass (19KM, 8–9 hours), overnight at Guest hours (B/L/D).
Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La pass of 18600ft (Zuzulpuk or Darchen) between two valleys: Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva sthal, here there is the symbolical death, Pilgrimages leave the Old clothes, spin of hair or a drop of Blood in hope, that terrible Yamraja (The master of death) will attention to these signs and will allow the Yatries (travelers) to be born in spirit to pass Dolma- La. The pass associates at Buddhists with the goddess Container, and at Hindu with Parvati, divine wife of misters Shiva. On the pass, tourists and pilgrimage hang out the Tibetan flags on success. While your steps goes closer to the pass, Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offerings and sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go down, Parvati-sthal and GauriKunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive at Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here.
Day 08: Drive to Saga (4640m), overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
After short trek (2 hours) and reach to the point where the coach will be waiting, and we will drive to Darchen and merge with other members who were waiting and drive to Saga. Overnight stay at Saga hotel. An interesting fact about this journey is that saga is situated at the confluence of two major rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Indus.
Day 09: Drive Back to Kerung City, overnight at Guest house (B/L/D).
After Breakfast at Saga, then Drive to Kerung. By Afternoon reached to Kerung. Offers travelers the chance to explore the vibrant local culture and history. An interesting fact about Kerung City, its strategic location as a major trading hub between Tibet and Nepal, overnight stay at Guest house/Hotel in Kerung.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu, 7/9 hours, overnight at hotel (B/L/D).
Today, we will cross the Nepal-Tibet border and get back to the capital city of Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.
Useful information related to this trip.
Please click on title to read details
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Travel to Tibet
Travel to Tibet
By Flight: Gongkhar Airport near Lhasa is the main airport in TAR. Other airports such as Chamdo and Nyingchi do not have reliable services at this time.
From Kathmandu: Air China operates daily flight during the pick tourist season from July till September. After December till February, there is normally one flight per week on Saturday. At other times of the year, they generally operate on Tuesday and Saturday.
From Chengdu: There are more than two flights daily to and from Chengdu. Chengdu is well connected from other cities. There are few international connections to seoul, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Other connections are proposed for near future.
Others: Seasonal direct flights also operate from Beijing, Hong Kong and Zhongdian ( Dechen Tibetan Prefecture) in Yunnan.
By Train: The Qinghai - Tibet (Qingzang ) Railway from Golmud to Lhasa started operating from July 2006. The journey all the way from Beijing takes just under 48 hours. Trains to Lhasa originate from Beijing, Xining, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and from Chengdu.
By Road: There are four main roads into Tibet, roughly corresponding to the cardinal directions.
01) The most popular and spectacular overland crossing route is from Kathmandu, Nepal.
02) From north, the road from Golmud (Germu ) is the easiest legal land route at present. However with the arrival of the train along this way, this route is used less often.
03) East from Chengdu or Yunnan is long and at places the road is rough, but this is a great option for those who wish to see bit of Kham areas before entering into Tibet.
04) From Kashgar(Kashi) in Xinjing province in the west, the route is for hardy travelers. The road for most part is unpaved with small villages along the way. The main advantage of this route is that it passes by Mount Kailash and through a remote beautiful region inhabited by nomads.
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Money:
Money:
The Chinese currency is known as-RMB. The basic unit of this currency is called ‘Yuan’, which is substituted by Chinese word ‘kuai’. The Bank of China has their branches in Zhangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. You can only use your credit card in the Lhasa Branch of the Bank of China. Getting telegraphic transfers to Tibet takes five weeks in average.
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Health
Health
Considerations because of its high altitude, largely remote destinations, and semi-arid weather Tibet comprises a unique set of health concerns. You don’t need to worry about Malaria or odd strains of para-typhoid here, but you should certainly consider the sun and altitude. We do not want to supplant advice from professionals and more complete suggestions available in guidebooks, so we suggest you consult appropriate sources before coming (the CIWEC clinic in Kathmandu provides extensive information that is partially applicable to Tibet). Our trips our designed so you do not over-exert yourself in the first few days, and our guides are experienced and aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. There is preventative and symptomatic medication to help with the minor symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, nausea) and we recommend that you bring some. We also strongly suggest that you bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen -- Tibet is not the place to work on your tan. Further clothing and equipment depends on the type of trip you are doing here. We are happy to make suggestions (some further notes are included with our “Asian Hiking Team“(B) introduction) or recommend published sources for more information on appropriate supplies.
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When to go: Weather
When to go: Weather
The "normal" tourist season in Tibet is from May through till October. The busiest months are usually July and August. However this is changing as infrastructure development (roads and hotels) makes travelling at other times far easier.
Summer weather can be cool to warm. Summer is the rainy season but it rarely rains for long before the sun comes out. Trekking is possible from April through October. You can trek in winter but it is cold and you should be very experienced.
Fall & Spring are often cool and clear and can be excellent for trekking and cultural trips as you don't have to face the crowds of Chinese tourists in Lhasa and Shigatse.
Winter is generally cold and clear in Tibet. It is not advised to attempt remote or high journeys during this time without prior experience. However, cultural tours to Lhasa and other regional centers can be very rewarding during winter months as there are hardly any other tourists and it is the customary time for Tibetan pilgrimage to central Buddhist temples. The overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu is usually possible year round now that the new road has been built.
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Accommodation & Food
Accommodation & Food
Lhasa is the historical and cultural center of Tibet and also the center for our agency and most practicalities dealing with Tibet. There are comfortable hotels and restaurants and you will be able to access and obtain most modern amenities. As we move farther from Lhasa the commodities, facilities and services will be less available and you will be living more on Tibetan terms. We supply you with the best camping equipment, food, and service facilities that are available here; but please bear in mind this is not a city nor a suburb. Our cooks have several years experience preparing food for foreign clients but are best at preparing Chinese cuisine (adapted for the international palate). Despite the rumors, vegetables of every type and variety are readily available in Lhasa and other major towns so the days of meat and tsampa (roasted barley) are long gone. Our drivers are also the most experienced in Tibet and have driven these roads for years. For itineraries off the main Lhasa-Shigatse-Nepal route land cruisers are needed and we ensure our vehicles are worthy.
Travel Insurance Since we are a registered travel agency in Tibet, you are guaranteed our promised services through the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Unfortunately we are not permitted to offer travel or accident insurance to foreign clients. We urge you to make sure that you are appropriately covered for international travel from an insurer in your home country.
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Guides
Guides
Tibetan guides are reported to have limited English. However, we try and find the best among them. we also differentiate ourselves from other tour operators for choosing the best guides, who are flexible, knowledgeable and passionate about their job. For larger groups, our tour leaders based out of Nepal usually accompany the group.
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Photography
Photography
Photography at airports, bridges and government establishments are not allowed in some areas. Violators of these rules may by penalize and your camera equipment seized. Some monasteries and temples will allow you to take pictures inside them and may demand fees for the same. Tibetans generally will not be pleased when you take picture of something that is held sacred, including those inside the temples or monasteries.
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Communication
Communication
Many areas of Tibet that were without communication facilities have now mobile phones. Some nomads are seen riding motorbikes and charring mobile phones. You can buy local SIM card and use pre-paid mobile phones. Telephone services are available in most small towns. Internet cafes are also available widely but most certainly in the larger hotels, where WIFI access is often free of charge.
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Women Travelers
Women Travelers
Tibet prides itself on its lack of a class system and an absence of sexual discrimination. Tibetan woman have the same rights as men, including rights to education, voting and holding positions in government office. Both foreign and Tibetan woman are not subject to harassment and do not need to take any special precautions. Tibetans are more likely to help a woman in distress than a man. Young men have a reasonably liberated attitude towards their relations with women. There are several opportunities for misunderstanding if you don't make your intentions clear from the very outset.
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Travel with Children
Travel with Children
There are some discounts for children traveling to Tibet. However they may become bored on a long boring drives. Just a few hotels have television and limited entertainment for children. Children travelers are always immediately accepted by local kids and their families and in the process make new friends. If you needed we can make a nanny arrangement at a reasonable price. Parents are advised to consult with pediatrician before planning a trip to Tibet to avoid any altitude related sickness for your child.
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Equipment for Tibet Tour
Equipment for Tibet Tour
- Down Jacket, light feather. Down sleeping bag and well insulated.
- Woolen pull over, flannel shirts.
- Woolen socks or thick cotton socks.
- Warm light gloves.
- Warm woolen caps or scarf (with ear covering).
- Thermal inner wear (trousers and shirts).
- Towels including small hand towels.
- Wind proof jacket.
- Comfortable trekking boots or Sports Shoes 02 pairs (Water resistant is better).
- Rain coat with hood.
- Long skirts for ladies for open toilets during day drive.
- Light weight trekking back pack (for valuables, cameras and toiletries).
- UV protection sun glasses.
- Sun screen lotions, creams and Chap Stick.
- Torch light with extra batteries.
- Swiss knife.
- Hot water bottle.
- Binoculars
- Walk man or disk man with earphone to listen music as per the interest.
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Risk and Liabilities
Risk and Liabilities
We try our best to make your trip smooth and successful as far as possible. However, all trips to Tibet and Mt. Kailash are strictly conducted and controlled by the rules and regulations under Chinese authorities. In addition trips are also influenced by weather conditions. We are not liable in case of changes or alteration in your travel program due to local political or bureaucratic reasons. This also applies to inclement weather conditions or any other events beyond the control of the management. We will not be held liable for any losses due to no shows, delay arrivals, flight cancellation, accidents, theft or cancellation of booked trip due to sickness and any other reasons not listed here. Clients are recommended to have a travel health insurance policy. We strongly recommend you to have a comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical evacuation, accident, theft, loss of belongings, trip cancellations and unforeseen additional expenses including non-refundable costs. The cancellation rules in Tibet are severe and inflexible. Trip cancellation insurance is almost essential.
How can I book a trip?
How can I book a trip?
All bookings are made with Asian Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd. based at Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal. Trip is reference to as Company in booking conditions. To book your holiday you need to send us completed booking (inquiry) form or directly email us with details. For more information click here ».