Central Tibet Classical Tour (Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse) (6 Days)
Lhasa rose to prominence as an important center of
administrative power in the 7th century AD, when Songtsen Gampo, a local ruler
in the YarlungValley,
continued the task of unifying Tibet.
Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa
and built a palace on the site that is now occupied by the Potala.
The fifth Dalai Lama also made Lhasa
his capital. He built his palace, the Potala, on the site of ruins of Songtsen
Gampo 7th century palace, Lhasa has remained Tibet\\\'s capital
since 1642, and most of the city\\\'s historical sights date from this second
stage of the city\\\'s development.
The mild and pleasant climate in central Tibet makes this area available for
tourists year around. This route offers the epitome of Tibet with some
of the most impressive visions: snow-capped mountains and holy lakes, splendid
monasteries and palaces, original villages and unsophisticated people. With the
better road conditions and accommodations along the way, it is now the most
popular route.
Day 4: Lhasa
- Yamdroktso - Gyantse. Yamdroktso (4441m)
Day 5: Gyantse - Shigatse – Lhasa
Day 6: Leave Lhasa
Price Per Person (Subjected to Change), Single Supplement - 0 US $
Person(s)
2
3-5
6-9
10+
Price Includes/Not Includes
Price Includes:
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner;
- Personal Guide and Driver + Private car/ van for Private Transfer and sightseeing;
- Hotels (twin share bases) as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic flights (economy class) or trains as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic airport taxes;
- Service Charge and Government Taxes;
- Luggage Transfers between airports and hotels.
- Entry or Exit China
International transportation;
- Visa Fees;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Personal Expenses;
- Single Room Supplement;
- Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
(3650m)
The guide will meet you at KonggarAirport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1
1/2 hour-driving (100km). On the way, you will be greeted by Nie Tang Buddha -
a Buddha image engraved in the mountain face. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa.(B)
Day 2: Lhasa.
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's
cardinal landmark - PotalaPalace, a structure of
massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions,
but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It
takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in TibetJokhangTemple. Bustling with
worshipers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivaled experience.
The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor - Lhasa's most interesting
pilgrimage circuit. This area of the OldTown is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main
commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B+B)
Day 3: Lhasa.
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once largest monastery
in the world, with about 10,000 monks. Sightseeing today begins with these white
monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a
pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambiance inside the halls and
chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the
whole Lhasa
city and the distant mountains.
Drepung is one of the two great Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa, the other is Sera. Around 5km north of
central Lhasa,
Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many
small temples. The Buddhism Scriptures Debating in Sera is very famous.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Includes: (B+B)
Day 4: Lhasa -
Yamdroktso - Gyantse. Yamdroktso (4441m)
One of the three holy lakes in Tibet,
is located 110km outside of Lhasa.
In the fresh morning air, you are on the way to this lake. It is mostly
mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2
hour-drive, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala (5030m), the dazzling
Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear
weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge
massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m).
After down from the mountain, there is about 30km road along lakeside, with
barley fields on the other side of the road. A nice walk by the lakeside can be
a great joy. Leaving Yamdroktso is as spectacular as arriving, since you will
cross the 5045m Karola, with its awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang
Glacier. With the Glacier scene still exciting you, after about 90km, you get
to Gyantse. There stands the 35m-high famous Kumbum, packed with exquisite
Tibetan sculpture and paintings, a stunning architectural wonder in Tibet.
Overnight in Gyantse. Includes: (B+B).
Day 5: Gyantse - Shigatse – Lhasa
Just 4km to Gyantsse, there is the Pala Farmland which used
to belong to the slave-owner family of Pala. The well-kept Farmland can bring
the family luxurious life back to your eyes. This site deserves a quick visit
of 30 minutes. Then you can leave the small town of Gyantse. With Gyantse just fades away from
your sight. Shigatse becomes clearer because it is just 1 1/2 hour-drive
(98km).
Miles away from Shigaste, you can already see the gold tops of Tashilhunpo
shinning under the sun. While Tashilhunpo magnificent outside leaves you gasp
in admiration, the inside of this monastery introduces you more religious
tranquility and sincerity. Just close Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse,
a great place to wander around: Nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting
market and bazaar give you a vivid life picture of local people. Drive back Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B+B).
Day 6: Leave Lhasa
Pack your luggage and get
ready for leaving. The guide will transfer you to the airport, and help you
board the plane. Say goodbye to Tibet
and fly out. Includes: (B)
NEWS OF THE TREK-YOGA IN NOVEMBER 2008 (Ghorepani-Chhomrong Landrunk, PHED)
This is a first in Nepal and this combination trekking - yoga was seen as complementary physical effort required for the trek and stretch the body needed to start the next day in good shape. The breathing exercises (pranayama) were also recognized needed to climb the stairs Nepalese unforgettable.
An organization was needed among all partners (guide, porters, professor of yoga, head lodges and trekkeurs. The search for the most appropriate place to practice yoga, kindness and quick understanding of all stakeholders to meet the group made the 2nd day that everything was functional. Whether it's morning or evening tea was served at the best place was found despite the conditions not always usable and carpets were installed ready to receive our body a little "broken" by walking or night!
I particularly enjoyed the respect of the time, silence during the course of course, sharing and porters and cameraman who accompanied us.
The trekkers, beginners yoga students and the teacher's competence has been demonstrated by the attendance of the group. This practice news for the majority, is an awareness of his breath, all the exercises are made aware what makes the big difference with gymnastics.
The practice has been adapted to the days of walking and new emerging every day especially in pranayama (breathing exercises have made many laugh at times, forced laughter or whistling cobra). In 5 days the group has progressed and the first finding was that they had no aches (whew for these ugly Little pets who come to stay in the thighs and calves!) and better management of their breathing.
The "sun salutation" was to go in the second week and what pleasure, what emotion to greet the sun at the foot of the majestic mountains such as Machhapuchhare or Annapurna IV.
A beauty and richness found nowhere else. The old lodges, the absence of his small comfort, the difference of our cultures and practices can be forgotten and incurred when we know what we take offers free nature. Just open your eyes, breathe and fill with energy present and alive.
A big thank you to unitholders, the guide has not always been an easy job, the teacher of yoga for his competence, his attention and his humility and cameraman who followed us throughout this trek and is now a practitioner of yoga and all group members for their understanding in organizing this first-trek yoga, their participation and attendance.
We will learn from this experience to maximize the coming holidays to spend together.
Preparation of new treks-yoga is underway for spring 2009 in the region of Helambu, Langtang and Gosaikund 9-day walk. For this season the forests of rhododendrons are in bloom and walk among his trees roses (and yes in Nepal are trees) is a real renewal.
DATES SET:
From 22 February to 6 March 2009
From April 5 to April 18, 2009
The President,
MC RENAUD
French
www.clubmountain.com
2008-12-20 22:39:22
John Bennett - England
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world, it terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation.
