 A
wonderful introduction to the splendour of the range
of classic Himalayan culture, people and landscape.
Driving through the Tibetan plateau you see the
lushness of the foothills as well as the austerity of
the high altitude desert. On the drive from Kathmandu
to Lhasa you will be struck by the unremitting desert
where vast open skies frame dramatic massifs of ice
and stone against brown shot through with occasional
green barley and blue water. There are temples and
palace squares with art rich and varied beyond all
imagination, and monasteries where the air, redolent
with the odours of butter lamps and juniper incense,
carries through the wind centuries of tradition. The
fluttering prayer flags everywhere are the most
obvious expression of the spirituality and faith that
permeates every aspect of the lives of Tibetan
Buddhists. In Nepal, the cosmopolitan history of the
Newars of Kathmandu Valley comes alive in the
sophisticated palace squares. The views of 8,000 m
peaks like Everest, Xixapangma, and Cho Oyu reinforce
the awe-inspiring powers of the natural world.
Mt Kailash (6,700 m) is the most sacred spot for
Hindus and Buddhists alike, and in many worldviews
across Asia this sacred mountain together with its
holy Manasarovar lake are seen as the centre of the
world. The source of four major rivers of the region,
including the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and the
Indus, this power place rejuvenates all visitors,
helping illuminate their way along the journey of
life. Circumambulating the holy mountain and taking a
dip in the pristine, icy waters of the lake are
supposed to wash away the sins of one lifetime,
therefore the more times one performs this prescribed
pilgrimage, called kora in Tibetan, the closer one
comes to wiping one's karmic slate clean, and 108 kora
performed in one lifetime ensure the devotee nirvana.
Interestingly, though Hindus and Buddhists
circumambulate the holy mountain clockwise, as they
perform all rituals, you will nevertheless see a large
number of Tibetans performing the kora
counter-clockwise. These are adherents of the Bön
faith, the pre-Buddhist animist faith of Tibet that
survives in various degraded forms to this day.
Tentative Program
|
Day |
Program |
|
Day 01 |
Arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International
Airport and transfer to hotel. |
|
Day 02 |
Although there are numerous local sacred spaces and
temples, a few are standouts on any visit to Nepal.
Baudhanath is one of the largest chhorten in the
world, and it is every Tibetan Buddhists' dream to
worship here at least once. It is the centre of Sherpa
and Tibetan (refugee) culture in Nepal. This splendid
stupa ringed by shops is reminiscent of the Jorkhang/
Barkhor in Lhasa, and is the focal point of a few
score monasteries in the neighbourhood. The best known
Hindu temple, considered the most sacred spot in the
Valley, and certainly where the palace takes its
religious guidance from is Pashupatinath. This gilded
pagoda-style temple, reminiscent of other temples
around the Valley, is set in a massive shady grove
through which the Bagmati flows. On a little hillside
behind the main temple are numerous small shrines and
covered meditation slabs. The old city-state of
Bhaktapur is one of the best preserved Heritage sites
in the world - an entire large village/ small town
seems to have stopped in time - the traditional houses
with ornate struts and carved windows, winding
alleyways with a potters' square or old threshing
centre around a sudden corner, splendid stone and wood
statuary, temples, and palace, all make the experience
of visiting it pure magic. |
|
Day 03 |
After
settling in at your hotel, you go to see the
cobblestoned complex of Kathmandu's Darbar Square.
Here are the spectacular 16th century wooden temple
called Kasthamandap, the simple, well-proportioned
neo-classical palace where the king of Nepal is
crowned, and the large scary mask-statue of the god
Bhairab, still an object of everyday veneration. Most
interesting is also the Kumari's house, a small
white-painted building with the traditional wooden
struts and windows through which you can sometimes see
the young girl worshipped as the Living Goddess. The
third centre of the old city-states, Patan Darbar
Square, is home to numerous temples and Buddhist baha,
or temple-monastery complexes, some with remarkable -
and well-preserved murals, as well as lost-wax
detailing, stone statues, and fine gilding, the art
all again illustrating how intertwined Hindu and
Buddhist culture have been for centuries in the
Valley.The other major stupa in Kathmandu,
Swayambhunath, which stands spectacularly gilded and
imposing on a hill north-west of Kathmandu, is
supposed to have arisen out of the ground of its own
volition. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, it is
considered to be of more importance to Buddhists such
as Manangis and Tamangs. There are numerous little
shrines all around that are visited by all. |
|
Day 04 |
Drive
to Nylam (150km), 3750m: Morning after breakfast leave
Kathmandu to commence yatra to Nyalam [3800M]. We
reach Friendship Bridge [Nepal – China Boarder] by
mini-coach. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the
bridge and there get acquainted with Chinese guide and
land cruiser drivers. They will give a brief
information regarding the further trip then proceed
the journey to Zangmu, where all the immigration and
custom formalities are ought to be accomplished. After
the accomplishment of all formalities, we proceed to
Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay at
guesthouse. |
|
Day 05 |
Rest
Day at Nylam, 3750m: Acclimatization. |
|
Day
06 |
Saga/4450m: (Labug-La 5050m, Peku-tso and Saga, 232km)
On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky
land of Tibet, other things like lake, nomads chasing
thousands of yaks and sheep keep you busy. By the late
afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River way to
typical Chinese and Tibetan town, Saga for night.
|
|
Day 07 |
Paryang (4600m) 185 km 7-8 hrs: 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 near by you, lots of rocky peaks and sand duns
give you an ideal world. Depends on season, nomads and
other mobile shopkeepers are attired by beautiful
traditional costume, waiting your arrival with hot tea
and other supplies along with big smile. |
|
Day 08 |
Drive
Paryang to Manasarover (4558m) 277km 8 hours: The
longest driving day starts with full of excitement, by
the late afternoon you can have the first sight of
Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovara. Hore, a small
village near by Lake Manasarover, we will spend Some
time there..
Holy-Manasarovara: At 14950-ft/ 4558m. The highest
lake of fresh water with turquoise complexion in the
world is full of fishes and swans. Holy Kailash Parbat,
Mt. Gurula-Mandala, Lake Rashekshi are lying on its
surrounding. The region is considered rich for gold
and other mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild
living creatures. Night will be spending at Chu Gumba. |
|
Day 09 |
Puja
and drive to Tarchen (14975ft) 40km: Manasarovara is
the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After
completing the memorable morning Bath and Puja we will
be heading towards Tarchen. It is considered as a base
camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama. |
|
Day
10 |
Trek
to Dehara Puk/5000m: It is one of the exciting days
walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls
with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you
feeling that Great God Shiva is every where with tons
of blessing to you. Time to time the face of Kailash
Parbat will be keep on appearing. For 15 km trail it
takes almost 7 hrs. |
|
Day
11 |
Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra with
Dolma-La (pass) of 18600ft between two valleys:
Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal
while your steps go closer to the pass. Once you reach
the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for
meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go
down, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By
the late afternoon you will arrive Zuthal Puk (the
cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is
supposed to have performed miracles here). |
|
Day
12 |
End
of Kailash Parikrama and drive to Manasarovara: After
walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting
your arrival. By the late afternoon you will be at
your lodge/camp. |
|
Day
13 |
Drive
to Paryang (277km) 7-8 hr. |
|
Day
14 |
Drive
Paryang to Saga (185km) 7-8 hrs |
|
Day
15 |
Drive
to Saga / Nyalam (296km) 6-7 hr. |
|
Day
16 |
On
the drive to Zhangmou on the border with Nepal the
landscape will start to slowly become less dramatic
and more invitingly green. After a quick stop drive
the last 120 km down through Nepal's calming green
subtropical middle hills to reach Kathmandu. |
|
Day
17 |
On a
saddle on the Valley rim is the hill resort of
Nagarkot (2,190 m). Here you can take walks through
serene pine forests and see the best of the low alpine
scenery of the Himalaya. The view from here of the
verdant Valley with its silver strings of rivers and
pagodas glinting gold in the distance are famous,
though equally precious and truly brilliant is the
panorama on a clear day, which stretches from the
Annapurnas to Everest. |
|
Day
18 |
Transfer to the airport for back to home. |
Cost on your request
FOR PACKAGES INCLUDING TIBET
All
terms and conditions quoted in the Nepal section
apply. In addition, please note the following:
Cost quoted on itineraries
includes:
-
Airport-hotel transfer at arrival and departure
-
Domestic land and air transport as described in
itinerary
-
Accommodation in Nepal/ Tibet with breakfast as
described in itinerary
-
Full board or camping treks like the Everest
Advanced Base Camp and Mt Kailash
-
All
sightseeing in the company of an English-speaking
guide
-
All
city/ monument /monastery entrance fees
-
Fee
for the Tibet permit/ visa.
-
All
government taxes on said fees
-
Yaks and yak drivers to carry gear and loads during
the Kailash circumambulation
-
Ground transfers in Tibet using Toyota Land
Cruisers,minibus and support truck
-
The
services of our Sherpa staff
-
All
trekking and camping equipment including Gamow bags
(to alleviate severe altitude sickness), sleeping
bags, and oxygen cylinders
Cost
quoted does not include:
-
Your international flight into and out of Nepal
-
Travel insurance
-
Domestic and international airport taxes
-
Lunch and dinner, (except on tented treks), and
drinks in Kathmandu/ Tibet (US$5-10 per day)
-
Tips, souvenirs or other shopping
-
Photography and/ or videography charges in the
monasteries and other tourist attractions.
Insurance
Personal expenses incurred for drinks, snacks, tips,
etc
Any extra cost involved on the road should there be
an unavoidable delay due to, for example, a
landslide or similar unforeseeable events.
Extra nights at any lodge
Yak/ porter for individual use
Rescue/ evacuation and any additions costs
associated with being split from the main group or
from a serious health condition.
Urgent visa fee
Risk & Liability:
We , Tin - Tin Trekking do our best to ensure that you
have a smooth and pleasant journey. When travelling to
Tibet, you should, however, be aware that all
tours/trekking there are run strictly as per
conditions set by the Tibet Tourism Authority.
Therefore neither Tin -Tin Trekking or its agents
shall not be responsible for any change or
cancellation of program due to unavoidable
circumstances such as a road blockade, a flood, snow,
unrest, cancellation of flight, delay in arrival of
clients, sickness or accidents, and breakdown of
vehicles. Any extra cost incurred as a result of any
such occurrence will be borne by the clients on the
spot. It is most important that clients have full
medical and personal accident risk insurance.
Note :
We do organise any Tibet tour separately from any
destination on your request.
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