Description

The Tibet extension tour offers you the possibility to extend your Nepal trip with an extra trip to Tibet. From Kathmandu, we fly to Lhasa and visit all the highlights.

The Tibet extension tour is a unique opportunity to visit magical Tibet when you’re traveling in Nepal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu – Lhasa

• We depart on an early morning flight to Lhasa.

• Arrival at Lhasa Airport (3700m) after an hour and ten minutes flight which flies over the panoramic peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and the southern Tibetan Plateau.

• Transfer and check-in to your hotel.

• After a short break, we will explore Lhasa’s old quarter. Here you find the interesting pilgrimage kora (circuit) of Barkhor where some pilgrims perform ritual prostration around the entire Kora. Barkhor is also known for its typical Tibetan open market where hundreds of merchants, traders and artisans set up shop to sell their wares to the people of Lhasa and the innumerable pilgrims.

• In the late afternoon, we visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of the region. Founded in the mid-7th century, today it hums with pilgrims murmuring chants and spinning prayer wheels amidst a myriad of flickering yak butter lamps. We will also attend an evening prayer recital in the temple.

• Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or similar

Day 2: Lhasa

• If you’re imagining Tibet, chances are you’re picturing the Potala Palace. It remains a symbol of Tibetan autonomy and seat of the government in-exile of the Dalai Lama. It’s also a treasure trove of traditional culture, an amazing architectural marvel, and a World Heritage Site. Climb through some of its 13 levels, housing 1000 rooms.

• Later, we offer the opportunity to gain an insight into the world of ancient Tibetan holistic healing at the Metzekhang medicine center.

• Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or similar

Day 3: Lhasa

• In the morning we travel north of central Lhasa to one of two great Gelugpa monasteries. Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery became famous for its Tantric teachings.

• At Sera, the monks perform a clapping ritual which is good-natured, boisterous and fun, and visitors are welcome to join.

• Just outside Lhasa lies the Drepung Monastery, once the largest in the world. Within the periphery of the monastery lies the Ganden Palace which was the home of the Dalai Lamas from the time it was founded by the 2nd Dalai Lama until the 5th built the Potala. The Dalai Lama’s former Summer Palace, Norbulingka, is a shady retreat out of town and a pleasant place at which to spend an afternoon.

• Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or similar

Day 4: Lhasa

• Morning drive 40 km’s north-east of Lhasa to Ganden Monastery (4500 m). Perched at the edge of the bowl-like Kyi-chu Valley, Ganden has dramatic views up and down the Lhasa River Valley. Attend a ritual prayer session in the monastery before taking a low ‘kora’ walk (1 hr) to visit a surreal-looking sky burial site.

  Later, set out for the cave dotted cliff-top of Drak Yerpa, a citadel of Tibetan Buddhism. The most famous landmark here, amongst many, is a holy cave which has served in the past as a meditation retreat for numerous sages and ascetics, most noteworthy of them being Guru Rinpoche and King Songsten Gampo. Late afternoon we drive back to Lhasa.

• Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or similar

Day 5: Kathmandu

• Today we fly back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day free for leisure and end of the Tibet extension tour.

Included

Following items are included in the Tibet Extension Tour:

• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary on a twin-share basis:
  • 4 nights in Lhasa in Kyichu Hotel or similar
• Meals:  as listed in the itinerary, 4xB
• Activities:
  • Barkhor market walk
  • Visits to (in Lhasa) Potala, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Ganden Palace, Ganden Monastery, Drak Yerpa
• Services of English speaking guide during included guided tours
• Private transport
• Airport transfers
• Flights: Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu
• Visa Tibet

Excluded

Following items are excluded from the Tibet Extension Tour:

• Travel insurance
• Any activities/ tours/ visits not mentioned in the itinerary
• Indicated optional activities
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Photography fee in monasteries in Tibet
• Any tips/ gratuities if considered earned for guides and drivers

What to bring

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST FOR THE TRIP – ‘Tibet Extension Tour.’

• 1 Medium backpack
• 1 Small day pack
• 1 rain jacket
• one 1-liter water bottle
• 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
• 1 Medium sized towel
• 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries, toilet paper, wet wipes
• Any personal medication including a first-aid kit
• Water purification solutions/ tablets
• Insect repellant
• 1 Pair sport shoes
• 2-3 Pairs lightweight trousers
• 2 Pair shorts
• 1 Light jacket
• 1 Down jacket / all weather Anorak
• 2 Fleece/warm sweater
• 2 Sweatshirt/light sweater
• 3-4 T-Shirts
• 2-3 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
• 4-5 Pairs socks
• Cotton Headscarf/bandanna
• Sunglasses and sunhat
• Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF)
• Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
• Power adapter with cylindrical pins

Items which can be rented locally

• 1 Down jacket / all weather Anorak

Optional

• Money belt
• 1 Pair Trekking poles, rubber tipped

Notes

The minimum number of participants for this Tibet Extension Tour is 2 persons.

Before you book the Tibet extension tour always contact us first at info@mundooz.com. VISA regulations tend to change. We might have to modify the itinerary accordingly.

There is a Single room supplement charge whether due to odd pax/sex ratio or opted by pax

Please contact us at info@mundooz.com if you have any questions about this tour.