Tibet Potala Palace1

The Roof Of The World, Tibet

from
$ 1,990.00

Tucked away in the mighty Himalayas, Tibet is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. Here, among the most majestic peaks on earth and the vast, windswept plateau, the Tibetan people have nurtured a unique and deeply spiritual way of life for centuries. From the ancient monasteries and temples that dot the landscape to the enduring practice of Tibetan Buddhism, this extraordinary region has much to offer the curious traveler. But the history of Tibet is also a complex and often tragic one, marked by political suppression and cultural struggle. Despite these challenges, the Tibetan spirit remains indomitable, and this mesmerizing land continues to beckon visitors from all corners of the globe.

The Tibetan landscape is breathtaking, with towering peaks, rolling hills, and vast grasslands providing a stunning backdrop for your journey. The region is also home to several natural wonders, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which offers endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities.

In addition to its natural beauty, Tibet is also home to a rich cultural heritage. The region has a unique culture that has been shaped by its history, religion, and geographic isolation. Tibetan Buddhism is integral to this culture and is reflected in the region’s many monasteries, temples, and other religious sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Tibetan people and are a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Eastern philosophy.

Whether you are interested in its natural beauty, cultural heritage, or political history, there is something for everyone in this unique and fascinating region.

  • Reviews 0 Reviews
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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      Culture, Discovery, Family, Guided Tours, History, Private
    • Activity Level Challenging
      5/8
    • Group Size Small Group

    Highlights

    • Crossing the border from Nepal into Tibet and entering the Tibetan Plateau
    • Rejoice in the beauty of Mount Everest from the Everest Base Camp.
    • Exploring the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and visiting landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
    • Visiting other Tibetan cities and towns such as Shegar and Gyantse
    • Experiencing Tibetan culture and Buddhism at monasteries and temples

    Why Travel To Tibet With Elite Explorer?

    When you travel with Elite Explorer, you can be assured that you will not simply be a spectator, passively observing the wonders of the world. Rather, you will be an active participant in the vibrant stories of the places you visit. We are committed to helping you feel more deeply connected to the places you go, whether it be the bustling streets of Kathmandu or the holy monasteries of Tibet. We strive to go beyond the surface level of a destination, delving into its history, culture, and people to truly bring it to life for you.

    With us, your journey will be more than just a vacation – it will be a transformative experience that allows you to feel more fully alive and connected to the world around you. As a group of seasoned travelers and passionate storytellers, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience that we are eager to share with you. Our goal is to make your trip a truly memorable and meaningful one, and we are dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure that you have the best possible experience. Whether it be through engaging and enlightening conversations, cultural activities, and workshops, or simply by taking the time to listen to your interests and tailor your itinerary to your needs, we are committed to making your tour a personalized and enriching one.

    So join us on a journey that will not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau but will also allow you to connect more deeply with the stories and people of these great regions. Come with us on this tour that goes beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary.

     

    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Kathmandu- Rasuwagadi- Kerung(Nepal Tibet Border) by a highly experienced driver by Jeep.
    • Tibet Tour from Kerung by a private van (vehicle).
    • Twin Sharing accommodation as per the itinerary with breakfast.
    • English-speaking Tibetan guide
    • Entry fees for the mentioned places
    • Tibet Travel permit
    • Portable oxygen cylinder in the vehicle
    • 1 bottle of water every day
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • Expenses incurred during unforeseen circumstances such as landslides, road blockades, snowfalls, political unrest, delayed arrival, sickness, etc
    • Lunch and dinner at a hotel or restaurant
    • Personal expenses including hot or cold beverages
    • Gratuity to staff
    • Services not mentioned herein
    1. Day 1 Kathmadu- Drive to Kerung approx 8 hours

      A road trip from Kathmandu to Kerung is a long and potentially bumpy ride. It’s definitely worth it though – the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning, with lush forests, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountain peaks all providing a beautiful backdrop for the journey. After completing immigration and customs formalities we drive uphill to Kerung. This is a Tibetan border town. The Tibetan guide will meet the group on arrival at the check post and we drive on further road climbs and climb up to Kerung.

       

    2. Day 2 Kerung- Drive to Shegar for approx 6 hours at the elevation of 4350 meters

      Today we will drive up to the Tibetan Plateau. The first high pass is Ghungtang Lhamo pass at 5236 meters. On our way up you will feel the change in the climate. Enjoy the Tibetan scenery. We will pass magnificent valleys and several Tibetan villages on our way. We will have enchanting views of Mount Shishapangma and Pekutso Lake.

    3. Day 3 Shegar (Tingri)-Drive to Rongbuk at 4980 m, visit Rongbuk Monastery & EBC at 5200 m then drive back to Shegar
      Early morning, we drive off route leaving the Friendship Highway and
      driving towards Base Camp and over Pang La pass (5150m), we can see an incredible view of the Himalayan range stretching from Mt. Malaku to Mt. Shisapangma. Before arriving at the Qomolangma/Everest Base Camp we stop at the world’s highest Rongbuk Monastery at (4980 m) and after taking a
      lunch break at Monastery Guest House we drive toward Base Camp. Enjoy the closer view of Mount Everest and drive the same way back to Shegar.
    4. Day 4 Shegar- Drive to Shigatse, visit Tashilimphu Monastery & Local Market at 3900 m

      After breakfast, we will drive to Shigatse where we will visit Tashilimphu Monastery and the local market. The Tashilimphu monastery was built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. The name of the monastery means ‘heap of glory’. The monastery was attacked by Nepalese Gurkha in 1791, but the Chinese drove them out again. The monastery has white walls and golden roofs. You will find the biggest statue of the sitting Maitreya Buddha in one of the chapels of this monastery.

      After the visit to the monastery, you will have time to experience daily Tibetan life on the local market. Smell the different fragrances and observe the colors of the local products. Mingle with locals and get a feel of Tibetan life.

    5. Day 5 Shigatse- Drive to Gyantse visit Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chorten then drive to Lhasa via Yamdrok Lake at 3600 m

      We will continue our journey to Gyantse, the third largest city in Tibet, where we will visit Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chorten. Khumbum Stupa is the only Nepalese-style Stupa built in Tibet. The name means ‘hundred thousand images of Buddha’ and that name reflects the decorations of the stupa. Walk up this Stupa in a clockwise direction. From the top, you will have a wonderful view of the old part of Gyantse.

      Pelkhor Chorten is located next to the Stupa and was built in 1418. The monastery is a mix of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture. This monastery consists of 15 different chapels and halls and houses three different orders of Tibetan Buddhism. The main temple of the monastery is the Tsulaklakang. This temple has three floors and you will find there murals and images from the 15th century.

      After lunch we will drive to Lhasa. On our way we will make a stop at Yamdrok Lake. Yamdrok Lake is a sacred lake and is one of the three biggest sacred lakes from Tibet. The views are stunning. The turquoise lake is 72 km long and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you will be able to see the holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

    6. Day 6 Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market and 3600 m

      This morning we visit the Potala Palace, the winter home of the Dalai Lamas and the most famous landmark in the world. Although the palace cannot be freely explored, you will experience some of its chapels including the audience hall, the golden burial Chorten (Tomb) of Past Dalai Lamas, a tremendous number of paintings done on the wall, a Statue, Thangka, and Mandala, etc.

      After lunch, we will visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and an important sacred site in Tibet.  The Temple was founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princes Bhrikuti of Nepal, both are said to have brought important Buddhist images and statues from Nepal & China to Tibet as part of their dowries. After visiting Temple explore Barkhor surrounding, and watch the pilgrims prostrating themselves near the front gate of Jokhang Temple. Take part in a clockwise circuit walking around the temple, walk around narrow alleys to explore old Lhasa city.

    7. Day 7 Visit Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery: 3600 m

      This morning we will drive 8 km northwest of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Geluk Monasteries of Tibet, founded by Jamyang Choje in 1416. The Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and was once home to as many as 10000 monks. This winter Palace was the residence of hundreds of monks from all the major Geluk monasteries for staffing individual Chapels.

      In the afternoon drive 5km away from Lhasa to Sera Monastery founded in 1419, which is another one of the “great three” Geluk monasteries of Tibet. The monastery is well known for the monks’ debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon.

    8. Day 8 Lhasa- Departure

      While in Lhasa, you can also choose to go to some other places and continue traveling. You can decide what interests you the best. If you choose to go back to Kathmandu, and eventually back to your first home (Nepal will have become your second home by this time!), we will escort you to the airport.

    Jokhang Temple Tibet
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    hotel-manasarovar-tibet
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    yak-hotel-Lhasa
    yak-hotel-Lhasa

    Can I customize my tour?

    Yes, you can.

    Can I make changes to the itinerary when I am in Tibet?

    Unfortunately, you are not allowed to make any changes to the itinerary when you are in Tibet. The Tibetan permit is issued based on the itinerary and clearly states the places, entry, and exit of your visit.

    How do I enter Tibet from Nepal?

    There are two ways to enter Tibet from Nepal. You can either drive in from the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung, which is one of the best ways for acclimatization as we drive to Lhasa. The second option is to take a flight to Lhasa.

    Is it safe to fly into Lhasa directly? Do I have to worry about altitude sickness?

    Yes, it is safe to fly into Lhasa directly. However, some people may experience altitude sickness due to the significant altitude variation from 1300 meters in Kathmandu to 3600 meters in Lhasa. To prevent sickness, we take necessary precautions and advise our clients not to consume alcoholic beverages a few days before their flight or drive and to drink plenty of water. Additionally, we provide Acetazolamide (Diamox) 24 hours prior to your travel and throughout the trip. It is important to consult your doctor before taking such medication. Furthermore, we carry handy oxygen cylinders throughout the trip to mitigate altitude sickness.

    How is the weather in Tibet?

    Due to the country’s expansive terrain at high elevations, the climate tends to be quite unpredictable. Most of the time, it is cold, with Lhasa and its surroundings experiencing cool and bright days. However, evenings, nights, and mornings can be quite chilly, so it is advisable to bring warm clothing.

    When is the best time to travel to Lhasa?

    The most ideal time to travel is from August to September, although April to November is also a good period to visit.

    Does Tibet have its own currency?

     No, the unit of currency is the Chinese Yuan. All foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, and you can also exchange some in Kathmandu.

    Are there ATMs in Tibet?

     Yes, ATMs are easily available in major towns like Lhasa and Shigatse. However, they may be more difficult to find in smaller towns.

    Are specific nationalities barred from obtaining a visa to Tibet?

     Not really. If you are not involved in politics and remain a tourist who stays with their tour, you will not encounter any issues.

    How about internet facilities?

     Cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse have access to the Internet. Moreover, hotels also provide internet facilities.

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