Tour into the Heart of Tibetan Civilization

Tibet holds more than higher peaks and valleys. It has rich history and traditions. Cultural travel to the Yarlung Valley in Tibet means traveling to the cradle of Tibetan Civilization. The Yarlung Valley is only 45 miles long, but it is rich with stupas, monasteries, temples and meditation caves.

Take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa which passes over the high Himalayan peaks and then roam around central Tibet. While visiting central Tibet, you will come across Tibet’s first monastery which named ‘Samye’, Tibet first king’s palace, Yambulagang, as well as the Yarlong valley and the tombs of the Tibetan kings, the beautiful Yamdoktso Lake, the high passes of Mount Nyicheng Gangsang, Gyantse  (Kubum stupa), and Shigatse (Tashilunbu Monastery), home of the Panchen Lama.

Furthermore, our cultural tour encompasses Tsedang and Samye, the ancient capital of Tibetan Kings, from where the Tibetan civilization evolved and flourished. In covering Tibetan Civilization, we will visit the first building and palace of the first Tibetan King of Tibet; Yumbulakhang and the ancient Tombs of former Tibetan Kings.

We also pay our visit to Mindroling and Samye monastery, the first monastery of Tibet from where Buddhism took its root in Tibet. After visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and other major sites in Lhasa, we explore Ganden Monastery east of Lhasa, one of the most spectacular sites of Tibet built in 1490 which once housed over 4000 monks.

Browse Himalayan Glacier’s Tibet tour packages that involve observation of ancient Tibetan culture and religion. The exploration tour makes passage to deeper insights into the fabrics of the Tibetan Buddhist way of life in the past and in the present.

7 Reasons to Visit Tibet

Are you dreaming of discovering the “Roof of the World” Tibet? Tibet has everything that you’re seeking for other worldly experience. Throughout Tibet and especially in the Himalayan region, life is surrounded by the mysterious landscapes and legends. Imagine a caravan of yaks that progresses slowly in landscapes where snowy peaks, plateaus and mountain lakes are bathed in an extraordinary light, that of the high mountains. From Lhasa’s streets, to medieval towns of Tibet to ancient monasteries, Tibet has long been a mysterious land of lakes and rivers, mighty snow peaks, and temples and monasteries – with its spiritual air, an unearthly mystical land of Buddhist culture and philosophy. Immerse yourself in the world of ancient monasteries, mountains, lakes, springs, and a totally back-to-history lifestyle.

1. Lhasa: Lhasa, the Tibet Capital, is perhaps the most exotic destination in the world. Some of the important landmarks in Lhasa are:

Potala: Perhaps, Potala is the most famous landmark in Tibet. The Potala Palace used to be the winter palace of the Dalai Lama.

Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street: Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as you roam around the city.

2. Everest Base Camp in Tibet
Everest – ‘The roof of the world’, the highest peak in the world. Interestingly, from Tibet Side, you can drive right up to the Base Camp of the Everest. Most of Tibet’s territory being high mountains above 4,000 meters, the region has rightly earned the nickname of “The Roof of the World.”

3. Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar
Mount Kailash (6714 meters) is perhaps the most sacred mountain in the world. For the Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and the region of Mount Meru. Mount Kailash is also origin of many Himalayan rivers including the four greatest rivers of Asia. Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold an important place among the followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Bön and Jainism.

4. Monasteries in Tibet:
The 14th century Drepung Monastery, which lies on the Gambo Utse Mountain about 8km west of central Lhasa, used to be one of world’s largest monasteries.
Yambulakhang was the summer palace of Songtsen Gompa and his wife before Norbulingkha was completed
The Samye Monastery or Samye Gompa is considered to be the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet.

5. Dzongsar Valley & Horse Racing Festival:
The Dzongsar region is an isolated and exotic place to visit in Tibet. Visit the 13th century Dzongsar Monastery which is perched on a steep cliff. During the Litang Horse Festival celebrated in August, people from the whole region come here to trade, celebrate, ride, and compete with each other.

6. Kham & Derge:
Derge, also called Dege, is the cultural center of Kham area as well as Tibetan Printing Center. Derge is the birthplace of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, the founder and guide of the Dzogchen Community in the West. At an early age, he was recognized as the reincarnation of Adzam Drugpa, another great teacher of Dzogchen.

7. Garuda Valley:
The legendary Garuda Valley, lying southwest of Mt Kailash, is one of the center points of the ancient Zhang Zhung Kingdom. The Garuda Valley still contains mysterious caves some of which have never been explored. For those interested in the archeological and historical sites, Garuda Valley offers a magnificent exploration.

Check out some of the best Tibet Tours Packages

Tibet Tour

In regards to our Tibet trip, just wanted to let you know we had a great time and are very grateful to you for assisting us in organizing such memorable trip.

Some key points in order:

The driver who took us to the border was nice and chatty and took good care of us on our final journey in Nepal. The young chap who assisted is with the border crossing was very nice and made this process very easy.

Our Tibetan guide and driver were great. They were very helpful and most accommodating with changes in the itinerary we made on route. They struck a good balance between looking after us but also giving us space to do as we wanted (that was one of my initial worries with a trip like this, as I’m quite independent and not used to being guided).

The Land Cruiser was showing its age a bit and the heater was no the most reliable. Having said that it was comfortable and reliable. A couple of warm blankets in the boot might be an idea for those of us allergic to the cold.

Accommodation at most places was of a standard above that which I had expected. The hotel in Lhasa was fantastic, very comfortable beds, good underfloor heating and friendly staff. The hotel in Shingatse was also very nice. The hotel in Old Tingri was a bit worse for wear (even the Lonely planet guide suggests looking elsewhere), so this may be an opportunity for improvement in future.

We were very happy with the itinerary in terms of the sights that we visited, and feel we saw everything we wanted to. The guide seemed very knowledgable and was able to answer all our questions relating to the sights we visited as well as any other things we wanted to know.

Breakfast – I think the Tibetans feel that all westerners must have eggs and bread in the mornings – I’m sure its them just trying to be hospitable, but we would have been much happier with what the locals ate (the tibetan bread has the consistency and atomic number of lead). Food everywhere else was good and our guides picked out some good lunch spots for us, we especially liked the lunch stop in our drivers home town.

We did have the small misunderstanding at the final set of hot springs as it wasn’t clear that we had to pay extra to use them. We were however grateful for your understanding and willingness to rectify the situation on the spot, this from our perspective was very good customer service.

Overall we were very happy with the service you provided us both in organizing and executing our trip. I believe a sign of good service is a clients willingness to recommend that service to others. I would have no hesitation in recommending Himalayan Glacier Trekking to others.

Thanks once again for your help with our trip, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Warm Regards

Stephen

Trip to Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim+West Bengal 36 days across the Himalayas

It is not easy to start describing in few notes the fantastic trip we had around the Himalayas covering 4 different countries/territories and which you organised tailor-made impeccably to the last detail!
When we decided to embark on this trip, I searched in the Internet for a good local travel agency to prepare this trip for us. I always organize my trips in this way, on the many journeys we have done so far around the globe and will continue to do so. Local agents are far better in comparison with Western only based agencies, which are mere intermediaries. Local agencies have better knowledge of the situation, give much better on the spot support if needed, and above all we can get a better deal. After some search in early 2011 immediately Himalayans Glaciers appeared the one for sure to choose, and am glad I made this decision!
Thank you Narayan for having put together this journey for us, which I will try to summarize below. Will no doubt recommend your company to my friends who intend to visit this part of the world!

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Wonderful Trip Nepal to Tibet

Thank you so much for a wonderful trip to Nepal and Tibet. It was an unforgettable experience for us both.

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Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarowar Journey

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour via EBC and Kathmandu Sightseeing

Page and I want you to know just how much we enjoyed our trip through Tibet into Nepal. All of the arrangements you made for us were excellent.

When we left the train station in Lhasa, we saw our guide, Migmar holding up a sign with our name on it. From then until we left Migmar and our driver, Jong Dong. at the border in Zhangmu, we were in good hands. Jong Dong is an excellent driver and Migmar proved to be a walking encyclopedia on all things Tibet. Page and I both agree that the highlight of our entire trip was our visit to Everest Base Camp. We highly recommend that all of your guests spend a night in one of the tents at base camp. Sorry, but we can’t say the same about the hotel in Tingri.

The Hotel Courtyard in Kathmandu was just what we needed, a quite oasis in the center of bustling Thamel neighborhood. After eight days above 12,000 feet, the rich air was also just what we needed. Our tour of the City with Dr Krishna Kharel was exciting. I particularly enjoyed the Durbar Square area. The food and entertainment at our departure dinner was a rare treat.

Thank you and all of your staff at Himalayan Glacier Trekking for making our trip an adventure to remember. Page is already talking about a tour of India for our next vacation.

Thanks again,

Dick and Page Sute
Nepal and Tibet Tour
June 2010

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland Tour

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