Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa and Cradle of Tibetan civilization - 10 Days

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Trip Facts

Trip Name:
Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa and Cradle of Tibetan civilization
Activities:
Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, 4x4 Driving, Exclusive Luxury Trip, Overland Tours
Trip Grade:
Moderate
Trip Duration:
10 days
Accommodation:
Hotels and Guest Houses are included.
Transportation:
Within Lhasa our transportation will be served by car or minibus and outside Lhasa Land Cruiser(4WD TOYOTA) will be at our journey.
Altitude:
5050m/16564ft
Meals:
We will be served bed and breakfast.
Group Size:
minimum 2 people
Price from:
US$ 1595

Trip Introduction

Tibet - the sacred land of Shangri-La - the land of the people who believe in the transitoriness of everything in life is one of the world's most sought after destinations for truly great experience in a life-time. Tibet, once an independent country, embraced the Mahayana Buddhism as its guiding political and social doctrine until recently. In fact, even these days, there's hardly much difference between the social and religious lifestyle of the Tibetans. Tibet, with its spiritual air, temples and monasteries, lakes and rivers, and mighty snow peaks offers an unearthly mystical land of Buddhist culture and philosophy. Whether spiritual seeker in search of the mystery of life or seeking an adventure to challenge ownrself, join Himalayan glacier's rendezvous epic journeys across the Tibetan Plateau into Tibet's remotest and mystical heartlands. The highland of Tibet and its typical geographical position has been exploited since the ancient times by explorers and adventurers, pilgrims, traders, and even missionaries.


View Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa in a larger map
The desire to stroll through the streets of Tsedang, Lhasa or visit Dalai Lama's Potala and Norbulingka or visit Barkhor Market in Lhasa will be strolling experience through the cradle of Tibetan civilization.

Along with the Dalai Lama's Potala, we visit the 2nd century BC palace of Yumbulakhang, Jokhang, Norbulingka, Drepung, and Ganden. We further can meditate in the ancient caves at Drakyerpa or pay homage to great spiritual masters. While walking along the shores of one of world's highest lakes, the Namtso Lake we alos traverse through wonderful scenery dominated by green meadows, river gorges, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and enchanting flora and fauna of Tibet. Besides, we mingle with the people who are following the same lifestyle for thousands of years and enjoy their reception with Tibetan Yak butter tea.

If we are interested in making some other Tibet trips, we can visit through Himalayan Glacier Tibet Tour Packages. we can select one of Himalayan Glacier's packages like Lhasa Explore - 5 days, Explore Tibet - 18 days, Kham to Lhasa via Dzogchen, Dzongsar, Pelyul monasteries overland tour - 17 days, Dzogchen valley, birthplace of Namkhai Norbu and Lhasa: Kham to Kathmandu overland tour - 17 days, Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour - 8 days, Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp - 10 Days, Kathmandu, Lhasa and around and Kailash - 21 days, and Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour - 22 days.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 Fly to Lhasa, transfer to Tsedang
Upon our Trans Himalayan on of the most beautiful flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa within 1 hour 10 minutes, we will be hosted by the enthralling views of Everest (8848m) and Kanchenjunga (8536m). From Gonggar Airport or train station we will be escorted by Tibetan guide through Tsedang (3700m) into the heartland of "the cradle of Tibetan civilization". Tibetans believe that the first king Nyatri Tsenpo came to Tibet from the sky. Then, he and six other kings governed Lhasa after him before returing back to the sky by the sky rope.
Day 02 Morning visit Changzu Monastery, afternoon drive to Samye Monastery
Our encounter with Tibet begin with a visit to the palace of Yambulakhang which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Next we will visit Chedruk Temple to round off our visit to Tsedang. At afternoon, we drive 65km to Samye Monastery which is on hill. Overnight at Hotel Yalung River Hotel.
Day 03 Sightseeing and drive to Lhasa 190 Kms, 3 hours driving
At the dawn we visit Yongbulakhang Palacewhich which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. At noon we drive to Lhasa and at en-route we visit the famous Mindrolin Monastery which covers a large area of over 100,000 square meters (approx. 119,599 square yards). It is one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhism monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect. The monastery was originally built in the late 10th century and has been renovated several times. Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa (3650m).
Day 04 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. We further stroll through the equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We again visit to Barkhor Market where we can view stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods and exhibited Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as we return to the comforts of our hotel.
Day 05 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Like the previous day, we experience invaluable insights into Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.
Day 06 Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Drigung Tel and Terdrom Hot spring
After breakfast, we drive for Mozugongar County via Drayerpa Cave and again visit the Gandan Monastery. After finishing lunch, we drive to Drigung Tel Monastery from where we continue or drive to Terdrom hot-spring (75 Kms, off road). Overnight stay in Basic Guesthouse.
Day 07 Drive to Reting Monastery (180 Kms, off road)
We drive for Damxung county via Reting Monastery (180 Kms, off road) Reting Monastery, the special temple for high Lame like as Dalai lama`s teacher. Again we head for Dangxung County ( 80 Kms), southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region where we can see the north Tibet Grass view. Overnight at local Guesthouse.
Day 08 Drive to Namutso Lake (60 Kms, 2 hours)
After breakfast, we drive to Namutso Lake, the highest lake in the world staying at 4,718m above sea level. It is 72km long from east to west and 30km wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square kilometers. Some 60km to the northwest of Damxung County seat, it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives high respects among the local people. On the Tibetan year of sheep, pilgrims from faraway come here to walk around the lake. It takes more than 10 days to circle the lake once. At noon, we walk around the most highest and the most beautiful Lakeside in Tibet. Overnight at Lakeside Guesthouse.
Day 09 Morning back to Lhasa via Yabachen Hot spring, 220 km, 4 hrs
Today, we visit to the famous hot spring at north Tibet and take shower where we will also have the great views of Nianchentangula Snowing mountain. After lunch at Yangbachen small town we stroll thorught the town. At noon we back to Lhasa city. Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.
Day 10 Final departure from Lhasa or extention of the tour
At this juncture we are free. So, eith we make our own itinerary or we contact at Himalayan Glacier to extend our trip. We are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China as well. However, if we would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, Himalayan Glacier can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.

Important Note and Optional Activities: Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

What's Included

  • Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits
  • Around Lhasa car/min bus transfer
  • Outside Lhasa 4WD transportation
  • Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (except in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside) with breakfast
  • English speaking Tibetan guide
  • All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Chinese visa fee {depends on the country where you will issue this}
  • Flights from Tibetan gateway (Kathmandu, Beijing, Chengdu etc) to Lhasa
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
  • Tips for guides and driver

Tour Cost

Minimum 2 people: USD 1595 per person
( Note! above price valid until end of 2012 )

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medial issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don't arrange or sell insurance.

Accommodations

All accommodations have been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. All accommodation is based on twin share except in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside. During our tour we will use Yalung River or similar Hotel in Tsedang, Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, and guest house in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside . Single supplement will be served on request. But, it cost US$290 single supplement fee. We should bear in mind this is a standard overland package. For private or upgraded tour, we can contact Himalayan Glacier.

Meals

Morning breakfast is included in main cities when it is served by the hotel (Tsedang, Lhasa). Breakfasts, lunch, dinner and any extra food in other places are up to visitors. As a rough guide, budget Yuan 60 to Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) per day.

Acclimatization

We are traveling on highest plateau in the world and so Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is something weshould be aware of. This potentially fatal medical condition is caused by gaining altitude too fast. The higher we trek in, the lesser oxygen will be in the air. If the body is not given time to adjust, it can cause serious problems - even death. Our body needs sufficient time to adapt. So Himalayan Glacier highly recommends allowing sufficient time to acclimatize before beginning this journey. AMS is a very unpredictable, yet all of Himalayan Glacier's guides are very experienced with the symptoms and treatment of AMS. Himalayan Glacier does strongly advise visitors to consult doctors who have  heart, lungs or blood diseases before traveling.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

All tour leaders at Himalayan Glacier speak fluent English and know all the complexities and history of the areas they travel in. Himalayan Glacier's Tibet trips are run in cooperation with Tibetan counterpart. So we can be assured that authentic local touch. For the Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour there will be one leader for each group. Himalayan Glacier can run the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour for as few as two people and up to eight people. However if we like to make a group booking for more than eight people it can easily be arranged upon our choice.

Health & Experience Requirements

Lhasa and Around Tour involves five to six hours driving per day, and in few cases comparatively little walking (indeed, walking is not mandatory). However, it is all at very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical requirements, but high altitude experience is a plus.

Best Seasons

Best season for Lhasa and around, 10 days tour
Autumn (August, Sept, & Oct), spring (March & April) and summer (May, June & July) are the best seasons for this wonderful Trans Himalayan overland journey. No matter about the group size, this tour can be arranged for both individuals and small group travelers any time on our request.

Equipments & Packing List

Please refer to it before undertaking the journey. Also note that some of the items listed below are a matter of personal preference but are intended as suggestions through our experience and suggestions from previous clients.

Documents
The documents provided below are a must and should be with you at all times.

  • Valid Passport
  • Medical Insurance card(s)
  • Address book
  • Airline tickets, e-tickets, etc.
  • Passport size photos (minimum of 4)

Note: Himalayan Glacier will organize all the necessary permits. You can get a visa for Nepal upon landing at the Kathmandu Airport. We will also help you get a Chinese visa in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to enter Nepal via Tibet (China) we recommend you to acquire a Chinese visa from your home country. Please visit Tibet Entry Procedures for more information.

We also recommend you to make copies of passport, visas, permits, airline tickets/schedule, travelers check numbers, etc. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.

Insurance
Keep in mind that Tibet is a remote location, and if you become seriously injured or very sick, you may need to have a good insurance policy to cover the necessary expenses.

Vaccination
Provided below is the vaccination list. However, we advise you to consult your doctor before proceeding.

  • Hepatitis A
  • 3 in 1 vaccination for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
  • Hepatitis B
  • Vaccination against typhus, as the hygienic condition is not always good. If you are planning adventure trips through the countryside lasting more than 4 weeks you should consider vaccination against Japanese encephalitis and Rabies as well.

Clothing
In Tibet the weather is cool during summer (with cold wind) and excruciatingly cold in winter. Plus, you will not be staying in one place for long. Therefore, consider carrying warm, lightweight, hand-washable and quick-drying clothes.

  • Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
  • A pair of shorts, mid-thigh or longer
  • Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
  • T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
  • Undergarments (optimum supply)
  • Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
  • Rain jackets and pants
  • A warm cap and a sun hat with brim and chin strap
  • Bandanna or scarf
  • Belt
  • Pajamas
  • Decent swim suit
  • Comfortable and sturdy shoes, if possible waterproof
  • Tennis shoes or sandals
  • Comfortable, breathable socks ("Smartwool" or "Thorlos" are both excellent)

Toiletries

  • Soap, shampoo (2 in 1 shampoo with conditioner is preferable instead of carrying a separate conditional bottle)
  • Shaving items
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Hairbrush, comb, mirror, nail clippers
  • Wet-wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sun block lotion (at least SPF 15)
  • Facial tissue
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Small towel
  • Toilet paper
  • Q-tips
  • Tampons and sanitary napkins
  • Sewing kit

Baggage

  • Duffel bag or a suitcase
  • Day pack bag for daily activities and easy access
  • Waterproof plastic bags/ or zip lock bags (Plastic garbage bags are useful to protect sleeping bag, etc. from wet weather, 'zip-lock' bags are useful for storage in dusty/wet environments)

Electronics

  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
  • Video camera, tapes
  • Tripod
  • Batteries (extra batteries are always a good idea)
  • GPS
  • Alarm clock
  • IPod, MP3 player
  • Calculator (for currency conversion) or Phone App
  • Battery chargers, Plugs

Note: It’s always a good idea to keep electronics warm and dry so storing them in sealed water-proof bags is a good idea. Also note that the electrical current in Tibet is 220v, AC 50 Hz. There are numerous different plug types used in Tibet, so it might be easier to purchase an adapter once you get there.

Medical supplies/ First Aid
Take an adequate supply of any prescription medication you use regularly and consult your doctor before the trip. Most over-the-counter medicines are available in Lhasa but are more difficult to obtain outside of urban areas.

  • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen or aspirin
  • Anti Diarrhea pills
  • Iron supplements (for women)
  • Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
  • Band-Aids/plasters
  • Gauze bandages and tape
  • Throat lozenges
  • Vitamin supplements (available in Lhasa but of lower quality and dosage)
  • Antihistamines
  • Ace bandage
  • Malaria pills (consult your doctor)
  • Antibiotics (consult your doctor)

Water Purification Equipments
Bottled mineral water and thermoses of boiled water are available for purchase everywhere throughout Tibet.  However, water purification tablets can be useful during excursions.

  • Steripen
  • Water filter
  • Iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets

Miscellaneous Items

  • Good UV protection sunglasses with straps (this is very important against strong high altitude sun)
  • Eyeglasses or contacts and plenty of cleaning solution (carrying extra eyeglasses is recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Swiss knife
  • Notebook (small size recommended), pencil and pen
  • Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
  • Cash, travelers checks, credit cards ($500 or more in cash and/or travelers checks, including some small U.S., Euros, or local currency)
  • Money belt (waterproof is nice)
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
  • Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee or water
  • Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: US telephone: 704-200-7512 Asia telephone: 00977-98510-55684

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Source:www.himalayanglacier.com