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Tibet
SMALL
GROUP TRIPS
Abode of the God-Kings
Ref: TB (2008 season)
Nepal - Tibet
17 days Hotels/guesthouse - Cultural Journey through Central Tibet
Introduction
A superb introduction to the complexities of Tibetan Buddhism, art,
philosophy and history. But the real, unforgettable highlights are
the people of Tibet: their monastic rituals and traditional way
of life, and the stunning scenery.
Tour information
Tibetan Plateau & Potala Palace
From Kathmandu, we fly across the Himalaya to Gongkar, on the high
Tibetan plateau. We visit Yumbulagang Palace, the oldest dwelling
place of Tibetan kings, and take a local ferry across the Upper
Brahmaputra river to the monastery of Samye. Arriving in Lhasa we
have three days of extensive sightseeing of the Dalai Lama's medieval
capital. The Potala Palace walls seem to grow directly out of the
rocks, soaring and glistening in the crisp, dry air. We visit the
sacred Jokhang Temple and listen to eerie, sonorous monks chanting.
Over the Karo La Pass
Leaving Lhasa, we drive over the 5010m Karo La Pass to beautiful
Gyantse. Here we admire the extraordinary paintings and sculptures
of the Kumbum stupa and Palkhor Choide monastery (15th century).
We expect to encounter nomadic herdsmen as our journey continues
over high passes on our way to Shekar.
Sunrise on the Himalaya
As we continue, immense vistas of snow-capped peaks dwarf tiny settlements
where hardy yak herders tend their stock. After watching the sunrise
colour the northern flanks of the mighty Himalaya we begin our descent
from the Tibetan Plateau (5000m). A series of steep switch-backs
bring us back to the terraced landscapes of Nepal.
Itinerary
1 Fly London/Kathmandu.
2 Arrive Kathmandu.
3 & 4 In Kathmandu, walking tour; excursion to Bodnath and Pashupatinath,
optional visit to Patan.
5 Fly Gongkar in Tibet; drive Tsetang, visit Yumbulagang Palace.
6 In Tsetang; excursion by road and ferry over Brahmaputra river
to Samye Monastery.
7 Visit Mindroling Monastery; drive Lhasa.
8 to 10 In Lhasa; visit Potala Palace, Jokhang, Sera Temple and
full-day excursion to Ganden.
11 Drive to Gyantse.
12 In Gyantse; visit Kumbum Stupa.
13 Drive Shigatse; visit Tashilumpo Monastery.
14 Drive via Shekar to Tingre.
15 Drive Kathmandu via Friendship Bridge.
16 In Kathmandu; optional Everest flight; afternoon fly London.
17 Arrive London.
Accommodation and Meals
13nts hotel, 1nt guesthouse; 14 breakfasts & 1 dinner included.
Transport
Bus or Jeep/Flight/Ferry.
Comments
An exciting journey through a remote region. We travel at high altitudes
(average 3950m) and some of our road journeys are long and bumpy,
although infinitely rewarding.
Group Size
Approx. 12 to 16.
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and interpreter guide.
Dates and Prices
Depart | Return | Price | Fri, 1st Aug 08 | Sun, 17th Aug 08 | £1,599 | Fri, 8th Aug 08 | Sun, 24th Aug 08 | £1,599 | Fri, 5th Sep 08 | Sun, 21st Sep 08 | £1,599 | Fri, 12th Sep 08 | Sun, 28th Sep 08 | £1,849 | Fri, 24th Apr 09 | Sun, 10th May 09 | £1,799 | Fri, 8th May 09 | Sun, 24th May 09 | £1,599 | Fri, 29th May 09 | Sun, 14th Jun 09 | £1,599 | Fri, 12th Jun 09 | Sun, 28th Jun 09 | £1,599 | Fri, 17th Jul 09 | Sun, 2nd Aug 09 | £1,599 | updated: 22/07/08 09:12:54. |
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Group trips usually have between 10 - 18 people, with a good
mix of male and female, singles and couples, with most aged
between 25 - 55. They are run by a number of specialist companies
that we have worked with closely for many years. If you are
travelling by yourself, or enjoy the sociablility of other
like minded travellers, these are the trips for you.
All prices include air fares from London.
Footloose can book these trips for
you, at no extra cost, and give you the benefit of our personal
advice and service. We can also organise different flights
and add-on excursions.
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