8 Days – Winter in Tibet Travel date 25 Dec 2019 - 01 Jan 2020 TOUR INFORMATION TIBET

INTRODUCTION

Wildly beautiful and unfathomably photogenic, follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims and uncover the wonders of Tibet this winter when the Himalaya and Tibetan plateau is coated with crisp white snow. While may be cold for most of us in winter, it is warm for the mountain nomads who migrate to gather in Lhasa. This colourful display is a winter exclusive not to be missed and avoids the tourist crowds during the summer.

Starting at Lhasa, we visit the famous and Temple, catch the monks debating in the Sera and explore the bazaar of Barkhor. Leaving Lhasa, we cross 5000m passes, see high latitude lake and drive across endless barren plateaus to experience the smaller Tibetan township of Gyantze and Xigatze.

You will be based in the Shangri La Lhasa, one of the highest luxury hotels of the world at 3650m above sea level. With a striking backdrop of beautiful mountains, the urban resort of Shangri-La Lhasa is nestled high among Himalayas, overlooking the city.

SPECIALS

• Special chapels in Potala Palace only open for Scott Dunn’s guests • Session of Monk debating at • Visit a local Tibetan house and enjoy lunch with the family • Accompany by professional doctor throughout the journey • Oxygen Bag in Vehicle • Small group size of maximum 16 people • Tipping to Guide, Driver & Porter included • All meals included with 1 glass of juice/beer/wine • Accompanied by Scott Dunn Travel Concierge

DEPARTURE DETAILS

• Land Tour Price: Twin Sharing: S$ 5,450/- Single Supplement: S$ 1,090/- ITINERARY DAY BY DAY • Airfare (subject to availability) Economy from S$ 2,063/- Day 1 25 Dec (Wed) Arrive Chengdu Business from S$ 3,492/- Day 2 26 Dec (Thu) Chengdu / Lhasa • Deposit amount: Day 3 27 Dec (Fri) Lhasa S$ 2,000/ per person Day 4 28 Dec (Sat Lhasa • Registration Closing Date: 23 September 2019 or when tour is Day 5 29 Dec (Sun) Lhasa / Gyantze fully subscribed Day 6 30 Dec (Mon) Gyantze / • Early Bird Promotion: Day 7 31 Dec (Tue) Shigatse / Lhasa First 4 room bookings with deposit, Day 8 01 Dec (Wed) Depart Lhasa enjoy complimentary upgrade from Deluxe Room to Potala View at the Shangri La Lhasa

Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com TOUR INFORMATION TIBET

DAY 01 - 25 DEC (WED) - SINGAPORE CHENGDU

Flight:

Singapore / Chengdu MI 936 1245 / 1715 (4h 30m)

Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for rest. Free at leisure and prepare for early flight for Lhasa the next day.

Accommodation: Millennium Chengdu Meals: N/A

DAY 02 - 26 DEC (THU) - CHENGDU / LHASA

This morning, transfer to Chengdu airport for the flight to Lhasa.

Flight:

Chengdu / Lhasa 3U 8695 1130 / 1415 (2h 45m)

Upon arrival, meet your guide and be welcomed by a khata. Transfer to the Shangri La Lhasa for a 3-night stay. At 3500m, it is advisable to take the rest of the day easily for better acclimatization. Tonight, be treated a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Shangri La Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 03 - 27 DEC (FRI) - LHASA

We start off our exploration of Lhasa leisurely with a visit to theJokhang monastery. Known as the “central cathedral” it is perhaps the most important monastery in Tibet. Afterwards, we will visit a nunnery.

After lunch, we’ll stop at the Ganden Monastery about a 2-hours’ drive away. The Monastery is at 4,500m and commands stunning views. You will also enjoy a short hike around the surrounding villages to experience the Tibetan rural life.

Later in the afternoon you will have free time to explore the Barkhor – the bustling market in the heart of old Lhasa with its narrow streets.

Accommodation: Shangri La Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com TOUR INFORMATION TIBET

DAY 04 - 28 DEC (SAT) - LHASA

This morning, we join the swarm of locals and pilgrims, circle around the Potala Palace, twirling prayer wheels, swinging beads and chanting low. Participate in daily activity to learn and discover their culture. Visit the Potala Palace - listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. It dominates the city of Lhasa and is perhaps the most famous landmark of Tibet. Special doors will be opened to Scott Dunn clients.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Sera Monastery, which is one of the best-preserved in Tibet. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. If you’re lucky we might catch the interesting sessions of monk debating.

End the day in a local Sweet Teahouse, where Tibetan usually spend their leisure time and meet with friends. Enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks, while you immerse yourself into local life and interact with locals.

Accommodation: Shangri La Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 05 - 29 DEC (SUN) - LHASA | GYANTZE

Today, we’ll take a full day to experience the outstanding Tibetan landscape. Leaving Lhasa, we drive over 2 spectacular high passes including Kampa La at 4750m & Karo La at 5050m. We also pass the beautiful turquoise lake of Yamdrok and cross endless rugged plateau with the snow- capped ranges of the Himalayas as a backdrop. It’s a 261 km drive taking about 7 to 8 hours.

Arrive in Gyantze and check into Gyantze Hotel for 1 night.

Accommodation: Gyantze Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 06 - 30 DEC (MON) - GYANTZE | SHIGATSE

This morning we visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the , an oversized chorten with 100 000 Buddha images. After lunch we drive to Xigatze in the afternoon and tour the impressive Tashihunpo Monastery, seat of Panchen , second in order to .

Check into Shigatse Hotel for 1 night.

Accommodation: Qomo Langzong Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com TOUR INFORMATION TIBET

DAY 07 - 31 DEC (TUE) - SHIGATSE | LHASA

This morning we will drive 5 hours back to Lhasa via Bramaputra River. En route, visit a local Tibetan village, to see their traditional tranquil lifestyle and perhaps drop by a carpet or incense workshop. You will also visit a local family and enjoy lunch with them.

Arrive in Lhasa, where you’ll have more time to explore the city. Visit the Tibetan Museum or shop in the bazaar around Barkhor Circuit.

Enjoy a farewell dinner with a Potala Palace view to celebrate new year eve.

Accommodation: Shangri La Lahasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 08 - 01 JAN (WED) - LHASA CHENGDU SINGAPORE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a happy new year back home!

Flight:

Lhasa / Chengdu 3U 8698 1205 / 1410 (2h 05m) Chengdu / Singapore MI 935 1815/2340 (5h 25m)

*Post-trip exntesion to Chengdu can be arranged upon request

Accommodation: N/A Meals: Breakfast

Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com TOUR INFORMATION TIBET

Land tour price per person Hotels Twin share Single Supplement Lhasa: Shangri la (Deluxe Room) x 4 nights Gyanze: Gyantze Hotel (Standard Room) x 1 night Shigatze: Qomo Langzong (Business Room) x 1 night S$ 5,450/- S$ 1,090/-

* These prices are based on minimum eight persons traveling together.

Airline Airfare price per person Economy Class S$ 1,980 + tax S$ 83 = S$ 2,063/- Silk Air (MI) & Sichuan Airlines (3U): Singapore/Chengdu/Lhasa/Chengdu/Singapore Business Class: S$ 3,409 + tax S$ 83 = S$ 3,492/-

(Domestic Economy, International Business)

*Airfare & Taxes are calculated as of 24 Apr 2019 and subject to change & availability. Should you wish to explore alternative flying routes, do consult our friendly consultants.

COST INCLUDES COST EXCLUDES

• Tibet Permit; • Airfare as quoted separately; • Accommodation as stated with daily breakfast; • China Visa (if applicable); • Meals as stated with 1 glass of juice/beer/wine per meal; • Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telecommunication, bar • Tours and transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with bills English speaking guide; • Professional Doctor throughout the tour and Oxygen Bag in the vehicle; • Entrance fees; • Adequate supply of bottled water; • Guide and Driver tips • Service of Scott Dunn Travel Concierge; • Travel insurance;

Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com