TREKKING AT ITS BEST

Lhasa with Ganden- Trek

Trek Description Trek details On this trip you will explore the city of with its monasteries, temples and the . You will also enjoy a fantastic short trek across mead- Trek dates ows, through a narrow gorge, up over high mountain passes with stunning Daily panoramic views, and to a Buddhist site, and finally arriving at the beautiful monastery of Samye. Season Late February to late Highlights November Scenic flight over Himalaya, sightseeing in Lhasa, Buddhist monasteries, traditional villages, and a six-day trek through spectacular landscapes of Duration dramatic mountain passes, gorges and meadows. 14 days

Detailed itinerary Trekking grade Itinerary can be customized according to your needs and length of stay Medium-Hard

Day 01 Maximum altitude Arrive in Kathmandu, where our representatives will escort you to your hotel. 5250m

Day 02 Starting point of trek Half day sightseeing around Kathmandu where your guide will escort you Lhasa on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your Finishing point of trek own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalised. In the evening sample Samyre a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu. Trek style (accommodation) Note Lodge/Camping You may have already received Day 1 and 2 if you also booked one of our Nepal treks. Trek code T3 Day 03 A 90-minute morning flight with stunning views of the Himalaya will bring you to Gonggar Airport, where you will meet your Tibetan guide and make the drive to Lhasa.

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Day 04-06 The three days in Lhasa are important for acclimatisation and also give you a chance to visit the major sights in and around the city: the Potala Palace, traditional seat of the Dalai ; the Palace, the ’s traditional summer residence; Temple, one of the country’s most sacred temples, with its crowds of circumambulating pilgrims; the country’s largest monastery at Drepung; the fantastic spectacle of monks engaged in traditional debating at . You will feel as though you slipped back in time as you explore the medieval backstreets of the city on your own.

Day 07 Potala Palace This morning you will drive to Ganden and visit its monastery before meeting the trek team of porters and cooks. The trek begins with an easy day to warm up, walking for about three hours to the village of Hebu.

Day 08 Making an early start, you will begin the climb to the top of the Gorkhala pass. It is a steep, narrow trail but the views are stunning before you make the descent down to the campsite.

Day 09-10 Your next target is the Shug La pass (5250m) on an easier trail than yesterday. You will be able take photos of the prayer flag-adorned cairn and the panorama before you. Descending from the pass you enter the Tso Tuo Valley, initially a narrow gorge but then broadening into a meadow where you may see nomads and grazing yaks as you walk to the camp site a little further down the valley.

Day 11 Prayer flags This morning you continue to follow the valley towards Yemalung Temple, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, where you will visit the monastery and a meditation cave. The trail then proceeds to your camp site at Ninggone.

Day 12 The final day’s trekking brings you to Tibet’s first formal monastery, founded in 779 AD at Samye, where you will have time to examine the beautiful architecture.

Day 13 Today you will drive to Gonggar Airport to make the return flight across the Himalaya to Kathmandu, where you will be able to relax or wander the bus- tling streets before your final dinner. .

Day 14 Depart Kathmandu.

The trek program is – because of weather or unforeseen events - subject to change.

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Services & costs included in price

Airport pick-up and drop-offThree night's Hotel accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu Licensed and trained trekking guides Porters for carrying goods and supplies All accommodation during the trek All meals, mineral water on trek and hot beverages Transportation to and from trailhead All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable) National Park/Conservation Area entry permit Equipment such as sleeping bag, tents and mattresses Cooking equipment Camp-site charges Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your Insurance plan)

Services & costs NOT included in price

International airfares Travel/trekking insurance Excess baggage charges more than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights Visa fees Airport departure tax Rescue charge Drinks (Cold & Alcoholic) Expenses of personal nature Permit & Liaison officer fee (where applicable)

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