P.O Box: 26106 Kathmandu Address: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +977 1 5312359 Fax: +977 1 5351070 Email: [email protected]

Tibet: 16d Central Trekking

Grade: Moderate

Highlights: Central Tibet Trek. Gyama valley is a broad agricultural tributary of the Kyi Chu river, situated to the east of . Barley fields sprawl across this valley floor, which is splendid with small villages, settlements, and temples, including the shrine commemorating the birthplace of Song Tsen Gampo. The trekking takes us 4 days from Gyama to and is one of the finest routes in central Tibet. After visiting Samye Monastery, we will trek across Yarlung Tsangpo River and drive to Tsetang. The next morning we will go to Lhasa. From Lhasa, we continue our journey by driving to Tashido near Namtso and camp there for one night. From Namstso Lake it will take 3 days to trek to the town of Damshung via the Kong-La pass, a route that is simply unforgettable. So, what’s keeping you to be part of this adventure? Best Season: April, May, June, July, August, September & October

Day to day:

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa.: Is the capital of the in the People's Republic of . It is located at the foot of Mount Gephel and is one of the highest provincial capitals in the world. It is the location of the Potala and palaces (both are included as World Heritage Sites and is the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. The in Lhasa is regarded as the holiest center in Tibet. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods". At an altitude is 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world, covering a flat river valley in the Himalaya Mountains.

Day 02-03: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa.: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa. Lhasa has many sites of historic interest, including the , Jokhang Temple, , Zhefeng Temple, and Norbulingka.The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to walk around the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor (Nang-skor), is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor (Bar-skor), passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor (Gling-skor) encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa

Day 04: Lhasa to Yama Do (Gyama): Drive to the little town of Yama Do (Gyama) and organize our trekking gear. We camp in tents.

Day 05-08: Yama Do (Gyama) to Samye: 3 days fabulous trekking from Gyama to Samye monastery. Here we will see what the beauty is of the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet.

Day 09: Samye to Tsetang: After visiting Samye monastery we continue across Yarlung Tsangpo River and drive to Tsetang. Tsedang County sits on the south bank in the middle section of the Yarlung Tsangbo River with a moderate climate at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The mild weather and fertile land in Shannan gestated the great Tibet dynasty. Tsedang is considered as the birthplace of earliest Tibetans who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness, so Tsedang literally

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Day 10: Tsetang to Lhasa: Drive to Lhasa.

Day 11: Drive to Tashido of Namtso Lake.: Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. The lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, and has a surface area of 1,870 square kilometres.

Day 12-14: Tashido to Damshung: Trek from Tashido near the lake we go over the Kong-La pass to Damshung and camp there. There is a nice description of the sightseeing during this trek on Google books.

Day 15: Damshung to Lhasa: We drive back to Lhasa.

Day 16: Lhasa to Kathmandu: Transfer to airport for our return flight to Kathmandu in Nepal.

What is included? - Pickup and drop from the international airports in Kathmandu and Lhasa - Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Lhasa - English speaking Tibetan guide - Full board (3 meals a day) expect Lhasa - Pension fund , insurance for local staff of Himalayan Leaders - Transport with land cruiser - Flight fare from Kathmandu -Lhasa - Tibet travel permits, Tibet visa and monument entrance fees

What is excluded? - Personal expenses and tips for staff - Nepal re-entry visa fee - Extra transport or horse in case of road block and any accident - Gratitude (tip) for the staff etc - Travel insurance in case of emergency - International flight ticket - and other expenses not mention above

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