THE BEST OF

TIBET- “Roof of the World”

DETAILED ITINERARY is one of the most The magnificent imposing landmarks of and is with its astonishing architectural beauty is a center of Tibetan . The stupa situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati is built on a massive three level River. Dedicated to the Hindu God of style platform and is 36 meters (118 feet) Destruction, Lord Shiva, this temple is in height. The base of the stupa is adorned regarded as the most scared of all Lord with 108 small images of the Dhyani Shiva temples. Listed as a UNESCO Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer World Heritage Site, the temple comprises wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the of a richly ornamented that houses stupa in a clockwise direction each day the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that Shiva. each spin of a is the equivalent of reciting the . The Every year thousands of pilgrims from all

over the world come to pay homage to this Day 01,: Arrive in Kathmandu. temple. Non-Hindu visitors are strictly Upon arrival you will be meet by our prohibited to enter the temple however; airport representative and transferred to they are permitted to view the temple from the hotel and sightseeing to the east banks of the River Bagmati. Swyambhunath Stupa Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO Pashupatinath is also 's most WORLD Heritage Site. This ancient stupa renowned Hindu cremation site. In the is the most sacred Buddhist shrines of Hindu Culture, after a person is dead, Nepal. Legend has it that when Kathmandu stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of his/her body is wrapped in cloth, placed on Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single the largest spherical in Nepal. The bamboo litters and brought to the lotus flower grew at the center of the lake. ancient stupa is one of the largest in the cremation site where the eldest son in the When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage family burns the body. The ashes from the drained the lake with a single slash of his Site. dead body are collected and swept into the sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and The Stupa is on the ancient trade route River Bagmati that eventually joins the magically turned into a stupa. Hence, from Tibet that enters the Kathmandu Holy Ganges. Arya Ghat, is of special Swayambhunath is also known as a Self- Valley by the village of Sankhu in the importance because it is here the members Created stupa. northeast corner. Tibetan merchants have of the royal family were cremated. The Transfer back to the hotel after the rested and offered prayers here for many main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, sightseeing. centuries. When refugees entered Nepal which is the most-used cremation site in Overnight at Hotel Shankar/Shambala in from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to the . Kathmandu [B/-/-] live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said Later transfer to ancient medieval city of to entomb the remains of a Buddhist sage, Bhaktapur. Day 02,: In Kathmandu. perhaps parts of the Buddha’s body (bones, Bhaktapur: Perched on a hill at an altitude Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath teeth), or sacred texts and other ceremonial of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, temple and Bhaktapur. objects. literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major Today, set out to explore other sites in tourist destination that takes visitors back Kathmandu valley and around. After visiting the largest spherical stupa of in time. Bhaktapur lies 12 km east of After having breakfast at the hotel, Nepal, transfer to Pashupatinath Temple. It Kathmandu city on the Arniko Highway transfer to Boudhanath. This will take a will take around 4-5 min drive from that leads to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur short drive of around 5- 6 minutes (if Boudhanath. is still untouched by rapid urbanization and traffic allows). has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval Rest of the day is free to relax or explore into another valley one after another and times. This ancient city is also famous for around the village. each one more scenic than the next. Finally pottery and woodcarving amply displayed Overnight at the Lodge after about 3 ½ hours, we get a glimpse of on the squares and windows respectively. the mighty Brahmaputra river or locally The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar known as “Tsang Po” and ride along its Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site banks for a while and take the bridge and its monuments reflect the glory days of (newly constructed. In the earlier years, all the . passengers and vehicles had to be ferried across) to arrive at the hustle and bustle of Among the three durbar squares, the the Saga town. is by far the Upon arrival check in the guest house. most elegant with its large open space Rest of the day is free to relax or explore facing south. The extraordinary Durbar around the town. Square with its extraordinary monuments Overnight at the Hotel reflects the glory days of the Malla dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the Day 06: Ride Saga to Shakya three cities of the valley. Day 04: Ride Syabru besi to Kyirong (4300m/323kms/8hrs) Town (2700m/44kms/3hrs) Walking around pottery square and witnessing the craftsmanship of locals After breakfast ride approx. 20 Km to creating clay pots from clay soil represents Kyirong - Nepal / Tibet border, the last treasured legacy that still survives in the border town, complete Nepali Immigration ancient city of Bhaktapur. formalities and cross the friendship bridge. Overnight at Hotels [B/-/-] Complete Chinese Immigration and met by guide and driver from Tibet. Proceed for Day 3: Ride Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Custom clearance for the (2135m/117kms/4hrs) motorcycles and after completion, load up the gear on the waiting Landcruiser / Mini Negotiate traffic out of the Kathmandu city Truck and ride for another 24 kilometer to Start the scenic ride from Saga to to the Ringroad cross section - Balaju. Kyirong town. crossing over 5 passes, Heading to Sakya From here, follow the Nagarjun highway from an elevation of 4600 meters, the trail to Kakani with the winding and narrow Kyirong, one of the frontier counties of wends towards the South route. Now, the forested road.We will have a short break , lies in the trail follows a route that brushes past here to see the beautiful mountain views. southwest of Tibet and the southwest of Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river Xigaze prefecture, covering 9,126 square valley sprawls over and then traditional From here it is a steep winding descent till kilometers with a population of 10 picturesque villages come into picture and Trishuli but the scenery is fantastic. Deep thousand. kyirong means in Tibetan happy Namring being one of the biggest. This forested areas, with clear flowing streams village. kyirong Town is one of the scenically rewarding ride provides plenty and waterfalls provide visitors of what important towns in Kyirong County, with of opportunities for photography. On this Nepal is all about. a sea level of 2,700 meters. Pagba long day’s ride over the sandy and rocky Trishuli - The beauty of the area is not , Chagar Monastery and landscape of Tibet, other sites like lake, Qiangzhen Monastery are main nomads chasing hundreds of yaks and of Kyirong and kyirong sheep, keep you busy. Jiangcun Nature Reserve is the famous Upon arrival at continue furher 26 beauty spot. km to Sharkya. Upon arrival at Shakya Up to 1960 one of the main trade routes check in to the Hotel. between Nepal and Tibet passed through Overnight at the Hotel this region. Easily accessible from Nepal, it was used several times as an entrance gate for military actions from the site of Nepal against Tibet. easily forgotten. The rolling hills, the Upon arrival check in to the Hotel. trishuli river, ethnic villages, suspension Rest of the day is free to relax or explore bridges all make it a very interesting ride. around the town to acclimatize. Here we stop for the lunch. Overnight at the Hotel

After lunch head north and continue ride to Day 05: Ride to Kyirong Town to Saga Dhunche. From here steep descend on a (4640m/170kms/5hrs) winding and snaky trail till Syabrubesi. Day 07: Ride Shakya to Upon arrival at Syabrubesi check in to the After breakfast, ride through the beautiful (3950m/250kms/6hrs) lodge. Tibetan landscape. We enter a valley and the climb to a pass and then again descend After breakfast visit , the of 6 storeys complete with a Buddhists Lhasa - capital of Tibet at an altitude of centre of the Sakya order of Tibetan Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels 3650m is situated on the north bank of the and its walls are adorned with religious Kyichu River in the province of U (central paintings. Built in the 15th century, it has Tibet). Two high craggy hills stand up in withstood all battles and revolutions since. isolation from the valley floor. One, Red We also visit the Pelkhor Chode Hill, is topped by the Potala Palace and the Monastery located near the Khumbum, it other, Chockpori or Iron Hill, is crowned was founded in the 15th century. It has by a tall antenna. Lhasa in Tibetan means been remarkably well preserved and many "Place of the Gods" and Potala Palace " the of the statues and paintings inside it date residence of the Dalai (the god king), back to the time of its founding. is the earthly representation of the celestial Overnight at the Gyantse Hotel Palace of Avaloketswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Day 08: Ride Gyantse to Lhasa via Lake the human form is believed to be the Dalai Konchok Gyalpo and during the rule of Yamdrok Lama. As Tibet’s political, religious and Sakyapas, the priest patron relationship (3656m/287kms/7hrs) cultural centre it is a city truly blessed by between Tibet and China was established. the gods, where life is unhurried, is people Sakyapa rulers reigned over Tibet for Set out of Gyantse for Nagartse (100 kms) jovial and yet remaining staunchly nearly a hundred years from 13-14th near Lake Yamdrok passing the Simi La independent. century. Many of its priceless images, (4200 m) and driving on a trail with fresco statues, Holy Scriptures remaining fantastic views of the turquoise blue waters Lhasa consists of two parts today date back to the time of its founding. of the man made lake caused by the dam consisting of different architecture, for the hydro project. Later we also cross population and lifestyle. Old Lhasa, the the Karo La (5010 m) and the ride to Tibetan section, centers around the Nagartse, a small village near the Yamdrok Temple. Its streets are narrow, lake and an ideal place for a lunch stop. between white washed stone houses whose walls slope inward as they rise. Windows Then ride along the picturesque trail of the are framed in black trapezoids, with colorful Lake Yamdrok, the Tibetan protruding fan shaped eaves above. Many lifeline of the river Brahma Putra (Yarlung houses have brightly painted woodwork. Tsangpo). Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise The Chinese section, was built in the last Lake is a lake of a glaring blue that 30 years around the base of the Potala. It is Later head off for 115 kilometers flat radiates a near mystical charm. It is about characterized by straight, broad streets and stretch to . The route today is 240 kms in circumference and is more like utilitarian buildings that houses Chinese scenic with only a small pass of 4300 m. an Island sea. There are Yak herders style department stores and all kinds of Upon arrival on the outskirts of the around and the lake itself supports a government houses. Shigatse City, we stop for lunch at a local population of scale less fish in its non- restaurant. saline waters. It is about 124 km from Lhasa. After lunch, continue on to Gyantse. The 90 kilometer journey seems like hours because of the 40 kmph speed limit imposed by the traffic police. There are regular check posts as well as Patrol cars to strictly implement the rule. Gyantse is a pastoral town and still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town In spite of its forced pace of untouched by modern expansion. It made modernization, Lhasa has not lost it’s soul. world headlines in 1904 when Colonel It is a friendly city where a Tibetan will Young husband, who led British always return a smile. Expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan Later we ascend to Kamba La (4,794m) Overnight at the Hotel army there. As a crossroad on the principle and have an opportunity to meet the Yak trade route to India, it used to be renowned Herders with their finely decorated Yaks Day 09: Sightseeing Tour of Lhasa for the excellence of its carpets. The and Tibetan Mastiffs. A great photo AM: Visit the Jokhang Temple : Situated compound, encircled by an impressive opportunity and one can take pictures on a in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet’s wall, once contained 19 monasteries, Yak or with a bunch of decorated Tibetan most precious religious relic, a golden presided over by the still intact fortress Mastiffs for a fee. Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as perched atop a nearby mountain. a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng Upon arrival, check into the hotel. From here we descend to the main road on the occasion of her wedding to the Late PM: Sightseeing tour of Gyantse head before embarking on the grand finale Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Kumbum, one of the most unique and entrance to the Lhasa City. magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting JOKHANG dates back from the 7th Upon arrival at Shigatse check in to the Enter 2 kms into the newly constructed century A.D. Legend says that Songtsen guest house. gateway to arrive at another check post Gampo, who built the temple, threw his PM: visit Tashilumpo monastery. ring into the air, promising to build a Overnight at the Hotel temple where it landed. The ring fell into a lake and struck a rock where a white stupa Day 11: Ride Shigatse to Shegar miraculously appeared - an auspicious (4300m/245kms/6hrs) sign. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is AM: After breakfast, proceed for the the religious and social focus of Lhasa. sightseeing tour of the ’s This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also Tashilhumpo Monastery founded in 1447 the heart of Lhasa. AD by Gendun Drup, the first . It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is which is operated by the Quomolomgma PM: Visit Potala Palace - this architectural second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan National Park and is the gateway into the wonder - a spectacular edifice whose gold Buddhist Hierarchy. The 5th Dalai Lama Quolomongma (Everest National Park). roofs soar high above the town and rise in declared that his teacher, then the Abbot Here it is mandatory to present all the more than 300 meters above the valley of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the National Park entry permits for clients as floor and can be seen from all directions Buddha Amitabha and the Panchen for miles around. The Potala Palace was Rinpochhe. Tashilhumpo has one of the built mainly during the Fifth Dalai Lama's world’s largest statues - a 9 storeyed gilded reign in 1645-1693 and remained the bronze statue of Maitriya, the future centre of political and religious power for Buddha. Also visit the Flea Market of the Dalai until the 14th. Shigatse and browse around this ancient market looking for souveniers. With over 1000 rooms, it contains the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas and After the sightseeing tour, set out for the their magnificent golden tombs after their ride to Shegar (269 kms). Leave Shigatse death. Regents, tutors and other high lamas and continue on the Friendship Highway to had apartments in the palace too. The arrive at Lhatse in 3½ hours (156 well as the vehicles. Potala held the offices of government, a kms).Then ascend to highest Gyatso La huge printing house and a seminary run by pass at 5228 m which is marked by an After receiving clearance, ascend on a zig the elite order of monks who surrounded array of prayer flags and a gate. This is the zag trail to Gyawla Pass at (5200 m) which the God-King to train government highest point on this stretch of the ride. is strewed with prayer flags. A few officials. Hundreds of elaborately Descend a little and weather permitting; entrepreneurs set up shop selling decorated chapels and shrines, halls and one can get a glimpse of Mt. Everest. souvenirs, prayer flags and tea / cold drinks corridors contain thousands of gilded Continue to descend and arrive at New / can juice. Pilgrims purchase these prayer statues - Tibet's pantheon of Buddhas, Tingri/Shegar, a big bustling town in about flags and after writing the names of the Boddisattvas, saints and demons. 2 hours (113 kms). family members stretch them along the hillsides. It is believed that as the wind Today the Potala is a statue museum with Shegar is surrounded by mountains and is flutters the flags, their prayers reach 35 caretaker monks, but to thousands of another town that lies in the shadow of a heaven. Tibetan pilgrims, it remains a beloved great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. shrine. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown After a stop to view the Himalayas, Overnight at the Hotel rock, its sinuous wall bristles with descend once again zig zagging our way on watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. 100 switchbacks all the way to the Day 10: Ride Lhasa to Shigatse Isolated in 1855 by marauding Nepalese in (3950m/280kms/7hrs) search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong’s water supply and settled in for a After breakfast set out for Shigatse via the long siege. Shegar proper has little to northern route. The route today is recommend except the highest post office relatively straight forward but scenic at in China. times when we ride along the Yarlung Overnight at the Hotel Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River). Day 12: Ride Shegar to Rongbuk and EBC excursion (5100m/112Kms/4hrs) From Shegar, set out for Rongbuk and arrive at the army check post where settlement of Tashi Dzom. After a turn, we passports and permits are checked. After suddenly arrive at Rongbuk and the the completion of the formalities, ride for Lodges. In the distance, towering above another 4 kilometers to arrive at a marker everything else is the magnificent and awe showing the diversion to the Everest Base inspiring view of Mt. Everest – Mother of Camp. the Earth at 8848 m. Upon arrival, take a break for lunch at the Rongbuk Guest Day 13: Ride Rongbuk to Thingri beautiful lake into which the glacial House. (4348m/78kms/3hrs) streams of Da-Chu and Lha-Chu drain. After breakfast, set out for excursion to As lunch is being prepared, a visit to the EBC at 5200m. Later, ride out to Thingri After spending some time at lake continue is quite an by retracing the route from Everest Base ride to Kyirong Xian. From here continue interesting and enjoyable one. camp till the 26 kilometer marker. Leave the main road and take the small dirt track After lunch follow the dirt road south and on the left leading to the river. Cross the the Dzakar Chu (river), now much reduced bridge and head off with a steady climb in volume, is on your right. Soon the valley through scattered Tibetan settlements. The broadens and the road leaves the river to road passes directly through the village and continue its ascent on the other side, then descends steeply. On the other side of swerving to avoid a rockslide. At the base the ridge, we then start the climb through of the slide is chorten; at its top are the valleys with scenic views of the Tibetan ride towards Kyirong Town (approx. 70 ruins of the Samdrupo Nunnery (a small landscape and fast flowing river to the Km). chapel has been rebuilt). Here is now highest plateau of the world. This area is Upon arrival check in to the Hotel. situated the tented settlement of Dza still dry and dusty and has not been paved Rest of the day is free to relax or explore Rongphu which was relocated from the yet and allows for some entertaining off Everest Base Camp, which lies just beyond road riding. some moraine hills a mere 4 kilometers away. Dusty and weary we arrive at the high Tibetan plateau with good views of Cho (Note: The new rules prohibit vehicles Oyu (8201 m) and enter the settlement of from going beyond Dza Rongphu area. Thingri in about 3 hours by covering a Clients need to travel by the distance of 70 kilometers. Thingri used to Government coach and it costs Yuan be an important trading post where Sherpas 50.00 for a round trip Ride). from Nepal exchanged rice, grain and iron for Tibetan wool, livestock and salt. It So board the coach for the 4 kilometer Ride gives its name to the broad upland basin around the town. to the Everest Base Camp area. (Look out more than 4,500 meters high that is known Overnight at the Hotel for the blue sheep that inhabit the area but as the Thingri plain. Shallow, fast-flowing blend quite well in the rocky landscape). rivers of melted snow water make its Day 15: Ride Kyirong Town to Upon arrival at the lonely bus stop by the grassy meadowland ideal for grazing by Kathmandu marker stating that it is the Quomolongma livestock. (1370m/180kms/hrs) Base Camp at 5200 m. To go further from After breakfast, ride down 24kms to the here requires an additional permit to either Upon arrival check in to the guest house. border of Nepal and Tibet. Here the porters Advance Base Camp or a climbing permit Rest of the day is free to relax or explore will transfer the luggage to the Nepal side for Mt. Everest. around the town. and we bid farewell to our Guide and Overnight at the guest house driver from Tibet. Complete Chinese After getting off the bus, ascend steeply to Immigration and then cross the small a small ridge with prayer flags which Day 14: Ride Thingri to Kyirong via makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwa gadhi, provides an unobstructed view of Mt. Paikut Tso (2700m/286kms/7hrs) Nepal. Everest and the open Tibetan plateau From Thingri we Ride on the highest leading to the Camp II area. During peak plateau of the world with typical view of Met by representatives from Nepal to assist climbing season, one can see scattered the Tibetan landscape sheer and complete Nepal Customs and tented expedition camps below. feeling of standing on the roof of the Immigration. world. Cross the Lalung La (5,200m) and After being one with the mountain, Thong La (5050 m) from where, weather Rasuwa is rich in natural descend to the Bus Park and board the bus permitting, here is a breathtaking resources. Langtang mountain range for the ride back to Dza Rongphu. Here we panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges stands to the north of Rasuwa. The can spend some time at the tented city for including Mt. Everest (8,848m) but is northern parts of the area largely fall a cup of tea/ noodle soup or shop for dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan within the boundaries of Langtang souvenirs or even send a post card from the plateau. National Park. Gosainkunda Lake, Ganja mobile post office which is considered to La Pass, and Tamang village in Bridim are be the highest post office in the world at the major highlights of Rasuwa for 5200m. The road passes through the desolate plain tourism. The Goshainkunda Lake, also of Digur Tang with its enormous sand known as "Frozen Lake", one of the most Later get geared up and then set off for dunes and the snowcapped peaks of beautiful mountain lakes lies in the Rongbuk and check into the Rongbuk Shishapangma (8012m.) and Langtang Langtang region. There are about Monastery Guest House. (7232m.) in close proximity to the south. 108 kundas (lakes) in this area. Saraswati Overnight at the Rongbuk Monastery Leaving the Bum- Chu basin we descend Kund, Bhairab Kund, Surya Kund and Guest House towards Pelkhu Tso (4600m.) a stunningly Gosaikund are most important ones. Langtang valley is another attraction in sky. The valley offers pine forest, swift Rasuwa which is aptly called the valley of mountain streams, rugged rock and snow- glaciers; mountains rise soaring toward the descend along the winding road, we will come across big trucks and the road is just ***END OF ARRANGEMENTS*** ride along the edge of the Langtang big enough for it. So giving way and national park which will fall on your left. waiting turns at corners and narrow Most of the ride today will be slow and stretches is time consuming. steady as this section is the major entry for Upon arrival, check into the hotel. goods to Kathmandu from China. We will Overnight at Kathmandu

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