Tibet & Kailash Tours – Culture and Adventure
NEWS 17
14-April-2018
Special Departure
Fixed Departure
PUT TIBET IN YOUR ‘TO VISIT LIST’
BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET – JULY TO OCTOBER
Tibet is a vast country. It is often referred as TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) or Xizang in China. It is a very well known for its unique form of Buddhism. For centuries Tibet has maintained its unique culture and religion. The political system of Tibet was always hinged on Dalai Lama and his incarnation. The tour to Tibet is a fantastic and special experience. It is the combination of ancient Tibet and modern China. See amazing monuments, temples, monasteries and pilgrims prostrating around monasteries. The development activities taking place since 1985 has transformed Tibet.The average elevation of this vast land is 4000 meter (13,123 ft.).Compared to the area it has very low population. As per 2010 census total population is at 30, 12,166.
The world is changing very fast. Much faster than in the past centuries. The moment of conquest and discovery has become a history. Before it is too late now is the time to enjoy the delight of the unique culture and the landscape of Tibet. The amazing vistas on this dry and inhospitable land, situated on the roof top of the world, will change soon. Tibet is at the verge of drastic change. Tibet is a spiritual place. Combination of Bonpo, Tantric and Buddhism has created Tibet something of mystic land. You have to see it to comprehend.
Lhasa (elevation 3612m), capital city of Tibet, is the religious, cultural and economic center of Tibet. It has many important monasteries. Among them Drepung is the largest. Built in 1419 it is the resting place of second, third and fourth Dalai Lama. Jokang temple, built in 7th century, is the house of golden statue of Buddha. Barkhor Bazar around Jokang temple is interesting place to see day to day life of Tibetan. The Potala Palace is landmark of Lhasa. This awesome palace built in the 7th century was residents of Dalai Lama. The palace was home of 13th Dalai Lama. It has hundreds of rooms full of fantastic frescoes painting and Buddhist statuary. It is worthwhile to visit Norbulingka built in 18th century – winter palace of Dalai Lama, and Sera monasteries – founded in 1419. The Sera monastery with white buildings that sits at the base of a rocky hill belongs to Gelupa (Yellow Hat) order.
The other well known monasteries outside Lhasa are Tashilhunpo in Shigatse. This monastery built in 1447 is the most important monastery outside Lhasa. It is the seat of Panchen Lama who is 2nd in rank to Dalai Lama. In Gyantse there are Kubum stupa and Pelkot Chode (Palgor Chorten) monastery. Travel further through the beautiful deep blue Yamdrok lake to see these sites in Central Tibet. The extension overland journey to the north base camp of Mt. Everest where take you to the fabled Rongbuk monastery. The other interesting place beside Lhasa is Yarlung Tsangpo valley. It is the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Visit Samey monastery. Samey is the oldest monastery, built in 779 AD, that belongs to Red head school and Yumbulakhang
The well known pilgrimage place for Buddhist, Bonpo and Hindus alike is Mt. Kailash. To Tibetan it is Kang Rinpoche (precious jewel of snow). It dominates western landscape of Tibet. Mt. Kailash is a sacred place for all -Hindus, Bonpo and Buddhist alike. Hindu believes that the scared mountain is the abode of Hindu God Shiva. Though names are different but devotion of all faiths is to the same God. The devotees walk and prostrate around 55 km mountain path to purify their sins. It is once in ‘a life time’ religious experience. This mountain is everything for everybody in whichever way considered and worshiped.
Mt. Kailash is at the elevation of 4500 meter above sea level. It is at the highest elevation on the Tibetan plateau. The distance from Lhasa to Mt, Kailash is about 2000km. It has paved road that stretched across vast dry and barren land. The other alternate is to travel from Kathmandu to Nepaljung – a border town in Nepal, and take flight to Simikot. From Simikot trek or charter helicopter to Hilsa. Cross a high 4000 meter pass to Hilsa, walk across the border to Tibet and travel by jeep to Taklakot (Purang). Next day travel overland to Darchen. From Darchen the pilgrimare around Mt. Kailash begins.
Tourists must join a tour group; it is the rule that has no way around. Tibet Travel permit, transport with driver and a tour guide are mandatory. Summer is the best time to visit though in some places in overland travel rain may disrupt travel plan. In winter the weather is rather harsh.
The road and bridge to Kodari border is still in disrupted condition.The April 2015 earthquake in Nepal had damaged the road and bridge on both side of the border. It is less likely to be active very soon. For trade an alternative route via Kerung, the unused old trade route further west of Kodari, is in use right now. But this road connecting main high way to Kathmandu is still in desolate condition. The Chinese has not opened this route for tourist. China plan to develop Kerung pass as an alternative to Kodari border as the main trade route from Lhasa. Due to this reason Kailash Himalaya Trek has reorganized all its tours to Tibet. Now all tours of Kailash Himalaya Trek start or end at Lhasa or Simikot.
All ‘Join in Fixed Departure Tibet’ tours includes two night hotel accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu. Normally two nights in Kathmandu is necessary to prepare travel permit to Tibet. Latest news is that tourist travelling from Kathmandu to Tibet cannot get Tibet permit with urgent fees. That means they need at least 4 nights in Kathmandu. However, it is possible to get Tibet permit with China Visa in advance if you enter Tibet through other entry points. This rules may change at any time without advance notice. It is also possible to take direct flight to Lhasa from Chengdu (China).
Price for Join in fixed departure tour is commission-able on land cost
If you like we can plan your trip to Tibet. For special price write to khtadventure@gmail.com
Featured Trips
Budget Overland Tour to Lhasa – 8 days
Hotel accommodation (deluxe) on Bed & Breakfast
Two full days sightseeing tours in Lhasa with English speaking Tibetan guide
Visit famous monuments: Potala Palace, Norbulinka and Brkhor Bazaar
Visit famous monasteries: Jokang, Sera and Drepung monasteries
Tibet travel permit
Book
Lhasa & Yarlung Valley – 6 days
Airfare: Kathmandu -Lhasa-Kathmandu US$750
Hotel accommodation (Deluxe) on Bed and Breakfast
One full days sightseeing in Kathmandu
Two full days sightseeing tours in Lhasa with English speaking tour guide
Visit famous monuments: Potala Palace, Norbulinka and Brakhor Bazaar
Visit famous monasteries Jokang, Sera and Drepung monasteries
Excursion to Yarlung Tsangpo, Samey & Yumbulakhang
Book
Affordable overland tour to Mt. Kailash – 14 Days
Airfare: Kathmandu -Nepalgunj -Simikot – US$ 340
Total 8 days overland drive -3 days Kailash kora trek including 3 nights in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation (deluxe) on Bed and Breafast
Welcome dinner & Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Visit highest point of the trek at Drolma pass (5639 m)
Private transport from Kathmandu Van or mini bus according to group size
Yaks , porter and transport in Tibet
Book
Lhasa – Everest Base Camp & Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage – 15 Days
Total 8 days overland drive, 3 days Kailash kora trek & 4 nights in Lhasa
Hotel accommodation (deluxe) on Bed and Breakfast
Visit Highest Point of the trek at Drolma la Pass (5636 m)
Two full days sightseeing tours in Lhasa with English speaking tour guide
Visit famous monuments: Potala Palace, Norbulinka and Barkhor Bazar
Visit famous monasteries: Jokang, Sera and Drepung monasteries
Overland travel to Shigatse and Rongbuk monastery at Everest Base Camp
Book
Kailash Darshan by Heli (Indian Pilgrims) – 12 Days
Total 12 days including 2 nights in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation (deluxe) on Bed and Breakfast
One full days sightseeing in Kathmandu
Eight days on full board in Humla & Tibet with camp staffs & tour guide
Yaks, porter and transport in Tibet
Cost of helicopter
Schedule airfare Nepaljung to Simikot and return.
Book
Lhasa Cultural Tour – 4 Days
Two full days sightseeing tours in Lhasa with English speaking Tibetan guide
Visit famous monuments: Potala Palace, Norbulinka and Barkhor Bazaar
Visit famous monasteries: Jokang, Sera and Drepung monasteries
Transportation as per itinerary
Hotel accommodation (Deluxe) on Bed & Breakfast
Book
Kailash & Mansarover (via Nepal’s Simikot)18 Days
Airfare: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot US$ 340
Total 18 Days including 5 nights in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation (deluxe) on Bed and Breakfast
Visit highest point of Drolama pass (5636m)
Local home stay and guest house accommodationmla & Tibet
Transportation from Kerung to Kathmandu
Humla trek permit
Book
WISDOM FROM GAUTAM BUDDHA
“It is better to travel well than arrive”
(Journey is important than the destination)
“Do no dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”
“Replace anger with love and you will be happy”
Journey in Tibet is more that just an adventure.It is nothing compared to what you have ever seen. We ask you to plan in advance. Plan what you want to see and experience for it is a special place that you will savor. The impression would remain for a very long time. Take your time and do the trips. While in Tibet you need to experience rather than see the sights. Best to discover hospitality of Tibetan, awesome landscape and wonderful culture. Do all these at your own pace and perspective. For adventurers you can trek and climb Lakpa Ri, Shishapangma, Cho-Oyu, and Kangsung valley East face trek- or climb the route Mallory took to climb Mt. Everest.
Kailash Himalaya Trek Pvt. Ltd
Tours & Adventure Travel in the Himalayas
PO Box:4781,Bag Bazar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1-4241249,4240980, Fax: +977-1-4246571
Viber & Skype +977-9851002789, 9813585999 ,khtadventure@gmail.com
www.kailashhimalaya.com
