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| Package Tour ::. Tibet |
| Tibet |
| A sacred land of myths and mysteries inhabited by the ever smiling people, has not only exerted a magnetic pull upon travelers for centuries but also spies, missionaries, scholars, geographers, mystics, soldiers and cranks, etc. Yet, few intrepid, serious and determined have been able to make it. |
Tibet was opened to tourism in 1985. Before this, it avoided influence from the West and this country developed its unique culture and religion independently. Since the spiritual leaders governed Tibet, monasteries and religious institutions were the backbone of power so the importance and prestige were shown by the size and magnificent architecture of these buildings. Tibetan Buddhism contains many elements of their older religion,” Bon Po” which worshipped the sky, moon, sun, fire, soil and even evil spirits and this is why a monastery such as Tashilhumpo contains thousands of unique statues, paintings (thangka), religious and historical books that to visit in detail would take weeks. Pilgrims who often travel long distances to fulfill their vows crowd the Monasteries and wishes and their emotions show that religion still holds a very important place in their daily lives.
TIBET- extremely remote and isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges is a fascinating world of timeless splendor, unique tradition and breathtaking scenery awaits all travelers to the Roof of the World .
Places of Interest in Central Tibet
Tsedang: No tour of Tibet is complete without a visit to Tsetang, situated 190 km Southeast of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley along the banks of the Tsangpo River (Bramhaputra), the cradle of Tibetan civilizations.
Yambulakhang: Situated about 12 km south of Tsedang, it is the first palace built by the Tibetans for their first recorded King Nyatri Tsenpo, who is believed to have descended from heaven. It is a 5 story fortress-like dwelling built on the spur of a hill that commands an impressive view of the entire fertile valley. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and the present structure is an exact replica of the original rebuilt in 1982.
Trandrunk Monastery : Famous for its Pearl Thanka bearing the portrait of Avalokiteshwor (chenrez) made of 30,000 pearls.
Chonggye: In a valley, 30 kms south of tsedang lie the famous tombs of the early Kings of Tibet. Among the numerous tombs there, the biggest and the most distinguishable one is that of King Songtsen Gompo the foremost King of Tibet.
Samye: Samye lies about 88 kms from Gonggar Airport (approx. 2 hours drive)across the Tsangpo River. It is the first monastery built by King Trisong Detsen in the latter part of the 8th century. Samye Monastery combines 3 distinctive architectural styles that of India, China and
Tibet symbolizes the source, stability and spread of the Buddhist faith. With the building of this monastery, the community of monks began Cross the Tsangpo River on ferry (1 hour). Upon arrival on the other side, the drive to Samye will be in local trucks or tractors.
Potala Palace: This legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet. First foremost king, Songtsen Gompo, it was expanded to its present structure during the 17th century by the 5 th Dalai Lama. This 13 storey, 1000 room citadel served as the headquarters of the former "church-state" of Tibet and was home to successive Dalai Lama who, from the latter half of the 18th century, used it as their Winter Palace.
Lhasa: Lhasa the capital of Tibet at an altitude of 3650 m, is situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Place of the Gods" and Potala Palace " the residence of the Dalai Lama (the god king), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet's political, religious and cultural centre it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, is people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.
Drepung Monastery: Drive 8 kms west of Lhasa to Drepung Monastery. Said to be the largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Te Tsonkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The second, third and the fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan means ‘Richmond'.
Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Shankyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Surrounded the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which id the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.
Ganden Monastery: Lying 40 kms east of Lhasa (approx. 2 hours drive) built by Tsong Kha Pa, founder of the Gelugpa order and is one of the biggest and most important Gelugpa monastery in Tibet. In 1959, more than 5,000 monks lived and studied here but were soon after dispersed. Today, most of the building remains in ruins.
Sera Monastery: 5 kms (3 miles) north of Lhasa. Sera setting are one of Lhasa's prettiest. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks, it was a virtually extinguished by the Chinese. The restored monastery sits below the brow of hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. One of the monk's disciples began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few years later.
The Norbulingkha: The ‘Jewel Park' as it is know in Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. This colourful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public gatherings. The places are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of Peaceful repose.
Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake: A lake of a glaring #0A6700 that radiates a near mystical charm. It is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale less fish in its non-saline waters. It is about 124 kms from Lhasa.
Gyangtse: is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Xigatse. It is 264 km Southwest of Lhasa (8 hours drive). It still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Young husband, who led British Expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a cross-road on the principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence of its carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain.
Kumbum: It is one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting of 6 storeys complete with a Buddhists Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15th century, it has withstood all battles and revolutions since.
The Pelkhor Chode Monastery: Located near the Khumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of its founding.
Xigatse : is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 354km west of Lhasa at an altitude of 3810 m.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: Founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist Hierarchy. The 5th Dalai Lama in declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and the Pancen Rinpochhe. Tashilhunpo has one of the world's largest status - a 9 storeyed gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, the future Buddha.
Sakya Monastery: Sakya lies 143 km to the southwest of Xigatse. Konchok Gyalpo founded Sakya Monastery; the centre of the sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1073 during the rule of Sakyapas the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakyapa rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from 13-14 th century. Many of its priceless images, fresco statues, holy scriptures remaining today date back to the time of its founding.
Xegar: Also called New Tingri, surrounded by Mountains, is another town that lies in the shadow of a great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Isolated in 1855 by Marauding Nepalese in search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong's water supply and settled in for a long siege. Shegar proper has little to recommend it except the highest post office in China.
Zhangmu: Known to Nepali as Khasa, hangs on a cliff face, its boom town architecture having a temporary look: even the monastery roofs are sheathed in corrugated iron sheets.
Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp
Rongbuk monastery is hidden behind a series of mountain ranges in a high and isolated valley in the southern Tibet at an altitude of 5032 meters. The monastery and its surroundings are dominated by Mt. Everest, which is known as Chomolungma "Mother Goddess of Earth" by the local Tibetans.
Kailash - Mansarover
Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarover is considered as a holy spot and it's legendary reputation to Hindus and Buddhists are alike. Mt. Kailash, 6675 m. rock pyramid is the abode of the gods and the earthly manifestation of the mythical Mount Mera "Pillar of the Universe". For over a thousand years devote pilgrims of both religious have ritually circulated this sacred mountain and holy lake Mansarover in act of worship, which continues even today
Trekking In Tibet
Tibet's countryside immerses you in wide-open spaces drenched in dazzling light. You may encounter nomads who wander Tibet's highland valleys with their herds of sheep and yaks, a living link to the old ways. Some of the remote region still harbar herds of kyang (wild asses), gazelles, #0A6700 sheep and in far isolated high valleys, the giant wild yak.
Booking And Visa
Minimum of 2 weeks in advance, a firm booking with full payment along with full passport details (Full name, Sex, Date of birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of issue, Date of Expiry, place of issue and Profession.) should reach us. We arrange Tibet / China visa. However, 5 full working days are required with a condition that client should be available in Kathmandu, otherwise urgent charge will have to be borne by the client. On request, we can also advice your local Chinese Consulate / Embassy issue visa at your end.
NOTE: Journalists and Diplomats are NOT allowed to travel on a normal Tourist Visa. Their visa authorization must come directly from Beijing and so we cannot accept them on our normal tours unless they have a clearance from Beijing
Cancellation
50% of the tour cost will be charged as cancellation fee if you cancel the tour within 7 days prior to the start of the tour. No refund, thereafter, also for No-shows, delay arrivals or whatsoever reason.
Altitude And Health Tips
Traveling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and could be strenuous. While most visitors have only minor effects from the altitude, we advice specially the guest with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctors before traveling. Mild headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder can take place in a process of acclimatization. Our advice for better acclimatization, drink 4ltr of water minimum a day, do not exhaust yourself so much, breathe deep and take rest more than usual. However, a warm jacket or sweater with sunglasses, chap-sticks, suntan lotion, Swiss knife, water bottle, and a small medical kit, etc are always advised.
| Best Seasons |
Clothing |
| May to August |
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| May to October |
Light clothing |
| November to May |
Warm clothing |
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Risk And Liability
Dream Nepal Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. always puts its efforts to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However as all Tibet tours are run strictly under Tibet Tourism Authority, Dream Nepal Travel & Tours (P) Ltd . or its agents shall not be responsible for any change or cancellation of programs due to unavoidable circumstances such as road blockade, flood, snow, unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival of clients, sickness or accidents breakdown of vehicles. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot. It is most advisable that clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accident risks. Cancellation insurance is also most recommended. |
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