Tibet Everest base camp Bhutan tour

Trip Overview

HIMALAYAN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS CULTURAL & SCENIC TOUR
‘adventure of a lifetime experience around Himalayan countries of Nepal-Tibet and Bhutan with Everest base camp tour’

Highlights of Himalayan Holiday Destinations:

“Fabulous cities of high Himalayan countries Tibet-Nepal & Bhutan of immense culture and old heritage
Tour of fabled cities Lhasa-Shigatse with visit of Mt. Everest base camp within scenic high landscapes
Overland journey on world’s largest and highest plateau of Tibet with amazing panorama of Himalaya
Visiting magnificent Potala Palace and places of great interest in Lhasa and Shigatse cities
Tour of Kathmandu around World Heritage Sites of temples-ancient palace and old monasteries
Scenic flight to Paro in Bhutan with exciting sightseeing of Thimphu and Punakha with Tiger’s Nest”

Trip at Glance:

Trip Mode:                              On Hotels – Lodge and Guest House.
Trip Grade:                             Moderate to Adventurous with touch of high altitude
Activities:                                Tour of world heritage sites-scenic flights with exciting overland journeys
Areas of Tour:                        Lhasa-Shigatse and Everest BC in Tibet with Kathmandu / Nepal and Bhutan.
People & Culture:              Majority Tibetan people & in Nepal Buddhist & Hindu with Buddhism in Bhutan
In Tibet:                                    06 Nights & 07 Days (with both ways flight)
In Nepal :                                 04 Nights / 05 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Bhutan duration:                   04 Nights / 05 Days
Highest Altitude gain:      5,220 m at Gyatchu – La pass in Tibet and Everest Base Camp and 5,200 m high
Total Trip duration:          13 Nights & 14 Days (with flights and overland drives).
Best Season:                           April to October (includes monsoon months of July till mid September).

Introduction:

 

Himalayan Holiday Destinations cultural and scenic tour, leads you to hidden areas of Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan with tour of Tibet and Nepal, these three dramatic countries all located with great Himalayan range of high mountains.

 

Truly a mind-blowing adventure to experience in our most exclusive trips in Himalayan Holiday Destinations cultural and scenic tour, visiting fascinating sites with impressive places around old palaces-monasteries of great interest on roof of the world in Tibet with fabulous tour catching the insight of Buddhist culture and custom as it was for hundred centuries.

 

Tibet, where our tour begins within its beautiful heritage sites which includes magnificent Potala Palace and other important historical monuments and then taking a scenic overland past Shigatse city with visit of beautiful Tashilumpo monastery complex and then heading towards world highest Mt. Everest North Base Camp.

 

After Everest base camp with visit of old Rongbuk monastery, journey continues towards south beyond high mountain range that borders Tibet and Nepal with Langtang Himal and Mt. Shisapangma heading due south to reach at newly opened border town of Nepal and Tibet at Kyirong county behind the peaks of Ganesh and Langtang Himal.

 

With an opportunity to explore newly opened areas of Tibet and Nepal with amazing landscapes with traditional farm villages on both side of the country, where another scenic drive leads you to Kathmandu after going through Langtang Himal areas with interesting towns and villages.

 

In Kathmandu with enjoyable time visiting its medicinal period old palace courtyard, temples and monasteries, although a metropolitan city retaining its past glory of historical monuments and age-old culture listed in World Heritage Sites.

 

After a wonderful time in Kathmandu a sweeping scenic flights over Himalayan peaks takes you to land at Paro in Bhutan with drive to its capital at Thimphu with exciting tour around observing age-old custom  and traditional life of Bhutanese, in the land known of Druk ‘Thundering Dragon’.

 

Bhutan, the one only remaining Himalayan Kingdom that exists at present with excellent time visiting its lovely countryside at Punakha and tour of famous Takshing Monastery ‘Tigers Nest’ in Paro, before heading back to your country with fond memories and great overwhelming time in our  Himalayan Holiday Destinations cultural and scenic tour.

 

Guideline Itinerary:

Day 01:                   Arrival in Lhasa -Tibet 3,660 m meet our local guide and transfer to hotel in Lhasa
Day 02-03:            In Lhasa Full Day tour of Lhasa at places of great interest.
Day 04:                   Drive to Shigatse 3,900 m via Gyantse 3,950 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05:                   Tour of Tashilumpo Monastery drive to Everest base camp 5,200 m via Rongbuk

Day 06:                   From Rongbuk drive to Kyirong border town 2,890 m (375 k.m.) -– 06 hrs.
Day 07:                   Drive to Kathmandu 1,320 m via Syabrubesi and Dhunche town – 06 hrs.
Day 08 -09:           In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour of world heritage sites.
Day 10:                   Fly to Paro 2,280 m & drive Thimphu 2,320 m (54 kms) drives an hour flights.
Day 11:                   Full day tour of Thimphu around places of interest.
Day 12:                   Drive to Punakha for day tour and back at Thimphu (148 kms) – 07 hrs.
Day 13:                   Drive to Paro with optional tour of Taksing Monastery (Tigers Nest).
Day 14:                   From Paro fly to respective countries on route home (Bangkok-Delhi-Kathmandu)

Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrival in Lhasa -Tibet 3,660 m meet our local native guide and transfer to hotel in Lhasa
On reaching Lhasa via respective airlines, overland journey or by trains from Beijing to Lhasa, whichever your mode of transportation to reach Lhasa.

Our Tibetan counterpart agent with native Tibetan guide and drive will receive you for the transfer to your hotel around old part of Lhasa city.

At present Lhasa a mixed urban city retaining its older section of Lhasa, where our hotels located where you witness Tibetans with their age-old heritage of Buddhist culture.

In Lhasa our hotel in the old part east side of the city near busy and interesting Barkhor Market Square, with time to enjoy walking around before dinner time on first day in Tibet.

Day 02-03:            In Lhasa Full Day tour of Lhasa at places of great interest.
With two full days in Lhasa for interesting and exciting tour of Lhasa visiting important places and historical sites, beginning with short drive west of Lhasa towards a hill top with tour of old Drefung Monastery, in the early day home of all high priest and Dalia Lamas before Potala Palace was built.

Here visit the main prayer halls with monks on deep prayers where Drefung means a heap of rice with its white washed buildings as it looks from distance views, after a great interesting visit drive to Shera Monastery where you can witness young monks on exciting debate, which deepens their knowledge of all types to reach their priesthood.

Shera monastery located north of Lhasa after an interesting time with lunch break in local Tibetan / Chinese restaurants, afternoon tour of magnificent Potala Palace known as ‘Heavenly Realm’ with 1,000 rooms where visitors can tour only the main important interior of 8 to 10 rooms of great significant.

Potala Palace stands as Landmark of Tibet situated in the hub of the city, where high and superior priests Dalai Lama lived till the last 14th Dalai Lama, at present turn into a museum.

After a grand tour head back into busy and colorful Barkhor Market Square with time to visit Jhorkhang Temple, the oldest religious sites of Tibet.

As the day end in Lhasa, with time for individual activities around Lhasa before dinner time on last day in Lhasa.   

Day 04:                   Drive to Shigatse 3,900 m via Gyantse 3,950 m – 06 hrs.
Morning journey lead outskirt of Lhasa city as our route head south into vast scenic Tibetan plateau, as our journey continues crossing Yarlung Tsangpo River /r Brahmaputra rivers leading to a climb on winding road to Khamba-la pass at 4,800 m high.

From the pass enjoy marvelous views of Tibetan landscapes with snow capped peaks overlooking Turquoise Yamdrok Tsho Lake below.

Drive leads towards Turquoise Lake of Yamdrok Tsho then reaching at Nagarktse for possible lunch stop in a local Tibetan restaurant, journey continues heading over Karo-La pass at 5,050 m high with grand views of Nzonkhangsa peak and its glaciers which flows near to the road.

From here with exciting views heading over Simi-la pass and the towards Gyantse city with tour of Pholkar monastery and beautiful Kumbum terracotta pagoda stupa, from here a few hour drive brings you at Tibet’s second largest city in Shigatse (Xigatse).

Here transfer into a nice modern hotel with great facilities within the city area and time for short walks around the street and shops of Shigatse.

Day 05: Morning tour of Tashilumpo Monastery and drive to Rongbuk 4,980m via Shegar -06 hrs.

Morning our  leads you to visit the great Tasilumpo Monastery adorned with golden roof top, a magnificent complex which is the seat of many Panchen Lama, classed as second head of state after Dalai Lama, here visiting many chambers and halls with tall bronze statue of future Buddha (Matriya) at 21 meters, time permitting visit the local market.

Drive continues heading south east direction into great scenic and arid Tibetan plateau past rural villages, towns and farm land to reach at Larze, on the junction of Lhasa-Kathmandu and Kailash highway.

From here drive leads uphill to cross the highest pass of the journey over 5,220 m at Gyatchu – La pass festooned with prayer flags and offering, after a brief stop for views heading downhill to Shegar town also known a New Tingri.

A windswept town located on Nepal-Tibet / China Friendship Highway, our adventure carries on heading past the main highway towards a high Pang-la pass at 5,200 m high with sweeping panorama of world’s highest mountains from Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu to Shisapangma with array of peaks.

After a great view heading down to the farm village of Tashi Dzong as the drive leads further towards our destination at Rongbuk Monastery with superb views of towering Mt. Everest North Face.

In Rongbuk visit main chapel of Sakyamuni Buddha with other great statue of Buddhist saints with overnight in a local lodge / guest house of simple and basic facilities.

Drive to Everest base Camp limited only up to Rongbuk, allows few vehicles for elderly people only, here one can take a horse cart or taxi on motorbike to reach base camp, or hike of few hours heading towards dunes and moraine crossing few icy stream to land at world’s highest Mt. Everest Base Camp, where Tibetan calls as Chomolungma means great Mother.

Enjoy the views of towering North Face of Mt. Everest with other adjoining peaks and then head back to Rongbuk for overnight stop.

Day 06:                   From Rongbuk drive to Kyirong border town 2,890 m (375 k.m.) – 06 hrs.
After glorious views and scenery of world’s highest Mt. Everest drive leads on a vast terrain within large and arid Tibetan plateau, as drive leads towards Lungja village to reach on the main Lhasa / Kathmandu highway at Old Tingri with last views of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu.

Drive continues towards Shisapangma mountain areas with range of peaks that border with Nepal and Tibet heading south west on leaving the Tibetan plateau reaching into green alpine woodland at Kyirong border town for overnight stop before departing from Tibetan soil next morning for Kathmandu.

Day 07:                   Drive to Kathmandu 1,320 m via Syabrubesi and Dhunche town – 06 hrs.
Morning entering immigration of Tibet/ China and then walk to Nepal side of Kyirong village, where drive leads south towards Syabrubesi village and Dhunche town around Langtang Himal area within Rasuwa district of Nepal Central Himalaya region, as journey continues losing elevation every hour to reach at hustle and bustle Kathmandu city, and then transfer to your hotels.

Day 08-09:            In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour of world heritage sites.
Two full days to enjoy culture and custom of Nepalese traditional life where tour leads you to its famous World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old palace courtyard) with many old temples of great historical and religious importance, tour includes visit of old Swayambhunath a Buddhist Stupa and of Bouddhanath with holy temple of Pashupatinath.

Optional tour of Patan / Lalitpur (city of arts and handicrafts with historical heritage sites) and Bhaktapur a medieval period city housing great historical monuments.

Rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or just relax and enjoy the hospitality of the local Nepalese.

Day 10:                   Fly to Paro 2,280 m and drive Thimphu 2,320 m (54 kms) – 04 hrs drives an hour flights.
Bhutan Tour starts with scenic flight of an hour with views array of mountains with Mount Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga.

 

On arrival at Paro Airport in Bhutan, where you will be received by our Bhutanese native guide and driver for short scenic drive past beautiful countryside with farm villages of Buddhist culture villages, reaching at Thimphu transfer to your hotels.

 

Day 11:                   Full day tour of Thimphu around places of interest.

Thimphu, a modern city of Bhutan one and only city in the world without traffic lights, all traffic controlled by traffic police with hand signal and blowing whistle.

Morning after breakfast our native guide will show you Thimphu’s memorial stupas, indigenous hospital, where traditional medicine is still practiced and traditional painting school.

 

Afternoon visit includes Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple of valley with short scenic drive to large and recently built Buddha statue, with wonderful view of entire Thimphu valley, after an interesting tour return back to hotel with afternoon free for individual activities.

 

Day 12:                   Drive to Punakha 1,350 m (75 km) -03 hrs journeys with tour in afternoon.

Morning begins with short wonderful drive to Punakha via Dochu-la pass at 3,200 m, overlooking beautiful views of Bhutan’s highest mountains Chomolhari / Jumolhari with other adjoining peaks.

Stopping for short around 108 stupas and then continue drive to warm sub-tropical valley around Punakha, on arrival a short hike to the temple of Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.
After an enjoyable time here head back to Thimphu for overnight stop before heading to Paro next day.

Day 13:                   Drive to Paro with optional tour of Taksing Monastery (Tigers Nest).
Morning depart from the hotel in Thimphu for scenic and wonderful journey to reach at Paro, and then transfer into a nice hotels, with time in the afternoon taking a short drive an hour climb to Bhutan’s most famous landmark an old Taksang Monastery known as “Tiger’s Nest”.

A hide-way and a retreat for meditation of Buddhist monks and high priests, small monastery perched in an overhanging rock cliff with views of Paro town and distance peaks, from here after descend a short drive to 17^th centaury Ta-Dzong, later converted as the National Museum in 1967, afternoon at leisure for walks around Paro shops and its colorful markets.

Day 14:                   From Paro fly to respective countries on route home (Bangkok-Delhi-Kathmandu)

Last day in the Land of Thundering Dragon-Druk of Bhutan, morning depart for your onward destination as per flight time for Kathmandu and other respective destinations.

Transfer to Paro airport for Kathmandu and as well for people flying to other Indian cities with connecting flight home.

Includes

Trip Cost Includes following services:

 

01:    All arrival and departure transportation airport / hotel / airport in Tibet-Nepal-Bhutan.
02:  Twin sharing accommodation in all tourist standard hotels-lodge and guest house at tourist
(Single room supplement at extra cost if required)
03:  In Kathmandu includes accommodation with Bed and Breakfast basis only.
04: In Tibet on full board includes B-L and Dinner with accommodation.
05:  Sightseeing tour as per the itinerary with entrance fees where applicable.
06:  Applicable Tibet / Bhutan Permit & Tibet Entry Visa Fees.
07:  Service of city guides as well in Tibet and Bhutan with daily wages
08: Welcome dinner in Kathmandu with authentic Nepalese restaurant .
09: Re-confirmation of international air tickets.
10: Airfare as per itinerary Kathmandu / Paro – Bhutan.

Excludes

Our Trip Cost excludes following services:

01:   Nepal Visa-International airfare-personal travel and medical insurance.
02:           Expenses of personal nature and meals in all listed countries, gratitude (tips) hard / soft drinks throughout the trip.
03:           Expenses of personal nature and gratitude (tips) hard / soft drinks throughout the trip.
04:           Personal gear and medical kit.
05:           Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including Heli services and personal medical kit.
05:           Early return from the trip due to personal or medical problem in this case clients should bear his or hers owns expenses on return from trip including expenses of accompanying guides and transportation.

Travel information

INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL TO TIBET & BHUTAN:

Tibet’s vast landscapes includes world’s highest and largest plateau although changes has taken place with wide network of roads and railway lines with tall building around the major cities of Lhasa-Shigatse and Gyantse, but still remains one of the most interesting country retaining its past glory into its pristine forms.

Tibet with limited facilities for travelers especially outside main cities is now approaching to a reasonable standard. The road between Tibet and Nepal is not up to standard at places.
It is rough, bumpy and full of bends which is often obstructed temporarily during monsoon months. However our Tibet counterparts will do the very best with effort under the circumstances to ensure your holiday in Tibet a smooth and pleasant.

BHUTAN:

A small country tucked North East of Himalaya, the one and only Buddhist kingdom that exists in this world, altitude without a problem where you can observe its fascinating culture and custom of great interest.

Bhutan Tourism and Government has their own norms and conditions for all foreign travelers entering Bhutan, with valid passport and visa, as for visa need to apply at least minimum of a week ahead, then the government and Tourism department will issue the permits which includes flight tickets from Kathmandu to Paro in Bhutan.

Individual travelers have limited assist to visit in Bhutan, where large group preferred minimum of 2-4 pax in the group.

Altitude sickness:
Traveling in Tibet involves high altitude areas could be strenuous sometimes, travelers with known heart or lung or blood diseases needs first doctor’s advice before booking Tibet trip. It is always advisable to drink at least 2-3 liters of water every day while on the tour against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and dehydrations.

Clothing accessories:
The climate in Tibet and Bhutan with high altitude remains cool throughout all year round.
From October till March, warm clothes such as thermal underwear are required.
April to September, light clothes for the day and warm jacket or a sweater must for the evenings. The other recommended items are: personal medical first aid kit, water purification tablets (though mineral water can be bought), toilet & tissue papers, flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, sleeping bag, dust mask, sun hat, sun glasses and sun block cream.

Head wear:
Head wear is important to keep your body warm and to save you from UV as well, above 3,000 meters strong light of UV due to thin air hat or caps will be good as protections; Woolen cap for morning and night time.

Body wear (this all required on your duration of Holiday):

T-shirts, Short Pants, Trousers: Light weight & Heavy weight for cold temperature above 3500m, Wind and water Proof trousers are also suitable for trekking, Track-suit useful for trekking, Lightweight long sleeved shirt (this will save from sunburn as well), Thermal underwear useful for cold at night, Down / Duvet jacket which is essential for trekking above 3000 m, Gloves, water and wind proof wear or Poncho, snow gaiters for Trekkers above 4000m.

Foot wear:
For normal tours and sightseeing a runners and sports shoes is the best, as this involves short walks and climbing on steps also.

For hiking a good comfortable boots if possible water proof (wax polish to be carried on other leather boots and shoes against wet areas and snow) with warm woolen shocks and for leisure walk soft cotton socks.

Equipments:
Daypack: A small rucksack as day to carry your necessary and valuable items; camera, water bottle, money, passport, towel, toiletries items, water proof for the walk and Sleeping Bags and walking poles as options.

Personal:
Camera and batteries, spare passport photos, water bottle, money belt, Torch / Flash Lights, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Ipods, Books, Wet Ones, Detergents to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

Note:
If you are wearing glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are few on route trekking traveling remote areas.

If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Food and drinks:
Tibetan cuisine is not exactly the most varied in the world. It is always handy to carry dry food and biscuits or anything that can be brewed with hot water such as coffee and drinking chocolate.

As for Bhutan similar to Tibetan cuisine with slight difference which you will enjoy the new taste within its friendly environment of warm hospitality.

Customs:
No prohibition on still and video cameras, tape recorders or radios as long as they are registered with custom officials and are of personal use. Printed matters considered unsuitable by the Chinese or Bhutanese Government, prohibited specially books and pictures of Dalai Lama or any other monks and priest on exile in Tibet.

Insurance Policy:
It is most advisable that clients should have full insurance against medical and personal accidents.

Booking formalities and visa:
Minimum one week is required to book the trip from Kathmandu in advance along with full deposit, passport for visa process and full payment of the tour should be made before Tibet departure.

From overseas, at least 2 weeks with all your personal and passport details are required with payment required as per our company rules and regulations.

Cancellation:
Incase of tour cancellation prior to departure, a cancellation policy as per company’s rules and regulation will be applied.

Risk and Liability:
Tibet tours are run strictly under TIBET & BHUTAN TOURISM BUREAU, Holiday Nepal and our counterparts in Tibet / Bhutan agents shall not be responsible for any changes or cancellation of the programs due to road blockade, cancellation of flight, sickness or accident, political unrest etc. Any extras cost thereof shall be borne by the clients.

Time Zone: Beijing Mean Time (GMT + 7:45 Hours). Which is 2 hrs 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time and Bhutan time same as in India of 15 minutes later than Nepal Standard Time.

Currencies in Tibet Chinese Remimbin Yuan which is 1 Yuan to US$ 8 but subject to change any time, as for Bhutan national currency is called Ngultrum (Nu) and it currently trades at approximately Nu 43 to US $1.00. The three currencies accepted within Bhutan are the Ngultrum, the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar. There are two Banks in Bhutan.

They are as given below:
Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNB) Bank of Bhutan Limited (BOBL)Currencies accepted as foreign exchange within the banks are:
US Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, HK Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Danish, Swedish&Norwegian Kroner

The Bhutanese currency pegged to the Indian rupee and thus trades with the currency. There are no coins, and you can expect to be handed wads of cash. The smallest note is for 1-ngultrum, and it’s worth only about $0.02 USD. As of April 2013, USD1 is equivalent to about 53 ngultrum if you are using USD50 or USD100 notes. Please take note that USD50 and USD100 notes are given a better exchange rate than USD20 notes or lesser. The smaller USD notes fetch about 5% less.

Tibet Climate:

Four different seasons in Tibet – winter, spring, summer and autumn. The best period to visit for plant lovers is in spring, when flowers are in full bloom. The mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers. Spring season starts from early March to late May.
Even though days are clear haze disturbs the mountain views. Late May, and the downpour begins. It continues till late August. Autumn / Fall season begins from September to mid November. With temperate climate, clear blue skies and extraordinary mountain views it is the best season to visit the country. Winter begins in late November and continues till late February.

Bhutan Climate:

 

The spring from March and May, fall / autumn season September to November has good weather. December to February is winter and cold outside in morning and evening time but nice and sunny during day time. July and august is rainy season so expect rain but weather is unpredictable like other places in the world. If you go higher altitude is cooler and lower altitude is warmer in Bhutan. Due to mountains can enjoy nice breeze too. Most of the days are clear except monsoon and good for hiking.

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)???

 

01:           What of type fitness required on this trip with Tibet- Nepal and Bhutan?
Ans:         Any interested people with sound health and fitness can join in this trip with no age-bar, as this
trip involves long drives and flights with only short walks on tours of less than an hour.

 

02:           From where do I / We start to join this trip from Lhasa or in Nepal?
Ans:         Our itinerary mentioned above where groups or individual can join in Lhasa after booking with
us for Tibet-Nepal and Bhutan portions well in advance at least a two weeks or month before
the trip departure dates.

As some people joining this trip might travel around mainland or Hong Kong before
joining with us in Lhasa / Tibet for rest of the trips in Tibet-Nepal and Bhutan.
People who are not traveling on their own before Lhasa, can book with us straight from Kathmandu /Nepal where you need to obtain Nepal visa and extra cost of flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa as per the itinerary stated.

 

03:           What age and nationality will be in this trip?
               Normally age between above 20’s and 40’s are the people in this trip, but age is no-bar with us
we might have under 20’s of 16-18 yrs (below 16 age needs parents and guardian to
accompany).

We may have elderly travelers from above 60’s to 70’s sometimes where a close friend and
family member needs to assist in case of certain illness and accidents people of above need
strong doctors advice and permission to travel around high Himalayan countries.

04:           What time will be the best for this trip?
               Nepal and Bhutan can be traveled throughout the year, except the wet months of July and
August, as this trip includes Tibet the best time for Tibet and the whole trip will be good to
travel and book for April to June and September to November months.