Tibet, known as "The Roof of the World", is famous for its unique natural sceneries and primitive cultures. During this tour you can discovery mysterious Tibet by yourselves. With a long history, Tibet has magnificent and wonderful natural scenery as well as simple and unsophisticated Tibetan Monastery for us to explore. You will be amazed by spectacular and fascinating snow-capped peaks, glaciers, high mountains, wide rivers, unique highland lakes, geothermal springs, vast pastoral areas, magnificent monasteries, brilliant religious arts and interesting ethnic customs in Tibet. Welcome to join us to make your Tibet dream come true.
Itinerary
Today we drive to the airport for a flight to Lhasa. We will arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon, and you will be transferred to the hotel and get yourself acclimatize to the high altitude in the afternoon. The rest of day is on your own.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included:
This morning we visit the magnificent [Potala Palace]. King Songtsen Gampo built Potala Palace 1,300 years ago in Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). Potala is the name of the place, which means residence of the Goddess of Mercy in Tibetan language. It covers an area of more than 130, 000 square meters (about 32 acres). It mainly consisted of the White Palace (administration building) and the Red Palace (religious building). The Potala Palace used to be a center for both temporal and religious administration. It is closely connected with many important figures in the history of Tibet, such as Songtsan Gompo, Princess Wencheng and several generations of Dalai Lamas. After lunch, we will visit the [Sera Monastery] -- one of three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Later we will visit the [Norbulingka Park]. It is the Summer Place of Dalai Lamas, and they handle political affairs and hold festival celebrations there. Then we pay a visit to a [Tibetan family]. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we visit the [Jokhang Temple] -- the ultimate pilgrimage destination for devotional Pilgrims. The Jokhang, or "House of the Lord," is the holiest site in Tibet and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. It is a very important pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. Pilgrims come from all corners of Tibet, usually on foot and often performing austerities for penance along the way. Later let’s go to explore the [bazaar of Barkhor Street] which is also a must-see place for the tourists. Barkhor Street is an ancient style street full of stalls of exquisite articles, so you may be amazed at delicate handicrafts and be happy to purchase some. After lunch, we go ahead to visit the [Tibet Museum] for a glance into Tibet's civilizations. What follows next is a visit to [Tibet Carpet Factory] which is one of the remarkable enterprises in Tibet mainly producing traditional Tibetan Carpet. All the carpets here are hand-made, in beautiful pictures and excellent quality. Those elegant and colorful carpets are nice decorations. Here you can purchase them at competitive prices with many choices. You will have your dinner in your hotel.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning we will drive to Gyangtse, and we will stop on the way to visit the [Yomdrok Lake] that locates in the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, surrounded by mountains. The holy lake is so unique that everybody is looking forward to enjoy the beauty there. Upon your arrival at Gyangtse, you will be transferred to the hotel. We will visit the [Palkhor Monastery] which is another typical Tibetan monastery and is famous its unique structural style and be considered as the lord of Tibetan stupas. Later you can enjoy a walk on the [Gyangtse Old Street].
Stay overnight at Gyangtse.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today let’s go to Shigatse that situates in central - southern Tibet. It is the second largest city of Tibet and a political, economic and cultural center of the region. Then we visit [Tashilhumpo Lamasery]--one of the four lamaseries of the Galu sect of Lamaism and the residence of the Panchan Lama for long time. Tashilhumpo is a vast monastery with its own streets, housing sectors, plazas, back alleys and complex of temples and halls. One of the most attractive sites of Tashilhumpo monastery is the giant Maitreya (Future Buddha). This twenty six meters tall statue is very big; it consists of lots of precious things like pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers, and solid gold. The monastery houses the 22.4-meter-high (about 73 feet) gilded bronze statue of Qiangba Buddha, the tallest of its kind in the world. You will find that the Buddha is kind and generous. Also included is a visit to the [New Palace of Panchen Lama].
Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will drive to Tingri. We will get off on the way to visit the [Sakya Monastery] and [Lhatse city]. Sakya Monastery has a history of more than 900 years. Those cultural relics and classic books are extremely abundant, especially those scriptures. The Sakya Monastery is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 6th year (1073) of the Xining reign of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) by Khon Konchog Gyalpo who is the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Usually the out walls of building are white in Tibet, but here you can see walls are in different color. In town, you will see a lovely picture of local people’s life: they lead along donkey along the street. And there are more animal power vehicles than motor vehicles. The town is so ancient that you will feel like walking in a place 200 years ago. It's really a nice place to get new experience of living.
Stay overnight at Tingri.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we take a coach to the [Everest Base Camp]. There you can enjoy Everest and innumerable spectacular mountains views. [Rombuk Monastery] is the world's highest monastery with 5154meters (about 3 miles) above sea level, and it locates in the North Slope of Rombuk Glaciers. You will see Mt. Everest right from there. Then we hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp and take pictures of the magnificent Himalayas natural scenery. Then we drive back to Tingri.
Stay overnight at Tingri.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we leave Tingri and drive back to Shigatse. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure at relax.
Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we return to Lhasa and you will be transferred to the hotel when you get there. This afternoon is available for you to explore more of Lhasa by yourself.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can spend the morning time to appreciate Lhasa by yourself. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back to Beijing.
Meals included:
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
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GB Pound -
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HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $3217 | $2015 | $1718 | $1369 | $700 |
| Comfortable Tour | $2564 | $1620 | $1319 | $1065 | $400 |
| Standard Tour | $2118 | $1366 | $1117 | $819 | $260 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. For your comfort and safety, we recommend our trips only to individuals who are comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Mountain Sickness
What the visitors to Tibet are concerned about is the mountain sickness. On highland, the air is thin and the air contains less oxygen. If the elevation increases quickly, you will find uncomfortable, such as taking airplanes or buses to Tibet. With mountain sickness, you will feel headache, dizzy, heavy breathing, tired and insomnia. Those with heart diseases or high blood pressure should be more careful.
Buying a Bottle of Oxygen in Case
Lack of oxygen is the main reason for mountain sickness. In many places in Tibet you can buy oxygen in bottles. You can buy one or two bottles in case. With an oxygen-taking mask, they cost 20 Yuan.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Tibet Permit
Tibet permit is necessary and issued to every foreign traveler (except for the diplomats, journalists, government officials) who want to travel in Tibet. It includes three kinds, Tibet Entry Permit (TTB), Tibet Travel Permit (PSB) and Military Permit.
TTB permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is indispensable when each foreign visitor flies or takes a train from any city to Lhasa. Besides it is also needed when you buy a flight or train ticket. Moreover, when groups traveling by Land Cruiser, TTB permits are necessary and travel groups can only be arranged by travel agencies.
PSB permit, issued by People’s Security Bureau, is essential when you want to go further to the ‘unopened’ areas in Tibet. It only can be arranged after you arrive in Lhasa because it needs your original passport and China visa.
A short list of unopened areas up to now
(1) Shannan: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trandruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang
(2) Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, the Mt. Everest, Rongpu Monastery
(3) Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
(4) Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Manasarovar Lake, Tsaparang, Ali, etc.
(5) Linzhi Region: Basongcuo, Bomi, Rawotso, etc.
(6) Changdu Region: Changdu, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.
Military Permit, issued by military affairs office, is indispensable when you travel to ‘unopened areas’, such as some villages and towns in Shigatse, Shannan, Linzhi, Ali, Zhada and Chayu, etc.
Please contact us to get the specific information about how to apply for these permits. It is recommended that please get ready for the related permits before your journey as early as possible.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
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