Lhasa is one of the highest cities on the bank of the Kyichu River. The city is surrounded by a range of 5000m mountains amid an amazing landscape. It is the heart of modern life coexisting with magnificent ancient Buddhist temples, traditional market and shady narrow streets. This tour is a stunning discovery in the deep roots of Buddhism and the soul of Tibet. Holy monasteries, the Potala Palace and colorful festivals give a peaceful religious atmosphere to your trip.

 

Take the occasion to experience the Monlam Chemo Festival among the pilgrims, mask dancers and local people coming from all over the country for this unique event

Monlam Chemo, also called The Great Prayer Festival, is one of the most important events in Tibet for Buddhists. During the festivities, masked dancers perform Cham Dances among the crowd. A huge tangka is unfurled in front of pilgrims coming from all over the Tibetan Plateau. During rituals pilgrims perform prayer postures in front of the Jokhang Temple. The traditional festival was established by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelup School and the yellow hats Buddhist sect in the early 15th century. The event generally takes place in February.

 

According to the local rules, the Potala Potala can be visited either in the morning or in the evening. The time visit is unlimited for individual visitors but reduce to one hour only if they are accompanied by a guide. Main chapels and rooms are opened, some others remaining closed to preserve the monument from being over-crowded and damaged. Still, the Palace remains one of the stunning places to visit with an amazing view of the city and the surrounding mountains from the roof top. The main attraction is the West chapel containing 5 massive golden stupas surrounding a 14m stupa made of gold and studded with precious jewels containing the mummified body of the Fifth Dalai Lama.

 

The Jokhang Monastery is facing the Barkhor Square where pilgrims make their circumambulation in prayer postures. Two large incense burners situated in front of the main doors are constantly burning to bless the site. The Temple was built by King Songsten Gampo in 7th century at the place of an ancient lake to welcome two statues of Buddha brought by his Chinese and Nepali wives. It still remains a renowned center of pilgrimage. Splendid golden statues and architectural ornaments are covering the top terraces.

 

Lhasa is one of the highest cities of the world at 3600m altitude. This is the capital of the Tibet autonomous region and an amazing living place divided by the Chinese and the Tibetan parts. Large avenues and small streets opening into courtyards are the heart of Lhasa. Situated on the Tibetan plateau, the city is surrounded by bare mountains elevated at 5000m altitude. The Jokhan Temple, considered as one of the holiest places in Tibet, it’s the main attraction with the Potala Palace.

Lhasa is situated on the Tibetan plateau in high altitude. Most of the days are crystal clear with nice warm temperatures. The main rainy season is from July to September even though the city does not suffer from the monsoon rain due to its situation beyond the high barrier of the Himalayas. December and January are the coolest months in the year with temperatures often below zero.

 

November and February, even if cooler, is a very nice time to visit Lhasa. You will still benefit from very sunny weather and avoid the large number of tourists that visit the place.

We provide highly experienced local guides in Tibet. They know well the regions to be crossed. They will always be pleased to share with you the treasures of Tibet and will make your trip enjoyable. Our leaders speak fluent English, Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese which is good for the group. The team will support and assist you in friendly manner.

 

In Tibet tipping the driver and guide is expected and commonplace although it is not compulsory. If you feel your guide or driver has done a good job, please allow approximately USD 20$ per day per person to be divided equally between Tibetan crew staff.  As the season in Tibet is quite short, extra income is often expected to sustain the rest of the year when they are fewer tourists. Then, we highly recommend that you leave a tip to the Tibetan staff.

 

In Nepal tipping is less expected. Nevertheless, wages and living standard are very low.  If you feel that the service is good, we recommend leaving a tip of 500 rupees or so.

 

We will arrange your visa and permits at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. There is no need to get a visa for China before departure, it will automatically be cancelled and replaced by a specific visa for Tibet. Nevertheless, it is important you send us a copy of the identity pages of your passport upon booking. An extra fee is applicable at the rate of USD 115$ for all nationalities and USD 200$ to American passport holders. It is also highly recommended to book your international flight arriving in Kathmandu either on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday as the Embassy opens on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

 

On the way back a re-entry visa has to be paid directly in Kodari village at the entrance point in Nepal. Please, allow USD 100$ to bear the cost of the visa for Nepal. Also bring 2 ID photos and your passport. Prefer a multi-entry visa at Kathmandu airport to pay the extra fee upon arrival directly from Nepal.

We take care of all accommodations during your trek, hotels in Kathmandu as well as lodge / guesthouse son your trek. All hotels and guesthouse rooms are on double or triple sharing basis. Nevertheless, we can provide a single room at affordable price, on request.

We always stay focused on providing the most suitable accommodation in regard of the comfort and the quality of the service based on the local standard. In Lhasa you will be at the Yak Lhasa Hotel or similar and in Kathmandu, Thamel Hotel or similar.

Altitude has to be considered as you can suffer from AMS. Kathmandu is at 1300m altitude and you will fly to Lhasa at 3650m altitude. It is essential that you get fit and healthy before your trek. This trek is not recommended for heavy smokers and for those who have heart problems or respiratory ailment. We will require a medical certificate from your doctor that allows you to participate on the trip.