TRAVEL IN TIBET with Arc Journeys

 

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TIBET Introduction Services offered by Arc Journeys   Our destinations in Tibet Typical Itineraries Other Information SEE ALSO: Suggested Itineraries & Special Interest Topics in Southeast Asia in the MAIN INDEX   What Arc Journeys Offer Tailormade Holidays at standard tour rates in Asia, South East Asia, Australasia, Africa, South America, Arctic, Indochina & UK Arc Journeys design tailor made tours to suit your requirements which need cost no more than a standard tour with equivalent accommodation.. You tell us what you would most like to do or see and we prepare itineraries for you to consider- it's as simple as that!   Arc Journeys is small enough but experienced enough to provide truly personally arranged tours to suit your interests, style of travel and budget. Your enquiry is handled by a single person, who prepares quotes and itineraries in accordance with your requests, free of  charge and without obligation.  David Halford ran his first architecture tour in 1992 and started Arc Journeys (David Halford Travel) in 1992. Angela Molinaro has worked in travel and led tours since 1990. We have experience of travel in over 60 countries and have first hand knowledge of most of the destinations we offer. We are both qualified professional people who aim to provide an efficient but personal service. On tailor made tours we use experienced local staff who bring an extra dimension of knowledge about their area. We also try to arrange trips that have minimum impact and maximum benefit by using local businesses and guides who understand their natural and cultural environment. Unlike many companies that offer tailor made ("custom made", "customized", "bespoke") travel we take the time to prepare itineraries that are unique to you.  For details and itineraries of other destinations please go to the relevant Dossier web page as listed in the MAIN INDEX. We can arrange all this and more: ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS, HUG AN ORPHAN ORANGUTAN, DOG SLEDDING IN THE ARCTIC, CRUISE IN THE GALAPAGOS, SNORKEL CORAL REEFS, CLIMB VOLCANOES, WHALE-WATCHING, GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS, JUNGLE RIVER CRUISES, EXCLUSIVE HOTELS OR LOCAL HUTS, TREK THE HIMALAYAS OR THE ANDES, CAMEL, HORSE, ELEPHANT OR WALKING SAFARIS, APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE, ARTS, CRAFTS, TEXTILES, MUSIC, FESTIVALS, DANCE AND CUISINE. References: Most of our business comes from personal recommendation by our many satisfied clients since Arc Journeys David Halford Travel) was established in 1992. We can provide testimonials from many clients with email addresses that you can contact. You can also look Arc Journeys up in Guidebooks such as Footprint Guides & The Rough Guides or on web Guides such as www.britannica.com InfoHub.com, wild-dog.com, bluedome.co.uk, aolhometown.com etc. Encyclopedia Britannica Internet Travel Guide Award winners- see www.britannica.com     Email us at
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INTRODUCTION

The high and dry Tibetan plateau, girdled by mountains has until recently resisted the passage of time. Spectacular Buddhist temples still ring to the chanting of saffron robed monks. Shaven headed lamas, nomad women with their long tresses, weather-beaten horsemen, proud tribesmen and Buddhist pilgrims roam the stark and rugged plains. Living on this harsh plateau, Tibetans have learned to endure incredible hardships with a great sense of humour and hospitality. The "Land Of Snows" has a mediaeval mysticism that seems to be of another world. Tibet which was the seat of an ancient civilisation forbidden to outsiders for centuries has recently become accessible to travellers. You can fly into Lhasa from Kathmandu on one of the world most spectacular flights across the Himalayas. The capital Lhasa at 3650m is dominated by the vast Potala Palace which is the ancient seat of the Dalai Lama and remains a symbol of the all pervading Buddhism. Prostrate pilgrims in turquoise and regional dress circumambulate the Jokhang temple on their bellies while within, chanting monks bow in prayer. Around the temple is a fascinating bazaar filling the narrow streets between the white washed stone houses. Within reach of Lhasa are several other spectacular sights such as the Dalai Lama's summer palace at Norbulingkha and the 15th Century monasteries at Sera and Drepung. Even a few days staying in Lhasa will give you enough time to visit several major monasteries and give you a real impression of Tibetan culture. You can stay in comfortable accommodation in Lhasa and fly in and out from Kathmandu. This therefore makes a good combination with a Nepal cultural tour. Those with a little more time and energy can travel overland across the plateau spending one or two weeks either travelling from Lhasa back to Khatmandu or in a circuit returning to Lhasa, visiting the many other ancient citadels and spectacular monasteries. The route from Lhasa to Kathmandu crosses the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas travelling through a variety of stunning landscapes and  provides the opportunity to visit many of the most outstanding religious sites as well as Everest Bas Camp.

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SERVICES WE OFFER

Travel in Tibet is only permitted when organised by an approved travel agent. As usual we can arrange tailor made tours and treks to suit your requirements to most of the accessible parts of the country; the itineraries given below are merely examples to give you an idea of the possibilities. In addition we can arrange for you to join regular standard tours with local leaders which include,cultural tours within Tibet, fly-in tours of Lhasa, trekking and overland tours of various types. Since all our flights and overland tours in Tibet originate in Kathmandu they can easily be combined with other countries in the region including Nepal, India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Thailand and South East Asia .

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DESTINATIONS IN TIBET

No land has so captured the imagination for its remoteness and its mystical aura than Tibet, the roof of the world and the kingdom hidden in the heart of Asia. Forbidden to the outside world for centuries and still only accessible to organised groups, this vast expanse of land is awesomely beautiful and offers fantastic vistas of mountains, plains, lakes people and culture belonging to a lost world. Even today, Tibet's past grandeur, majesty, magic and mystery still remains and one can still today see nomads herding their yaks, pilgrims worshipping at sacred shrines, and the expansive, striking and enduring Himalayan topography.

LHASA

Lhasa the capital city of Tibet at an altitude of 3,650 meters, is situated on the northern banks of the Kyi-chu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Palace of Gods", the residence of Dalai Lama ( The God King), is the earthly representation of the Celestial Palace of Avaloketeswora, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be Dalai Lama. As Tibet's political, religious and cultural centre, it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, its people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.

Potala Palace: This legendary palace built over a single hill is synonymous with Tibet. First built in the 7th century as a fortress by Tibet's foremost king, Srongtsen Campo, was later expanded to its present structure during the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama. This 13 storied, 1000 room citadel served as the headquarters of the former 'church state' of Tibet and was home to the successive Dalai Lamas, who from  the latter half of the 18th century used it as their winter palace.

The Norbu Linkha : The 'Jewel Park' as it is known 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 gathering. The palaces are richly decorated creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose.

The Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relics, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Ching on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Srongtsen Gampo. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.

Drepung Monastery: Said to be largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was founded in AD 1416 by the disciple of Tsonkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Second, Third, and Fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan means ' mound of rice'.

GYANTSE

Gyantse is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264 Kilometres south west of Lhasa. It still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Younghusband led a British Expedition to Tibet and defeated the Tibetan army there. As a cross road on the principal 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 fortress perched on a nearby mountain.

Kumbum: This is one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet  consisting of 6 Stories complete with a Buddhist Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15th Century, it has since then withstood all the ravages of battles and revolutions.

Pelkhor Chode Monastery: Located near the Kumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside date back to the time of its founding.

SHIGATSE (Xigatse)

Shigatse is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of the Tsang province. It is 354  kilometres west of Lhasa at an altitude of 3180 meters.

Tashilhunpo Monastery: Founded in Ad 1447 by 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 declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, was a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and the fourth in line of incarnate Lamas who would henceforth be referred to by the title of Panchen Rinpoche. Tashilhunpo has one of the world's largest statues, a nine storey gilded bronze statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha.

Shalu Monastery: Shalu is 19 kilometres southwest of Shigatse. It was famous as a Tantric school where yogic practices were taught and perfected.  The architecture of Shalu is uniquely Chinese.

Sakya Monastery: Sakya lies 143 kilometres to the southwest of Shigatse. Sakya Monastery, the centre of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo. During the rule of the Sakyapas, the priest-patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakya rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from the 13th to the 14th century. Many of its priceless images, statues, holy scriptures remaining today, date back to the time to its founding.

THE YARLUNG VALLEY

Said to be the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, this area has numerous temples, monasteries caves and peaks. Nearby are the Sayme Monastery; the oldest in Tibet, built around 770AD by King Trisong Detsen and Yumbulakhang castle. The latter was said to have been built for the first king of Tibet and then extended throughout the generations. Unfortunately these buildings were destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. The current building dates only from 1982 but still has great atmosphere.

MT KAILASH

Known as the Precious Snow Mountain (Gang Rinpoche) this mountain has been celebrated in many Eastern cosmologies as Mt Meru, the axis mundi of the universe. As the centre of  the physical and metaphisical universe Mt Kailash is sacred to the Jains, Buddhists and Hindus. From it' slopes flow 4 great rivers in the 4 cardinal directions; the Indus to the north, the Bhramaputra to the east, the Karnali into the Ganges in the south and the Sutlej to the west. It is a sacred pilgrimage site as the faithful trek the 58 km circuit starting at Darchen.  All along the path there are places of special significance to the history and mythology of the mountain. You can reach Mt Kailash from Lhasa or Kathmandu but the journey  can be rough at times and the facilities basic. In fact this part of Tibet has been least influenced by the Chinese which means that although the journey is tough the rewards are plenty.

LAKE MANASAROVAR

Lake Manansarovar and nearby Lake Rakshas are believed to represent the sun and moon and have associations with the forces of light and dark. It is possible to trek around the lake which also has sites of spiritual and historical interest.

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TYPICAL ITINERARIES

Note: We can arrange other itineraries to suit your requests. We can combine  these tours with tours in Nepal, India and Bhutan.

 

Yunnan & Tibet Overland KUNMING, LHASA, CENTRAL TIBET, EVEREST BASE CAMP & NEPAL An exciting exploration of the lush and picturesque limestone scenery of Yunnan, through the dramatic high plateau of Tibet to Lhasa and across the Himalayas via Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu.   Prices and details are given below the following itinerary. Day 1 Mon 17th May KUNMING ARRIVAL Arrive Kunming and transfer to hotel. Free day in Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring" (easily accessible by air from Bangkok). Overnight Hotel Pinnacle Day 2 Tue 18th May KUNMING - LIJIANG Short domestic flight Kunming-Lijiang. Visit Dragon Spruce Meadows, Jade Peak Monastery, Baisha village & fresco, Longguan village, Black Dragon Pong (Dongba Research Institute), old town. Evening Naxi Orchestra. Overnight Grand Hotel or similar. Day 3 Wed 19th May LIJIANG Full day visit Stone Drum Village, the First Bend of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Overnight Grand Hotel or similar. Day 4 Thu 20th May LIJIANG - DALI Drive from Lijiang to Dali and in the afternoon visit Three Pagodas, Butterfly Fountains, old city. Overnight Asia Star Hotel or similar Day 5 Fri 21st May DALI Boat Trip on the idyllic Ehai Lake Visit Xizhou & Zhoucheng towns. Overnight Asia Star Hotel or similar Day 6 Sat 22nd May DALI - KUNMING Drive back to Kunming. Overnight Hotel Pinnacle Day 7 Sun 23rd KUNMING- CHENGDU In the morning visit the Stone Forest - a landscape of towering needle-like limestone pinnacles, Sani minority villages etc. Afternoon flight to Chengdu. Overnight Jinxin Hotel. Return to Page Index (Day 1) Arrive Chengdu if joining at this point. Transfer to the hotel to meet the group from Kunming. Day 8 (2) Mon 24th May CHENGDU - GONGGAR AIRPORT- TSEDANG (3100m) Transfer to airport for the flight to Gonggar airport, Tibet. Drive to Tsedang about 2 hours, remainder of day to rest and acclimatise. Overnight Tsedang Hotel. (A modern hotel with private facilities and a good restaurant) Day 9 (3) Tue 25th May TSEDANG In the morning drive about 45 min. through the central Tibetan landscape to Qonggyai, the burial grounds of ancient Tibetan Kings. The Tibetans did not give their kings sky burials but chose interment in tombs instead. Historical records speak of 13 tombs in this area but only nine have been found. The easiest one to identify is that of Songsten Gampo, which we will be visiting. In the afternoon visit Yambu Lhakang. Although legend has it that Yambu Lhakang was built in the prehistoric time of the first king of the first dynasty of kings in Yarlung, documentation first associates the 3rd century king Lhatotori with this palace. We drive back to visit Trandruk temple. Trandruk was founded by Songsten Gampo. He had it constructed to protect a self-manifest image of Drolma. In the 8th century Trandruk was one of the Emperor Trisong Detsen's three chief monasteries, together with Lhasa Jokhang and Samye. Overnight Tsedang Hotel Return to Page Index Day 10 (4) Wed 26th May TSEDANG-SAMYE-LHASA Drive early morning (90 minutes) to Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra river) to the ferry quay. On ferry for about 1 hr and then a 20 mins truck ride to Samye monastery, the first monastery in Tibet. Guru Rimpoche, from the Swat Valley, built Samye in 765 A.D. by order of Emperor Trisong Detsen and the Indian Bodhisattva Abbot Santaraskita was its first abbot. Once reputed to be a forest of 108 temples, Samye is still one of the most imposing sights in Tibet. Reconstruction is going on to repair the extensive damage done during the Cultural Revolution. Return to the road by the same route then drive about 4 hours to Lhasa. Overnight Himalaya Hotel or Keychu Hotel. Day 11 (5) Thu 27th May AROUND LHASA Visit Potala the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. Drive (20 mins) to Sera monastery situated on a mountain slope north of Lhasa city. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, the other two being Drepung & Ganden. Time permitting, we will visit Norbulingka, the summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas. Overnight at the hotel. Day 12 (6) Fri 28th May AROUND LHASA Drive (20 mins) to Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect and contains historical relics, Bhuddist scriptures, arts & crafts. Visit the 7th century Jokhang Temple which has architectural features from the Tang Dynasty and from Indian & Nepali Buddhist Temples. It houses many historical relics from the Tang Dynasty and statues of King Songsten Gompo, Princess Wencheng from China and Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal. Explore the Barkhor market, which was a major, year-round trade fair for merchants from all over central Asia. Overnight Hotel. Return to Page Index Day 13 (7) Sat 29th May LHASA - GYANTSE (3950m) Drive (8 hrs) to Gyantse. A spectacular drive via Kampa La pass (4794m) to Yamdrok Tso (4482m) also known as Turquoise Lake. It covers 600 sq. km. and is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet. Cross Karo La pass (5010m) & two other smaller passes to Gyantse. Overnight Hotel Gyantse. (A modern hotel with private facilities.) Day 14 (8) Sun 30th May GYANTSE - SHIGATSE (3,900m) Visit Phalkor monastery & the Kumbum Stupa designed by Newari architects from Nepal. The Phalkhor has a special influence over Buddhism in Tibet owing to its unity of Gelugpa, Sakyapa & Bhuton sects. Drive (2 hrs) to Shigatse (3900m). Visit Tashilunpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. This is the monastery founded by Gedun Drup who was later recognised as the first Dalai Lama. The main statue of this monastery is the 26m high Maitreya Buddha made of 275 kg of gold. Overnight Hotel Shigatse . Day 15 (9) Wed 31st May SHIGATSE - SHEGAR VIA SAKYA MONASTERY Drive up into the hills to Kublai Khan's imposing Sakya Monastery then rejoin the main road down to Shegar Dzong with Everest dominating the horizon. Day 16 (10) Tue 1st June SHEGAR-RONGBUK Drive on a rough track across the Pang-la pass (5105m) to Rongbuk Monastery. Overnight Rongbuk Guesthouse (simple accommodation) or camping. Return to Page Index Day 17 (11) Wed 2nd June BASE CAMP (5150m) An opportunity to walk the 2 or 3 hours to Base Camp. The view of the north face of Everest are excellent from here. Overnight Rongbuk Guesthouse (simple accommodation) or camping Day 18 (12) Thu 3rd BASE CAMP- NYALAM Drive back to the road and on to Nyalam. Overnight Nyalam Guesthouse. Day 19 (13) Fri 4th NYALAM-KATHMANDU Drive via the pine forests and river gorges of Zhangmu to the border. Walk across the Friendship Bridge between China and Nepal and join a new vehicle to complete the spectacular cross Himalayan journey to Kathmandu. Overnight Utse Hotel. Day 20 (14) Sat 5th KATHMANDU In the morning visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrimage site. A huge complex of temples and Shiva monuments that has been designated a World Heritage site. In the afternoon visit Bhaktipur which retains much of the Newari traditions and distinctive architecture dating back to King Bhupatindra Malla who ruled from late 17th to the early 18th century. Return to Kathmandu. Overnight Utse Hotel Day 21 (15) Sun 6th June DEPARTURE Either transfer to the airport for your flight home or we can arrange extensions anywhere in the region either before or after the group tour     Return to Page Index Price (1999): Option 1 Kunming, Lhasa, Everest & Kathmandu: 21 days £2025 (US$3240) Single supplement £320 (Allow £205 for domestic flights) Option 2 Yunnan only: 7 days £755 - US$1208 (Allow £30 for domestic flight) Option 3 Chengdu, Lhasa, Everest & Nepal: 15 days £1399  -US$2240 (Allow £125 for domestic flights) Includes: Twin share accommodation with breakfast. Full board at Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp. Ground transport. Tibet Authorisation. Local Guides and the services of an Arc Leader. Not including: Visas. Insurance. Lunch & Dinner (except Rongbuk and Base Camp). Personal items, souvenirs, Flights: You can book the International fliights through any flight agent. Allow approx. £630 + taxes (London-Bangkok- Kunming/ Kathmandu-London) Domestic flights (Kunming-Lijiang, Kunming-Chengdu-Lhasa) will be paid locally when you receive your tickets. Other expenses: Chinese Visa, £25, Nepal visa, US$15 (Visa fees change so please check at the time). Airport taxes (allow 2x Y50 approx. £8 for flights in China and 600 Rp (approx £6.50) international departure from Kathmandu, meals (allow £10 per day) Insurance: Travel Insurance is required for all Arc Journeys tours. If you do not have your own policy we can offer a comprehensive, 24 day policy available for £54 Visas: Visas for Nepal and China with permits for Tibet are required. Please consult us before applying for your China visa so that we can arrange for the Tibet Authorisation. It is possible to get the Nepal visa on arrival at Kodari (Tibet border) providing you have a valid passport and a passport photo, however we recommend getting the visa prior to travel. Nepal Consulate: 12A Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 T 0171 229 6231 Health: No vaccinations are required for China or Nepal however you should consult your doctor or the TMVC for the most current information. Altitude sickness is the commonest ailment in Tibet and we advise our clients to take plenty of fluids throughout their stay and to rest to acclimatise on arrival Note: Full Pre-Departure Information will be sent out on booking. Return to Page Index

TYPICAL 8 DAY LHASA TO KATHMANDU

Fly in/ Drive out.

Day 1 Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa with spectacular views of Everest, the Himalayan Range and the Tibetan Plateau (on a clear day). Night in a comfortable hotel in Lhasa.

Day 2 Visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. Night Lhasa.

Day 3 Visit Jokhang Temple, The Tibetan Medical Centre, wander through Bakhor market and soak up the atmosphere of Lhasa.

Day 4 Commence the overland journey south across the plateau to Gyantse near the Bhutan border which was formerly an important city at the junction of two caravan routes. Night Gyantse Hotel.

Day 5 A short drive along the Nyang valley and up to the Mongolian style Shalu Monastery known for its coloured sand mandalas. Continue to Shigatse the site of the ancient walled and fortified monastery of Tashilumpo which was once a rival to Lhasa as the centre of religious power. Night Shigatse Hotel.

Day 6 Drive up into the hills to Kublai Khan's imposing Sakya Monastery then rejoin the main road down to Shegar Dzong with Everest dominating the horizon. Night Shegar Hotel.

Day 7 Visit Milarepa's hermit cave, then drive through deep river gorges to Zhangmu set amongst pine forests and waterfalls. Night Zhangmu Hotel.

Day 8 Walk across the Friendship Bridge between China and Nepal and join a new vehicle to complete the spectacular journey to Kathmandu.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Departures: Every Saturday between March and November.

1998 Prices: £795 ($US1272)per person based on twin share at Himalayan Hotel in Lhasa. (reduced from £850)

Upgrade to Holiday Inn £60 ($96).  Single room supplement £175 ($280)

Price includes: twin share accommodation, breakfasts, transfers and tours with English speaking local guides, Tibet Visa (but not China Visa), entrance fees to monasteries.

8 DAY CENTRAL TIBET TOUR

Day 1 Fly to Lhasa. Transfer to Tsedang. Tsedang Hotel.

Day 2 Explore Yarlung Valley, the cradle of the Tibetan civilisation. Visit Samye monastery & Yumbulakhang.

Day 3 Drive via Yamdruk Tso to Gyantse. Gyantse Hotel. Visit Kumbum Stupa and Pelkor Chode Monastery.

Day 4 Drive via Shalu to Shigatse. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and Shigatse Market.

Day 5 Drive to Lhasa

Day 6 Visit Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery.

Day 7 Visit Jokhang, Barkhor & Tibetan Medical Centre.

Day 8 Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Departures: Every Tuesday & Sunday between March and November. Also on Thursday between July and October. Subject to a minimum of 5 participants.

1998 Prices: £699  ($US 1115) per person based on twin share at Himalayan Hotel in Lhasa.

Upgrade to Holiday Inn £60.

Single room supplement £175

Flight Kathmandu Lhasa return allow £250

14 DAY - MT. KAILASH & LAKE MANASAROVAR

Day 01 Kathmandu / Zhangmu Day 02 Zhangmu Pigu Tso Day 03 Pigu Tso Zhongba Day 04 Zhongba Mayumla Day 05 Mayumla Darchen  Day 6-8 A complete circle around Mt. Kailash & continue to Manasarovar Day 09 Lake Manasoravar Day 10 Manasarovar / Paryang Day 11 Paryang / Saga Day 12 Saga / Pigu Tso Day 13 Pigu Tso / Zhangmu Day 14 Zhangmu / Kathmandu

Departures: Tailormade for 2 or more people between March and November subject to a minimum of 5 participants.

1998 Prices: Approx. £1750 ($US2800) per person depending on your requirements based on twin share.

10 DAY LHASA & EVEREST BASE CAMP

Fly in Return by road

Day 01 Fly Kathmandu / Lhasa Transfer from airport & check into hotel

Day 02 Guided tour of Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery

Day 03 Guided tour of Jokhang, Barkhor, & Tibetan Medical centre

Day 04 Drive Lhasa / Gyantse Overnight in Gyantse Hotel

Day 05 Drive Gyantse / Shigatse Enroute visit Shalu Monastery After arrival visit Tashilhunpo Monastery & Shigatse Market. Overnight at the Shigatse Hotel

Day 06 Drive to Shegar Enroute visit Sakya Monastery Overnight in Shegar Hotel

Day 07 Drive to Rongbuk Monastery via Pangla Overnight Rongbuk Guest House

Day 08 Excursion to Everest Base Camp & return Overnight Rongbuk Guest House

Day 09 Drive to Nyalam Overnight Nyalam Guest House

Day 10 Drive via Zhangmu to Kathmandu

Departures: Tailormade on request with a minimum of 4 participants.

4 DAY LHASA TOUR

Fly in / Fly Out

Day 01 Fly Kathmandu - Lhasa transfer airport hotel & check in to your hotel.

Day 02 Guided tour of Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery

Day 03 Guided tour of Jokhang, Barkhor, & Tibetan Medical centre

Day 04 After early breakfast, transfer to airport Fly Lhasa / Kathmandu

Departures: Every Saturday between March and November subject to a

minimum of 5 participants.

1998 Prices: £375 ($US600) per person based on twin share at Himalayan Hotel

in Lhasa. Upgrade to Holiday Inn £50.

Single room supplement £85

5 DAY LHASA TOUR

Fly in /Fly out

Day 01 Fly Kathmandu / Lhasa & transfer to hotel Check in hotel

Day 02 Guided tour of Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery

Day 03 Guided tour of Jokhang, Barkhor, & Tibetan Medical centre

Day 04 Full excursion to Ganden Monastery

Day 05 After early breakfast, transfer to airport Fly Lhasa / Kathmandu

Departures: Every Tuesday between March and November subject to a

minimum of 5 participants.

Prices: £400 ($US640) per person based on twin share at Himalayan Hotel

in Lhasa. Upgrade to Holiday Inn £60.

Single room supplement £100

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OTHER INFORMATION

Travel to Tibet is possible only in groups by land or by air, organized by recognized travel agents. Overland tours to Tibet are of various types, the most popular being to Lhasa through very rugged highaltitude terrain, often snow-bound during the winter months from December to March. On the Nepal side, the highway to Tibet is sometimes disrupted by landslides during the monsoons, form July to September. Flights to Lhasa are operated by Boeing 707 aircrafts of the CSWA, China South West Airlines. Two flights operate between Lhasa & Kathmandu every week; on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The 55 minutes flight to Lhasa is perhaps one of the most spectacular in the world where one flies over Mt. Everest and other majestic Himalayan peaks. Airport departure taxes are Nepali Rupees 700 at Kathmandu and 70 FEC at Lhasa Airport, which is 90 kilometres south of Lhasa.

Visa

Individual visas are not issued for Tibet by the Chinese authorities. Those who arrive in Nepal with visa for China issued by the Chinese embassies in their countries will find it useless for entry into Tibet. Visitors to Tibet must buy a tour package from a travel agency in Kathmandu, who will then apply for visa clearance from Lhasa. Following this, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues the visa. A minimum period of 14 days at least is required for visas for Tibet ; 10 days advance notice to be given to Lhasa, after which the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu takes another 4 days to process your passports. Chinese Embassy Visa Application timings are 10:00 am to 11:15 am, and only on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays. Passports should be  submitted and collected on any one of these days.

Nepal re-entry visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the Kodari on the Nepal - Tibet border on payment of US $ 40 visa fee.

Altitude Sickness

Those with chronic health problems should consult a doctor before making travels plans. Most people visiting Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before getting acclimatized. For the latest information consult your doctor.

Clothing & Accessories

Warm clothing is required during November to April and light clothes from May to October.

May to October: Raincoat / wind breaker, jacket, sweater, sun hat, sunglasses , shirts shoes, and thermal underwear.

November to April: Sleeping bags, down jackets, thermal underwear, long johns, woollen trousers, woollen shirts, gloves, woollen hat, scarf and leather boots.

Other essentials are water bottles including water purification tablets, chap-sticks, sun-tan lotion, utility knife, flash light, battery operated shaver, dust mask, medicine for headache, fever, colds, stomach disorder, and DIAMOX for altitude sickness.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA & INDOCHINA SE Asia in brief Borneo Bali Sulawesi Sumatra Java Malaysia & Singapore Thailand & Yunnan Laos & Cambodia Vietnam INDIA & THE HIMALAYAS India Nepal Bhutan, Sikkim & Ladakh Tibet	SOUTH AMERICA Peru Bolivia Ecuador South America Generally - email us for info THE ARCTIC Canada, Alaska, Newfoundland, Greenland & The Arctic AFRICA Southern Africa Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, S. Africa Madagascar Ethiopia Tanzania & East Africa	AUSTRALASIA Australia, NZ, New Guinea UK/EUROPE UK & Europe WORLDWIDE Index of Special Interest Topics Whalewatching Diving destinations Illustrated brochure (email us for a copy) Contact Details

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Arc Journeys Destinations

This is a brief description of the regions we cover, go to the MAIN INDEX for links to Dossiers on each destination.

South East Asia

Visit ancient temples and traditional villages, relax in exclusive hideaways, witness colourful festivals, learn about textiles, local cooking or music and dance, cruise jungle rivers, meet orangutans or trek the jungles and volcanoes .... We are acknowledged experts on this region; this is what the Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook says about us: "Arc Journeys have excellent cultural and natural tours run by people who understand and care for the country, its people and environment."

Australasia

Meet the koalas & 'roos, visit the wineries, stroll deserted beaches, dive The Reef, climb The Rock, experience the open spaces and untouched wilderness. Escape the crowds. Accommodated self-drive, treks, 4WD tours, gourmet cycle tours...indulge in the Aussie way.

India and The Himalayas

Walk through small villages among 8000m peaks, receive blessings from a Buddhist Lama, stay in magnificent palaces, search for rhino and tiger. Himalayan treks, rail journeys, camel & horse safaris, palace hotels, houseboats or homestays...

Africa

Meet the curious lemurs, look out for the Big 5, climb Kilimanjaro, visit villages where time has stood still. Luxury lodges or camping expeditions, Self-drive or escorted 4WD safaris, horseback safaris, rail journeys, treks, fly- in tours ......

South America

Discover the mysteries of the Incas, explore colonial towns and Indian markets, hear the music and festivals, trek the Andes, take great train journeys, cruise the Amazon and the Galapagos, meet blue footed boobies and giant turtles. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.

The Arctic

Dog sledding, polar bears, birds & whalewatching, cruise Alaska, Greenland or rivers, touch an iceberg, see the Northern Lights or midnight sun, experience the wilderness of the Arctic. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.

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CONTACT DETAILS

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David Halford Travel 102 Stanley Rd Cambridge CB5 8LB UK

UK Tel 0171 681 3175     Fax +44 171 6813175

Australia Tel & Fax +61 2 9475 0151

Home page http://www.travelarc.com  Alternative website http://members.aol.com/ArcJourney/index.htm

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