Ancient Tibetan Trails
We start in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal where we discover this beautiful city. Take a scenic flight to Gongar and in Lhasa we explore the magnificent Potala Palace, as well as various monasteries. From the gigantic snow peaks of the Himalayas to the barren Tibetan plateau come with Hmalayan Hikers into the heart and soul of Tibet and experience the ambience of thousands of years of history. Visit the court of wild roses, where hundreds of roses still bloom today in the jeweled gardens of Tibet. Before returning to the hustle and bustle of modern life experience the fathomless depths of quiet mountain lakes calming and soothing ones soul.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our Himalayan Hikers representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.After your check in the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organise a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Today, you will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath ,the main temple for the Hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the “ghats”. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be handed over with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given. Meals included: B
The one-hour flight to Lhasa is an adventure in itself. Taking off from Kathmandu, the plane flies alongside the eastern Himalayas as far as Mt. Everest and then turns north with gigantic snow peaks filling up the left-hand side windows. The mountains drop away and you are gliding across the barren Tibetan plateau to touch down at Gonggar Airport, 85 km from Lhasa. (Kathmandu 1300 mt, Lhasa 3600 mt). Arrive Gonggar airport and transfer to Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel. Meals included: B
Morning visit to Potala Palace, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. In the afternoon visit Jokhang temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel. Meals included: B
In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelukpa sect., which was created in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called the court of wild roses. Today still 200 lamas live there. Visit Norbulinka, the name means “jeweled Garden “ a fitting title for this 200 years old park, stretching over 360,000sq mt. The 370 room summer palace where the fourth Dalai Lama resided. Overnight at Hotel. Meals included: B
Visit the Monastery of Ganden , situated 60 kilometers east of Lhasa, the monastery of Gandan was founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa on the Gokpori ridge of Mount Wangkur, overlooking the south bank of the river and the Phenyul valley beyond. Gandan was the first and foremost Gelukpa monastery, constructed by Tsongkhapa himself. Overnight at Hotel. Meals included: B
Yamdrok Yumtso, one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometer’s’ distance to the southwest of Lhasa. The surface of the lake, with its fathomless depth, covers some six hundred-square kilometers. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of ducks. Overnight at Hotel. Meals included: B
Airport transfer. Fly back to Kathmandu. Meals included: B
Today after breakfast your trip comes to an end. Your tour leader will be in hand to assist you with your onward travel.
