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This amazing
journey will take you to one of the least know,
yet highest peaks in the world. Shishapangma,
hidden from Nepal by the Himalayan range, is
highly regarded as our most remote and most
scenic trips in all of Tibet. The high altitude
walk is a little easier as there are no major
passes to ascend. However, the landscape and
scenery along the way rivals any other Himalayan
Trek. The lack of other tourist along the way
also makes this journey even more rewarding. The
beautiful weather during the day, yet rain at
night, allows for a wondrous walk through lush
meadows and blossoming wildflowers.
After our
awe-inspiring trek we will visit the historic
city of Lhasa. This wondrous city is generally
regarded as the heart of Tibet and is filled
with unparalleled history, culture, and beauty.
The Potala Palace dominates the skyline with its
powerful and ancient architecture. The numerous
temples and monasteries surrounding the city,
such as the Jokhang and Drepung, allow travelers
to experience Tibetan Buddhism first hand. A
visit to these ancient monasteries will leave
you with a sense of astonishment for years to
come! Stops will be made along the way in the
small towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. Allow
yourself to relax in these extraordinary towns
and immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist
culture. You can learn a lot from these Tibetan
people. It will be even easier to enjoy Tibet as
nothing but the best Tibetan hotels will be
provided for you. |
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Itinerary: |
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DAY 01 DRIVE
KATHMANDU - NYALAM |
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Our group will
assemble in Kathmandu in the morning and drive
through gorgeous Nepalese countryside for nearly
123 km. Upon reaching Kodari the group will
complete visa procedures and border formalities
with the help of our guides. On the way to
Nyalam we will drive through numerous passes and
valleys using a system of steep switchbacks. We
will even drive through a mossy gully containing
wondrous cascading waterfalls. |
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DAY 02 REST DAY/
ACCLIMATISATION |
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Today is a day for you to rest and take in the
beauty of Nyalam. It is important that we take
it easy today and properly acclimatize to the
high altitude. To provide some excitement to the
day we can visit Nyalam Pelgye Ling, a small
temple right out of town. |
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DAY 03 TREK TO
DRAABOCHHAN [4110M] |
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Today we will begin
our trekking adventure as we head out of town
along the Tshongde Phu river valley. It is
completely up to you whether we take a shorter
day and head straight to our campsite at
Draabochhan or make the pilgrimage trek to Tara
Tsho Lake. If you are up for the steep walk
along the way, the magical lake is well worth
it. Legend has it that the lake was made from a
piece of ice that a lama carried from Mt.
Kailash. Beautiful prayer flags and stone
monuments cover the banks of the lake. We will
spend the night in a comfortable campsite at
Draabochhan. |
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DAY 04 TREK TO
SHINGDIP [4560M] |
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Our second day of
trekking leads us to the top of the ridge.
Alluring views and blossoming rhododendrons
surround us as we follow the ridge. Our night
will be spent in an amazing meadow camp in
Shingdip. Get a good sleep, because tomorrow we
will reach the base camp! |
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DAY 05 TREK TO BASE
CAMP [4980M] |
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Today we will head
west as we follow the ridge once more. The Jugal
Himal peak looms over us as we walk. After only
two hours of walking we reach the base camp!
Unfortunately there are no views of Shishapangma
at the actual base camp. However, we have plenty
of time to explore the glacial lakes and boulder
plateaus which do offer impressive views.
Advanced base camp is in close walking distance
as well. |
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DAY 06 TREK TO
DRAABOCHHAN [4110M] |
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After an amazing
day at the base camp we will descend back to
Draabochhan. Along the way, wondrous alpine
meadows, rhododendrons, and views of Jugal Himal
surround us. |
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DAY 07 TREK TO
NYALAM [3780M] |
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On our seventh day
we will follow our route back through the
Tshongde Phu river valley. Another amazing day
of trekking! The night will be spent back in
Nyalam. |
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DAY 08 DRIVE TO
LHATSE |
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Some amazing days
of driving and sightseeing begins today as we
observe the vast difference in the lush lower
hills and the barren Tibetan Plateau. Throughout
the day several high passes, including Lalung
La, will be crossed. From these passes,
widespread views of Mt. Everest and the entire
Himalayan range can be seen. Tonight will be
spent in the small town of Lhatse. |
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DAY 09 DRIVE TO
SHIGATSE |
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The beauty of the
drive continues as we cross Gyatsmo La, the
highest pass of our journey. On the way a string
of quiet monasteries and herders can also be
seen. The night will be spent at one of two
traditional hotels in Shigatse, the second
largest city in Tibet |
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DAY 10 DRIVE TO
GYANTSE |
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Today we only need
to drive a short amount so the morning will be
spent exploring the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This
beautiful place is one of the largest
functioning monasteries left in Tibet. Our first
true experience of Tibetan culture! Our final
destination is the small city of Gyantse. We
will be given the opportunity of experiencing
more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the
Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the
valley can be seen from the ancient Dzong fort.
The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is
surrounded by numerous Tibetan murals and small
chapel houses. Even if you are no art
connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient
murals and architecture. |
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DAY 11 DRIVE TO
LHASA |
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The highlight of
today is the Karo La pass. At this pass, a
towering glacier rises nearly straight up from
the road. Much more is seen today as we drive
through several small towns and even Yamdrok-tso,
an amazing turquoise lake. The day will end in
Lhasa at hotel. |
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DAY 12 EXPLORING
LHASA |
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In the morning we
will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple. This
temple is the most revered shrine in all of
Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout
worshippers. We will also be given the
opportunity to shop in Barkor, the crowded
central market of Lhasa. In the afternoon we
will visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth
century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed
walls. This well preserved monastery is located
just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to
several hundred monks. its famous debating
activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly
every day, so remind our guide not to miss it. |
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DAY 13 FURTHER
EXPLORATION OF LHASA |
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A trip to Tibet
would not be complete without experiencing the
vital Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa's
cardinal landmark and is a wonder of Eastern
architecture. Your first site of this massive
structure will be a magical moment remembered
for years to come. It has been a palace since
the fifth or sixth century and was once home to
the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will
ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery.
Once the world's largest monastery, housing
10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in
rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly
much of the building was left untouched
throughout so many hundred of years. |
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DAY 14 FLY LHASA -
KATHMANDU |
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Experience the
wondrous sight of the Himalayas for one last
time as we fly back to Katmandu! |
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