BEIJING – LHASA - KATHMANDU (18

days)
This tour presents a delightful potpourri of high adventure and exotic culture. Exploration of
the ancient palaces, monasteries and temples, a ride on the world's highest train, a journey to
(almost) the top of the world, the Everest Base camp, this tour offers you an experience of a
lifetime.  

This trip takes you on a whirlwind tour to three oriental cities: Beijing, Lhasa and Kathmandu.
Exploring these three cities will give you an insight into three ancient cultures, Chinese,
Tibetan and Nepalese. But the major highlight of this trip is the journey aboard the Qinghai-
Tibet railway, the world's highest railway. Another highlight of this trip is the trek to the
Everest Base Camp.
Your tour commences in Beijing, a city in Northern China. Beijing, an ancient capital and a
bustling modern metropolis is a city of amazing contrasts. In Beijing some incredible
historical sites awaits you. On a guided tour, you explore the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen
Square, the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven.
Leaving Beijing you embark on a train journey to Lhasa, aboard the world's highest railway,
the Qinghai-Tibet railway. This train journey is the major highlight of this trip. As the train
trundles along the high Tibetan plateau, picturesque scenes of Tibetan countryside whiz by.
Owing to Tibet's high altitude the train has been equipped with oxygen-supplying equipments.
Oxygen masks are available for those who are prone to altitude sickness.
In the old city of Lhasa, you will be taken on a guided tour to all the city's major attractions:
Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka etc. Excursions to important Tibetan cities of
Shigatse, Gyantse and Shegar are also included in your itinerary. On reaching Rongbuk, you
get to view the world's highest mountain Mount Everest. As you leave Zangmu and cross the
Friendship Bridge you enter Nepal. There is a refreshing change in scenery, as verdant
greenery replaces the dry and arid Tibetan landscape. In Kathmandu you will get to explore
the three medieval cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

  HIGHLIGHTS
> 2 full days to explore Beijing including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of
Heaven, the Ming Tombs.
> Awesome glimpse of the striated rock summit of Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp
[5200m]
> Picturesque tableau of Tibetan countryside, nomadic herdsmen, ancient monasteries, high
mountain passes, wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain views.
> A memorable 48 hours train journey from Beijing to Lhasa, aboard the world's highest
railways.
> 3 amazing nights in Lhasa spent visiting Potala Palace, Norbulingka monastery, Jokhang
Temple, Barkhor Markets and Drepung monastery
> Culturally stimulating drive to Lhasa, Lhatse, Shigatse and Gyantse amidst the magnificent
mountain vistas of Everest, Makalu, Changtse, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma and many other
Tibetan peaks.
> Insightful cultural explorations in Kathmandu  
Trip Facts
Trip length: 18 Days
Starts in: Beijing
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel and train (soft-sleeper bed)
Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser, train from Beijing to Lhasa
Maximum altitude: 5250m
 
Outline Itinerery
Day 01 - Arrive in Beijing
Day 02/03 - Sightseeing in Beijing (Forbidden city, Imperial Palaces, Summer Palace, and
Great Wall of China)
Day 04/05 –Morning visit to Temple of Heaven-Evening Board the train from Beijing to
Lhasa (3650m)-Departure 21:30hrs (48 hrs journey)
Day 06 - Arrive in Lhasa at 21:30hrs
Day 07/08 - Sightseeing in Lhasa- (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor
Square, Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace)
Day 09 - Free day in Lhasa- (for acclimatization)
Day 10 – Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261km
Day 11 – Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m) 90km (Before leaving Gyantse visit
Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum)
Day 12 - Drive from Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) 244km (Before leaving Shigatse visit
Tashilhunpo Monastery)
Day 13 - Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km
Day 14 - Explore Everest base camp & drive to Tingri (4390m) 65km
Day 15 - Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km
Day 16 - Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 123km
Day 17 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu - (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath)
Day 18 - Depart Kathmandu
 

> DATES 2009

13 April - 30 April 2009
11 May - 28 May 2009
10 August - 27 August 2009
7 September - 24 September 2009
12 OCtober - 29 October 2009

> PRICE
USD 2470 per person on twin sharing

(Group joinging - required minimum of 3 participants to run this trip)

Cost Includes:
Accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Beijing with breakfast, guided sightseeing tour including a
visit to the Great Wall in Beijing, Lhasa/Beijing train fare (soft sleeper; if unavailable would
opt for hard sleeper and refund the difference), Hotel Dhoodgu or similar hotel in Lhasa (3
star) & best available en route with breakfast, transportation by 4WD land cruiser (Toyota
4500, the best available in Tibet), sightseeing tours with English speaking local TIBETAN
guide, all entry fees, Tibet travel permit, airport transfers, 2 nights’ at 3 star hotel in
Kathmandu with breakfast, guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees, border
transfer and train station transfers.

Cost Excludes:
Any airfare, lunch and dinner (6-10 USD per meal), airport tax, personal clothing &
equipments, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due any reason, your
insurance.

OPTIONS
If you would like to visit other chinese cities such as Chengdu (Panda Farm and Teshan
Buddha Statue), Xian (City wall, Terracota Warriors) and Xining

Detailed Itinerery

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Soon after landing at Beijing airport, you will be escorted to your hotel. At the hotel, you shall
be briefed about your travel arrangements and travel destinations. Thereon, you can enjoy the
lively ambience and excellent facilities of the hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Beijing

Today you will first visit the historic Tiananmen Square, and then the magnificent Forbidden
City. In the afternoon, you will visit the fine Summer Palace. You will also visit the
Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and the spiritual heart of China, where
the national flag is raised exactly at sunrise everyday, the Forbidden City, located in the center
of Beijing, which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history
of around 600 years ( it is the grandest integral palace complex still remaining in China). You
will also be taken to visit the Summer Palace, located on the northwestern outskirts of the
city. It was an imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty. With its perfect layout,
magnificent buildings and enchanting landscape, it is the most splendid classical garden in
China.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Beijing

Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section), the Chang Tomb of Ming
Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and
one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago
and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the
most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing,
at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644
AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every
direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and
watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You
will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th
emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620.

Day 4: Visit to Temple of Heaven & Evening- Board the Train from Beijing to Lhasa
[3650m]
 Early in the morning you will be taken for a visit to the Temple of Heaven which spreads
across a 267 hectare park. This temple serves as the best example of the fine Ming
architecture. To the Chinese this is a sacred site where prayers for good harvests, prosperity
and harmonious life are offered. In the evening you board the ‘Sky train’ to Lhasa and
experience the world’s highest railway journey.

Day 5: Onboard the Sky Train

The 4,064 km journey lasts for 48 hrs. Looking through UV blocked train window, you
remain captivated by the flashing glimpse of Chinese countryside, flat cultivated lands, brown
hills, and riverside valleys. The train passes across 5200m high Tanggula Mountain pass,
amidst surreal mountain vistas, as you near the Tibetan plateau. The train continues to pass
through mesmerizing views of the turquoise Qinghai Lake and uniquely shaped vast Tibetan
Plateau right below huge mountain range with 7000+ meter peaks, dominating the entire
landscape.
Equipments for oxygen supply and an oxygen mask are also available in the train for those
who are prone to altitude sickness. The train is fitted with soft sleepers, vacuum flush toilets,
flat-screen TVs and the finest dining service.

Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 meter)

After traveling for approximately 48 hrs, across the ‘roof of the world’, you finally arrive in
Lhasa. At the Lhasa train station you will be met by your Tibetan tour guide who will escort
you to your hotel.

Day 7: Sightseeing in Lhasa

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take you
on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera
Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a
visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome
building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides
yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll
around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa.

Day 8: Sightseeing in Lhasa

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The
imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through
the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has
a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the
tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped
Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing
religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a
well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala
Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your Tibetan guide.

Day 9: Free day in Lhasa

A final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This day is for you to spend it as you wish. Explore
and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery, go for souvenir
hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a café and watch pilgrims
as they circumambulate the Jokhang. There is also the option of an additional tour to places
such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this
additional tour will incur an extra cost.

Day 10: Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km

Driving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4794m with a brief
halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m.
On turning westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. From the roadside,
you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving for 261 km, beautifully landscaped
Tibetan villages come into view as you enter the town of Gyantse.

Day 11: Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km

Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical
fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a
large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After
exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse, the second largest city of
Tibet that lies at an altitude of 3900m.  Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest
functioning monasteries in Tibet, is the major attraction of Shigatse.

Day 12: Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.

Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving
past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, you
pass many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders en route to Shegar.

Day 13: Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km

Leaving Shegar, you will drive towards the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the
way, you delight in the amazing views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma.
After driving for 68 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can view the
spectacular Mount Everest from here. You will have overnight accommodation in a guest
house.

Day 14: Explore Everest Base Camp & drive to Tingri (4390m) 65km
This morning you get the opportunity to explore the Everest Base Camp (5150m). The Base
Camp itself is dry and barren, but the spectacular close-up views of Everest from this point
more then makes up for the arid landscape. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer
north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you.
No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you can walk for
9kms or rent a horse cart. After lunch, you return to the Friendship Highway and drive to
Tingri, where you will stay overnight at a lodge.

Day 15: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m) 181km

You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m.
You can delight in the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho
Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. As you drive along, you descend from the arid Tibetan
Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, you find
yourself amidst the lush and verdant Zhangmu at 2300m.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 123km

Drive few kilometers away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River
which brings you closer to the Immigration Control in Kodari. Here you will part with your
Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet your Nepalese escort who will
drive you to Kathmandu. After driving for around 5 hours, and covering 123 km, you finally
arrive at Kathmandu.

Day 17: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for
tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of
Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. There will be a half day
guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist
stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath.

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu

Our driver and airport representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back
home. We ensure you that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memories   and an
experience of a lifetime.

Contact us at
office@explore-himalaya.com
for more information about this tour.

 
GENERAL INFORMATION

ACTIVITY
The highlight of this tour is the visit to three ancient capitals: Beijing, Lhasa & Kathmandu.
From Lhasa, you take an adventurous overland drive on a sturdy, comfortable and spacious
4WD land cruiser. You will explore the major tourist attractions in Beijing, Lhasa and
Kathmandu. Another highlight, is the trip to the Everest Base Camp from where you get to
view the world's highest peak Everest. 

ARRIVAL IN BEIJING
You can arrive in Beijing from any Chinese city via flight, vehicle, bus or train from any hub.
Once you arrive in Beijing, your guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel. Air China
operates flights between Kathmandu and Beijing (Tue, Thu & Sat - 2008). This flight offers
spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and many other Himalayan giants. Please visit our
website (www.explorehimalaya.com) for information on flight connections from Kathmandu
and other cities of China.

Transportation
From Beijing to Lhasa you will be traveling in a train. We try to reserve you "Soft sleeper"
class. Usually we can but if we can only get hard sleeper, we refund the difference in price. In
such a scenario you may have to make do with a hard sleeper berth.  There is no big
difference between hard and soft sleeper cabins. Our research staff traveled on both soft and
hard sleeper cabins on this train, a few differences we found were... there are 6 beds in hard
sleeper and 4 in soft sleeper cabin, soft sleeper has a door and hard sleeper is without, there is
LCD television on soft sleeper that plays only Chinese movie (mostly military & martial art
movies); the hard sleeper compartment is a little far from dining car. Cushion used in soft
sleeper is softer than the "hard" sleeper but the "hard" is comfortable enough for a good sleep.

Sometimes during peak season it gets difficult even to get a train ticket. In such cases we
arrange a flight ticket for you, from Beijing to Lhasa. There may be a difference in the price
of train and flight tickets. If it costs more, you may have to pay extra.
Your overland journey starts from Lhasa. We use the best 4WD Land cruisers for the
overland drive across the Tibetan highland. These vehicles are extremely sturdy, spacious and
reliable and they make the journey as comfortable as possible.
GROUP SIZE
We bring together a small group of like minded people. During the trip, not only do they gain
a memorable and insightful travel experience but also get an invaluable opportunity to interact
with each other. On our fixed scheduled departures, group comprises of maximum12 &
minimum 2 persons. You are likely to join a group from different countries. Average age
ranges from early 20s to mid 50s.For private trips, no minimum and maximum apply.
If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues you are
invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people
(min 1 max 100 at a time).

ACCOMMODATION
In Beijing, Lhasa and Kathmandu accommodation will be at 3 star hotel. Elsewhere along the
route, accommodation will be at the available hotels. If you would like to book a single room,
please do inform us. A supplement charge will incur in that case.
In interior Tibet rooms cannot be booked in advance. Your guide books them on arrival. If
rooms are not available at the specified guest house, he will book a room at another similar
category guest house. No private rooms are available at Rongbuk guesthouses. Only
dormitory style of accommodation is available with 6 to 7 beds in a big hall.

We shall try our best to provide the best accommodation available but please do keep in mind
that you are taking an adventure tour, and sometimes the arrangement may be basic. This tour
will leave you a fantastic experience but sometimes you have to put up with a bit of
discomfort. To enjoy this trip you need to have an adventurous spirit and the ability to adapt
to minor discomforts.

GUIDE
Throughout your time in Beijing, Lhasa and Kathmandu you will be accompanied by our
professionally trained and experienced local guide who will not only act as an interpreter but
will also provide valuable insights into the Chinese, Tibetan and Nepali way of life.

FOOD
All breakfasts are included in our package, except during the train journey, where you may
have to pay on your own. Your guide will help you find good restaurants with reasonable
price. Expect to spend around 15-20 US$ per day for meals.

A TYPICAL DAY – OVERLAND DRIVE

After breakfast, we begin our day's drive at about 9am. We'll drive for several hours, stopping
along the way for photographs or places of special interest, before stopping for lunch at
around midday. After lunch we continue our journey, generally arriving at our destination by
3 or 4pm.

Communication
All the hotels we use in Beijing, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Kathmandu have international
IDD phone and fax services. Phone calls can also be made from public booth in bigger towns.
Internet cafes are also available at bigger towns, check with your guide for the best cyber
cafes in each town.
These days, in Tibet, mobile phones work fine up to the Everest Base Camp. You can also
have a roaming facility added to your mobile phone. If you buy a Chinese SIM card at the
border, you could stay in touch with your family and friends most of the time. Please ask us
for the latest facilities and schemes on Chinese mobile phones. For latest updates, you can
also consult our website- www.explorehimalaya.com.
Clothing & accessories
During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm
fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings. Keep a scarf handy as some of the
roads can be dusty. While visiting sites and exploring during the day, keep yourself covered
from the UV rays with a sun hat or cap and sunscreen lotion or cream.
Best Time to take this trip
The best time of year to take the Beijing-Lhasa- Kathmandu tour is from March to November.
During these months the average temperature ranges from 15C to 25C, with blue skies and
clear weather. Though from July to August there can be odd shower during the day. The
nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degree Celsius.

Personal Expenses
Besides Chinese Yuan, only US dollars can be accepted in Tibet and Beijing. Also shops that
accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for an
exchange rate. Credit cards can only be used at some hotels. The Bank of China and Nepal
also accepts credit cards. ATM facilities are available in Beijing and Kathmandu. But in Tibet
it's not widely available. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency and Nepali currency
will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China and Bank of Nepal.
While changing money at the local money exchange centers, please make sure that you are
accompanied by your guide and do consult him as you may easily be duped with counterfeit
notes.
Tips are appreciated by your support team, after completion of the trip. The amount you give
depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. For this you can allocate around 5%
of your total tour cost.

Health
Vaccination requirements change frequently, so we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2
months prior to your trip. The main health consideration in high altitude Tibet is Acute
Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as
headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days.
To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also
use these pills after consulting with your doctor. Our itinerary will allow your body to
acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate.

Rescue and Evacuation

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen, you shall be
transferred to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in
evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be
prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

Insurance
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover
cancellation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation.

Itinerary Changes
One should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip that takes you into one of the remotest
corner of the Tibetan plateau, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a
change in the itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation, the itinerary can be modified to
some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of tour completion should
always coincide with the original itinerary.

TRIP EXTENSIONS
In addition to this tour, we can organize trip extensions in China [Chengdu (Panda Farm and
Teshan Buddha Statue), Xian (City wall, Terracota Warriors) and Xining], Nepal and other
neighboring countries. In Nepal you may want to try white water rafting or go on a jungle
safari in the deep jungles of Chitwan or take a cultural tour. You may as well take a trip to
India or Bhutan, whichever appeals more to you. Please contact us for details or check our
website www.explorehimalaya.com.

BOOKING CONDITIONS
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some
flexibility. The day to day itinerary can be taken only as a guideline. We cannot take the
responsibility for any delays caused by international or domestic flights, strikes, Government
regulations, weather or natural calamities etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide
suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot
be made, Explore Himalaya shall only be responsible for refunds after deducting the expenses
already incurred.

2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of US$300 and the
signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2
months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation to
us.
Those joining the tour in Kathmandu can pay the balance on arrival.

3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:

DATE OF CANCELLATION (Charge incurred)
> 2 months before departure - loss of deposit (US$ 300)
> 29 days to 2 months before departure - 30% of total trip cost
> 10 to 28 days before departure - 60% of total trip cost
> Less than 10 days before departure - 100% of total trip cost

BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all
enquiries within 24 hours (Sunday to Friday). If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at
office@explore-himalaya.com or contact us directly by phone: 977-1-4418-100 or skype
explore.himalaya.