24 days trip from Amdo,(Qinghai) to Mt Kailash 

 

Trip info

Trip length: 24 days & 23 nights

Tour type: Adventure

Best season: August-Sept-October

On this package trip, you will discover the unique culture of  Amdo Tibet (far northeast; Qinghai, Gansu provinces) and Utsang Tibet (central; Lhasa, Tsang, Ngari; far west Tibet

 


Journey at a Glance

D01:Arrival in Xining

D02:Tsekhog-Sogdzong.

D03:Labrang

D04: Rebgong

D05:Shalkhung

D06:Xining- departure by train 

D07: Lhasa arrival

D08-9: Lhasa tour

D10-11: Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhatse

D12-13: Lhatse-Saga-Prayang

D14-15: Mansarovar lake-Darchen

Day16-19: trek around a holy lake

Day20-21: Darchen-Prayang-Saga

Day22-23: Sage-Lhastse-Lhasa

Day24: Lhasa departure

 

 

Itinerary details

 

Day 01. Xining (B,D)

 Our Tibetan Caravan representatives; guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to the Hotel. Now you are already in on the Tibetan plateau. The city, Xining itself is not a Tibetan-dominated area but its surroundings are all Tibetan cultural areas (just about 80km away from the city) You will have a rest of the day.

Day 02. Sogdzong (B,B,L,D)

 Today, our experienced guide and driver pick you at the hotel and drive towards the south. About a 2-hour drive from the city, you will arrive in a low elevation area Trika and there you will explore the red mountains and the Machu(Tibetan) river; the yellow river. After crossing the river you will gradually ascend following a valley. En route, you will visit the hot spring and you and after an hour you will realize by yourself being on the plateau and vast grasslands with Yaks and sheep. Soon you will discover Tibetan Nomads' way of living and catch the opportunity to have fresh Dri(female yak ) milk and yogurt in their black tents. Overnight stay in Sogdzong.

Day 03. Labrang (B,B,L,D)

Before leaving for Labrang, you will visit the Lakha monastery in Sogdzong. The inhabitants over here are said to be Mongolian trib. This is one of the best grasslands in Amdo and you will see black tents and Mongolian tipees along the roadsides. The grasslands are full of diverse flowers and wild animals like Marmots are quite common in this area. You will continue driver through rolling hills and grasslands. Eventually descend towards Labrang. Labrang is one of the gateways to Tibet. It is one of the several largest monasteries in Tibet and was founded by the first Jamyang Zhepa. There is a large community of monks in the monastery and they garter for assembling.  The vibration of the monks chanting can be felt as you approach to the Sutra hall (the assembling hall). Monks are also debating here.  The printing house of Labrang is worth visiting if it is open by the time you visit.

Day 04. Rebgong (B.B,L.D)

After visiting Labrang, you’ll head towards the north. After 2 or 3 hours drive you will arrive in Rebgong. The landscape changes as you descend and fields and villages appear and you might want to stop at one of these villages because they are so characteristic. Visit Rongwo monastery, Senge Shong Yamgo, and Mago. Visit the traditional painting artists and their arits.  Rebgong, in many ways, is said to be the cradle of Tibetan culture.  Firstly it is the Tibetan populated area, secondly many of the Tibetan scholars and artists are from this place. Thirdly such profound Buddhist studies are still of those monasteries' daily practices.  In Rongwo monastery, usually in the evening about 7 or 8 o’clock monks gather and start debating. It is a very interesting daily event.

Day 05. Shakhung (B.B, L.D)

Drive to Shakhyung (Garuda) monastery, located on a Garuda-shaped mountain with a down-looking sharp cliff on the other side. From the top of the cliff, you can have a spectacular view of the bands of Machu (Yellow River ). It is a rather pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Visit the monastery. It’s one of the 4 principal Gelegpa (schools) monasteries in north Amdo, founded by ChosGyal Dondup Rinchen; the Great Master of Tsongkhapa. In the afternoon drive to a Tibetan village called Karothang and stay with Tibetan family. There you can explore Tibetan families and village way of living. 

Day 06. Lhasa-departure- (B,L.)Drive to Xining and prepare to leave for Lhasa. Before catching the train, our guide will help you to buy some food for the train trip in a nearby supermarket. You will have plenty of hot water on the train. It is totally free.

Day 07. Arrivail in Lhasa

Our  guide will meet you at the train station  and transfer you to the  hotel

Day 08. Lhasa (B)

The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark- Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appears on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment, halls, and chapels. In the afternoon, we will drop a visit of the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. You will notice the unique characteristics of this temple; Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then we will visit Barkhor(external Kora), the oldest street in Lhasa.

Day 09. Drepung Monastery-  Sera Monastery (B)

About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung , once the world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day's sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambiance inside the halls and chapels. On the plat roof of the hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains. Drepung is one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries, the other is Sera. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The 'Buddhism Scriptures and Debating in Sera' are very famous.

Day10. Gyantse-(B)

Today you will drive about 300KM to Gyangtse. Take a look at Yamdork Yumtso Lake and   Yamdrok Lake is a calling, many-armed body of water shaped like a scorpion. It doubles back on itself on the western side, effectively creating a large island within its reaches. For Tibetans, it is one of the four holy lakes of Tibet. And the home of wrathful deities. The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise color. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangsang ( 7191m. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Gyangtse and go for the tour of Palkhor Temple, built in the 15th century, which is situated in the west of Gyantse Town with mountains enclosing form three sides of the east, west, and north. Its uniqueness is that its three sects of Buddism-Sakya, Budon, and Geluk stayed harmoniously under one roof.

Day 11 Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhatse (B)

Today, drive to Shigatse via Gyantse on the Southern Friendship Highway. Crossing over the summit of Kamba La Pass (4,794m), you’ll see the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok below. Far in the distance, you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7,191m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045m). En-route visit Palkhor Monastery with Kubum Stupa and Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Admire the beautiful frescoes, statues, and sculptures. Arrive at Shigatse in the late afternoon and stay there overnight.

Tips: The road condition is fairly good so the 90km drive from Gyantse to Shigatse should be pleasant. Please do not hesitate to tell the driver that you want to take a break to stretch your legs or take pictures on the way.

Day 12. Lhatse - Saga (B)

Drive from Lhatse to Saga, which takes about 8 hours. Enjoy natural sceneries like meadows, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at Saga.

Tips: Be sure to take a lot of pictures of the beautiful scenery!

Day 13. Saga - Paryang (B)

Drive from Saga to Paryang (4,550m), a small village. Drive through the windswept territory, passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with a stunning view of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stay overnight at Paryang.

Tips: Be sure to take advantage of the incredible beauty and take many pictures.

Day 14.Paryang -  Lake Manasarovar (B)

Paryang to Lake Manasarovar is a long drive of roughly 10 hours. This holy lake is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world (4,590m above sea level). It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Tips: Learn about this Holy Lake while watching the many religious pilgrims, from a variety of religions, worship. Be sure to ask before taking pictures of people.

Day 15. Lake Manasarovar (B)

Lake Manasarovar Camp

Resting and sightseeing at Lake Manasarovar. Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility, and bliss. In Hinduism, Lake Manasa Sarovar is a personification of purity, and one who drinks water from the lake is believed to be cleansed of all his sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes. The lake is very popular in Buddhist literature and associated with many teachings and stories in Buddhism. Buddha, it is reported, stayed and meditated near this lake on several occasions. Mansarovar Lake attracts thousands of tourists and religious people every year from all over the world. Spend the night camping on the bank of Holy Mansarovar Lake.

Tips: The beautiful lake and numerous pilgrims make for great picture opportunities!

Day 16. Lake Manasarovar - Darchen (B)

Drive from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (60km, 2 hours), and prepare for trekking.

Day 17. Trek to Dirapuk Monastery ( B, L, D )

Start the day off with a 5-6 hour 20km trek from Darchen (4,560m) to Dirapuk Monastery (4,750m). The first day of trekking is a slow walk with groups of local pilgrims chanting and praying. Camp on the nice grassy meadows with a view of Kailash, northwest face at Dirapuk for overnight halt.

Tips: By now, your body should be fully acclimated to the high altitude in Tibet. However, if you feel any shortness of breath or lightheadedness, stop immediately and tell your guide. Your guide will have safety equipment, including tanks of oxygen if needed, though in the vast majority of cases a short rest should be all that is required before continuing.

Day 18. Trek to Zutulpuk Monastery ( B, L, D )

Go on a 6-7 hour 15km trek from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery by crossing the Drolma-la Pass. Today our Kailash climb will take us to the holy path just beneath Mt. Kailash.

Tips: Please be sure to ask for permission before taking pictures of people you see on the roads. Most Tibetans are more than willing, but it is best to ask first.

Day 19. Trek back to Darchen ( B, L, D )

The winding pilgrim trail ends after a 5-hour trek over 14km. Stay overnight at Darchen.

Tips: Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Feel free to rest whenever you need to.

Day 20. Darchen - Paryang ( B )

Driving from Darchen to Paryang (340km, 9 hours). Stay overnight at Paryang.

Tips: The drive today is quite long. Please don't hesitate to ask the driver to stop so you can get out and stretch your legs or take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Day 21. Paryang - Saga ( B )

Drive from Paryang to Saga (252km, 7-8 hours). Overnight at Saga.

Tips: The drive today is quite long. Please don't hesitate to ask the driver to stop so you can get out and stretch your legs or take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Day 22. Saga - Lhatse ( B )

Driving from Saga to Lhatse (300km, 9 hours). Stay overnight at Lhatse.

Tips: The drive today is quite long. Please don't hesitate to ask the driver to stop so you can get out and stretch your legs or take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Day 23. Lhatse - Lhasa ( B )

Driving from Lhatse to Lhasa (450km, 7 hours). Overnight at Lhasa.

Tips: The drive today is quite long. Please don't hesitate to ask the driver to stop so you can get out and stretch your legs or take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Day 24. Lhasa Departure ( B )

Today will be free until you are escorted to the airport or train station.

Tips: Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for things like a toothbrush, camera, mobile phone, phone charger, towel, wallet. If your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12 pm.

 

Traveller's FAQ

Why 6 days in Amdo,(Qinghai) before leaving for central Tibet; Lhasa, and West Tibet; Ngari?

Amdo (Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces) is also a cultural Tibet. Within six days you will not see all Amdo region but you will, at least, see some part of Amdo. You would have seen two different aspects of Tibet, more importantly, you will get acclimatized for higher altitudes in west Tibet.

What is a private tour package?

Private Tibet Tour Package means you will have your own private local tour guide, private vehicle, and private driver for your group. You don't have to share the vehicle with others. Your tour guide will take care of only your group. With the help of your private tour guide, you will see more about Tibet, communicating with locals to learn about the Tibetan lifestyle and culture.
You have the flexibility to arrange the group activities according, such as changing the visiting order of attractions or extending the visiting time of certain places. You can also stop on the road as you need.
If you are traveling with your family or a group of friends, a private tour for your group is ideal. As you have more people in the group, the price won't be much higher than a join-in group tour. It is a good way to save money and enjoy ultimate service.

 

Accommodation Information

In west Tibet, the overall accommodation situation is not as good as in many other parts of Tibet. There are only few-star hotels available in west Tibet. In remote areas like Mt. Everest base camp, Mt. Kailash, only guesthouses or tents are available for travelers.
We hand-picked the hotels in each city and area for you to ensure you have reasonable places to stay while traveling in Tibet. They are inconvenient locations and are as comfortable as the locale can provide. We also tend to use hotels with strong Tibetan features.
In 3- or 4-star hotels in cities and towns like Lhasa, Tsetang, Shigatse, and Gyangtse, you do not need to worry about sanitation. Though, it is a fact that traveling in Tibet is a bit hard. If you are going to remote areas like Mt. Everest or stay near the lakes, it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag to ensure that you have a nice sleep en route.

 

For trekking and cycling tours: 

1, Stay in a local hotel or guesthouse.
2, Stay in a tent. (Camping facilities will be provided)
3, Stay in local Tibetan’s family

Meal Information

Breakfast: If you are staying in a star hotel, breakfast is usually included. If you are staying in a guesthouse or tent, breakfast is not included.
Lunch and Dinner:
The tour in Amdo includes all meal but the tour in central and west Tibet don’t include any meal.
We do arrange lunch or dinner for you at your request though. However, we prefer to give you the freedom to choose the food you want and pay on the spot. From our previous customers' responses, we find that most of our clients prefer to leave the dinners open on their own so that they can enjoy some time to themselves. They can choose either to go to a local restaurant for a little adventure or to have a simple dinner in the hotel where they stay. They may also prefer to choose a restaurant which appeals to their own unique tastes.
We have created a list of our favorite restaurants in Tibet and hand-picked some local restaurants to recommend to our customers. In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, Western food, Tibetan food as well as Nepalese food, and Indian food. In "off-the-beaten-road" destinations, choices are limited. Our tour guide will be more than happy to recommend good restaurants for you and take you to the restaurants available according to your tastes and preferred style of dishes. Soon you’ll develop your favorite Tibetan dishes!

Meals arrangement in trekking

Service one: (recommended if you only have 1-2 people in your group and the trekking day is less than 3 days)
Our tour guide will take you to a local supermarket to buy the food you need for the trekking. You will need to bring some cash with you. We recommend energy bars, chocolate, water, fruit, and cookies. If the trekking length is less than 3 days, bringing food along can be a good way to lower the costs.
Service two: 
Some of our tour guides are able to cook for customers for a little bit extra service charge. You can contact our travel consultants to see if it is possible to arrange this service for you. It can be difficult to arrange this service for you in peak season, so we can’t guarantee this service at the moment; however, we will try our best to provide this service for you.
Service three: (recommended if you have 5-6 people in your group)
We highly recommend you hire a cook for the trekking tour. As you will trek for an average 5-6 hours per day which requires lots of energy, it is important to have a proper meal during the trekking section. If you like, we will hire a chief to follow your tour and cook for you during the trekking. They can make sure you have hot food during trekking. They will carry all necessary cooking items and equipment including stove and utensils with them. Some cooks will teach you how to cook as well and make cakes with the group on the last day.
You can communicate with your cook and let them know what kind of meal you prefer. You may prescribe the menu for cooking and tell the cook whatever requirements you have.

Daily meal arrangement for your reference:

Breakfast: coffee, milk, eggs, bread
Lunch: rice and vegetables
Dinner: noodles or Spaghetti with vegetables

Our Tour Guide and Driver Information

Local Tour Guides
Our tour guides are born and raised in the regions we visit so they know all the potential difficulties and how to avoid them. They are highly trained, speak excellent English, and know the local myths, traditions, and history which they will share with you. Wherever you travel, our guides are the key that unlocks each destination and makes the trip memorable and unique.
Private Driver and Vehicles
Our drivers have many years of driving experience in the areas and are very reliable. With Tibetan Caravan Tour, you can rest assured that we only use the highest quality vehicles available. We use mainly private vehicles, to ensure we get to our destinations as swiftly and smoothly as possible, as well as allowing the freedom and flexibility to stop and look around or stretch our legs.
If the tour is mainly around Lhasa, we usually choose to use a minivan as the road condition around Lhasa is pretty good, and the minivan costs less as well. If the tour is covering places with poor road conditions or the distances are quite far, we also offer 4WD off-road vehicles.
Notes: it is highly recommended that you tip your tour guides and drivers as they are aware that it is a “Western custom” and may worry that you were not happy with their service if they do not receive a tip.

Packing List: What should I bring along with me on the tour?

For clothing, we suggest casual style and layered clothing because temperatures in Tibet vary greatly during a day. Down coat is necessary if you go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, e.g. the Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash. Sunglasses, sunblock, moisture cream are necessary too.
For food, 2L of water each day, and some snacks. We also find the energy drink Red Bull is a great energy boost while traveling in Tibet.
For medicines, we suggest that you take some pain-killer pills with you and enough medicine for colds, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will be of great help for those who are sensitive to chilly weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel to Tibet. Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet.
Note: You don't have to worry about your luggage on trekking tours as we could hire a boy and Yak and Yak man to carry your luggage for you during the trekking section of the tour. It is an optional service. 

High Altitude Sickness Information: How can I prepare for high altitude adjustment?

Anxiety is the common cause of mountain sickness. Our customer's ages range from 20 years old to 70 years /span We p We have created a list of our favorite nbsp; On this package trip you will discover the unique culture of Tibet. OurTibetan Caravan representatives; guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort to the Hotel. In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, Western food, Tibetan, as well as Nepalese food and Indian food. I have created a list of our favorite restaurants in Tibet and hand-picked some local restaurants to recommend to our customers.  
Taking a Tibet tour with Tibetan Caravan, our tour guide will take care of you and give advice Service three: (recommended if you have 5-6 people in your group)e on how to avoid high altitude sickness on arrival. A  bottle of oxygen will be prepared for each person for emergency use when the tour includes visiting places like Mt. Everest, Lake Namtso, Mt. Kailash, and activities like trekking and biking. Always remember that if you have any problems or feel uncomfortable, please tell your guide immediately or contact our travel consultant.

Tibet Travel Permits and China Visa

All foreign tourists and Taiwan tourists must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) for entry to Lhasa or any other parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
We will take care of all necessary Tibet permits in all of our Tibet tours. It is included in the price quotation and it is part of our tour services. It's advisable to apply for your travel permits at least 10 days prior to your entry date. The earlier, the easier for us to get a permit for you.
Please tell us your real occupation when applying for a Tibet travel permit. Journalists and people involved with political matters (such as diplomats and government officials) require more complicated procedures to be issued a permit.
A valid passport and a valid China visa are needed when applying for a Tibet travel permit. The cost of a Chinese Visa is not included in our tour, so you have to apply for your China Visa in your country by yourself. If you have any questions in terms of applying for a China visa and filling out the application form, feel free to contact our Travel Consultant.

Questions About Attractions and Tour Activities

Acclimatize: We suggest that you take it easy for your first few days in Amdo as well as in central and west Tibet. Don't push yourself physically since your body will require some time to get used to the high altitude.
Photography: When photographing Tibetans, please be sure to get their permission first. Also, when inside the religious sites, please be aware that if photography is permitted. It is not allowed to take pictures while inside the halls of Potala Palace and Jokhang temple.  Make sure you bring a flashlight if you want to see the inside of the monastery, though please ask for permission when taking pictures in the monastery. Some Monastery might charge visitors a 10-30RMB fee for taking pictures. Please ask your tour guide if you are not sure.
Free time: During the free time of your trip, like the rest of the first day and the last day before departure, you can walk around on your own and do some shopping if you wish.

Tibet Caravan’s Service and Value: 

Travel Insurance: We provide limited Accident/Casualty Insurance in Tibet through China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance which only covers accidents that occur within Tibet. This policy’s indemnity is relatively low, so if you would like a more inclusive plan, then it is best to purchase one in your home country before your departure.

Refund Policy: Cancellations made… 
30 or more days prior to departure result in a 90% refund
29-15 days prior to departure result in an 80% refund
14-7 days prior to departure result in a 70% refund 
6-2 days prior to departure result in a 50% refund 
Less than 2 days prior to departure or a no-show result in no refund.
Note: Additional cancellation fees, if applicable, imposed by the service providers other than Tibetan Caravan Tours (i.e. flight ticket booking, train ticket booking, hotels reservation, etc.) will be deducted from the money refunded. While this is the official policy, in cases where our customers face unexpected and unavoidable problems, we can sometimes offer a more generous refund.

Best time to visit Tibet

Peak Season: June, July, August, September (June to October 15th )
In July and August, the crowds will be considerably larger and the costs for vehicle, food, accommodation and tour guides are higher. June-August generally has great weather, though, during July and August, Tibet tends to be extremely crowded as many Chinese travels there for their summer vacation. As July and August is the peak season to travel to Tibet. We highly recommend you avoid those two months to reduce the costs.
Best Value: April, May, and Late October to November (April 16th to May 31st)
Late April to Early June, late October to November is the best value time to go, as the weather is still nice and the cost is considerably less. The tour costs between this time are usually a few hundred dollars cheaper than peak season.
Shoulder Season: Late November December, January, February, early April (Nov 16th to April 15th)
December-February tends to be a slow period for travel to Tibet. The weather is generally quite cold, though there will be no crowds like there are during the peak season. Another benefit to traveling during the shoulder season is that prices are considerably lower. The view might not be as vivid but you can enjoy another side of Tibet.
Note: Above information applies to most Tibet tours. For specific best travel time, please contact our travel consultant.

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