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| SACRED SUMMITS' STUDENT PROGRAM |
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TIBET - Sacred Land of Myths and Mysteries
Tibet - a sacred land of myths and mysteries inhabited by the ever
smiling people has exerted a magnetic pull upon travelers for centuries. Since
Tibet was governed by the spiritual leaders, monasteries and religious
institutions were the backbone of power so the importance and prestige were
shown by the size and magnificent architecture of these buildings. Tibetan
Buddhism contains many elements of their older religion," Bon Po" which
worshipped the sky, moon, sun, fire, soil and even evil spirits and this is why
a monastery such as Tashilhunpo contains thousands of unique statues, paintings
(thangka), religious and historical books that to visit in detail would take
weeks. The Monasteries are crowded by pilgrims who often travel long distances
to fulfill their vows and wishes and their emotions show that religion still
holds a very important place in their daily lives.
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Roof of the World Tour- 14 nights / 15 days (Fly in and
Drive out) [Cost Details]
TIBET- extremely remote and isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges is
a fascinating world of timeless splendor, unique tradition and breathtaking
scenery awaits all travelers to the Roof of the World. This hour long flight
from Kathmandu is the world's most spectacular flight viewing Mount Everest,
Gauri Shanker, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, etc.
This 15 day tour is a historical journey starting from Tsedang, home of the
first King of Tibet " Tsongsen Gampo". Sightseeing tours include the famous
Potala Palace, Norbulinka and Tashilumpo as well as other important monasteries
with drives on the roof of the world through the rugged terrain over 5200
meters passes, turquoise blue lakes and a visit to the Nothern Base Camp of Mt.
Everest..
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Itinerary
| Day |
Program |
Accommodations |
| 01
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Arrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet, assist and
transfer to the hotel by a representative from Sacred Summits. At the hotel
lobby there will be a short briefing about the trip whilst the guest are having
welcome drinks. Later the guest can retire to the allocated rooms for much
deserved shower and rest.
Eve: Welcome Dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
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Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu
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| 02
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Sightseeing in Kathmandu City
09:30 Hrs - After breakfast, meet at the lobby and proceed for
the sightseeing tour of the ancient Kathmandu city with its many beautiful
temples and shopping courtyards. As one crosses from the modern area of New
Road into the Durbar Square, the one time Freak Street, one is suddenly in the
midst of Kathmandu's famed medieval architecture. The major tourist attractions
on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which
takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace
of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and it
is still retained as a ceremonial palace of the present Shah dynasty. Important
traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal are
still conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of
the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions
stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living
Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.
Also visit "Kasthamandap", a temple built from the wood of a single
tree from Where Kathmandu city derived its name.
Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa - one of the protected monument
sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4
kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark
is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu - a lake than -
by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of
this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as
the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Stupa of Swayambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is
built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the
four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire
symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation.
The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim's progress to
Swayambhunath's holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps.
The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues
of Buddha adorn the four corners of the Stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and
Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery)
and innumerable chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal
for viewing the entire valley spread out below.
There are five images of Panchadhyani Buddha around the main Stupa of the
Swayambhu. They are Achhyobhya in east, Ratna Sambhava in
south, Amitabh in the west, Amoghasiddhi in the north and Vairochana
in the south-east just by the side of Achhyobhya. Two Sikhara temples known as,
Pratappur and Anantpur are standing on either side of the main stupa. To the
right of this temple is a monastery called Swayambhu Vahi. It is one of the
oldest monasteries of the Swayambhu area. On the west of the main stupa is the
monastery called Devadharma Gumba. Similarly there is a temple of Vayapura in
southwest corner along with chaitya known as Mangal Vahudwara chaitya near by.
It is a unique style of Chaitya found in the Kathmandu Valley.
Noon: Break for lunch
14:30 Hrs - Sightseeing tour of the ancient Patan City,
Patan also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five Kilometers
southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist
monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are the Durbar Square
situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor's
attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted
for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or
courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk. The Sundari
Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath
called Tushahity.
Also visit, Krishna Mandir, built in the seventeenth century and
dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex
of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having
21spire and completely made of stone. Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar,
located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the
twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda,
are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
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Overnight in hotel at Kathmandu
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| 03
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Drive to Nagarkot
After breakfast, board the waiting vehicle and drive to Nagarkot en route
sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur City.
Bhaktapur city or the "city of devotees" situated at an altitude of
1,401 m, 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is shaped like a conch shell and
covers an area of 4 square miles. It was the setting for the major Hollywood
production "The Little Buddha". Pottery and weavings are its traditional
industries. Here one visits the Durbar Square which contains innumerable
temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gate, the statue of
Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Galley, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows,
Bastille temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of
Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the
palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal, this is considered to be the
most magnificent.
Also visit The National Art Gallery which contains ancient and medieval
paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist school depicting Tantrics of various
period and descriptions. The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main counter of
the Palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the
most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world.
This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy. The
Palace of 55 Windows was built in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla
and among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design,
is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is the masterpiece of woodcarving.
Descend to the lower compound to the Natyapola Temple which stands on a
five-terraced platform. This five storey pagoda was built in 1702 AD by King
Bhupatindra Malla. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures; two famous
wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and Baghiani and Singini the
tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous
for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
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| 04
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Kathmandu / Lhasa and drive to Zedang
After breakfast transfer to airport for Kathmandu / Lhasa flight by SZ
4008.This fifty-five minutes flight is the world's most spectacular flight
viewing Mount Everest, Gauri Shanker, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, etc.
Arrive Gonggor airport and drive 2 hours to Zedang. This drive is along th
eYarlung Tsangpo river - fields o f barley and wheat and apple and pear
orchards are interspersed with stretches of rocky mountains and sands dunes.
Enroute we staop a t Nyethand, a temple built sometimes between 1045 and 1050
by Atisa, an Indian Buddhist teacher who was invited to Tibet by the Kings of
Guge, western Tibet in 1042. Nyethang contains three temples - the first houes
a large stupa called Namge Chorten and a smaller bronza stupa contains the
relics of Atisa himself. The third temple is called Tshepame Lhakang, the
temple of Amitayus. Atisa main discriple Dramton founded the Kadampa sect.
Upon arrival at the Gonggor airport met by representatives and drive 90
kilometers (2 hours) to Lhasa. LHASA- The capital city of the Autonomous Region
of the Republic of China is located at an altitude of 3607 meters (11,830
feet)and lies on the north bank of Kyichu river in the province of U (central
Tibet). Two high craggy hills stand up in isolation from the valley floor. One,
Red Hill, is topped by the Potala Palace and the other, Chockpori or Iron Hill,
is crowned by a tall antenna.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel. The rest of the day is free for
acclimatization.
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Overnight at Hotel
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| 05
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In Zedang
AM: Visit the castle of Yambulakhang, the oldest known dwelling
in Tibet and the home of Yalung Kings. According to legend the castle is
supposed to have been built by King Nyatri Tsenpo around 130 B. C.
We also visit Trandruk Monastery built by Songtsen Gompo in 7th century - it is
one of his three main surviving monasteries, the others being Jolhang and
Romoche. This is a Gelugpa Monastery. One of the chapels houses tapestry of
Sakyamuni said to have been made by Wen Cheng, Songtsen Gompo's Chinese wife.
The Padmasambhave Temple Contains a been painted by Marpa (11th Century) but
which probablt date from the 16th century. The temple also houses a seen pearl
tapestry of Avalokiteshwara.
PM: In valley, 30 kms south of Tsedang lies the famous tombs of
the early Kings of Tibet in the village of Chonggye. Among the numerous tombs
thee, the biggest and the most distinguishable one is that of King Songtsen
Gompo the foremost King of Tibet.
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Overnight at Hotel
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| 06
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Zedang / Samye / Lhasa
Drive west Zedang for about 2hours and cross the Tsangpo River in a flat
bottomed boat. Then a 45 minute drive in the Monastery trucks or bus brings us
to the famous Samye Monastery.
The Monastery is located in a green valley among barren mountains surrounded by
a village Hebori is a small holy mountains to the east. Samye was founded in
779 by Trisong Detsen, Tibet's second religion king after he had invited
prominent Buddhists from India Including the most famous - Padmasambhava and
Santrirakchita. It took over a decade to built Samye 775 - 787. Trisong Detsen
enacted religious laws placing the monks above the royal law and placing the
noble families of Yarlung subject to the monastery. The Yarlung nobles clung to
the old Bon Faith. It was the Samye that the famous debate took place between
the Chinese and the India schools at around 971 to 793 A. D. The Indian view
triumphed and was the model adopted for Tibetan Buddhism. From the complex only
a part of the Great Hall and the surrounding cloister remain today.
The Great Hall was built in three styles 0 the lower part in Indian style. The
cloister has some south chapel has a statue of Chenrezi and the West chapel
houses fierce deities, considered of frightening that heir heads are covered.
After the sightseeing tour, return to the waiting vehicles and then a 3hours
drive brings us to Lhasa.
Lhasa - A City of Sunshine Lhasa means holy land in Tibetan. On the
northern bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of Yarlung Zangbo River, It's 3,650m
above the sea level. It's famous for its ling history. Lhasa is also famous as
a city of Sunshine for its sunshine of more than 3,000 hours a year. It's the
capital city of Tibet and its political, economic and cultural center of the
region. It boasts many historical sites and scenic spots both in its urban
areas and outskirts such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery,
Sera Monastery, Norbulingkha, Tibet Museum, Ganden Monastery, Tibetan Medicine
institute, Tsrupu Monastery, Drigung Monastery, Reting Monastery, etc.
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Overnight at Hotel.
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| 07
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Sightseeing in Lhasa
AM: Visit Potala Palace - this architectural wonder - a
spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more
than 300 meters above the valley floor can be seen from all directions for
miles around. The present Potala was built mainly in the Fifth Dalai Lama's
reign between 1645-1693 and remained the centre of political and religious
power for the Dalai Lamas.
With over 1000 rooms, it contained the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas while
they lived, and their magnificent golden tombs when they died. Regents, tutors
and other high lamas had apartments in the palace too. The Potala held the
offices of government, a huge printing house and a seminary run by the elite
order of monks who surrounded the God-King to train government officials.
Hundreds of elaborately decorated chapels and shrines, halls and corridors
contain thousands of gilded statues - Tibet's pantheon of Buddhas,
Boddisattvas, saints and demons.
Today the Potala is a statue museum with 35 caretaker monks, but to many
thousands of Tibetan pilgrims it remains a beloved shrine.
PM: Visit the Jokhang Temple : Situated in the heart of old
Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Shankyamuni
Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the
occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. JOKHANG is
the spiritual centre of Tibet, its mostly holy place, the destination, over
time, of millions of Tibetan pilgrims. Its oldest part dates back from the 7th
century A.D. Legend says that Songtsen Gampo, who built the temple, threw his
ring into the air, promising to build a temple where it landed. The ring fell
into a lake and struck a rock where a white stupa miraculously appeared - an
auspicious sign.
Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is
the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet,
is also the heart of Lhasa.
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Overnight at Hotel.
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| 08
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Sightseeing in Lhasa
AM: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa including the Drepung Monastery:
Drive 8 kms west of Lhasa to Drepung Monastery. Said to be the largest
monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was founded in 1416 by the
disciple of Te Tsonkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelukpa sect of Tibetan
Buddhism. The second, third and the fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed
here. Drepung in Tibetan means 'Richmound'.
PM: Visit Sera Monastery: 5 kms (3 miles) north of Lhasa.
Sera setting is one of Lhasa's prettiest. Once a community of more than 5,000
monks, it was a virtually extinguished by the Chinese. The restored monastery
sits below the brow of hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent
several years meditating. One of the monks disciples began building Sera in
1419, completing it a few years later.
Visit Norbulingkha: The 'Jewel Park' as it is know in Tibetan, was built
in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the 13th and 14th Dalai
Lamas. This colourful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public
gatherings. The palaces are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of
peaceful repose within its spacious walled garden; it contains the main throne
hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's
apartment.
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Overnight at Hotel
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| 09
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Drive to Gyantse Via Lake Yamdrok
From Lhasa, drive to Gyantse crossing the two passes the Kamba La (4749 m) and
Karo La (5010 m). In between is the famous Turquoise Lake or Yamdrok Tso in
Tibetan. It is a lake of a glaring blue that radiates a near mystical charm. It
is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak
herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale-less fish in
its non-saline waters. It is about 124 kms from Lhasa. (Packed lunch is
advisable because of the lack of fooding facilities on the way).
Gyantse: is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264 km
Southwest of Lhasa (total 8 hours drive). It still retains the charm of a
traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines
in 1904 when Colonel Young Husband, who led British Expedition to Tibet,
defeated the Tibetan army there. As a cross-road on the principle 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 still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
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Overnight at Hotel
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| 10
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Gyantse / Shigatse
AM:Gyantse Kumbum : Commissioned by one of the early Gyantse
princes in 1440 A.D., the Gyantse Kumbum is rated by many as Gyantse's foremost
attraction. The chorten rises like a crown over four sets of eyes that gaze
serenely out in the cardinal directions of the compass. There are excellent
views of the Kumbum from the hills behind the monastery. A clockwise route
spirals up through all six floors of the Kumbum taking in the chapels that line
the walls of the chorten. There are two sets of four central chapels, which
extend to the floor above from the 1st and 3rd floors, and each of these are
surrounded by smaller chapels in diminishing order. The Gyantse Kumbum is a
famous three dimensional 112 room Mandala Structure and the Palkhor Chode
Monastery compound. Stroll through the traditional Tibetan village of Gyantse
which is truly a photographers dream!
Also visit the 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 it date back to the time of its founding.
After the sightseeing tour, drive to Shigatse (90 Kms - 1 ½ hours) in the
afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at Shigatse Hotel.
PM: There will be a sightseeing tour of the Panchen Lama's
Tashilhumpo Monastery founded in 1447 AD by Gendun Drup, 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 in declared that his teacher, then the
Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and the
Panchen Rinpochhe. Tashilhumpo has one of the world's largest statue - a 9
storeyed gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, the future Buddha.
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Overnight at Hotel
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| 11
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Shigatse/ Shegar
Drive to Shegar. Also called New Tingri, Shegar is surrounded by
Mountains and is another town that lies in the shadow of a great fortress. Even
in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its
sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Isolated in
1855 by marauding Nepalese in search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong's
water supply and settled in for a long siege. Shegar proper has little to
recommend it except the highest post office in China.
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Overnight at Hotel |
| 12
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Shegar to Rongbuk & Eecursion to Everest Base Camp(5200 m)
After purchasing the National park entry tickets for the participants and
vehicles we drive to the check post. Upon clearance we head off towards
Rongbuk. Firstly we slowly ascend to the Gyatso la pass and then descend for
about 2 hours on a very steep and winding descent to arrive at a small Tibetan
Settlement. From here the trail is more level as we continue to Rongbuk which
takes about 1 ½ hour. Upon arrival, check into the Rongbuk Monastery Guest
House.
After lunch, board the horse drawn cart (2 persons to a cart) and then follow
the dirt road south; the Dzakar Chu, now much reduced in volume, is on your
right. Soon the valley broadens and the road leaves the river to continue its
ascent on the other side, swerving to avoid a rockslide. At the base of the
slide is chorten; at its top are the ruins of the Samdrupo Nunnery (a small
chapel has been rebuilt). The Everest Base Camp is just beyond some moraine
hills. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
After the visit, return to Rongbuk The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the
tranquil atmosphere of the Tibetan landscape with fantastic views of Mt.
Everest.
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Overnight at Hotel |
| 13
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Rongbuk / Nyalam(3750m)
The full days drive from Shegar via Tingri traverses mostly downhill from the
highest plateau of the world with typical view of the Tibetan landscape
offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world. Ther is an ascent
to Lalung La (5200 m) and Thong la (5,050m). Weather permitting, there are
breathtaking panoramas of the beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest
(8,848m), Cho Oyu and Shisapangma (8012 m) but dwarfed by the vastness of the
Tibetan plateau. Descend down to Nyalam, arrive this small bustling town after
crossing over Nyalam Pass (3,800m).
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| 14
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Nyalam / Zhangmu (2,500 m) / Kodari (1,850m) / Kathmandu (1,370 m)
After breakfast, drive from Nyalam to Zhangmu (45 kms.) which will take about 1
hour. Upon reaching, walk down to the Chinese Immigration office and complete
border formalities. Then board the waiting vehicles for the 8 kilometer ride
down to Kodari. Bid farewell to the Tibetan guide and driver, cross over the
Nepal Tibet Friendship Bridge, meet Escort and vehicle from Nepal, complete
Nepal Customs and Immigration and drive to Kathmandu (128 Kms - 4 ½ hours).
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Upon arrival, check into the hotel at Kathmandu. |
| 15
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Day free until final departure transfer to the
airport for onward flight.
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COST FOR ROOF OF THE WORLD TOUR
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The cost stated below is net cost per person on twin sharing basis, based in US
Dollars and valid till 30th June 2008
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| No of Person |
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15+1 |
| Net cost per person |
US Dollar |
2245.00 |
| Single Supplement |
US Dollar |
411.00 |
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| The cost includes:- |
| 1. |
All airport transfers and excursions in Kathmandu in a deluxe a/c coach
accompanied by an English-speaking representative / guide. |
| 2. |
All sightseeing tours as per itinerary in a deluxe a/c coach accompanied by an
English speaking guide in Nepal
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| 3. |
All entrance fees wherever applicable for all the sightseeing tours in Nepal
& Tibet.
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| 4. |
Welcome dinner at "Bhancha Ghar" a typical Nepali Restaurant with transfers.
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| 5. |
03 nights stay in The Malla Hotel OR Similar on Bed & Breakfast Basis . |
| 6. |
01 night stay at Hotel Club Himalaya in Nagarkot on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
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| 7. |
Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Lhasa of US$ 316.00 per person.
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| 8. |
Air fare, accommodation, food and daily allowance for the Escort
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| 9. |
All Lunch and Dinner while the clients are in Kathmandu. |
| 10. |
10 nights / 11 days in Tibet with accommodation in hotel, all meals (breakfast
+ lunch + dinner), all transportation in Land Cruisers accompanied by an
English speaking Tibetan guide and an escort from Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
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| The cost excludes:- |
| 1. |
Visa fees as applicable for Nepal. |
| 2. |
International flights and airport tax as applicable (except for Kathmandu / Lhasa flight).
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| 3. |
Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses if applicable.
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| 4. |
Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra
mileage soft drinks, mineral waters, etc.
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| 5. |
Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in trip program
due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, sickness, natural
disasters, land slides, strikes, etc.
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| 6. |
Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of
goods.
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| 7. |
Tips to the staffs. |
| 8. |
Any item not mentioned in the above "cost includes".
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Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
GPO Box 13236
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Tel : 977-1-4426695, 4415769
Fax : 0977-1-4415872
Email : info@sacredsummits.com |
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| Our Partner(s) |
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