Central Tibet Classical Tour (Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse) (6 Days)
Lhasa rose to prominence as an important center of administrative power in the 7th century AD, when Songtsen Gampo, a local ruler in the YarlungValley, continued the task of unifying Tibet. Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa and built a palace on the site that is now occupied by the Potala.
The fifth Dalai Lama also made Lhasa his capital. He built his palace, the Potala, on the site of ruins of Songtsen Gampo 7th century palace, Lhasa has remained Tibet's capital since 1642, and most of the city's historical sights date from this second stage of the city's development.
The mild and pleasant climate in central Tibet makes this area available for tourists year around. This route offers the epitome of Tibet with some of the most impressive visions: snow-capped mountains and holy lakes, splendid monasteries and palaces, original villages and unsophisticated people. With the better road conditions and accommodations along the way, it is now the most popular route.
The guide will meet you at KonggarAirport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1 1/2 hour-driving (100km). On the way, you will be greeted by Nie Tang Buddha - a Buddha image engraved in the mountain face. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa.(B)
Day 2: Lhasa.
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark - PotalaPalace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in TibetJokhangTemple. Bustling with worshipers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivaled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor - Lhasa's most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the OldTown is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B+B)
Day 3: Lhasa.
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once largest monastery in the world, with about 10,000 monks. Sightseeing today 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. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains.
Drepung is one of the two great Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa, 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 Debating in Sera is very famous. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B+B)
Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdroktso - Gyantse. Yamdroktso (4441m)
One of the three holy lakes in Tibet, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you are on the way to this lake. It is mostly mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2 hour-drive, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala (5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m).
After down from the mountain, there is about 30km road along lakeside, with barley fields on the other side of the road. A nice walk by the lakeside can be a great joy. Leaving Yamdroktso is as spectacular as arriving, since you will cross the 5045m Karola, with its awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier. With the Glacier scene still exciting you, after about 90km, you get to Gyantse. There stands the 35m-high famous Kumbum, packed with exquisite Tibetan sculpture and paintings, a stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse. Includes: (B+B).
Day 5: Gyantse - Shigatse β Lhasa
Just 4km to Gyantsse, there is the Pala Farmland which used to belong to the slave-owner family of Pala. The well-kept Farmland can bring the family luxurious life back to your eyes. This site deserves a quick visit of 30 minutes. Then you can leave the small town of Gyantse. With Gyantse just fades away from your sight. Shigatse becomes clearer because it is just 1 1/2 hour-drive (98km).
Miles away from Shigaste, you can already see the gold tops of Tashilhunpo shinning under the sun. While Tashilhunpo magnificent outside leaves you gasp in admiration, the inside of this monastery introduces you more religious tranquility and sincerity. Just close Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse, a great place to wander around: Nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting market and bazaar give you a vivid life picture of local people. Drive back Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B+B).
Day 6: Leave Lhasa
Pack your luggage and get ready for leaving. The guide will transfer you to the airport, and help you board the plane. Say goodbye to Tibet and fly out. Includes: (B)
Map
Map Coming Soon ...
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 2: Lhasa.
Day 3: Lhasa.
Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdroktso - Gyantse. Yamdroktso (4441m)
Day 5: Gyantse - Shigatse β Lhasa
Day 6: Leave Lhasa
Price Per Person (Subjected to Change) - 0 US $
Price includes/Does not include
Price Includes: - Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary; - Meals as listed in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner; - Personal Guide and Driver + Private car/ van for Private Transfer and sightseeing; - Hotels (twin share bases) as listed in the itinerary; - Domestic flights (economy class) or trains as listed in the itinerary; - Domestic airport taxes; - Service Charge and Government Taxes; - Luggage Transfers between airports and hotels.
- Entry or Exit China International transportation; - Visa Fees; - Excess Baggage Charges; - Personal Expenses; - Single Room Supplement; - Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers.
It was a pleasure to deal with Subin Thakuri, the agency's owner and leader. A young and bright Nepali I am proud to call a friend.
The Kangchenjunga trek I did with UAT was fabulous, thanks to my fantastic and dedicated guide Ang Phuri and his competent and also dedicated team of porters and cook. These guys bent over backward and went way beyond the call of duty to make sure I was alright at all times.
The Kangchenjunga region offers so much from great views of Himalayan giants to unmatched bio-diversity, wonderful inhabitants, fascinating culture and relatively few tourists, unlike the Everest or Annapurna treks that I also did in the past and who are very crowded these days. Kangchenjunga is the Himalaya's best kept secret, eastern Nepal is relatively isolated, some say it's like Nepal was in the early seventies before trekking became very popular, so go see it before it becomes as popular and crowded as Everest!
Not a day goes by without some pictures of Kangchenjunga appearing in my head, making me wish to come back to Nepal as soon as possible, for its mountain but also for its people.
It is very hard to go to Nepal and not fall in love with it...
Give it a try!
Jill Danne -
Subin Thakuri and his team from Utmost Adventure lead us on the most incredible and memorable trekking experience of a lifetime. Our 14 day hike through the Everest region in Nepal (from Lukla, across the Chola Pass, and to the Gokyo Lakes) was carefully planned to accommodated all 8 members of our walking group (ranging from 28-65 years of age). I could have never imagined spending this time with such caring, responsible, knowledgeable and fun trekking guides. I would highly recommend this trekking company to anyone wishing to experience this special part of the world. We visited the most beautiful sites, met the most lovely people, and came away with new friends, knowledge, and an overwhelming sense of achievement. In particular, I was most impressed with our guides attention to safety. Our Mr sherpa's were absolutely fantastic and managed to carry all of our luggage with smiles and singing voices. Thank you Utmost Adventure for everything you have done for us! I have absolutely no doubt that we will return for another 'Utmost Adventure' in the very near future.
SHRESTHA Nikesh - France
WE ARE WAITING TO SEE OUR NEW WEB SITE WITH !!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew Baker - England
Thanks to Utmost
I walked the Kathmandu Valley Trek in February 2010. All staff were highly professional & great company. The route was interesting & the staff knowledge very good. They are also very funny guys.
All accommodation was arranged by Utmost & of a very good standard. They also arranged a tour of Kathmandu to see Temples etc.
I have no hesitation to recommend Utmost to anyone. I even tasted their own cooking I live to tell the tale!
Matt Baker
Peter - Australia
The team of Utmost Adventure are fantastic, Mr. Subin Thakuri young guys is very well organize, the Guide Temba Sherpa and local helpers are amazing, one of best experience in my life. Gokyo valley is one of best place to trek .
Christian (Monorojo) - Holland
Subin and the rest of the team are awesome guys with a good understanding and an even better expertise in what they are doing. Definitely a recommendation!!!! `keep up the good work and see you guys soon.
Namastee!!
Monorojo - Holland
Great to work with Utmost. The most important things in the mountains are expertise and experience. We have been lucky enough to work with them and all our clients are satisfied!
Pat Williams - United States
I liked your site.
Nicolas Gerardo -
I got the chance to trekk with Temba around Annapurna for 15 days, it was an incredible experience, amazing mountain views, meet dozens of people on the way and had a lot of fun drinking some beers after long-day walking days and crossing the Thorung La at 5416m !!! The experience was unique and Subin and all the guys working in Utmost provided me with everything I needed and more. Absolutetly recommendable company and guides to trek around.
Lena - Denmak
We have been trekking form Lukla to Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar, Chola pass and Gokyo and it was a great trip. On this trip it is very important to have a good guide, and we were very happy with this tour. We have had a good feeling about the way he guided us and everything went safe and great. You can have a good trust in this agency they will take good care of you.
We hope that you will have a good trekking and enjoy the big mountains and the beauty of Nepal.
