Buddhist monks, Lhas, Tibet

Vibrant colors adorn Tibet's legendary monasteries. On our Tibet Private Journey, savor ancient Buddhist cultures and amazing Himalayan scenery from Lhasa, Tibet's Holy City, to the snow-capped mountains of Gyalthang in eastern Tibet.

Photo by Robert Fried

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Tibet Private Journey route-map
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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3795   see pricing
Length: 8 days
Arrive: Kunming, China
Depart: Lhasa, Tibet
Lodging: 7 nights in hotels describe
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Overland travel, light day hikes, altitudes between 7,000-12,500 feet
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Highlights

  • Lhasa’s sacred temples and stunning monasteries
  • Khampa horsemen of Gyalthang
  • Optional extension to ancient Lijiang, a World Heritage Site

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Enjoy a Private Journey on the Roof of the World! Journey into the cultural heartland of Tibet, including the peerless monasteries of the Holy City of Lhasa, then visit Gyalthang, a Shangrila world on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, home to traditional Khampa culture. Along the way, meet monks in their monasteries, Tibetan nomads on pilgrimage paths, and Khampa villagers in their magical homeland.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Lhasa

In Tibet’s sacred city, join pilgrims who gather at the candle-lit altars of the Jokhang, holiest of temples, and walk the Barkhor kora (pilgrimage route). Visit with monks at Sera Monastery, explore the extraordinary Potala Palace, and discover the Norbulingka, official summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Hike with your guide to a hilltop hermitage for spectacular vistas of the Lhasa Valley.

Day 4
Samye, Tsethang and the Yarlung Valley

Tibet’s oldest monastery is 8th century Samye, set between the legendary Tsangpo River and beautiful dun-colored hills. Samye was built to represent the Buddhist cosmos, its 108 chapels surrounding the massive central chanting hall. In the Yarlung Valley, birthplace of the Tibetan dynasty, explore Yumbu Lakhang, Tibet’s first palace, and see a precious thangka painting protected in 7th century Trandruk Monastery.

Days 5-6
Gyalthang, Heart of Kham

Fly to Gyalthang, a historic trading post and enclave of Tibetan culture on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. This is the heartland of the Khampa people, with their age-old traditions as swashbuckling horsemen and caravan traders. Meet the welcoming Khampas in their homes, and walk up to Ringha, a sacred 13th century temple on a hill. At Sumtseling Monastery, join monks for morning prayers, sip tea with a high lama, and enjoy a fascinating guided exploration of this remote monastery including areas typically closed to tourists.

Days 7-8
Kunming

Join your guide for a stroll in the quaint neighborhood on the shores of Kunming’s Green Lake and savor a dinner of Yunnan specialties. Depart on Day 8.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Lijiang Extension
Days 7-10

From Gyalthang, journey to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the mighty Yangtze courses between two grand mountain ranges, forming one of the deepest gorges on earth. The glorious World Heritage Site of Lijiang, nestled beneath the protective gaze of Jade Dragon Mountain, is the ancient capital of the matriarchal Naxi people. Explore cobblestone lanes of Lijiang’s Old Town, and Naxi villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries.

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2+, easy to moderate. It is a comfortable hotel and vehicle-based sightseeing trip, with optional hiking and walks. Please note that most of the trip takes place at high altitudes (Lhasa is at 11,830 feet and Gyalthang is at 10,800 feet). Individuals vary widely in both their physical response to high altitude. It is not uncommon to experience mild headaches or sleeplessness for a day or two when you first arrive at high altitude. Most people gradually adjust within a few days, and the three-day stay in Lhasa at the start of the trip will aid in acclimatization. The weather will likely be quite comfortable, with blue skies most days, but nights can be chilly. At high altitude, the weather is unpredictable, and the effect of the wind-chill factor can create very cold conditions.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

When to go

May to mid-October

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2011

First Class Option

$3795 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $375

Deluxe Option

$4295 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $825

Internal airfare: $425 (subject to change)
Optional Lijiang Extension: from $795

Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout
Groups of 4 or more: Call for discounts


more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Accommodations, based on double occupancy
  • Meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure, drinking water, tea and coffee during meals. Drinking water and snacks in vehicles.
  • Private guides and drivers
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • All admission fees and activities as described in the Full Trip Brochure
  • All airport transfers and land transportation as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, airfare to Lhasa, meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, any activities described as optional, standard gratuities for drivers, guides, and support staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (liquor, laundry, etc).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Tibet Private Journey

Tibet

First Class Option

  • The Kyichu Hotel, one of the oldest Tibetan-owned boutique hotels in Lhasa, in walking distance to the Barkhor and Potala Palace.
  • Songtsam Hotel set at the foot of Songtsam Lama temple in Gyalthang, a Tibetan home beautifully renovated as a boutique hotel with a traditional library and coutyard café.
  • Zen Garden Hotel in Lijiang (optional extension), an elegant property with a tranquil garden in the historic Old Town.

Deluxe Option

  • The Brahmaputra Grand Hotel in Lhasa, a 5-star property combining elements of traditional Tibetan architectural style with all the modern comforts.
  • Banyan Tree Ringha Resort, a lavishly appointed hideaway featuring individual 2-story Tibetan chalets in a serene valley outside Gyalthang, with a teahouse, spa and sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
  • Banyan Tree Lijiang (optional extension), exquisite Naxi-style villas set below mist-covered mountains.

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.