Towards Chomolungma

Tibet has always filled our minds with Buddhist monks reciting mantras, caravans of yaks across frozen lands, prayer flags waving in the wind, wide windswept horizons and the towering peaks of the Himalayas in the background. Tibet is a vast territory situated in one of the harshest places on earth to live. However, or perhaps because of this, it generated and expanded a very particular millenary culture and, deep down, a way of seeing and understanding the world. It is in Tibet that Buddhism achieves a degree of integration into society, mysticism and expression not found in other places.

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet not only administratively but also religious, is worth a trip in itself. With Potala temple dominating its streets, buildings and temples, one feels absorbed by its spiritual power. It is also here that the conflict and clash of the Tibetan personality with the Chinese authorities, present in Tibet since their invasion in 1950, is most vividly experienced. Tibet’s integration into China has brought economic, technological, modern and infrastructural advantages, but has not been respectful of its culture and way of life, and certainly, not of its basic freedoms.

With the end of the Mao era and the “unofficial” revision of the excesses of the Cultural Revolution, China gradually began to “normalise” and the Tibet region was opened to international tourism in 1980, although it is not possible to travel independently in Tibet.

In recent years, coinciding with the opening and increase in tourism, they have rushed to rebuild what had been destroyed and to “normalise” the situation. Normalised in inverted commas, because although there is a relative understanding and adaptation between the two communities, the Chinese authorities maintain an unpredictable policy in this territory, always susceptible to any hint of rebellion on the part of the Tibetan community.

Nepal remains the most logical gateway to Tibet for Europeans, as an airport connection in China means a long flight from Europe. However, it should be noted that the Chinese embassy takes three working days to process the visa and entry permit for Tibet, making it necessary to stay in Nepal for at least three days before leaving for Lhasa. A good excuse to visit, albeit briefly, the towns of Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu.

We have designed this route in such a way that the road distances are not too long, bearing in mind that Tibet is a vast territory and the distances are long. But you will have time to visit the most important places at your leisure, without rushing, and to be able to walk around the cities and surroundings so that you can get a better idea of what life is like in this territory, where we will always be above 3500 metres above sea level.

We are sure that the wide-open spaces, the mountains, the monasteries, the banners waving in the wind, the windmills rolling eternally and above all the people who live in this harsh place, will forever occupy your memory.

PRICE INCLUDES
·       All transfers and trips by private vehicle

·       Flight Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu (fare may vary)

·       China entry VISA and Tibet permit

·       Local English-speaking guide during the whole trip in Tibet

·       Assistant English-speaking guide in Nepal (full guide trip can be booked)

·       1 night with breakfast in Bhaktapur

·       1 night with breakfast in Patan

·       2 nights with breakfast in Kathmandu

·       4 nights with breakfast in Lhasa

·       1 night with breakfast in Shigatse

·       1 night with breakfast in Tingri Shelkar

·       1 night of basic accommodation with breakfast at Rongbuk in the monastery’s Guest House

·       1 night with breakfast in Sakya

·       1 night with breakfast at Gyantse

·       Entrance tickets included in all visits to Tibet (there are places where you have to pay to take photos or video).

·       Entrance ticket to Bhaktapur in Nepal

·       All government taxes and VAT

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       International flight from/to your origin point to/from Nepal

·       Entry Nepal VISA

·       Lunch & Dinner (except indicated)

·       Tips to staff

·       Hot and cold drinks, phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       During the trek hot showers, battery charges or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance. For most of our treks you must have a mountain accident insurance that works in Nepal until 5500 meters’ altitude and include helicopter rescue.

·       In general, any concept not specified in this programme, as well as any need for personal assistance in other matters out of the programme

·       No additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

Inquiry

Visa and entry permit to Tibet -VERY IMPORTANT-
To access Tibet from Nepal, the visa to China and the entry permit to Tibet must be processed at the embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu.
They are making things more and more difficult in what seems like a clear attempt to steer Western travellers away from Tibet. Now it takes 5 (working) days and you must go personally to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
The instructions received by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal are as follows:
 
1- There must be a minimum of 5 people to be eligible to apply for a Tibet visa.
2- You need to produce your hard passport copy (sure you need photos too)
3- 5 days to complete the visa procession.
4- You must be physically present at the China visa application centre for biometric.
 
Please note that visa regulations for Tibet may change at any time without prior notice.
 
* NOTE ABOUT KATHMANDU – LHASA FLIGHTS: The frequency and periodicity of flights in Kathmandu and Lhasa is variable and must be checked at the time of confirming the trip, since there may not be flights every day.