MAGICAL AND MYSTERIOUS NEPAL AND TIBET

Nepal is a land where every creation of God is regarded as a living being. It is the home to the great Himalayas, dense forests, deep caves, sacred rivers and lakes. It is as land of many “places of power”, where stone offerings create holy mounds and where prayer flags blow on sacred mountain passes. Nepal is a place where one can witness the dances of the shamans, the fire sacrifices of the Brahmans and the prayer chants of the monks. It is the land of the Yeti, the last Shangri-La on earth. In the medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley one wanders through holy shrines, monasteries, stupas, and ancient squares. From seeing the living goddess, the Kumari, to witnessing the cremations on the sacred Bagmati River a traveler returns home with memories that will last a lifetime.

Tibet is an enormous open space where only the wind breaks the absolute silence. Isolated villages break up the dusty winding road that travels across the highest plateau of the world. Pilgrims from around the world travel to Lhasa in order to visit the many holy sites and pray with the monks in the many monasteries. As a traveler moves across the rooftop of the world they will add their offerings to the thousands of flags and stones that have been placed there by other pilgrims. The great Tibetan yogi, Milarepa said about this sacred land: Up there, among the sunny stones, you can find an odd market: you can exchange the vortex of your life with a limitless bliss.

Tentative Daily Program for this Journey

Month/ day
08/30: All participants arrive in Kathmandu and check into the Hotel Vaishali which is located in the heart of the historic Thamel district. A group welcome dinner will be held on our first night in Nepal.

08/31: In the morning we have an orientation session on Nepalese and Tibetan culture and religion. We then walk to Kathmandu 's Durbar Square, through Asan bazaar, the oldest commercial center of the valley. After sight seeing in the oldest part of the city we lunch in a roof- top restaurant overlooking the shrines and temples of Durbar Square. After lunch we visit the Kumari House where the living Goddess resides. Here we receive a blessing from her from the high window of her palace. In the evening, we participate in a shamanic ceremony of welcome and purification.

09/01: In the morning we visit Swayambhunath, which is the home of one of the oldest stupas in the valley. Here the group, with other pilgrims, makes a clockwise walk, circumambulating the prayer wheels, and then slowly climb 360 stone steps to the famous stupa. From this location we have an incredible view of the city and the Kathmandu Valley. Be alert, however, for the trickster monkeys that call this sacred hill their home. After lunch in Thamel we visit the Thangka Painting School of Gauri Giri. The details of the preparations of these sacred paintings and their symbolic meanings will be explained. This visit and lecture is very important as we will be seeing many thangkas throughout Tibet and Nepal. Following this we make any preparations that are needed for our trip into Tibet. After dinner we will retire early.

09/02: After breakfast we leave for the airport. After departure formalities, we catch our flight to Lhasa. It is approximately an hour flight with incredible views of the chain of Himalayas extending from Ganesh Himal to Mt. Kanchanjunga, with Everest and other mountains in between. On our arrival in the Gonggar airport we must pass through immigration.When we exit the airport our Tibetan guide will be waiting with Tibetan ceremonial scarves, 'khatsas,' that are a symbol of welcome and good luck. We then drive about one hour, through a river valley, to Lhasa. Before checking into the Hotel Gorkha Tibet,we stop at the Bank of China to exchange money.. ( Lhasa is almost 12,000 feet above sea level.)

09/03 : Because of the altitude we will move slowly through this day. The tour will visit the Potala Palace, home of the Dalai Lamas, the Jokhang Temple and the Bharkar Square.

09/04: Today we visit Dripung Monastery in the morning and in the afternoon watch the debates of the monks in the courtyard of Sera Monastery. Dinner will be at the Crazy Yak restaurant where there will be performances of Tibetan folk dances and songs.

09/05 : After an early breakfast we drive to the hilltop Ganden Monastery. The monastery, of this power place, was completely destroyed during the revolution and what we see now are reconstructed buildings. The afternoon is free to further explore the ancient sections of Lhasa.

09/06 : Today we leave Lhasa and begin the trip across Tibet, on the Friendship Highway, in four wheel drive jeeps. The highway winds through farm lands and villages and ascends to Khamba La Pass where a stop is made to take in the beauty of the sacred turquoise lake, Yamdruk Tsho and the distant snow clad mountains. After stopping for lunch we drive through high valleys, between icefalls and along a river until we arrive at Karo La (l6, 430 feet above sea level). Here we have an opportunity to have our photos taken with a yak and visit with local merchants who have semi-precious stones and other objects for sale. The days drive ends in Gyantse, the third largest city of Tibet. Here we stay at the Hotel Gyantse. (We covered 280 kms. and Gyantse is at 3950 mts)

09/07: There is much to see in Gyantze for it was at the head of a major trade route and is still an important commercial center. We visit Palkhor Chode Monastery, constructed in 1418 AD, which contains hundreds of original statues and sacred wall paintings. Next to the monastery is the wonderful Khumbum. In the 15 th century, Nepalese artists created all the statues and paintings. As the group climbs a spiral walkway they see over 100,000 relics of wrathful and benevolent Buddhist tantric deities. The climb ends at a dome where the painted benevolent eyes of Buddha look out across the Tibetan countryside.

09/08: Today the group drives to the second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse, about 90 kms. Here we visit Tashi Lumpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, who is an incarnation of Buddha Amitava. The monastery contains, chapels, tombs of the Panchen lamas and the famous statue of the Buddha Matreya, the future Buddha. After lunch we proceed to Shakya, approximately 150 kilometers, and check into Hotel Shakya. Shakya has an ancient monastery that is surrounded by high walls that provide wonderful views of the area. A river runs through the town and opposite the monastery are the remains of a village and many sacred buildings.

09/09 : We visit Shakya in the morning and then proceed to Shekar/Xegar, approximately 140 KMS. On this stretch of the Friendship Highway we will see high sand dunes, yak and sheepherders. On arriving in Shekar we check into our hotel. (Shekar is approx. 4300 mts.)

09/10: This is a long day for the group gets up early and starts the journey to the Everest Base Camp. On this drive we see panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse and Choyu. Before arriving at the base camp we change to vehicles that are provided by the Quomolongma National Park and drive up to Rumbok. Here we take horse carts and ascend to the Everest Base Camp. (NB: we cannot guarantee that we will see the Everest for it is often covered with clouds). After reaching the camp we rest for a while, take some pictures, drink a cup of Tibetan tea, and offer our prayer flags to the mountain gods and return to Rumbok in our carts. If time permits, we will visit the monastery, the highest in the world. After returning to our jeeps we travel to the town of Old Tingri. Here we check into our basic accommodation and retire after having dinner. (Total distance covered, 210 Kms, Tingri is at 4300 mts.)

09/11 : Today the Friendship Highway gives us a grand view of Mount Everest. After crossing Nylam La we leave the high Tibetan Plateau and descend to Nylam and than to Zangmu. This is one of the most beautiful drives for the group travels through lush green forests with many waterfalls. After lunch in Zangmu we complete the Chinese immigration formalities, cross the Friendship Bridge, complete the Nepalese immigration and than find our vehicles that will be waiting for us in Nepal. From here we drive to the Kathmandu Valley and overnight at the Bhadgaon Guest House in the city of Bhaktapur.

09/12: On this day the group visits the medieval city of Bhaktapur. Our walk will take us to temples, pagodas, old squares, and water fountains. We will see potters, sculptors and paper makers at work. Late afternoon we will drive to Kathmandu and check into Hotel Vaishali.

09/13: Today we visit Pashupatinath, the holy site for the Hindu God, Shiva. This sacred area with Hindu temples, shrines and cremation ghats lies on the banks of the River Bagmati. Lord Shiva is the patron deity of Nepal and destroys evil and sorrow and bestows peace, happiness and bliss. On the other side of the Bagmati River we visit the female Shakti temple. Here Shiva and his consort Shakti are represented by the lingam and yoni. From Pashupatinath we travel to Boudhanath, home to the famous stupa that is revered by all Buddhists. This place is also called ‘little Tibet ' because of the settlement of Tibetan immigrants. We lunch in a roof top restaurant under the benevolent eyes of the Buddha and visit the sacred monasteries and shrines.

09/14 : Today we leave early for Budhanilakantha to see the reclining Vishnu. This is a 7 th century stone statue submerged in water. The young Brahmin priests clean and decorate the statue every morning as they chant ancient vedic mantras. After we witness this sacred ceremony we travel to Patan, ‘the city of beauty'. Here we visit the beautiful open museum. The afternoon is free for shopping, revisiting special places and preparing for our departure. In the evening we will have our farewell dinner.

09/15 : We depart for the airport, depending upon flight schedules. The hotel check out time is 12:00, noon. We salute each other with a vow to share the same experiences in the future.

“ Namaste and Tashidelek ”.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Hotel: All the hotels include breakfast. Hotel Vaishali (www.hotelvaishali.com) in Kathmandu is a three star hotel. Hotel Gorkha Tibet is one of the best hotels in Lhasa. Hotel Gyantse in Gyentse is a three star hotel. Hotel Shakya in Shakya is a newly constructed hotel. Hotel Shekar in Shekar is the best in the locality; the accommodation in Tingri is a basic one. Bhadgaon Guest House (www.bhadgaonguesthouse.com) in Bhaktapur is the best accommodation found in this city.

THIS TRIP TO TIBET IS CALLED THE DELUX TOUR. High-ranking officials from China, however, often arrive in Tibet and that compels the hotel owners to give rooms to them. In that case, our Lhasa agent will immediately find alternatives rooms at the same class of hotels.

COST: The trip starts on the night of August 30, 2006 and ends on the morning of Sept. 15, 2006. The cost is US$ 2180, double occupancy. If you would like a single there is a US $ 375. single supplement. We cannot guarantee single rooms in all the hotels in Tibet. There may be some nights were rooms must be share.

Included are all breakfasts, airport transfers both on arrival and departure; two disembarkation airport taxes in Kathmandu; all the entrance fees in Nepal and Tibet; private bus for city tours in Nepal and Lhasa; 4WD jeeps tours from Lhasa to Nepal; private bus from the border to Kathmandu, cost of visa fees, travel documents and service charges for Tibet; airfare from Kathmandu to Lhasa; Nepalese native English speaking guide in Nepal and native Tibetan English speaking guide in Tibet, tips to the guides and drivers in both the countries; tips to the hotel staff who help with checking us in and out of the hotels. An expert Nepali tour leader will be with us at all times.

THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: The airfare to and from Nepal; visa fees for entry into Nepal (as we will be entering twice the cost will be US$60); the photographic fees in Tibet; meals; drinks; personal expenses; health and travel insurance ; evacuation by helicopter or any other means of transportation due to ill health, land slides, snow fall, a political crises leading to blockade of surface travel or any other natural calamities which automatically leads to extra expenses such as hiring porters, other means of transportation, etc. The trip does not include all the other services not mentioned in ‘the services provided'.

The cancellation charge of 50% will be levied up to one month before the date of arrival in Nepal and thereafter there can be no refunds. There will be no refunds for any other reasons except ill-health certified by a doctor or delay arrivals.

Visas: To obtain a visa for Nepal and Tibet you must bring 6 passport size photos. Please bring a photocopy of your passport in case yours is lost or damaged. By June 15, 2006, you must send Bhola Banstota at Viale Fiume 14/A, 46100 Mantova, Italy, a photocopy of your passport so that the visa application process can be started for the Tibetan part of the tour.On your arrival in Kathmandu, Bhola will take your passport to the Chinese Embassy for your visa. It will be returned to you the next day. Please check wir your travel agent for travel and health insurance, THIS IS A MUST.

HEALTH TIPS : We fly to Lhasa and stay for four nights so we can use to the altitude. This will help prevent altitude sickness and other problems. Many will not feel any problems from the altitude. The symptoms of altitude sickness are: headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, nausea, dizziness and tiredness. The best thing to do if you feel the altitude is to stay in bed, relax, and drink lots of water and soups. It is important to drink at least 3 liters of water a day to stay regular. Do not exert yourself, walk slowly, keep your backpack light, breath slowly and deeply, and avoid arguments of any type. Keep the windows of your room half open all the time and avoid staying for a long time in warm restaurants.

Please consult with your doctor before confirming the tours. Anyone having heart or lung problems or high blood pressure must check with a specialists Please, let them know where you are going and what altitude you will be at. Be sure to remember all your medicines.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION :
Traveling overland between Lhasa and Kathmandu is an incredible experience for we will see the world's highest mountains, power places, holy sites, sand dunes, different ethnic groups, sacred lakes and hills. You must, however, be up for a bit of an adventure. Some of the accommodations and amenities will be basic. We must always be tolerant and flexible. Because of the nature of the tourist industry infrastructure the accommodations in Shakya, Shekhar and Tingri will be basic and the food may not be what you have been eating back at home. Many restaurants do not have professional cooks or waiters so the wait may be long.

Shopping:
Any animal products, antique objects such as statues, carpets, religious paintings cannot to be taken out of Nepal or Tibet. The best shopping is done in Kathmandu.

MONEY AND CURRENCY:
In Kathmandu all major currency and credit cards are accepted. You can get money exchanged at local authorized agents or from the banks. There are two places in Thamel where you can draw money by credit cards. BUT, they, sometimes, do not work. Shopping, using credit cards is expensive as the shopkeeper charge 3% service charge and your bank might have other charges. Therefore, it is best to have currency/bank notes/traveler checks. In Tibet, from Lhasa to Shigatse we can change money at the Bank of China This, however, depends on when time we arrive in the cities. Sometimes the credit cards get demagnetized, therefore, please test your card before embarking on this trip.

The present exchange rate is: 1US$=Rs.70 and 1US$= 8 Yuan/Chinese.

WHAT TO BRING:
A pair of warm leather shoes, a pair of sport shoes, sandals, one down jacket, one light jacket, warm sweater, a pair of light weight trousers, shirts, t-shirts, night dresses, wool pants or jeans, a sun hat with a wide brim that covers your face and neck, one woolen cap, gloves, two pairs of warm and two pairs of light socks, toiletries, camera with ample films, batteries, wind and sun protection cream, chap stick, pocket knife, scarf, towel, water bottle, sun glasses, flashlight with batteries, all medicines.

For snacks, you might want to bring dried fruit, crackers, biscuits, some drink items like Nescafe, cocoa, energy drinks, and mineral salts. These items along with warm jackets, trousers, shoes, hand gloves, woolen caps, can be bought at good prices in Thamel, though the quality may not be as good as at home.

NOTE :

1. In case of natural calamities or events beyond our control such as: political unrest, strikes, natural disasters like snowstorms, land slides etc., the fixed itinerary may be subject to change or diversion. When we reach the Nepal side from Tibet and if we find landslides blocking the road or transport strikes, we may be forced to charter a helicopter. In that case, we will collect money from all the participants. Your collaboration will he highly solicited if this happens.The cost of these emergencies are not included in the package.
2. All participants need to be in Kathmandu on the arrival date. The Chinese Embassy only issues visas on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Your original passport must be submitted to obtain a visa. Therefore, please be sure that you are in Kathmandu on the fixed day or the day before. Your passport must have at least six months validity on the day you arrive in Kathmandu. As the visas for Tibet are issued for the group, there will be no endorsements in your passports when entering or exiting out of Tibet.
3. Travel and health insurance is a must.
4. Your collaboration throughout the whole trip will be greatly appreciated.

MINIMUM NO. PARTICIPANTS: 16

For necessary information please send e-mail to Bhola Banstola at: bholamimi@hotmail.com or info@nepalese.it  

For travel logistics and necessary information, please write to:  
James A. Dalton, CTC
American International Travel
Affiliated with The Spirit of Travel
3045 South Parker Road – Suit 201
Aurora, CO 80014, U.S.A.
Tel: 303 751-7200 FAX: 303 751-7517526
Toll Free: 800 359-7200
e-mail: aitjim@yahoo.com

TARIFF IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO RISE IN PETROLIUM PRODUCTS AND FLUCTUATION IN INTERNATIONAL MONETARY EXCHANGE RATES.