classic tibet 10 days / 9 nights 10d9n generic(4).pdf · medicine and calligraphy. the main shrine...

G.C. Nanda & Sons Ltd.

T - 2522 3137 / 2522 4228

www.nandatravel.com Lic350558

6-Feb-13

Classic Tibet 10 days / 9 nights

From HKD15,930 per person

Chengdu – Lhasa – Tsedan – Shigatse

Day 1 Hong Kong – Chengdu

Depart Hong Kong via Air China CA 412 at 1110hrs and arrive in Chengdu at 1350hrs,

enjoy your meet and greet prior to your hotel transfer, the rest of the day is free for you to

acclimatize for your flight to Lhasa tomorrow.

Day 2 Chengdu – Lhasa (approx. 3,600m)

Enjoy your breakfast prior to your flight departing Chengdu via CA 407 at 0840hrs,

arriving in Lhasa at 1055hrs – the other option is via CA 4112 departing and arriving at

1250hrs/1440hrs.

Welcome to Lhasa, where beautiful mountains tower across peaceful lands. Distant

snow-capped peaks over-looking the old turquoise lake sets the mood. We recommend spending

the day resting and allowing yourself to acclimatize, this will allow you to avoid altitudes

sickness for tomorrow’s trip.

Depending on whether your body has adjusted

to the climate you may visit Barkhor Street

(八角街). Your driver will be on duty to assist,

the markets in Lhasa are very special; here one

may peruse various Tibetan items such as

incense, yak butter and monk outfits. Once

you are ready, your driver will take you back to

your hotel.

Barkhor Street


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Day 3 Lhasa

Enjoy your first breakfast in Lhasa, once you

are ready pay a visit to Potala Palace (布達

拉宮). You will soon discover that religion

plays a pivotal role in the Tibetan way of life,

which is why it is hardly surprising that most

of the attractions consist of beautiful

monasteries, intricately designed temples and

harmonious palaces. This awe-inspiring

palace, perched high is definitely worth a

visit, points of interest include the Red Palace (紅宮) and the White Palace (白宮).

The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums designed for previous Dalai

Lamas, while the White Palace houses the living quarters of successive Dalai Lamas and

their tutors. The offices of the old Tibetan

government and their assembly halls are

also located here. Elaborate artwork and

frescos that tell many stories, religious

subjects as well as the customs and

traditions of Tibet, are on display. Words

may fail to convey the scope of gold, pearls,

carvings and gems housed in this incredible

place, it is a pity that no cameras or

photographs are allowed.

Once ready to depart the palace, do enjoy a local Tibetan lunch, the most popular cuisine in

Tibet is Sichuan; alternatively there are also western-style restaurants.

Potala Palace

Red Palace


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After lunch, journey to Jokhang Temple (大

昭寺), according to legend she was built on

the former site of a lake however, every time

a temple was built on this spot, the structure

would collapse shortly after. Confused by

this phenomenon, Princess Bhrikuti turned to

Wen Cheng, Princess of the Tang Dynasty,

for help. Being a well-educated woman, Wen

Cheng told the princess that the geography of

Tibet was very much like a hag, with the lake at the heart. In order to build the temple, she

advised that they must demolish the hag by filling and levelling the lake using 1,000 sheep to

carry soil from a mountain. When the temple was done, it was called Ra-Sa-Vphrul-Snang (ra

meaning sheep and sa meaning earth in Tibetan) to commemorate those sheep. Built by

craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal and thus featuring different architectural styles. The

three-level roof offers splendid views of the Bhakhor Streets across to the Potala Palace. The

golden roofs are superbly crafted with many birds, beasts, bells and other intricate figures.

Depending on how much energy you have left, you can head back to Barkhor Street (八角

街), you may notice many Tibetan pilgrims in town taking part in the various koras

(pilgrimage circuits): the Nangkor, Barkor, Lingkor and Potala. Devout Buddhists perform

these koras as a way of gathering merit, which is important for their beliefs. Although many

are from different parts of Tibet, they share a distinctive look; heavy, colourful clothes and

dark braided plaited hair with beads. They typically travel in family groups with a

prayer-wheel in constant motion. Among these various koras you will see many prostrating

themselves, some doing this repeatedly on the spot and others prostrating every 3 paces while

they circumambulate their route.

Once you are ready, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved overnight stay.

Jokhang Temple


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Day 4 Lhasa - Tsedan

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading off

to see Niedang Buddha (尼塘大佛) in Quxu

County. On the way you can appreciate the

attractive view of Brahmaputra River (雅魯

藏布江). Niedang Buddha was carved on the

cliff by the ancient Indian master Attisha in

the 11th

century. Phagapa who was bestowed

as the Grand Master by Kublai Khan brought the Sykhamuni statue back to Sykha Monastery

from Beijing. The legend concludes with when he was passing by Quxu County, the statue

spoke; “I'd like to stay here. I don't want to go."

Once ready, head down south where Mindroling Monastery (敏珠林寺) stands tall,

covering an immense 100,000 square

meters. This structure houses the study of

astronomy, calendrical calculations,

medicine and calligraphy. The main shrine

is located on the main wall where many

beautiful Buddha statues have been carved.

Note that these statues you peruse are very

special because most of them are

multi-headed, multi-handed and

grim-faced, a reoccurring theme for

Nyingma monasteries. These exaggerated

and coarse images represent Esoteric Buddhism art in Tibet.

Niedang Buddha

Mindroling Monastery


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Day 5 Tsedan – Shigatse

There is much to see for this action packed day,

we recommend having a hearty breakfast.

Venture back in time to the first ever palace in

Tibetan history; Yongbulakang Palace (雍布

拉康). This ancient structure has a long and

deep religious connotation, unmatched for her

peculiar castle-like structure and exquisite

Tibetan design.

Next, journey to Gongri Mountain (岡巴

拉山), arrive at the foothill through Yalong

valley. Nearby you will discover one of

the earliest built Buddhist buildings,

Trundruk Monastery (昌珠寺). Legend

tells of how King Songtsan Gampo built

this place to suppress a demon from

wreaking havoc in his kingdom, many

treasures and relics have been kept here

most notably the pearled Tangka (Avalokitesvara at his rest).

After your enjoyable lunch, proceed to the capital of Tsang, Shigatse, the second largest town

in Tibet which has long been an important trading post and administrative centre.

For those feeling adventurous, climb over Gangbala Mountain (崗巴拉山) which is at an

elevation of 4600m, those that do will be rewarded with the highest fresh lake in the world,

Yamdrok Yum Tso Lake (羊卓雍湖). Known as the Third Saint Lake of Tibet, spanning

across 880,000 square meters, the view nature puts on display is hard to describe at this

incredibly breath taking place. The water in the lake is very clean, considered drinkable, we

highly recommend heading up here.

Yongbulakang Palace

Gongri Mountain


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Your final point of interest is Karuola Glacier

(卡若拉冰川), viewable from the road if you

are feeling tired. A vast flock of wildlife

including wild ducks, goose and other birds can

be found in this area, considered one of the

famous grasslands of the Tibetan plateau. After

enjoying your adventure, you will be escorted

pass Gyangtse and taken straight to Shigatse,

where you will spend the night.

Day 6 Shigatse – Lhasa

Today you will be escorted to

Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什倫布寺),

the foremost attraction and one of the six

great Gelugpa institutions. Founded in

1447 by Genden Drup, retroactively

named the 1st Dalai Lama and enshrined

at Tashihunpo. This building is one of the

few in Tibet that weathered the Cultural

Revolution relatively unscathed, a real

pleasure to explore. Here you can see many censers and sculptures including the tenth

Panchen Lama Stupa.

Afterwards, head over to the Shigatse open market and if lucky enough, see the Zhodo Tidro

Hermitage (天葬台) which sometimes appears in the distance.

Karuola Glacier

Tashilhunpo Monastery


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In the afternoon, say goodbye to Shigatse as

you are driven back to Lhasa, enjoy the

peaceful view of Brahmaputra River (雅魯藏

布江). Upon arriving in Lhasa, relax, unwind

and spend the night doing as you please.

Day 7 Lhasa

After breakfast, visit Norbulingka (羅布林卡)

known as the Summer Palace of Lhasa,

built in 1755, she served as the residence

of the successive Dalai Lamas from the

1780s up until the 14th

Dalai Lama’s exile

in 1959. Recognized as a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, covering 460,000 square

meters, housing 370 rooms, designed as a

peaceful place to worship and relax.

After lunch, you will be escorted to the Sera

Monastery (色拉寺), one of the great three

Gelukpa monasteries of Tibet. The origin of the

name Se ra (Tibetan, bloom) derives from the

fact that the original site was surrounded by

wild roses. The original Sera monastery was

erected in Lhasa, about 5 km north of the

Jokang in Lhasa, founded in 1419, by Jamchen

Chojey (Sakya Yeshe), a disciple of Tsong

Khapa.

Brahmaputra River

Norbulingka

Sera Monastery


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Another of the great three Gelukpa

monasteries is next, Drepung Monastery

(哲蚌寺) 8 km west of Lhasa, once the

world’s largest monastery boasting a

population of about 10,000 monks,

founded in 1416. In 1530 the 2nd

Dalai

Lama established the palace that would

become the home to the Dalai Lamas

until the 5th built the Potala. Today, there

are around 500 monks in residence, 40%

of the monastery has been destroyed.

Day 8 Lhasa

Today, you shall venture to Namtso (納木錯),

known locally as Lake Nam, on the way you

can enjoy the peaceful views of the Lhasa

River (拉薩河). This mountain lake rests on

the border between Baingoin County of Naggu

Prefecture and Damxung County of Lhasa

Prefecture. One of the three sacred lakes in

Tibet, her charm lies in the turquoise-blue

colour melting into the distant sky, above vast

grassland which stretches as far as the eye can

see. Fabulous scenery aside, Namtso is also a sacred Buddhist site where a beautiful temple at

Zhaxi byland can be found. Five islands stand in the waters of the lake, in addition another

five bylands stretch into the lake from different directions. Zhaxi byland is the largest in area

of these five. A great many bizarre stone peaks can be found on this byland.

Drepung Monastery

Lhasa River


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Once you are ready to leave the lake you

will be driven to Yangbajing

Geothermal Scenic Area (羊八井地熱

景區) where you can appreciate the

beauty of Northern Tibetan grassland with

an excellent view of the geysers and

springs, which if you are lucky, may be

exploding. Not only can you stand in

front of a sea of religious flags while gazing

upon the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain (念青

唐古拉山), you can also enjoy a shower in the

hot springs on your own accord (188

Yuan/person approx., your own swimsuits will

have to be brought).

After a nice serene dip in the springs, spend the rest of your evening relaxing.

Day 9 Lhasa

Start your final full day of the tour with your

morning meal prior to visiting Ganden

Monastery. One of the great three Gelukpa

university monasteries of Tibet, tucked away

at the top of Wangbur Mountain at an altitude

of 4,300m. Her full name Ganden Namgyal

Ling is broken down as such; Ganden means

joyful and is the Tibetan name for Tusita (the

heaven where bodhisattva Maitrevais is said

to reside), Namgyal Ling means victorious

temple.

Trek across Anguri Mountain, considered one of the best hikes in Lhasa, you will be rewarded with

an amazing view of Keychu valley. Your lunch box will be arranged for you to enjoy at the top, a

great and peaceful way to end your sightseeing for the trip.

Yangbajing Geothermal Scenic Area

Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain

Ganden Monastery


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Day 10 Lhasa – Chengdu – Hong Kong

Take your airport transfer for your flight departing Lhasa via CA 4402 at 1050hrs, arriving in

Chengdu at 1240hrs; from here take your connecting flight CA 427 departing at 1605hrs, arriving

back in Hong Kong at 1825hrs.

Journey End


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PACKAGE OPTIONS:

Hotel Envisage Category A Category B

Chengdu

Day 1-2

1 night

Rhombus Fantasia

花樣年隆堡成都酒店

http://www.rhombuschengduhotel.com/

Holiday Inn Express Gulou

成都鼓樓智選假日酒店

http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/chengdu/ctugl/h

oteldetail

Lhasa

Day 3-4

Day 7-8

6 nights

St. Regis

拉薩瑞吉度假酒店

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview

/index.html?propertyID=3129

4 point by Sheraton

拉薩福朋喜來登酒店

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/ov

erview/index.html?propertyID=3182

Tsedang

Day 5-6

1 night

Yulong Hotel or Tsedang Hotel

http://www.tibettravel.org/tibet-hotels/yulong-holiday-hotel.html

Shigatse

Day 9-10

1 night

Jiumu Yamei Intl.

http://www.tibethotel88.cn/English/room.asp

or Zanglong Hotel

http://www.atibet.com/hotel/shigatse/hotel_shigatse_01.html

Transportation Toyota Land cruiser King of Land cruiser V8

Tour Price (HKD)

per person on Twin

Sharing basis base

Toyota Land

cruiser

HKD 21,800 HKD 15,930

Tour Price (HKD)

per person on Twin

Sharing basis base

King of Land

cruiser V8

HKD 24,600 HKD 18,660

Extra Expense(s):

Return economy Class Air Ticket from HKG-Chengdu–

Lhasa by Air China HKD 4,990 + 1,141 airport taxes

http://www.rhombuschengduhotel.com/http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/chengdu/ctugl/hoteldetailhttp://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/chengdu/ctugl/hoteldetailhttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3129http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3129http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3182http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3182http://www.tibettravel.org/tibet-hotels/yulong-holiday-hotel.htmlhttp://www.tibethotel88.cn/English/room.asphttp://www.atibet.com/hotel/shigatse/hotel_shigatse_01.html


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Package Information:

- Above rates are valid for minimum 2 passengers travelling together for the entire

journey.

- Flight seats and hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of reservation.

- Airfare is subject to change by the airlines and cannot be guarantee unless ticketed.

- Tour price is exclusive of international flight tickets between Hong Kong, Chengdu and

Lhasa.

- Accommodation – check-in after 1400hrs only and check out by 1100hrs.

Package Includes:

- 9 night’s hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis.

- Daily breakfast or similar grading alternative.

- All meet and greet assistance.

- Transport – all transportation services including all arrival / departure transfer at the

airport, sightseeing and all excursions as per the program via 1 air conditioned Toyota

Land Cruiser.

- Guide – Local English speaking Tibetan guide in each city.

- Guide and Transportation provided for running from city to city with sightseeing are

available from 0900-1700hrs.

- Entrances – Entrances of each monument as per program per person.

- Gov’t Service Tax and all parking, toll fee.

-

Package does NOT include:

- Any meals, beverages, sightseeing fees not specified.

- Air tickets other than tour arrangement.

- Expenses of a personal nature, such as tips to guides, drivers, laundry, phone bills etc.

- Video / camera fees.

- Arrangement of vehicle and driver during leisure time, payable directly to driver.

- China Visa fees, increase in gov’t tax, Travel Insurance.

- Anything else not mentioned in the Package Includes section.


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ITINERARIES, CHANGES BEYOND OUR

CONTROL

COMPANY agrees to provide all of the services listed in your travel itinerary, except for the optional

services. Optional services will be billed separately.

COMPANY has no responsibility for any changes in travel plans caused by airlines, train, ferry delay

or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have

the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as

may be offered.

If you would like to modify any portion of your itinerary, you understand that COMPANY will not

bear any of the costs arising from such changes. Refunds for non-used or cancelled services will be

issued in accordance with our Terms and Conditions described. All new services will be billed in

accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Due to the circumstances, including but not limited to, like closure or maintenance of monuments,

weather, time, or traffic, etc., the planned visit or activity will be arranged on the next day if possible.

No refund can be made if it’s failed to do so.

OTHER EXPENSESS DURING TOURS

Tipping & gratuity guidelines, tour guide - as you depart from the tour, reward a good guide in each

city by tipping USD10- 15 per person per day, driver USD5- 10 per person per day, based on the

satisfaction you have received from them, bellman by tipping USD3-5 Per bag, however these are

guidelines are optional.

PERSONAL EXPENESE - Meals, laundry, telephone bills, beverage, extra local running for

transport which is not included in your itinerary, (transport for sightseeing excursion will be provide

between 0900hrs – 1730hrsMax. ), Video &Camera fees charged at monuments directly , tips for

guides, driver , travel Insurance for personal injury & loss of personal belongings.

Notes – The above quote is valid for 14 days only & No reservations has been made, To guarantee

the above quote a written booking request or purchase order must be received by Nanda Travel

within the validity period


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DEPOSITS, FINAL PAYMENT

A non-refundable deposit of 30 % of the tour fee on a per person basis must be paid after all

reservations are confirmed. We accept cash or cheque only. Bookings for this deposit not received

are subject to cancellation without notice. If G.C Nanda is unable to confirm the requested

arrangements the deposit will be fully refundable. Deposits vary for each tour operator, hotel, or

provider of any service contained in the program and will be payable according to the General Terms

and Conditions of each operator. Please note that firm reservations cannot be made for any

pre-booked accommodation until the required deposit is received. The balance payment must be

received not less than 30 days prior to departure. If the balance payment is not received by us on the

due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and to apply the appropriate

cancellation charges.

AMENDMENT FEES

For each amendment requested after confirmation additional charges will be levied by hotels, ground

operators or airlines. An amendment constitutes a change to an existing booking and not a transfer to

another tour, wherein cancellation fees may apply.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Cancellations are subject to a fee as follows:

– 30 days, or more, prior to departure: forfeit of deposit

– 14-30 days, or less, prior to departure: 100% of total cost

Cancellations will also be subject to cancellation fees levied by each operator according to their

respective Booking Terms and Conditions. Please note that it is your responsibility to request from us

the details of Terms and Conditions, and to ensure that you have understood their contents. The

payment of your deposit constitutes an acceptance of those terms and conditions and your

acknowledgement that you will be bound by their cancellation fee charges. No refund is made on any

pre-booked accommodation, coach tours, villas hotel, cruising or other travel not utilised. No refund

is available for cancellation after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation,

meals or any other services not utilised.

INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that, at the time of booking, you purchase a comprehensive travel

insurance policy of your choice. We suggest that the policy should include, but not be limited to the

following features: Loss of deposit through cancellation, personal baggage, loss of money, medical

expenses, additional expenses to cover hotel accommodation should the tour or holiday need to be

extended or curtailed due to illness while overseas, or due to the need to return to Hong Kong because


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of unexpected death or illness of a close relative. Please consult us on the insurance policy most

suitable for your needs.

VISA, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passengers should familiarise themselves with any and all health or visa requirements that may be

applicable in the areas they intend visiting. They shall be responsible for all exits, entry, health and

other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries

visited or transited. Each person shall carry a valid passport at all times. Kindly note that passport and

visa requirements are not our responsibility and we are not liable for any loss or expense due to a

passenger‘s failure to comply with the above or any statutory requirement made in any country

whatsoever.

PRICE

All prices shown are subject to variation without notice.

classic tibet 10 days / 9 nights 10d9n generic(4).pdf · medicine and calligraphy. the main shrine...

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