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Across the Roof of the World - Longer Duration - Your Itinerary
17 days
From: £2995
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What's included:
- Scheduled flights, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges.
- The services of an experienced local Tour Manager/Guide, who takes care of all the tipping on your behalf.
- Private vehicles exclusive to the Bales group.
- Sightseeing as detailed, including entrance fees.
- Modern first class hotels in Kathmandu, Medium grade hotels in Lhasa and Dhulikhel, Fairly basic accommodation (best available) in Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsetsang.
- 15 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners.
- Average group size of 15 passengers.
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Day 1
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 Day 1
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Depart London Heathrow, flying Jet Airways via Delhi (8½ hours) to Kathmandu (1½ hours).
Meals:
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Day 2
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 Day 2
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Arriving this afternoon into Kathmandu, Nepal’s fascinating capital city, your Tour Manager will meet you and transfer you to the Radisson Hotel for 3 nights.
Meals:
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Day 3
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 Day 3
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With a free day in Kathmandu there are a number of optional excursions available to make the most of this engaging city.
Meals: B
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Day 4
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 Day 4
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Morning flight across the Himalayas to the mystical city of Lhasa (1 hour), the ‘Place of the gods’ and Tibet’s lofty capital. Lying amidst the serenely barren landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau (3,660m) and surrounded by spectacular mountains, this is the cultural heart of Tibet and has been since 633 AD, when the city was founded. Four nights at the Lhasa Hotel.
Meals: B & D
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Day 5
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 Day 5
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Today visit the sacred site of Jokhang Monastery. Built by King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country. A short drive north of Lhasa this afternoon to the remarkable 15th century Sera Monastery, a historic centre of learning and monastic training.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 6
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 Day 6
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Today explore the imposing majesty of the Potala Palace, perched on Marpo Ri Hill, it is Lhasa’s iconic centrepiece and the former home of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon continue to the Drepung Monastery, which once housed 10,000 monks and the Norbulingka Summer Palace, the former retreat of the Dalai Lama.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 7
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 Day 7
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Morning excursion to Ganden Monastery, located 45km east of Lhasa. The afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 8
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 Day 8
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Crossing the Tibetan Plateau today traverse passes that reach 5,000 metres, past the breathtaking turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok, on the journey towards Gyantse (256 KM/ approximately 8 hours including stops). Two nights at the Gyantse Hotel.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 9
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 Day 9
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This morning visit the gold-capped Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse, one of the most magnificent buildings in Tibet. Further sightseeing in the afternoon including an excursion to Kyilkhar Caverns.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 10
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 Day 10
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Continuing to Shigatse (90 KM/approximately 2 hours), on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, see the vast Tashilumpo Monastery built in 1447 and which was the former home of the Panchen Lama. Two nights at the Shigatse Hotel.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 11
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 Day 11
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Further sightseeing in and around Shigatse including Zhaku Monastery a short distance from the town.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 12
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 Day 12
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Today drive to Tsetsang (341 KM/approximately 9 hours) for 2 nights at the Tsetsang Hotel.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 13
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 Day 13
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Visit the 7th century Trandrul Monastery and the Yumbu Lagang Palace, two of Tibet’s most ancient structures. Tandrul is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, dating back to the reign of Songsten Gampo, whilst Yumbu Lagang can trace its history back some two millennia. Also visit Samye Monastery, said to be the first monastery in Tibet with a history dating back 1200 years.
Meals: B, L & D
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Day 14
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 Day 14
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Drive to Lhasa airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Continue to the hill resort of Dhulikhel (32 KM/approximately 1½ hours) for 2 nights at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.
Meals: B & D
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Day 15
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 Day 15
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Today has been left free to relax; there is an opportunity to enjoy an optional guided walk into the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Meals: B & D
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Day 16
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 Day 16
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En route back to Kathmandu visit the spectacular settings of Pasupatinath, Bhadgaon and Bodnath. Overnight at the unique Dwarika’s Hotel, where this evening there will be a special 9-course dinner.
Meals: B & D
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Day 17
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Day 17
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Morning departure on Jet Airways via Delhi back to London, arriving this evening.
Meals: B
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