Roof of the world: Kathmandu. Tibet. West China
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Price$1850+ flight to Kathmandu and from Almaty back home
- Physical grade 2/5
- Service grade Standard
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Duration21 days
Unique Buddhist holy sites of Nepal, Tibet and China, cozy mountain villages and stunning Himalaya - the roof of the world. This is how the trip will go. Having visited the ancient Kathmandu valley, we will explore the most interesting sites of Tibet, visit magically beautiful mountain passes of more than 5000 meters above sea level and will ride train on the highest railway in the world. Leaving mountains behind, we will descend to the oases of China, famous towns along the ancient Silk Route, visit the ancient Mogao caves and other holy sites on the way and will proceed to Kazakhstan city of Almaty, having traveled about 6000 km.
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Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu, check into a hotel in the center.
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Day 2-4In the morning we take a walk to the 5th century Swayambhu complex - symbol of Nepali capital. Then we proceed to the ancient towns of Patan, Bouddhanath and Bhaktapur on the outskirts of the city, where we will visit ancient temples and marvel at architecture. We will also visit old market of fabrics, Mahabuddha Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar square - the oldest architecture structure in Kathmandu valley.
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Day 5-8Departure to Lhasa on a specially rented vehicle. Our 1000 km long way goes through Nyalam, Lhatse, Shigatse and Gyantse and will take approximately 3 days. On the way we will visit major spiritual centers of Central Tibet: Tashilhunpo monastery in Shigatse, Khumbum Stupa in Gyantse and sacred Yamdrok Tso lake. We will be spending nights in simple guest houses on the way. We also need this 3 days to gradually adapt to the altitude of up to 5200 m above sea level.
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Day 9-14Arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, checking into a hotel. Here we will visit the grand Potala Palace - the residence of Dalai Lamas (see the picture above), Sera Monastery, Jokhang Monastery and enjoy city walks. After two days, we will take a train to Golmud in Qinghai province, riding the highest railway in the world with the highest elevation of 5,069 m. (16,627 ft). This journey will take around 15 hours, which we will spend resting and enjoying breathtaking views of Tibetan plateau. In Golmud we will check into a local hotel and take town walks visiting local attractions. In Golmud we will receive our permit to proceed further and take a night (or a day) bus to Dunhuang, Gansu province (8 hours on the way).
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Day 15-16Morning arrival in Dunhuang, one of the main cities on the ancient Silk Road, check into a local hotel. Here we will visit the world famous Моgао Caves, the largest cave temple complex in China, boasting unique 2000 years old Buddhist murals, statues and paintings. We will also take a short trip to marvelous Mingsha sand dunes outside town. At the end of our stay we take a night train or bus to Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
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Day 17-19Arrival in Turpan, the legendary oasis on the northern branch of the Silk Road, and the hottest town in China. Check into a local hotel. We will take a trip to a nearby Tuyoq, a real Uyghur village with a mausoleum of the first Uyghur muslim. We will also visit ancient Buddhist cities and Emin Minaret nearby and enjoy local speciality - large and delicious raisins.
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Day 20-21Transfer to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region by bus (3 hours). Check into a local hotel. We will take some walks, visiting oriental bazaars and restaurants, and might visit a local museum with rare relicts from the Gobi desert, including mummies. Departure from Urumqi back home is possible. Those willing to continue to Kazakhstan take a comfortable night train with the guide and the rest of the group, switch to bus in the morning and proceed to Kazakh capital, Almaty. The train+bus trip takes approx. 19 hours and includes marvelous Kazakh landscapes with mountain views.
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Day 22Arrival in Almaty. Those who have time before their flight back home can explore the city with the guide and the rest of the group. Those interested can stay in Almaty longer on their own. Flight back home.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 29.04 - 19.05 | Available for booking |
| Departures | Availability | Price | Deposit | This group speaks | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | |||||
| 29 April - 19 May | Available for booking | $1850 | $550 | Rus.,Ukr.,Eng. | Book |
| Departures | 29.04.2018 - 19.05.2018 |
| Availability | Available for booking |
| Price | $1850 |
| Deposit | $550 |
| This group speaks | Rus.,Ukr.,Eng. |
| Book | Book |
Unique Buddhist holy sites of Nepal, Tibet and China, cozy mountain villages and stunning Himalaya - the roof of the world. This is how the trip will go. Having visited the ancient Kathmandu valley, we will explore the most interesting sites of Tibet, visit magically beautiful mountain passes of more than 5000 meters above sea level and will ride train on the highest railway in the world. Leaving mountains behind, we will descend to the oases of China, famous towns along the ancient Silk Route, visit the ancient Mogao caves and other holy sites on the way and will proceed to Kazakhstan city of Almaty, having traveled about 6000 km.
Is this trip for you?
The trip is dynamic, of medium difficulty. It includes long walks in cities and towns, and several night trips in comfortable trains and buses. A 19 hours long trip by the train and bus at the very end of our journey is optional. One part of the journey involves riding a bus at high altitudes of up to 5200 meters above sea level. Accommodation will be provided in double/twin (sometimes triple and more) rooms of simple hotels and guesthouses, most of them will have hot water, some - wifi internet.
Price of the trip includes:
- Entry permit to Tibet;
- All accommodation in budget hotels and guesthouses during the trip;
- All transportation including buses, trains, rented vehicles and public transportation;
- Professional guiding services.
To be paid separately:
- Flight to Kathmandu and from Urumqi or Almaty back home;
- Visa to Nepal ($25);
- Medical insurance (mandatory);
- Entrance fees to museums, palaces and other attractions ($200);
- Food (in Nepal $5-10 per person per day, in China $6-13).
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 29.04 - 19.05 | Available for booking |
Unique Buddhist holy sites of Nepal, Tibet and China, cozy mountain villages and stunning Himalaya - the roof of the world. This is how the trip will go. Having visited the ancient Kathmandu valley, we will explore the most interesting sites of Tibet, visit magically beautiful mountain passes of more than 5000 meters above sea level and will ride train on the highest railway in the world. Leaving mountains behind, we will descend to the oases of China, famous towns along the ancient Silk Route, visit the ancient Mogao caves and other holy sites on the way and will proceed to Kazakhstan city of Almaty, having traveled about 6000 km.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 29.04 - 19.05 | Available for booking |
Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is issued on arrival and costs $25 for 15 days.
Chinese visa and permit to enter Tibet is arranged by the guide for the entire trip in Kathmandu.
Citizens of many countries need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. It should be applied for in Kazakh embassy in the country of residence prior to the trip.
We provide free visa consulting for our clients.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 29.04 - 19.05 | Available for booking |
Petro Hrushko
Vic Gotsulenko
- Price: + $200
- Price: + $30
- Price: + $200
- Price: + $60
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 29.04 - 19.05 | Available for booking |
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