BOOK THIS TRIP places available!
Mountains and Monasteries
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
28 days (Beijing to Kathmandu)
Highlights:
See the sights of ancient China, Experience the warm devotion of the Tibetan people, Mingle with pilgrims in Xiahe, Travel through the stunning landscapes of mountainous Tibet, Experience local life on a Yellow River homestay, Soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Lhasa, Shop in bustling bazaars, Spend a night in an Everest Base Camp, Discover Nepali culture in Kathmandu,
Trip Code:
FSN
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling
Group Size:
Minimum 4, Maximum 12
Price:
Prices from USD $2570
15 Jul - 15 Sep 2008 (Beijing Olympics period): USD2770
*(plus local payment USD $600)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Satisfy your sense of adventure and spiritual curiosity on this overland odyssey. From the great archaeological sites of China, travel across the vast Tibetan Plateau, through remote villages and into the mountain kingdom of Nepal. The intense spirituality of the Tibetan people is ever-present in their remote monasteries, high mountain passes, traditional homes and colourful marketplaces. Join the pilgrim's circumambulations, sample yak butter tea, eat plenty of dumplings and immerse yourself in the atmospheric monastic rituals. Complete the journey with a panoramic view of Mt Everest for an extraordinary real life experience.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
rating definitions
culture shock rating:
rating definitions
passenger feedback rating: 4.68 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast
transport: Plane, overnight train, private bus, 4WD, local bus, walking
accommodation: Hotels (17 nts), basic guesthouses (6 nts), monastery accommodation (2 nts), overnight trains (2 nts)
budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Mon from Mar to Nov
Days 1-3 Beijing
Discover the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the awe-inspiring Great Wall.
Days 4-5 Xi'an
China's imperial centre for 2,000 years, don't miss Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors.
Day 6 Xiahe
Join pilgrims as they complete a prayer circut around the Labrang Monastery.
Day 7-8 Langmusi
See where nomads and Tibetan monks come together and take a tour of Langmusi's working monastery.
Days 9-10 Homestay/ Tibetan Grasslands
Experience Tibetan nomadic life on a homestay on the banks of the Yellow River.
Day 11 Chengdu
Pass through stunning Sichuan scenery en route to Chengdu, home of the spicy hot pot.
Days 12-16 Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, a place of beauty and mysticism. Learn a few words of Tibetan and enjoy a cooking class. Visit the very special Potala Palace, the Jokhang and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.
Day 17 Samye
Spend the night in the atmospheric shadow of Tibet's oldest monastery, which mirrors the structure of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology.
Day 18 Gyantse
Listen to the monks' morning prayers before taking a spectacular drive across the Kamba Pass. Make the pilgrim circuit at Gyantse Kubum, through a dizzying series of tiny chapels filled with colourful Buddhist images.
Days 19-21 Shigatse/ Sakya
Explore two of Tibet's most spriritually important towns. Explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery, visited daily by hundreds of devotees.
Days 22-23 Everest National Park
Discover the world's highest monastery, Rongphu, situated at 5,000 m above sea level. Get higher again, trekking up to Tibet's own Everest Base Camp - the view from here is out of this world.
Day 24 Zhangmu
As the Tibetan Plateau abruptly ends, the harsh landscape transforms into lush green valleys.
Days 25-26 Dhulikhel
Across the Nepalese border, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Days 27-28 Kathmandu
The journey ends in the narrow streets of Kathmandu, with its great food and memorable sights.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 01 Sep 08 | Sun 28 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 06 Oct 08 | Sun 02 Nov 08 | 6 | book now |
| Mon 13 Oct 08 | Sun 09 Nov 08 | 7 | book now |
| Mon 20 Oct 08 | Sun 16 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 27 Oct 08 | Sun 23 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 09 Mar 09 | Sun 05 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 16 Mar 09 | Sun 12 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 30 Mar 09 | Sun 26 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 06 Apr 09 | Sun 03 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 13 Apr 09 | Sun 10 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 27 Apr 09 | Sun 24 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 04 May 09 | Sun 31 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 11 May 09 | Sun 07 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 25 May 09 | Sun 21 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 01 Jun 09 | Sun 28 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 08 Jun 09 | Sun 05 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 22 Jun 09 | Sun 19 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 29 Jun 09 | Sun 26 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. Download this document and visit the About Intrepid section of this site for more information about how to be a Responsible Traveller.
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
The best thing was Zsoka...her knowledge of Tibetian/spirituality/people /culture..made this the best trip I have taken to date..and I have been all over the world...She was better then every local guide..in her understanding of the culture and how to express this info to the group.She took charge only after the info was not given by local guides...One of the most amazing people I have meet...Zsoka was in a tough position...12 indivigual... strong willed and smart people in one group...a wild mix...and sometimes people forgot about the whole..and focus on themselves..sure your on vacation..you paid moooola out...but money doesn't give you the right to rant rave or yell at the leader..it did happen...leaving little room for that ..how do you put it in your handout...Intrepid moments..delays..lag time..things not like you expected...things a little shall we say..difficult.Zsoka handled herself as a true professional ...but no one has the right to act out on the group leader..in public...several people from the group shall we say tried to re/educate the few nay sayers... in how to act in public but sometimes strong willed people..are hard to teach so things got better...but some still whined...making it less enjoyable to be around them...I was a pain in the butt also so I'm not only blaming others...but as a total...It was a Great fun truly amazing trip.I would go with Zsoka anywhere at anytime...I repect her and really miss her wit, charm , caring...and her warm beautiful being..She is your hidden Gem..an untapped resource?Please use her knowing..give her a raise...in fact why not make her your Tibetian regional trainer..let her share her vast knowledge..and Intrepid trips would be more interesting,richer and fuller for everyone...I could go on and on but just back from our other Intrepid trip...and no sleep for 36 hours..please call me 415-864-1450..for more of my insights or clairification...of anything stated above...Best to the Intrepid family..and best to you ..whom ever is reading this...Marc
Marc Jondall
this was a well organized and comprehensive trip considering all the difficulties of traveling to this part of the world. i would have liked to spend one day less in beijing, however, and perhaps savour more time in chengdu...one day was not enough. otherwise, it was a great trip with many great experiences with a patient and very knowlegeable leader.
this is my second intrepid trip and ive come to think that it would be nice if the group size just a bit smaller...8 - 10 would be ideal.
Jennifer Tu
Challenging but very rewarding. Tibet and it's people were very impressive and gave us a great deal to reflect on.
Mark Mcgeachie
Intrepid took me to places I could never have got to on my own, while still maintaining a feeling of independence! Awesome!
Heidi Zimmer
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.