Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Soon after landing at Beijing airport, you will be escorted to your hotel. At the hotel, you shall be briefed about your travel arrangements and travel destinations. Thereon, you can enjoy the lively ambience and excellent facilities of the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Beijing
You will visit the Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and the spiritual heart of China, where the national flag is raised exactly at sunrise everyday, the Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years ( it is the grandest integral palace complex still remaining in China). You will also be taken to visit the Summer Palace, located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. It was an imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty. With its perfect layout, magnificent buildings and enchanting landscape, it is the most splendid classical garden in China.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Beijing
Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing, at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620.
Day 4: Visit to Temple of Heaven & Evening- Board the Train from Beijing to Lhasa [3650m]
Early in the morning you will be taken for a visit to the Temple of Heaven which spreads across a 267 hectare park. This temple serves as the best example of the fine Ming architecture. To the Chinese this is a sacred site where prayers for good harvests, prosperity and harmonious life are offered. In the evening you board the ‘Sky train’ to Lhasa and experience the world’s highest railway journey.
Day 5: Onboard the Sky Train via Xian, Lanzhou, Xining and Golmud
The 4,064 km journey lasts for 48 hrs. Looking through UV blocked train window, you remain captivated by the flashing glimpse of Chinese countryside, flat cultivated lands, brown hills, and riverside valleys. The train passes across 5200m high Tanggula Mountain pass, amidst surreal mountain vistas, as you near the Tibetan plateau. The train continues to pass through mesmerizing views of the turquoise Qinghai Lake and uniquely shaped vast Tibetan Plateau right below huge mountain range with 7000+ meter peaks, dominating the entire landscape.
Equipments for oxygen supply and an oxygen mask are also available in the train for those who are prone to altitude sickness. The train is fitted with soft sleepers, vacuum flush toilets, flat-screen TVs and the finest dining service.
Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 meter)
Finally after a 2-day adventurous journey, you finally arrive in Lhasa. Your Tibetan escort will met you right at the station and escort you to your hotel in Lhasa and brief you about your further tour arrangement.
General Information
ACTIVITY
The highlight of this tour is the visit to two ancient capitals: Beijing & Lhasa. You take a journey on board the world's highest train to reach Lhasa from Beijing.
Visa
For entering China, you would need to apply for your Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in your country.
Once you have the Chinese visa, you will need to scan the visa and email it to us along with the copy of your passport. Both the documents should be clear and readable otherwise it will be rejected by the Tibet Travel Bureau in Tibet (TTB).
Please note that you would not be eligible for the Tibet travelling permit without the Chinese visa.
On the basis of the copies of the Chinese visa and passport, we will apply for your Tibet entry permit from the TTB.
With the combination of the Tibet permit and Chinese visa you would be allowed to enter Tibet from the mainland China.
Once your Tibet permit is issued, you can collect it from anywhere in mainland China where you are supposed to arrive or have it delivered at your hotel you would be staying while in mainland China at an extra charge of USD 30 for courier.
Visa regulation in Tibet keeps changing, so please ask us for the latest Tibet visa information.
ARRIVAL IN BEIJING
You can arrive in Beijing from any Chinese city via flight, vehicle, bus or train from any hub. Once you arrive in Beijing, your guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel.
GUIDE
In Beijing
A Chinese English speaking guide will meet you at the airport. He/she will be with you during the transfers from airport to hotel, for sightseeing tours and until he bids you farewell at the train station in Beijing. All applicable entrance and monumental fees are prepaid.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation at Beijing is based in 3 star hotels where daily breakfast will be provided .During the sightseeing tour a vehicle with the driver and a knowledgeable guide who will give full and satisfactory information of the tours will be provided.
In the train
The journey from Beijing to Lhasa is completed in around 47 hrs and 20 mins. The services we have specified in the itinerary include the reservation and confirmation of a soft sleeper berth. The beds are comfortable and there is enough space to store your luggage. Large windows give you an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the landscape. Sometimes because of the high demand of the soft sleeper berths or for the unexpected use of Chinese officials the entire soft sleeper seats may be sold out and not available. During such instances we provide hard sleeper as an alternative and refund the difference in cost between the soft and hard sleeper berths.
In Lhasa
Note: We would like to inform foreign visitors (who have not made alternate arrangements in Lhasa) that one cannot be on his/ her own in Lhasa. One need at least to have a hotel room booked and have the exact dates of entering and exiting Tibet be known to the authorities in Lhasa. For your convenience, we suggest you to alternatively book this trip with any of the other trips to Tibet.
GROUP SIZE
We bring together a small group of like minded people. During the trip, not only do they gain a memorable and insightful travel experience but also get an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other. On our fixed scheduled departures, group comprises of maximum12 & minimum 2 persons. You are likely to join a group from different countries. Average age ranges from early 20s to mid 50s.For private trips, no minimum and maximum apply.
If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people (min 1 max 100 at a time).
FOOD
All breakfasts are included in our package, except during the train journey, where you may have to pay on your own. Your guide will help you find good restaurants with reasonable price. Expect to spend around 15-20 US$ per day for meals.
Communication
All the hotels we use in Beijing & Lhasa have international IDD phone and fax services. Internet cafes are also available. Check with your guide for the best cyber cafes.
Best Time to take this trip
Beijing has four definite seasons. Summer and winter are the two longest seasons with fall and spring being the shortest. The climate varies according to the season with autumn being the most pleasant time to visit. Autumn is usually clear with cool temperatures, while winter is dry and, at times, bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below 5 degrees F (-15 C). Spring is usually dry but very windy (protect eyes to keep out blowing debris), while the summer is rainy and hot with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees F (38 C).
In Lhasa, the climate remains pleasant, especially from March to November, the best time for traveling. The rainy season starts from May to September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa. The best time of year to take the Beijing-Lhasa tour is from March to November. During these months the average temperature ranges from 15C to 25C, with blue skies and clear weather. Though from July to August there can be odd shower during the day. The nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degree Celsius.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings.
Personal Expenses
Besides Chinese Yuan, only US dollars can be accepted in Tibet and Beijing. Also shops that accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for an exchange rate. Credit cards can only be used at some hotels. The Bank of China and Nepal also accepts credit cards. ATM facilities are available in Beijing and Kathmandu. But in Tibet it's not widely available. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency and Nepali currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China and Bank of Nepal. While changing money at the local money exchange centers, please make sure that you are accompanied by your guide and do consult him as you may easily be duped with counterfeit notes.
Tips are appreciated by your support team, after completion of the trip. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. For this you can allocate around 5% of your total tour cost.
Health
Vaccination requirements change frequently, so we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip. The main health consideration in high altitude Tibet is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
AMS
An altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude. Since most places in Tibet are higher than this level, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called Altitude Sickness is the biggest health risk to tourists in Tibet. AMS is common at high altitudes due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. Most people will experience differing degrees of symptoms at high elevation. The occurrence of AMS is dependent on the altitude, the ascent rate and individual physical condition. Symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Most people will experience one or more AMS symptoms upon their arrival in Tibet. The symptoms will usually gradually decrease in severity during acclimatization. Mild AMS usually will not interfere with mild activity.
Before visiting Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.
AMS can be lessened or avoided with proper acclimatization, which will also ease and reduce AMS symptoms. A gradual ascent will allow your body to acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. Go no higher 300 - 400 hundred meters (984 - 1,312 feet) daily and have a rest after each 1,000 meter (3280 feet) ascent. Medication also helps to prevent AMS. Mild AMS symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication does not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude!
The following precautions may help to prevent or lessen the effects of AMS:
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Drink plenty of fluids (3 - 4 litres daily at least)
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Do not over exert and only indulge in light activity immediate after your arrival;
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Don't smoke, drink alcohol or take other depressants such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These will depress the respiratory drive and limit oxygen intake.
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Any sickness at high altitude is AMS until proven otherwise; · Never go higher with symptoms of AMS;
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It is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to other group members in the trip.
Rescue and Evacuation In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen, you shall be transferred to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own.
Insurance
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
Itinerary Changes
Depending on the prevailing situation, the itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of tour completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Sometimes during peak season it gets difficult even to get a train ticket. In such cases we arrange a flight ticket for you, from Beijing to Lhasa. There may be a difference in the price of train and flight tickets. If it costs more, you may have to pay the additional charge.
TRIP EXTENSIONS
In addition to this tour, we can organize trip extensions in China [Chengdu (Panda Farm and Teshan Buddha Statue), Xian (City wall, Terracotta Warriors) and Xining, Tibet (Gyantse, Shigatse, Namtso Lake, and Everest Base Camp etc.), Nepal and other neighboring countries. In Nepal you may want to try white water rafting or go on a jungle safari in the deep jungles of Chitwan or take a cultural tour. You may as well take a trip to India or Bhutan, whichever appeals more to you. Please contact us for details or check our website www.explorehimalaya.com.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary can be taken only as a guideline. We cannot take the responsibility for any delays caused by international or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural calamities etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Explore Himalaya shall only be responsible for refunds after deducting the expenses already incurred.
2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of US$300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation to us.
Those joining the tour in Kathmandu can pay the balance on arrival.
3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
DATE OF CANCELLATION (Charge incurred) > 2 months before departure - loss of deposit (US$ 300)
> 29 days to 2 months before departure - 30% of total trip cost
> 10 to 28 days before departure - 60% of total trip cost
> Less than 10 days before departure - 100% of total trip cost
BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours (Sunday to Friday). If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at office@explore-himalaya.com or contact us directly by phone: 977-1-4418-100 or skype explore.himalaya.
