NEPAL and TIBET Cultural Tour with Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Introduction and welcome dinner
Arrival in Kathmandu. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the late afternoon we will explain the details of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category (D).

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing – Swayambunath / Pashupatinath / Boudhanath
Today you will explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular places are the Buddhist / Hindu temple Swayambhunath, which is also called the monkey temple, is reached by a long staircase and offers great views of Kathmandu. Other important sights are the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath located on the banks of the Bagmati River, with cremation sites, and the holy Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa which is decorated with colourful prayer flags. This stupa has been an attraction for Buddhist pilgrims for many centuries, who repeatedly circled the structure, turning prayer wheels, praying and mumbling mantras (kora). Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (B).

Day 3: Drive to Bhaktapur – 5 to 6 hours
Early in the morning we drive to Bhaktapur, an ancient Newari city that lies on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu valley and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich culture, its temples and its wood, metal and stone works of art. The city is located at 1,401 m, approx. 14 km east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur – “City of the Pious” -, the old royal city, with its unique architectural heritage, has still retained its medieval charm and visitors to this city are surprised by countless buildings of cultural and artistic excellence. The past glory of the Malla dynasty seems to continue in the palace courtyard (Durbar Square). Pottery and weaving are the two traditional crafts. Bhaktapur is also famous for its wood carvings and the Bhadgaolen hat or the Bhadgaolen cap (the old name of Bhaktapur is Bhadgaolen). Overnight at the Bhaktapur Heritage House or similar category, (B).

Day 4: Drive to Changu Narayan (1,500m) and hike to Nagarkot (2,040m) – approx. 4 hours hike
Continue to Changu Narayan Temple, another World Heritage Site located in the north of Bhaktapur. “Changu Narayan” is the name of the temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, which is located at the end of a long mountain ridge that slopes down into the valley. It is said that Changu Narayan was built by King Hari Dutta around 323 AD and is the oldest temple in the valley there. Since 1979 it has been included in the UNESCO list as a World Heritage Site.
After visiting the temple, we begin a wonderful hike along a wooded mountain ridge with views of terraced fields that reach down to the valley floor and a wonderfully hilly landscape. After the Telkot Forest Reserve, the path joins the road to Nagarkot. If the weather is nice and clear, we will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Overnight at Hotel The Fort Resort or similar category, (B).

Day 5: Hike to Nala village (1,600m) – approx. 3 hours and drive to Kathmandu – approx. 1 ½ hours
Nagarkot is a popular tourist spot in Nepal. Located 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m, the whole panorama of the most important peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Evererst) can be seen from here. Nagarkot is famous for its spectacular and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, so get up early this morning.
After breakfast we hike along many terraced fields to the village of Nala before we drive back to Kathmandu. This region is one of the largest suppliers of green vegetables and potatoes for the capital Kathmandu. A religious place for Hindus and Buddhists alike, Nala is famous for Rato Machhindraa (Karuna Mai), Bhagwati Temple, Manakamana Temple, Siddhartha Gumba and some churches. Ugrachandi Temple is unique in that it has four floors in the pagoda style. Then we drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or Hotel Manaslu (B).

Day 6: Panoramic flight to Lhasa (3,680 m)
During the flight to Lhasa you will have a great panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. At the airport you will be greeted by our local Tibetan guide and driver and taken to the hotel. The drive from the airport to downtown Lhasa takes approximately 1½ hours. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day strolling around town on your own. However, try not to overdo things at this height. Recovery on the first day is crucial for good acclimatization. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 7: In Lhasa – Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Today’s first attraction is a visit to Drepung Monastery, the largest and most influential Tibetan monastery, which once housed more than 10,000 monks. The Dalai Lama was also one of the residents. After lunch, visit another monastery, Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa’s disciple Jamchen Choeje. A particularly impressive experience is the Buddhist scriptures that monks and novices discuss loudly and with great gestures. You can attend the debates Monday to Saturday between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the monastery. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 8: In Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
In the morning your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the famous Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was first built in the 7th century by the 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo and later rebuilt by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Today the Potala is a museum and a world heritage site. In the afternoon we visit the Jokhang Temple in the centre of the old city of Lhasa. Jokhang Temple is one of the holiest temples in all of Tibet and has always been overflowing with local pilgrims. Then take a stroll through Barkhor Street, which is characterized by devout pilgrims who crowded along the way. Barkhor Street is located in the old town of Lhasa City, circles the Jokhang Temple and finally opens into the central market of Lhasa. As a symbol of old Lhasa, Barkhor Street is a must for every visitor. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 9: Gyantse (3,900m) – Yamdrok Tso – 270 km / 6 hours drive
Today we have breakfast at 8 a.m. and then at around 8:30 a.m. we continue to Gyantse, which is 290 km from Lhasa. The road runs along Yamdrok Lake, a huge, blue-reflecting body of water at 4,300 meters above sea level, and then climbs up to the 5,010-meter-high Karo La (pass), a spectacular step between the glaciers. On the way you will visit the Samding Monastery, 112 kilometres southeast of Lhasa, which lies at an altitude of 4,423 meters and juts into the water on a barren hill about 90 meters above Lake Yamdrok at the end of a narrow peninsula. Samding Gompa was destroyed after 1959, but is currently being restored. Samding is the seat of Dorje Pakmo, the wife of the angry deity Heruka, the highest female incarnation in Tibet, and the third highest person in the Lamaist hierarchy after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. After almost three hours we reach the Kamba Pass (4,700m). From here we enjoy a beautiful view of the sacred lake Yamdrok Tso and its perfect turquoise colour. We continue along the lake and after an hour we reach the town of Nangartse (4,300 m), where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon the path leads us further up to Korala, which is 5,045 meters above sea level. From the top we can marvel at the spectacular Nojin Kangsang Glacier (7,206 meters). Before we get to Gyantse, we see another reservoir with turquoise water, which is embedded in a beautiful landscape in a fascinating valley. After about an hour we arrive at Gyantse, an old walled city dominated by a fortress from 1390. The original fortress was believed to have been built by Pelkhortsen, the son of the anti-Buddhist king Langdarma, who ruled between 838 and 841. The walls were built in 1268 after the rise of the Sakyapa sect. Gyantse is known as the “City of Heroes” because of their strong resistance to the superior forces of the British expedition to Tibet led by Francis Younghusband in 1903-1904. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 10: Gyantse – Shigatse – Xegar 4,330m, 420 km and 7 hours drive
Today we first drive to Shigatse, the agricultural center of Tibet. We need about an hour and a half for the 90 km. Here we will visit the Tashilumpo Monastery – the seat of the Panchen Lama who is considered to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Endless Enlightenment. This monastery, built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, houses interesting items such as the relics of Shakyamuni, the hall of Maitreya and a stunning collection of gifts and statues. After visiting the monastery, we continue our drive to Xegar, which we reach after about five hours and check into our hotel to rest and have dinner. Overnight at the hotel, (B).

Day 11: Xegar – Everest Base Camp (5,150m) – Old Tingri (4,300m) – 4 hours journey
We will continue the journey before daybreak and visit the Everest Basecamp. This is 110 kilometres away. After about two and a half hours we reach Rongbuk, the last inhabited place near Everest. This is a semi-nomadic settlement with shops that serve as hotels and restaurants. From here we take a bus for about 3km (the only one that is allowed to go to Circular) to the viewpoint of the base camp. From this vantage point full of prayer flags, we enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas, which is dominated by Mt. Everest (8,844.43m). After spending some time on the roof of the world, we will drive to Old Tingri in two hours. From there you have another breath-taking view of the Himalayan mountains and Mount Everest. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 12: Old Tingri – New Kerung (2,700m) – 7 to 8 hours drive
After breakfast we drive on a winding route to Nyalam. The road goes down into Matsang Tsangpo Gorge and beautiful waterfalls can be seen on both sides of the road. The journey continues over two spectacular passes: the Thong La (5,050 m) and the Lalung La (5,082 m). In addition to the two passes, we also enjoy magnificent views of the high mountains, including the fascinating Shisha Pangma (8,027 m). On the way we can see the Milarepa Cave above the cliff. This is where the meditation of the famous tantric master and yogi is said to have taken place. After about 8 hours we reach New Kerung. Overnight in the guest house, (B).

Day 13: New Kerung – Syabru Besi in Nepal – Kathmandu – approx. 8 hours
You drive to the Nepalese border approx. 22 km away. After the exit formalities, you cross the border. Your driver will be waiting for you and you will travel to Kathmandu by private jeep / vehicle. A nice drive where we cross many villages and watch locals at their work. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (B).

Day 14: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Today is at your disposal, which you can spend with relaxation, further sightseeing, massage or a ‘mountain flight’. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar category, (B).

Day 15: Flight back home
Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu Airport. End of the journey, (F).

We reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons.

F = Breakfast | M = Lunch | A = Dinner

German guided tour
English guided tour

• 24. June 2023 -
  08. July 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 01. July 2023 -
  15. July 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 08. July 2023 -
  22. July 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 15. July 2023 -
  29. July 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 22. July 2023 -
  05. August 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 29. July 2023 -
  12. August 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 05. August 2023 -
  19. August 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 12. August 2023 -
  26. August 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 19. August 2023 -
  02. September 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 26. August 2023 -
  09. September 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 16. September 2023 -
  30. September 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 30. September 2023 -
  14. October 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 07. October 2023 -
  21. October 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 14. October 2023 -
  28. October 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 21. October 2023 -
  04. November 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 04. November 2023 -
  18. November 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 11. November 2023 -
  25. November 2023 2.190 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly

This tour can also be booked for individual travelers at an additional cost or for your individual group at dates other than shown here.

Duration: 15 days
Costs: € 2.190 per person
Group size: min. 4 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only four persons)
€ 560 for single room supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for lodge overnight stays during the trek in Nepal, especially during the high season, single accommodation is not available).

What’s included:

• Airport transfers within Nepal
• All necessary land transfers by private vehicle
• Welcome dinner in Nepal
• Accommodation and breakfast throughout the tour in Nepal and Tibet
• Accommodation and full board during trekking in Nepal
• Sightseeing with entrance fees, English speaking guide, driver and vehicle in Nepal and Tibet
• Permits, National Park Access / Conservation Fees, Employee Insurance
• Trekking guide and porter
• Visa fees Tibet, TTB and Everest Permits
• Quality service
• Oxy meter (oximeter)

Not included:

• International flight from home country
• Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa incl. 15kg baggage allowance
• Flight Lhasa to Kathmandu (from June to September the return journey from Tibet is by flight)
• Additional tours and meals not mentioned
• Cold drinks
• Personal invoices
• Visa Nepal (US $ 50)
• Excess baggage on flights
• Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency, evacuation and loss, theft of luggage or damage to luggage and personal effects)
• Tips

Visa
Nepal: The visa is issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu Airport. Visa costs upon entry into Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (for 30 days stay) and US $ 125 (for 90 days). The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport at the current dollar rate. Two passport photos for the visa must be taken with you. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel and have at least one blank page. These visa and passport regulations are valid for the EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other citizens please inquire at the respective country consulate.

Tibet / China: We will apply for the visa and permit for you.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with rescue costs) is essential for your own safety and a prerequisite for booking our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains that necessitates a helicopter, the helicopter will not take off until full coverage of the costs has been clarified. We strongly recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance. Flights at bargain prices in particular cannot usually be re-booked or canceled free of charge. Complications with the weather, with your health etc. could also arise in Nepal which would force you to abandon your trip.

We asked ERGO (travel insurance) to put together different service packages for you. You can book the right travel health insurance for you at https://www.reiseversicherung.de.

Please note: We recommend ERGO insurance to travelers residing in Germany and Austria. Other citizens are asked to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their country.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours only recommends that its guests book travel insurance through ERGO and assumes no responsibility for the contractual content between the travel guest and the insurance provider. It is up to each guest to book their travel insurance through ERGO or another provider.

Standard of hotels and accommodations
Hotels and accommodations that are booked by us in Nepal and Tibet are good and correspond to western, medium standard. The sanitary facilities are clean and functional. The kitchens of the hotels are of course also adapted to Western eating habits and their dishes are safe to enjoy. Sometimes there may be power outages or there may be no hot water available for a while. In general, the hotel staff is extremely friendly and always takes care of the well-being of each and every guest.

During the trek and inland, the mills grind a little differently, sometimes simpler sanitary facilities are to be expected. For standard treks and tours you will spend the night in the typical “lodges” (tea houses). Usually there are very small single or double rooms (some without running water and without their own shower / toilet). In general, you can choose your desired menu from the menu map during the trekking tour. At altitudes above 4,000 meters, however, the choice of food on some routes may not be very large. The typical Nepalese, simple cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and good. A corresponding adaptability of the traveler is required here.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are Sita Air, Tara Air, Yeti Air, Summit Air or Buddha Air, Summit Air.

Tour program
The travel program is perfectly coordinated for all of the trips we recommend. However, it can happen that roads are blocked or impassable without prior notice, that waiting times of several hours arise due to traffic jams or fuel shortages, that access to sights can be blocked for various reasons, or other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes , Health of the participants or unfavorable conditions during trekking make it difficult to carry out the travel program or, in the worst case, make it impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will endeavor to achieve all program points to your satisfaction. The inconvenience is usually limited. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this point that, for the reasons mentioned, program changes are possible at any time and are not the responsibility of the organizer. Any costs arising from this are borne by the traveler. We ask for your understanding.