Highlights
Tibet, a rich, beautiful and mysterious land, is known as "The Roof of the World". This tour brings you to experience spectacular and fascinating snow-capped peaks, glaciers, high mountains, wide rivers, unique highland lakes, geothermal springs, vast pastoral areas, magnificent monasteries, brilliant religious arts and interesting ethnic customs. Our tour begins in Beijing. You can witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall and to get a brief impression of this large capital. Then we unfold our discovery to Tibet. With a long history, Tibet has magnificent and wonderful natural scenery as well as simple and unsophisticated Tibetan Monastery for us to explore. Our tour ends in the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. Welcome to start your mysterious Tibet adventure with us.
Itinerary
When you arrival in Beijing, you will be met by our guide at the airport and be transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included:
The Great Wall of China, the most significant structure in the world, is the symbol of Chinese nation. There is a famous saying goes "You are not a hero unless you climb on the Great Wall." This morning let’s drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the less developed and commercial section of the Great Wall. This historic construction is a little dangerous to climb because it winds up and down the precipitous ranges. However, you will enjoy the feast of eyes of the splendid views. After the visit, we drive back to the hotel and have a rest in the afternoon. Travelers to Peking shouldn't miss trying the Peking Roasted Duck because it can make your trip to Beijing more memorable. Peking duck is always served in well-cut slices. The whole duck must be sliced into 120 pieces and every piece has to be perfect with the complete layers of the meat. The most famous Restaurant to find the Peking Duck is Quanjude Restaurant. You can go there to have a tasty Peking Duck dinner.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
[Temple of Heaven] is a complex of buildings, gardens, and pathways; its organization indicates relationship between Earth and heaven. And we will pay a visit there after breakfast. And then we will move to [Tian'anmen Square]--one of the largest city squares in the world. In the center of the square stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes. It was built in 1958. On the front side of the monument is an inscription in Chinese characters written by our Chairman Maozedong: “Eternal Glory to the People’s Heroes!” Then we go to the [Forbidden City] -- Imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is 960 meters (about 3149 feet) long from south to north and 750(about 2460 feet) meters wide from east to west. And it is also the world's largest palace complex covers a floor space of 724,250 square meters, having 9,999 buildings. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, providing you an imposing view.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we take a flight to mysterious Tibet. Upon your arrival, you are transferred to the hotel and acclimatize yourselves to the high altitude in the afternoon. The rest of day is on your own.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will visit the magnificent [Potala Palace], which was originally built by King Songtsen Gampo 1,300 years ago in Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). Potala is the name of the place, which means residence of the Goddess of Mercy in Tibetan language. It covers an area of more than 130, 000 square meters. Potala Palace consists of White Palace (administration building) and the Red Palace (religious building). You can admire complicated architectures, devotional atmosphere and exquisite artworks there. After lunch, we will visit the [Sera Monastery] -- one of three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Next we will visit the [Norbulingka Park] -- the Summer Place of Dalai Lamas. It is the place where local people handle political affairs and hold festival celebrations. Then we pay a visit to a [Tibetan family]. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will visit the [Jokhang Temple] -- the ultimate pilgrimage destination for devotional Pilgrims. It well displays architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty and holds the mysterious legends. And then we will head for the flourishing [bazaar of Barkhor Street]. Barkhor Street is a place full of religious atmosphere and a world of exotic articles. In this busy and populous street, visitors will have a panoramic view of Tibetan life. After lunch, we go ahead to visit the [Tibet Museum] for a glance into Tibet's civilizations, and continue to the [Tibet Carpet Factory]. It is one of the remarkable enterprises in Tibet mainly producing traditional Tibetan Carpet. All the carpets here are hand-made, in beautiful pictures and excellent quality. Those elegant and colorful carpets are nice decorations. So you can purchase them at competitive prices with various choices. You will have your dinner in your hotel.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will drive to Gyangtse, and we will stop on the way to visit the [Yomdrok Lake] which lies on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, surrounded by mountains. Yomdrok Lake is one of the three holy lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. The scenery of the clear turquoise blue water in the lake with the reflection of the surrounding mountains was awesome and we had a 360 degree view of the mountains. Upon arrival at Gyangtse, you will be transferred to the hotel. Next we will visit the [Palkhor Monastery], another typical Tibetan monastery which is famous its unique structural style and be considered as the lord of Tibetan stupas. Then we will enjoy a walk in the [Gyangtse Old Street] to appreciate its beauty.
Stay overnight at Gyangtse.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we head for Shigatse. Situated in central - southern of Tibet, Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet and also the political, economic and cultural center of the region. [Tashilhumpo Lamasery] is one of the four lamaseries of the Galu sect of Lamaism and the residence of the Panchan Lama for a long time. The monastery was built in 1447 under the supervision of the First Dalai Lama Gedun Zhuiba, one of the disciples of Zonggaba. It was expanded by the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Bainqen Lamas and has become the place for the reincarnation of the Bainqen Lamas. The monastery houses are 22.4 meter in height. The gilded bronze statue of Qiangba Buddha is the tallest of its kind in the world. The image of the Buddha gives people the impression of kind and generous, and these impressions are represented vividly. Later we will visit the [New Palace of Panchen Lama].
Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we drive to Tingri in the morning. We will get off on the way to visit the [Sakya Monastery] and [Lhatse city]. With a history of more than 900 years, cultural relics and classic books of Sakya Monastery are extremely abundant. And it is especially famous for those scriptures. The out walls of building are usually white in Tibet, but here the walls have different color. In the town, people usually lead donkey along the street, and the ring of the donkey are often heard, which add a different charm in this city. There are more animal power vehicles than motor vehicles. Besides, there is no electricity in the town, which makes you feel like walking in a place 200 years ago. It's really a nice place to get new experience of life.
Stay overnight at Tingri.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we take a coach to the [Everest Base Camp] to enjoy Everest and innumerable spectacular mountains views. Afterwards we pay a visit to [Rombuk Monastery], the world's highest monastery. It is 5154meters above sea level with a location in the North Slope of Rombuk Glaciers. Mt. Everest can be seen right from there. We will take a hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp. There you can take pictures while also enjoying the magnificent Himalayas natural scenery. Then we drive back to Tingri.
Stay overnight at Tingri.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we leave Tingri and drive back to Shigatse. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day to relax.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will return to Lhasa. When you arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is available for you to explore more of Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After a leisure morning, we will take a flight to Shanghai in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to visit [Yuyuan Garden] after a leisurely breakfast. Yuyuan Garden locates in the northeast of the old city of Shanghai, adjacent to the Old Town God Temple. It is a famous classical garden in the south of the Yangtze River as well as a world-renowned historical site and scenic spot. Also include a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. You will have your lunch in a characteristic Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide takes you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai and you may surprise in the fact that this metropolis keep develop in a fast way while still containing its old traditions. Later you can enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. You can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping. Nanjing Street is a comprehensive shopping center which integrates tourism, business and culture together. You will have a great time there.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Enjoy yourself in the town before you are transferred to the airport for your departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
- US Dollar
- Euro
- GB Pound
- CA Dollar
- AU Dollar
- HK Dollars
- Renminbi
1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
First Class Tour | $4815 | $3018 | $2568 | $2040 | $1050 |
Comfortable Tour | $3844 | $2420 | $1966 | $1588 | $610 |
Standard Tour | $3163 | $2045 | $1663 | $1211 | $380 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
*The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti- histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re -hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. For your comfort and safety, we recommend our trips only to individuals who are comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Mountain Sickness
What the visitors to Tibet are concerned about is the mountain sickness. On highland, the air is thin and the air contains less oxygen. If the elevation increases quickly, you will find uncomfortable, such as taking airplanes or buses to Tibet. With mountain sickness, you will feel headache, dizzy, heavy breathing, tired and insomnia. Those with heart diseases or high blood pressure should be more careful.
Buying a Bottle of Oxygen in Case
Lack of oxygen is the main reason for mountain sickness. In many places in Tibet you can buy oxygen in bottles. You can buy one or two bottles in case. With an oxygen-taking mask, they cost 20 Yuan.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Tibet Permit
Tibet permit is necessary and issued to every foreign traveler (except for the diplomats, journalists, government officials) who want to travel in Tibet. It includes three kinds, Tibet Entry Permit (TTB), Tibet Travel Permit (PSB) and Military Permit.
TTB permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is indispensable when each foreign visitor flies or takes a train from any city to Lhasa. Besides it is also needed when you buy a flight or train ticket. Moreover, when groups traveling by Land Cruiser, TTB permits are necessary and travel groups can only be arranged by travel agencies.
PSB permit, issued by People’s Security Bureau, is essential when you want to go further to the ‘unopened’ areas in Tibet. It only can be arranged after you arrive in Lhasa because it needs your original passport and China visa.
A short list of unopened areas up to now
(1) Shannan: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trandruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang
(2) Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, the Mt. Everest, Rongpu Monastery
(3) Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
(4) Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Manasarovar Lake, Tsaparang, Ali, etc.
(5) Linzhi Region: Basongcuo, Bomi, Rawotso, etc.
(6) Changdu Region: Changdu, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.
Military Permit, issued by military affairs office, is indispensable when you travel to ‘unopened areas’, such as some villages and towns in Shigatse, Shannan, Linzhi, Ali, Zhada and Chayu, etc.
Please contact us to get the specific information about how to apply for these permits. It is recommended that please get ready for the related permits before your journey as early as possible.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.