Tibet and Nepal - ASIAN EXPERIENCE TOURS

NEPAL

KATHMANDU - Capital of Nepal and situated in a fertile valley, ringed by the higher peaks of the Himalayas. Kathmandu has always evoked mystique amongst travellers. Ancient temples, exotic festivals and the blending of the Hindu and Buddhist religions, all complemented with the mighty Himalayas as a backdrop. A walk down the narrow, cobbled streets with overhanging balconies and delicately wrought carved windows, is like taking a stroll back through time.

LHASA - A spectacular flight along the breadth of the Himalayas, provides breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest. Lhasa is the heart and soul of Tibet and an object of devout pilgrimage. It is dominated by the Potola, which is a vast palace/fortress, rising above the city and was the home of the Dalai Lama. The Jokhang is the spiritual heart of the city and many prostating pilgrims are to be found here. Encircling the Jokhang is the Barkhor, the holiest of Lhasas devotional circumambulation circuits. Other sights include the Norbulingka ( summer palace of the Dalai Lama ) and the important Gelugpa monastries of Sera and Drepung.

GYANTSE - The route to Gyantse follows the Tibetan lifeline river, the Brahmaputra, crosses over the first of many passes, the Kambe - la at 4800m or 15700 ft. before passing the deep blue Yamdrok lake. These passes are very specatcular, with not only amazing views, but also thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags, placed by pilgrims in this high location, so that the scriptures written on these prayer flags can easily float up to the heavens. Gyantse has many attractions - the Gyantse Kumbum, Pelkor Chode monastery and the Gyantse Dzong.

SHIGATSE - This is the second largest town in Tibet, and the district Capital of the Tsang region. There are many sights, including the Shigatse Dzong, Tashilhunpo monastery ( home of the Panchen Lama ) and the bright and colourful Tibetan market.

SAKYA - The highest pass en route, the Gyatso - la at 5220m or 17100ft, will be crossed before reaching Sakya. This small village is 20 km off the road and is nestled in a broad, isolated valley with spectacular views. There is an immense, thick walled monastery with many fine depictions of Buddha and artifacts.

LHATSE - This small town serves the many isolated communities and villages nearby.

TINGRI - The drive to Tingri will provide magnificent views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest. There are various names for this mountain - in Tibet it is called Qomolangma ( "Goddess Mother of the Universe" ) and in Nepal, Sagarmatha ( "Brow of the Ocean" ) The English name comes from the chief surveyor of India, Sir George Everest. Tingri is a huddle of Tibetan homes, overlooking a sweeping plain, and bordered by the Himalayas. It is a base for the many expeditions to Everest and other peaks and is a beautiful village with lots of interesting people and houses - a nice place to see how rural life is in Tibet.

ZHANGMU - Crossing over the last and most spectacular pass, the Lalunga - la, at 5050 m or 16560 ft, is a wonderful experience. This pass is a truly magnificent place, with a special "On Top of the World" feel about it. The descent to Zhangmu provides an amazing change in vegetation and scenery. The Tibetan plateau is left behind and the beautiful lush and green scenery of Nepal takes over. Zhangmu is a mixture of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepalese people.