NEPAL
KATHMANDU. Capital of Nepal and
situated in a fertile valley. 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.
BIDUR. Small village situated on a ridge and provides panoramic views of the Himalayas.
POKHARA. Nepal's 2nd largest city and the starting point for treks into the Annapurna region. It's nested in a tropical valley with a beautiful lake ( swimming, boating & fishing ) and provides magnificent views of the Himalayas plus plenty of shops, bars, restaurants & nightlife. It's also renowned for its adventure activities: paragliding, bungee jumping, ultra light flights, zip lines etc.
WHITE WATER RAFTING. ( optional extra ). WWR is a very popular activity in Nepal with all different grades of rafting available ( rivers are graded from 1 - 6 according to the type and size of the rapids ) The Trisuli River WWR has been rated a 3 - 4. You will arrive at the beginning of the WWR around 11.00am and will be met by the experienced river guide and staff. Helmets, life jackets and safety instructions will be provided prior to boarding the raft. Once on the river there will be plenty of opportunity to swim, float and generally have fun in the water before coming to the next rapid. After approx 3 hours of rafting, lunch will be provided before continuing on the bikes.
MT EVEREST SCENIC FLIGHT ( optional extra ). This popular flight heads east from Kathmandu and follows the Himalayas to Mt Everest before turning around and returning to Kathmandu. Every passenger has a window seat.
TIBET
LHASA. Lhasa is the heart and soul of Tibet and for centuries was the abode of the Dalai Lamas. It's 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 prostrating pilgrims are to be found here. Encircling the Jokhang is the Barkhor which is the holiest of Lhasa's devotional circumambulation circuits. Other sights include the Norbulinga ( summer palace of the Dalai Lama ) and the important monasteries of Sera and Drepung.
GYANTSE. This small town is located in the Nyangchu valley. Its main attraction is the Gyantse Kumbum which is the largest Chorten in Tibet. A Chorten ( also called a Stupa ) is a "Spiritual Monument" which represents the Buddha's body, speech and mind and is filled with relics and holy objects. Other attractions include the Pelkor Chode monastery and the Gyantse Dzong ( fortress ).
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.
LHATSE. This small
town serves the many isolated communities and villages nearby.
MT EVEREST BASE CAMP. There are 2 base camps on opposite sides of Mt Everest...to the south in Nepal ( 5360m or 17590ft ) and to the north in Tibet ( 5545m or 18192ft ). These camps are rudimentary sites used by mountaineers during their ascents and descents.
There are various names for Mt Everest - in Tibet it's called Qomolangma ( "Goddess
Mother of the Universe" ) and in Nepal it's called Sagarmatha. The English name comes
from the chief surveyor of India - Sir George Everest.
SHEGAR & TINGRI. These small villages are located in broad, sweeping plains and provide magnificent views of the Himalayas.
KYIRONG. Located near the Tibet/Nepal border. This town contains a mixture of Tibetans, Chinese and Nepalese. The ascent to Kyirong provides and amazing change in vegetation and scenery.....the lush, green scenery of Nepal is left behind and the stark, barren landscape of the Tibetan Plateau begins.
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