China Tour: Wonders and Heritages

China is a vast country, you are bound to see something new and exciting even if you have traveled to China before. Touring on the magnificent Mountain Huangshan, and other majestic wonders in China are always on top demand for China vacations.

This tour covers the most spectacular wonders of China. Mt. Huangshan in Anhui, Zhangjiajie in Hunan, and Mt. Emei in Sichuan. The tour program also includes Shanghai and Guilin city tours. All these wonders inspired countless artists for centuries. They are also attract hundreds of photographers and film makers around the world.

Features of this tour:
Taking a cruise on Huangpu River in Shanghai, visiting giant stone Buddha in Leshan, riding in boat on Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. This tour can be extended to Hong Kong from Guilin.

Brief Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Shanghai
Day 2 - Shanghai
Day 3 - Shanghai - Mt Huang
Day 4 - Mt. Huang
Day 5 - Mt. Huang-Shanghai-Zhangjiajie
Day 6 - Zhangjiajie
Day 7 - Zhangjiajie
Day 8 - Zhangjiajie
Day 9 - Zhangjiajie - Chengdu
Day 10 - Chengdu-Leshan-Mt. Emei
Day 11 - Mt. Emei-Chengdu
Day 12 - Chengdu - Guilin
Day 13 - Li River Cruise - Yangshuo
Day 14 - Guilin-Departure 

Mountain Emei in Sichuan Province, China

Please visit http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-five.php for more information.

China History and Culture Tour

For the first time traveler to China, the vacation package of Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai is probably the best choice to tour today's China. If you have been to China and intend to travel there again, this China History and Culture tour package is especially designed for you.

The China History and Culture tour and travel package starts in Beijing and ends in Kunming. Pingyao shows you how modern Chinese financial business started hundreds of years ago. In Luoyan, you will witness over two thousand years of the history and heritage of China. Touring in Lijiang and Dali in Southern China will reveal the local minorities' unique culture and traditions and their lifestyle.

Features of this tour:
Kungfu show in Beijing and Shaolin Temple. Tang Dynasty show in Xian. Impression Lijiang show in Lijiang. This tour can be extended to Hong Kong.

Brief Itinerary:
Day 1 - Beijing
Day 2 - Beijing
Day 3 - Beijing - Taiyuan
Day 4 - Taiyuan - Pingyao
Day 5 - Pingyao - Taiyuan
Day 6 - Taiyuan - Zhenzhou
Day 7 - Zhenzhou - Luoyang
Day 8 - Luoyang - Xian
Day 9 - Xian
Day 10 - Xian - Lijiang
Day 11 - Lijiang
Day 12 - Lijiang - Dali
Day 13 - Dali - Kunming
Day 14 - Kunming Departure

Ancient Town of Pingyao in Shanxi Province

More information about this tour please visit http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-four.php

Tibet Kham and Amdo Overland Tour

Travel in Kham and Amdo of Tibet, you don't need Tibet visa or entry permit since these areas administratively do not belong to the Tibet Autonomous Region. However, Half of the population of Tibetans live in Kham and Amdo. Generally all Tibetans share the same belief and live in harmony.

Tibet kham and Amdo over land tour starts from Chinese spring city of Kunming, and then to Dali and Lijiang to experience local minorities' tradition and culture. Later, you will visit Shanghri-La in Tibet Kham area, and lastly, fly to Chengdu and Jiuzhaiguo to see the picturesque landscape there.

Features of this tour:
Folk Songs and Dances of the Bai ethnic minority in Dali. Impression Lijiang Show in Lijiang. Tibet cultural Performance in Shangri-La. Tibet Art Performance in Jiuzhaigou.

 Brief itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Kunming
Day 2 - Kunming
Day 3 - Kunming - Dali
Day 4 - Dali - Lijiang
Day 5 - Lijiang
Day 6 - Lijiang - Shanghri-La
Day 7 - Shangri-La
Day 8 - Shangri-la - Chengdu
Day 9 - Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou
Day 10 - Jiuzhaigou
Day 11 - Jiuzhaigou
Day 12 - Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong - Chengdu
Day 13 - Chengdu Departure 

Tibet Old Town in Shangri-La, Kham of Tibet

Please visit this site for detailed itinerary and other information at http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-three.php

Qinghai Lake or Koko Nur in Amdo, Tibet

Qinghai Lake (Mongolian: Khokh Nuur) or mTsho sngon po (in Tibetan language), historically known as Koko Nor or Kuku Nor or Kukunor (from the Mongolian name, literally meaning "Blue Lake"), is a saline lake situated in the province of Qinghai, Amdo of Tibet, and is the largest lake in the area. It is located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of the provincial capital of Xining at 3,205 m (10,515 feet) above sea level in a depression of the Tibetan Plateau in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo.

Qinghai Lake is sandwiched between Hainan and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in northeastern Qinghai. The lake is located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia. Many species use Qinghai as an intermediate stop during migration. At the tip of the peninsula on the western side of the lake are the "Bird Islands" (Cormorant Island and Egg Island), which have been bird sanctuaries of the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone since 1997. The lake often remains frozen for three months continuously in winter.

There is an island in the western part of the lake with a temple and a few hermitages called "Mahādeva, the Heart of the Lake" (mTsho snying Ma hā de wa) which historically was home to a Buddhist monastery. No boat was used during summer, only when the lake froze over in winter could monks reach the mainland or pilgrims visit the temple - many of whom used to come from Mongolia. A nomad described the size of the island by saying that: "if in the morning a she-goat starts to browse the grass around it clockwise and its kid anti-clockwise, they will meet only in the night, which shows how big the island is." It is also known as the place where Gushri Khan and other Qoshot Mongols migrated to during the 1620s.

Our Tibet Amdo Tour will visit all main parts of the sightseeing around Qinghai Lake, and drive around the lake for spectacular natural views. 

                                                           Birds flying over Qinghai lake
Please visit http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-two.php for detailed information. 

Tibet Amdo Tour and Travel

Travelers don't need Tibet visas for traveling in the Tibet Amdo area. Amdo is the home of many important Tibetan Buddhist monks and scholars who had a major influence on both politics and religious development of Tibet like the 14th Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Lama, and the great reformer Je Tsongkhapa.
Tibet Amdo Tour will take you to view the whole Koko Nur Lake, and drive all the way cross many local Tibet Towns like Tongren, Labrang, and Muslim villages like Xunhua and Xia he. You will also visit Jiuzhanguo, which is the most picturesque place in Eastern Tibet.

Brief Itinerary: 
Day 1 - Beijing - Xining
Day 2 - Xining - Huangzhong
Day 3 - Qinghai Lake-Gangcha County
Day 4 - Gangcha - Xining
Day 5 - Xining - Tongren
Day 6 - Tongren - Wendu Temple - Xiahe
Day 7 - Xiahe (Labrang Monastery)
Day 8 - Xiahe (Labrang Monastry) - Lanzhou
Day 9 - Lanzhou - Chengdu
Day 10 - Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou
Day 11 - Jiuzhaigou
Day 12 - Jiuzhaigou
Day 13 - Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong - Chengdu
Day 14 - Chengdu Departure

 More information visit this site: http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-two.php

Central Tibet Travel and Tour for 2013

Taking this Central Tibet tour requires Tibet visa and China visa. We will apply for a Tibet visa or permit for you. In this itinerary, we will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barhkor Street, Sera Monastery, and Lhasa old town in the holy city of Lhasa. After Lhasa tour, we will drive to south and visit Samye, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and Shigatse, The highlight of the trip is taking a Tibet sky train at the end of the tour. The train starts from Lhasa and arrive in Xining, Amdo of Tibet. Along the way on the train, you will experience the spectacular natural view of Tibet Plateau.

Brief tour itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival in Lhasa
Day 2 - Lhasa City Sightseeing
Day 3 - Ganden and Sera Monastery
Day 4 - Lhasa - Samye - Tsedang
Day 5 - Tsedang - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse
Day 6 - Gyantse - Shigatse
Day 7 - Shigatse - Lhasa
Day 8 - Lhasa - Xining by Tibet Sky Train
Day 9 - Xining
Day 10 - Depart Xining 

Features of this trip:
Visiting Lhasa, Ganden Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Samye, and more Tibet historical heritages. Enjoying Tibet dancing and singing performance, Riding Tibet sky train.

Please visit this site for more information: http://www.wondersinasia.com/tour-one

www.wondersinaisa.com has launched

www.wondersinasia.com, a new website under the management of Tibet into Tibet, Inc. is launched today. 

On this website, you, as a traveler, will find your longing for destinations for vacation in Asia, especially in Tibet, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan, also including Mt. Everest trekking and adventure. 

The itineraries and travel arrangements on www.wondersinasia.com come from three sources. Our passionate travelers, our professional  travel consultants, and our experienced tour guides and operators. 

From the tour and travel programs on www.wondersinasia.com, you are introduced that what are true wonders in Asia's are, especially in Tibet, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan. 

These tour and travel programs are deliberately designed for our passionate travelers, who are longing for a unforgettable trip in their lifetimes.

Please log on www.wondersinasia.com for detailed information. 

$300 Discount a Couple for Tibet and China Tours

Up to $ 300 discount for Tibet and China Classic Tours by booking December 31, 2013
Our Tibet Classic Tours include Lhasa city tour from $590 per person, Lhasa with Holy Lake from $890 per person, Lhasa Gyangtze Tour $1490 per person, Mt. Everest with Tibet Sky Train tour $2,490 per person,

China with Mt. Everest $ Tibet Sky Train Tour $ 2,960 per person, and more tour programs please visit our website at www.tourintotibet.com.

China Xian Dumpling, it's yummy!

Chinese dumpling in Xian is one of the local Chinese food you really can't  miss. Our TEW090412 group had a wonderful time in Xian, and we tasted the famous Xian dumping before a Tang Dynasty show.  Here are some of the dumpling photos taken while we were eating.  They were yummy!
Travel and tours in China

The photos are provided by Tour into Tibet, Inc staff.
www.tourintotibet.com

Lovely Pandas in Chengdu

From September 11th to 13th, 2012, ur tour group traveled in Chengdu. We visited Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Here are some pictures of pandas we would like to share with everyone who love pandas.

This is link for a video in which a lovely panda is eating. Lovely Panda is Eating
Photos and video are provided by www.tourintotibet.com

Our tour group visited Joseph F. Rock's residence in Lijiang on September 10th, 2012. It is very close to the Shuhe Old Town. 

 

Joseph F. Rock,  was born in Vienna, Austria, but emigrated to the United States in 1905 and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1907, where he eventually became an authority on the flora there. As the Territory of Hawaii's first official botanist, he joined the faculty of the University of Hawaii in 1911, established its first herbarium, and served as its first curator from 1911 until 1920, when he left the university to spend the next few decades exploring the botany of Asia.^[1]

He began by hunting the Chaulmoogra tree in Burma, Thailand and Assam.^[2] From 1922 to 1949 he spent most of his time studying the flora, peoples and languages of southwest China, mainly in Yunnan, Sichuan, southwest Gansu and eastern Tibet. Many Asian plants that he collected can be seen in the Arnold Arboretum.

This is the direction to Rock's residence.

 This is a family right opposite to Rock's Residence.  This young lady told us that her grand father knew Joseph Rock.

 This is the path towards Rocks' Residence.

This is Rock's home. He lived on the second floor. 

 The first board says that this is Rock's Residence. The next board says American National Geographic Study Group to China Yunnan Expedition Residence.

 This is the inside of Rock's home. The Thangka is not the original one that was on his picture below.

 These are  Rock's bed and work table.

 This is Rock's bed.

 This is a picture of Rock at his home.

These are Rock's suitcases. I am not sure if they are the original ones because they are in the room without proper protection

Photos taken by Tselo Thar, Tour into Tibet, Inc. September 10th, 2012.

Tourist sites overwhelmed by huge crowds during holidays

Tourist sites overwhelmed as toll-free roads increase crowds
The extended national holidays and a decision to waive highway tolls have brought many tourist attractions to a virtual standstill since the beginning of the eight-day vacation.
Authorities have felt the pinch of the projected 13 percent increase in travelers on the roads, in part boosted by toll-free highways during major festivals, effective since Sunday.
According to figures from 119 tourist sites tracked by the National Holiday Office, 5.76 million visitors were out and about by Tuesday, up 29 percent year-on-year.
Holiday income at tourist attractions reached 310 million yuan ($49.3 million), skyrocketing by 33 percent year-on-year.

Visitors wait to enter the Palace Museum, or Forbidden City, in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo / China News Service]

But the huge crowds, heavy traffic and exorbitant prices in tourist areas have taken some of the luster out of Golden Week.
The huge volume of visitors overwhelmed the capacity of the cable cars at Huashan Mountain, in Shaanxi province, leaving tens of thousands stuck at the peak late into Tuesday night.
According to China Central Television, restless visitors demanded refunds from the tourism committee, and police were dispatched to help deal with the crisis.
Chen Li, deputy director of the Shaanxi Provincial Public Security Department, said on his micro blog that more than 300 policemen and government officials climbed up the mountain to help trapped visitors.
The Palace Museum, or Forbidden City, in Beijing has long been a big draw for travelers. On Tuesday alone, it received more than 180,000 visitors, outstripping its best day's visitor volume by six times.
"We saw absolutely nothing but people's heads," said Guo Zhijun, 42, of Henan province. "We wanted our 11-year-old son to learn something from the trip, but we only ended up exhausted."
In Shanghai, tourists flocked to shopping malls as retailers tried to drum up trade with deep discounts.
Shanghai New World Department Store, on tourist-packed East Nanjing Road, reported 33 percent year-on-year sales growth in the first three days of the holiday, with revenue hitting 130 million yuan, according to the Shanghai Commercial Information Center.
Meanwhile, last-minute flights and hotel rooms become notably expensive and hard to book. According to the online travel agency ctrip.com, up to 95 percent of hotel rooms near tourist sites had been reserved from Monday to Thursday. Prices at budget hostels and four-star hotels surged on average by 20 percent, with some even doubling their normal prices.
The waiving of highway tolls compounded problems. By spurring unprecedented road traffic, toll-free highways left hundreds of thousands of drivers stuck in traffic during Mid-Autumn Festival.
Twenty-four major highways in 16 provinces were effectively transformed into enormous parking lots as 86 million people took to the roads.
The China Tourism Academy estimated there would be 362 million travelers on the move this holiday.
Thousands of pictures were posted on micro blogs showing frustrated drivers walking their dogs, playing tennis or just napping in the vehicles.
To solve the problems, the government should consider adjusting the long-holiday framework that puts more than 1.3 billion people on vacation for a week at exactly the same time, experts say.
Dai Xuefeng, deputy director of the Tourism Research Center under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the only change the authorities should make is to reschedule the existing holidays rather than introducing more.
But Cai Jiming, a political economy expert at Tsinghua University, said the paid-leave system needs fine-tuning. Currently, many employers on the Chinese mainland allow their workers paid leave only during major holidays, adding to the mass of people on the move at those times.
hewei@chinadaily.com.cn
www.tourintotibet.com

Tibet Visa or Tibet Permit Issue

Tibet Entry Visa and Permit

For all travelers who are interested in visiting Tibet, the new rule since May 2012 for obtaining Tibet visa or permit is that the local government requiring at least 5 people with the same nationality together to get the visa or permit.

We are trying our best to help our Northern American travelers to get the permit and find travel companions to make the Tibet trip comes true. In addition, we are working closely with other travel agencies to work it out.

This is Basong Tso Lake in Nyingchi area. One of the most picturesque lakes in Tibet. It is located east of Lhasa, and 224 miles away from Lhasa. It takes about 5 hour driving from Lhasa to the lake.

 Central Tibet Culture Tour (8 days 7 nights)

Day 01:  Arrival in Lhasa

Your Tibetan guide will greet you at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa railway station, and transport you to your hotel in the city. From the airport to Lhasa is 68 km (42 mi), roughly an hour drive to your hotel. The drive from the train station is only 15 km (9 mi) and takes 20 minutes. During the course of the ride, you will not only be amazed by the spectacular scenery of the Tibetan plateau, the scattered Tibetan villages, but certainly by the hospitality of your guide and driver, as well! After checking into the hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.  

Day 02:  Lhasa City Sightseeing (B)

Today we will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Lhasa Old Town

Potala Palace is the best known cultural landmark in Tibet. It is most renowned as the residence of the lineage of Dalai Lamas (Avalokiteshvara), though the massive structure contains a small world within itself. It was first built by 33rd ruler of his dynasty, King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, but still is in surprisingly good repair because of continual rejuvenation projects.

Jokhang temple is the most scared building in Tibetan Buddhism, located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the most sought after pilgrimage destination for all Tibetans.

Barkhor Street is a popular Kora (holy walking path) which surrounds the Jokhang Temple. Always full of Tibetan faithful, visitors may find mingling with local pilgrims around the Barkhor Street uniquely engaging. It is also a popular shopping district where you can buy gifts for your family and friends.

Lhasa old town gives a glimpse into the daily life of Lhasa Tibetans, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. You can visit the outdoor markets and specialty stores of handmade bags, carpets, etc.

Day 03: One Day Tour to Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

Ganden Monastery is the largest of the six major monasteries of Buddhism's Gelugpa sect. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is an extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill. Kichu Valley is behind Ganden monastery, and we suggest visitors hike around the monastery and for an exquisite bird's-eye view of the valley.

Sera monastery's famous debating monks go back and forth in their debates every day between 3 pm to 5pm (except on Sunday), a performance well worth seeing. After lunch at Ganden monastery, the tour visits Sera. 

Optional program: In the evening, your guide can take you to enjoy a local Tibetan performance (price is not included).

Day 04: Lhasa / Samye / Tsedang,, 3-4hours' drive (B)

Scenery on the way: Driving along the Tibetan plateau with high mountains on one side and the brilliant blue lake on the other, and further along, you will see many different animals grazing in the fields or even walking on the road near your car.

Yumbulakang Palace is located in the center of Yalung Valley, on the top of a rise. It was built by first Tibetan King and has played an important role in the beginnings of Tibetan history and culture, and therefore, Yambulakang Palace is listed as a key cultural relic under special protection of the state. You can ride a horse up to the palace  (about 15 minutes, this fee is not included) or walk up. Standing at the top of the hill, there is an excellent view of the surrounding area and it is a good chance to hang prayer flags.

Samye Monastery is believed to be the first monastery in Tibet, with a history stretching back over 1,200 years. The monastery complex's layout forms a huge mandala, a Buddhist representation of the world. The main monastery is at the center and is surrounded by 4 different coloured stupas (Buddhist shrines) which represent the 4 continents. Around the external wall, there are 1,008 small stupas standing guard.

Day 05: Tsedang / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse, 6-7 hours' drive (B)

Yamdrok Lake  is one of the 3 holiest lakes in Tibet and the easiest one to reach from Lhasa. The scenery on the way to Yamdrok Lake is fantastic - the road winds through snow-capped mountains and drives along the lake for about half an hour, during which you can get out of the car to go down to touch the blue water and take photographs.

Karo La pass [5100m] overlooks Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. A short stop is arranged for this great photo opportunity.

Gyantse Kumbum is one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. A kumbum is a type of Tibetan chapel, and Gyantse's boasts multiple levels and 108 small chapel rooms. 

At the Tsampa workshop, you can see how barley is made into Tsampa (the Tibetan staple food) by a series of small machines and water-powered mills.

Day 06: Gyantse / Shigatse 90 KM about 1.5 hours' drive (B)

Gyantse Dzong (or fortress) was built to resist incursions by the of British and stands like a castle or fort over the city. The hike up is not to strenuous and the view from the top encompasses the whole of Gyanstse city.

Tashilunpo monastery is one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monasteries and is the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage. There is a panoramic view of the whole monastery from the entrance, as well as a massive Jamba Buddha Statue. Around the monastery is another Kora path, which is a leads to a great hike behind the monastery and provides a great view of the whole city of Shigatse.

Day 07: Shigatse / Lhasa, 5hours' drive (B) 

In the morning, take the chance to visit the lively market in the old section of Shigatse where you can buy the local handicrafts and also other local Tibetan items.

Late morning, the drive back to Lhasa will start along the Northern Friendship Highway, with marvelous landscapes and scenery along the Brahmaputra River continuing all the way back to Lhasa.

Day 08: Lhasa Airport or Train Station Send off (B)

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, concluding the tour.

 Tibet Group Tours or Join in Tours

Traveling alone is expensive. Tibet Join in Tours are designed for those travelers who have no travel companions, and people who want to join in a group to reduce the costs.

Features of the Programs:

• Pre-arranged tour programs and fixed departure dates each month
• Small group size. Maximum 12 passengers
• Visit major places: Lhasa, Namtso Lake, Gyangtze, Shigatse, Mt. Everest, and overland towards Kathmandu, Nepal
  
   Please log to http://tourintotibet.com/tibet-tours/tibet-join-in-tours for detail. 
  
  

  Tibet Group Tours

  
  

Mt. Everest Trekking

         

12 Day Tour to Mt. Everest Base Camp     

                 (TEW090412)                                                                                                        

Geer's Group for trekking and climbing

Day by Day Itinerary    (B)=breakfast

Day 1.    9/4/2012   Arrival in Lhasa [3658m]
Highlight: Spectacular Scenery along the way from airport or train station to your hotel

You will be greeted by your Tibetan guide once you arrive in Lhasa Gonggar airport or Lhasa train station. From airport to Lhasa is 68 km, around an hour drive will take you to your hotel. From the train station, it is only 15 km and takes 20 minutes by drive. Driving along the way, you will not only be amazed by the spectacular plateau scenery, the scatted villages, but also the hospitality of your guide and driver. Afterwards check into hotel, have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude.
Accommodation:  3* hotel (to be determined later)

Day 2.     9/5/2012   Lhasa city sightseeing (B) Walking Day
Highlight: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Lhasa old town

Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). It was first built by 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in 7th century, but looks very new from outer appearance as Tibetans paint the wall each year.

Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the pilgrimage destination of all Tibetans.

Barkhor Street is a popular Kora which surrouds Jokhang Temple, mingling with local pilgrims around the Barkhor Street is an extra-ordinary feeling. It is also a main shopping district where you can buy gifts for your family or friends.

Lhasa old town is a good place to know the daily life of Tibetans. You can visit their interesting market, see some specail hand-made stores for bags, carpets, etc.

Day 3.    9/6/2012   One day tour to Ganden monastery and Sera monastery [4500m] (B)
Highlights: small hike at Ganden monastery and famous monks detate at Sera monatery

Ganden Monastery which ranks the first among the six largest monasteries of Gelugpa. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is an extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill. Kichu valley is behind Ganden monastery, it is strongly suggested to hike around the monastery and take a bird's-eye view of the valley.

Sera monastery's famous monks debate between 3 pm to 5pm (not available on Sunday) is well worth to see. After lunch at a special restaurant at Ganden, you will be driven here for nice view.
Optional program: At night, your guide can take you to enjoy the local Tibetan show ( price is not included).

 Day 4.    9/7/2012   Lhasa/ Drak Yerpa    16km (B)

Drive to visit Drak Rerpa. Drak Yerpa is a place that has deep meaning in Tibetan spiritual culture. There is a saying goes like this: "Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet, Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Not seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is just like making a dress without the collar."  The entrance to the Yerpa Valley is about 16 km northeast of Lhasa on the northern bank of Kyichu River. From there, it is another 10 km to the famous ancient meditation caves.

Day 5.    9/8/2012    Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse [4040m]  (B)
Highlights: Yamdrok Lake, Karo la glacier, Gyantse Kumbum, Tsampa factory

Yamdrok Lake  is one of the 3 holy lakes in Tibet and also the easiest one to reach. The scenery on the way to Yamdrok Lake is great and awesome, you will wind your way through snow-capped mountains and then drive along the lake for about half an hour, you can get out of the car sometime to touch the blue water. 

Karo La pass [5100m] which is overlooked by Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. A short stop will be arranged here.

Gyantse Kumbum is one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet.

Tsampa workshop is where you can see how barleys are made into Tsampa by the small magic machines and running water.
Accommodation: Gyantse 3*

Day6.     9/9/2012 Gyantse / Shigatse[3836m], 360 KM 7 hours' drive (B)

Today we will drive to Shigatse , the residence of the Panchen Lama, also is the second largest city it Tibet. After having lunch, a tour to Tashihunpo Monastery will be arranged.
Accommodation: Manasanovav 3*

Day 7.    9/10/2012  Shigatse / Lhatse [4021m] / Shegar [4300m] (B)
Highlights: Shigaste local market, Gyastsola pass, Gawula pass, winding roads, sunset at E.B.C

Shigatse local market features bamboo made products, special style ornaments, mutttons etc. When your guide goes to arrange your permit for Mt. Everest, you can explore the market on your own.

Gyatsola [5200m] & Gawu la pass[5250m] : When you arrive at those passes, you will get out of your car to have a nice view. At Gawu la pass, you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu [8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everest[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama [8020m] from Left to right
 Accommodation: Everest 2*

Day 8.     9/11/2012    Shegar / E.B.C 340 KM, 6-7hours' drive

Transfer to E..B,C, Sunset at E.B.C: It is said that Sunset is more beautiful than sunrise, since you can only go to E.B.C once with your ticket, you can choose to see the sunset or the sunrise. The trekking from  E.B.C. from Rongbuk guest house or the Tent guest house community to E.B.C, it will take you about 2 hours (6 km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus (25 RMB/per person, round-trip). In winter, our driver will drive you there as there is no sightseeing bus there.

Optional program: Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet. It consists both monks and nuns. You can go and have a look (price is not included).
Note: It is a bit cold within that valley and windy too, you'd better take your sleeping bag with you. Please prepare your own package food for Rongbuk stay.

Overnight at Rongbuk guest house or local tent guest house (dorm bed, it's up to you which one
Highlight: Sunrise at E.B.C, winding roads, beautiful scenery on the way
If you did not go to see the sunset at E.B.C the day before, then this morning, you can go to see its sunrise.

 Accommodation: Rngbuk Guest House

Day 9.      9/12/2012   Another day around MT Everest area

Visit Rongphu (Rongbuk) Glacier and other surrounding places according to your interests. Our tour guide will give you suggestions where to go for trekking and climbing.

 Accommodation: Rngbuk Guest House

Day 10.    9/13/2012     Mt. Everest / Shigatse

Today we will drive back to Shigatse. One the way we can stop for photos or other sightseeing.

Accommodation: Manasanovav 3*

Day 11.    9/14/2012   Shigatse / Lhasa, 300 KM, 5-6 hours' drive (B)

After breakfast, we will drive back to Lhasa. We will arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon. Free for rest of the day. This is our last night in Lhasa. You may wander around Bharkhor area at leisure.

Accommodation: 3* Yak hotel

Day 12.     9/15/2012   Lhasa train station or airport drop off (B)
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end the trip.

Tour prices in detail:

Tour Item	Description	Prices per person
12 Days Mt. Everest Tour	Itinerary see above based on double occupancy	$ 2,260
Single Supplement	Single person single room	$ 360
China visa	Multiple entry visa for 12 months	$ 170
Travel Insurance *	Strongly recommended

* Travel insurance premium is depends on the amount of tour cost and travelers' age.  You may get the quote and other information by checking this site: http://tourintotibet.com/travel-insurance. After open this site, please click on the Travelex Insurance Company's logo at the bottom. Your location # is 28-0029.  You can purchase insurance directly through Travelex's website, or we, Tour into Tibet, can help you to buy it. The premium is the same.

Above prices include:

            -All accommodations

            -Sightseeing and meals as specified

            -Round trip transfer

            - Toyota Land Cruise 4500 for driving from Lhasa to Mt. Everest and return to Lhasa

            -English speaking guide

            - Tibet Visa and Mt. Everest permit

            - $ 100 donation per traveler for the East-West Center Alumni Student Endowment Fund

Prices exclude:

            -Int'l & Domestic flights , Train ticket

            -Tips for tour guide ($8-10 suggested)

Remark:   2 to 3 passengers will have one Toyota Land Cruise 4500. If we have 4-6 passengers, then we will have two Toyota Land Cruise 4500.

Separate flight and train prices in detail:

Transportation	Description	Prices per person
Flight Beijing to Lhasa(RT)	PEK-LXA (9/4), LXA-PEK(9/15/)	$ 840
One way flight	PEK-LXA or LXA-PEK	$ 425
Train from  Lhasa-Beijing (or Beijing to Lhasa)	Soft berth, 4 passenger share one cabin. Leave Lhasa 9/15, Arrive Beijing 9/17 morning	$ 290

Important dates: 

1. The reservation starts on 12/1/2011, ends on 6/30/2012. After the deadline, a late booking fee of $150 may apply.
2. China visa needs to be applied by 7/15/2012. If you want us to apply China visa for you, please mail your passport to us by 6/15/2012 (for US passports only)
3. Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to the reservation deadline of 6/30/2012 through http://tourintotibet.com/information/insurance