Real Tibetan Life Experience Tour - 09 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you need to accomplish your entry/visa formalities. You will then be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served and a short briefing will follow concerning your trip itinerary. You can then spend the remaining time resting. In the evening, you may stroll around the vicinity of your hotel just to get the feel of this energetic capital of Nepal. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
 

Day 02: Tibet visa preparation and Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

While Marron Treks takes care of the issuance of your Tibet visa, you can indulge yourself in exploring the historical and cultural wonders of the city. After a succulent breakfast at the hotel, you will join an experienced city guide and head for a drive around this flamboyant capital, for a guided sightseeing tour. You will be visiting the sites like- Pashupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and the Boudhanath (the Maha Stupa). All these sites have been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list. After the entertaining and informative tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. The remaining time is on your own. You may head on to Thamel to do some shopping for the trip or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.



Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650m/1hr)

You will be escorted to the Tribhuwan International Airport for a flight to Lhasa. After about 60 minutes on board, you touch down the Gonggar Airport in Lhasa. There are some immigration formalities to be accomplished. Once they are completed, we drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa. Kathmandu to Lhasa is quite a soar in terms of the elevation, so it is advised to relax at the hotel today and drink plenty of fluids. After all, it is important that we be on a good shape in order to make the most of this trip. Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included. 

Note: There is no fixed program arranged for today. Kindly also be informed that the arrival in Lhasa does not necessarily have to be from Kathmandu and can be arranged from anywhere as per your convenience. So, you can either join a trip from Kathmandu or fly directly to Lhasa from the Chinese province of Chengdu, Beijing, Shangai and Xian
 

Day 04: First sightseeing day in Lhasa

Lhasa is literally embellised with an array of artistic temples, palaces and monasteries. We have alloted two days to explore this historic city, just to make sure that we do not miss out the hot spots herein.

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day's program. An experienced Tibetan guide will take you on a tour to some of the major attractions of Lhasa like- the Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you get an insight into the important snippets pertaining to the Tibetan Buddhism. The Norbulingka Palace used to be the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama.  Built in the year 1956, this flamboyant building is ornately decorated with unique Tibetan carvings and paintings. We can witness a debate session of the monks at the monastery. Jokhang Temple is an epitome of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. We will also stroll around the usually busy, "Barkhor Square. After this unprecedented insight into the famad Tibetan landmarks, you will be driven back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.
 

Day 05: Second sightseeing day in  Lhasa

This second sightseeing day in Lhasa is dedicated to the majestic Potala Palace. In the accompaniment of a local Tibetan guide, you will be driven to this famed landmark of Tibet. The imposing and equally artistic structure of the palace iconizes the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to witness the Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace is embellished with an array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful sculptures. Besides, you also get the opportunity to visit the tombs of the eight deceased Dalai Lamas.

Later in the day, we head on to explore the Drepung Monastery, where we can observe the nuns and monks chanting mantras and performing religious discourses. This wraps up our second sightseeing day in Lhasa. You will then be driven back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.
 
Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided by the accompanying guide.
 

Day 06: Become a Tibetan for a day. Stay with a local family in Lhasa; partake in the daily chores and local practices

Simply reading about the Tibetans or a quick meeting with them is not going to be enough for you to actually internalize the Tibetan way of life. For this, you need to forgo your real identity and immerse yourself totally in the Tibetan life patterns. So, we give you this rare opportunity to be a real Tibetan for a day. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to a local home in Lhasa, where you will be spending the entire day and night. You can simply observe the family pursuing their daily chores or even take part in the same. Learning how to make a Tibetan Thangka and Apron would be a great fun. Do not expect yourself to be a master of these ventures in just one day, but you can definitely get the real sense of how these stuffs are actually made. Eating, chatting and working with a Tibetan family could perhaps help you become one of them; though for a day. We bet, your bond with the Tibetan family is going to be so profound that you are certainly going to be reluctant to leave them, the next morning. Staying with them, you have not only gained some memorable experience for yourself but have also indirectly contributed to the financial support for the family.
Hope you have a great day and a contented sleep with your new family. Overnight at a local home in Tibet; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 07: Additional / Optional sightseeing day in Lhasa;   visit the Tibet Nunnery 

After bidding farewell to the Tibetan family, we gear up for yet another day of sightseeing in Lhasa. Honestly, we do not know when our next visit to Tibet is going to be, so let us make the most of our trip while we are here.
Our pick of the day is the very orthodox looking "Tibet Nunnery" also known as the Ani Tsangkhung Nunnery.
Driving past the Muslim tea stalls and butcher shops, along the Lingkhor pilgrim circuit, we gradually approach the yellow frontiers of the Ani Tsangkhung Nunnery.This small and active nunnery is the only one within the precincts of the old Tibetan quarter. The site of the nunnery probably dates back to the 7th century. The principal image, upstairs on the 2nd floor, is a thousand-armed Chenresing. A small alley to the side of the main chapel heads down to the former meditation chamber of Songtsen Gampo, the 7th-century king of Tibet. The busy nuns run a great teahouse in the courtyard; if willing we may sample a cup of fresh Tibetan tea. After this enticing indulgence, we drive back to our hotel. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa; breakfast included.
 

Day 08: Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu (1400m/1hr)

You will be escorted to the Gonggar Airport to board on a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your designated hotel. The remaining time is on your own. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some mementos for your friends and relatives back home.
In the evening, Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner program; a full fledged Nepali fiesta, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, coupled with a live cultural show. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
 

Day 09: Final departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder, everything seems so familiar now , because you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like  Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

  Important  Snippets  

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

For some reason (illness, high altitude sickness or any other personal reason), if the guests need to abandon the trip and return early, they are still liable to pay all the relevant trip expenses in full (like group visa charges, accommodation, transportation etc.), including the medical expenses incurred en route. There shall not be any refund or cost adjustment, because the Chinese Government does not have any refund policy for the trips that are booked.

Accommodation

During Real Tibetan Life Experience Tour we opt you accommodate in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star),  Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City.

While you are in Tibet, we arrange 3-4 star Standard Hotel to the local budget hotels as per your requirement.

Meals                                       

We ensure that the food served during the trek is healthy. Generally, we opt for fresh local community food of Tibet such as Tsampa(staple food of Tibet), Buttered tea, Meat and other Tibetian food. This gives you a real sense of the culture and life patterns of the local people, simultaneously providing you the opportunity to boost the sales of the local products. Other than that a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.

Best Months

April to December is considered as the best months for Real Tibetan Life Experience Tour.

Our Guides

Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Tibet. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.

To Enter Tibet

There are two common routes for entering Tibet. They are as follows:

1. Kathmandu to Lhasa by flight

2. Kathmandu to Kodari by road.

Obtaining Visa

It is mandatory for all the foreigners to have a valid Chinese visa along with the three different permits viz. Tibet Tourism Bereau (TTB) Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit which is issued by the Police Security Bereau(PSB) , and the Military Permit. These permits give you hassle free access to the unopened areas of Tibet. We do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of obtaining these all by yourself. So, after the confirmation of your tour, you need to send us your passport details (Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Nationality, Passport Number and Occupation). We will commence the documentation for your visa and permits processing instantly. Upon your arrival to Nepal, you will be granted the visa as well as the permits.

For more queries, Visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at   marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

 Cost Includes

• Airport pick up and drop services in Kathmandu & Lhasa by private transportation.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• All ground transportation in Nepal and Tibet with respect to the itinerary.
• Hotel accommodation in Nepal and Tibet on "BB" basis as depicted in the itinerary.
• Home stay cost with a Tibetan family for one day including the involvement in one of the local practices (making Tibetan joss stick, Tibetan porcelain, Thangka, etc.).
• Tibet visa fee $ 150.00 for US Citizens and $130.00 for other nationals.
• Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu round trip airfare (one way -$ 420.00 and round trip -$ 771.00) *subject to change.
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Nepal & Tibet as prescribed in the itinerary.
• All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees & local permit fees necessary for tour.
• Company’s t-shirt, cap and a day pack (provided as complimentary gears).
• Remuneration to the English speaking city guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Tibet.
• Remuneration to the accompanying guide.
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the guide).
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• All government and local taxes.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare (Kathmandu to home country) and departure taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Personal insurance and other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Lunch and dinner expenses.
• Personal clothing and equipments.
• Tips for tour guides, driver, waiters and hotel lobby staff (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section above.

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the tour packages. We operate group as well as individual/private tours. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.