Tibet and Nepal are interesting and unusual but remote destinations, and are undeveloped by Western standards. The accommodations maybe rustic or spartan, but are the best available. (See the Accommodations section for more details.) The food is simple, and the weather is unpredictable, varying greatly from one day to the next. The traditional lifestyle and culture are pervasive and may effect scheduling, and the order of events and inclusions may change.

NOTE: High Altitudes. Altitude sickness cannot be ignored when making a trip to Tibet. This journey spends eights nights in Tibet, at elevations exceeding 12,000 in Lhasa and many places in are higher (many passes are up to 17,500 ft). These high altitudes will affect your blood pressure and breathing; taking account of altitude is of crucial importance for a healthy and comfortable trip. Due to the effects of these high altitudes, we now require guests to provide a signed doctor’s acknowledgement.

DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Hong Kong on Day 2 and enjoy breathtaking views from your luxurious hotel room. After a morning tour, take the afternoon to explore this extraordinary city on your own. 

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

DAYS 4 & 5

Encounter giant pandas at the country’s foremost breeding center for these majestic animals. Step back into history with visits to Baoguang Si Monastery and the cottage home of Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

DAYS 6 – 8

In Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, visit striking Yongbulakhang Palace and the tombs of the Tibetan kings. In the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, explore Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace, its whitewashed walls looming impressively over the city. 

Tsedang Hotel, Tsedang & Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lhasa

Days 9 & 10

Overlooked by a citadel perched on a rocky crag, Gyantse boasts a 15th-century golden-roofed monastery. In mountainous Xigatse, explore the massive Tashilhunpo Monastery and gain a better understanding of Buddhism. 

Gyantse Hotel, Gyantse & Xigatse Hotel, Xigatse

DAYS 11 & 12

Enjoy a scenic drive through the grasslands, home to nomads with herds of yak and sheep. Back in Lhasa, visit Norbulingka, the fabulous former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. 

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lhasa

DAY 13

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath stupa, one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist monuments. This evening enjoy a performance of traditional Nepalese music and dance. 

Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kathmandu

DAY 14

At rustic Tiger Tops Lodge, search for tigers and rhinos from the lofty perch of an elephant’s back. 

Tiger Tops Hotel, Tiger Tops

DAYS 15 – 17

Back in Kathmandu, visit the ancient city of Patan and teeming Durbar Square. On a sightseeing flight from Kathmandu (weather permitting), marvel at views of Mt. Everest. 

Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kathmandu

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Tibet and Nepal are interesting and unusual but remote destinations, and are undeveloped by Western standards. The accommodations maybe rustic or spartan, but are the best available. (See the Accommodations section for more details.) The food is simple, and the weather is unpredictable, varying greatly from one day to the next. The traditional lifestyle and culture are pervasive and may effect scheduling, and the order of events and inclusions may change.

NOTE: High Altitudes. Altitude sickness cannot be ignored when making a trip to Tibet. This journey spends eights nights in Tibet, at elevations exceeding 12,000 in Lhasa and many places in are higher (many passes are up to 17,500 ft). These high altitudes will affect your blood pressure and breathing; taking account of altitude is of crucial importance for a healthy and comfortable trip. Due to the effects of these high altitudes, we now require guests to provide a signed doctor’s acknowledgement.

DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Hong Kong on Day 2 and enjoy breathtaking views from your luxurious hotel room. After a morning tour, take the afternoon to explore this extraordinary city on your own. 
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

DAYS 4 & 5

Encounter giant pandas at the country’s foremost breeding center for these majestic animals. Step back into history with visits to Baoguang Si Monastery and the cottage home of Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. 
Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

DAYS 6 – 8

In Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, visit striking Yongbulakhang Palace and the tombs of the Tibetan kings. In the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, explore Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace, its whitewashed walls looming impressively over the city. 
Tsedang Hotel, Tsedang & Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lhasa

Days 9 & 10

Overlooked by a citadel perched on a rocky crag, Gyantse boasts a 15th-century golden-roofed monastery. In mountainous Xigatse, explore the massive Tashilhunpo Monastery and gain a better understanding of Buddhism. 
Gyantse Hotel, Gyantse & Xigatse Hotel, Xigatse

DAYS 11 & 12

Enjoy a scenic drive through the grasslands, home to nomads with herds of yak and sheep. Back in Lhasa, visit Norbulingka, the fabulous former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. 
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lhasa

DAY 13

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath stupa, one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist monuments. This evening enjoy a performance of traditional Nepalese music and dance. 
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kathmandu

DAY 14

At rustic Tiger Tops Lodge, search for tigers and rhinos from the lofty perch of an elephant’s back. 
Tiger Tops Hotel, Tiger Tops

DAYS 15 – 17

Back in Kathmandu, visit the ancient city of Patan and teeming Durbar Square. On a sightseeing flight from Kathmandu (weather permitting), marvel at views of Mt. Everest. 
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kathmandu

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Island Shangri-La Hotel
Hong Kong, China

Consistently voted one of the finest hotels in the world, the Island Shangri-La Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Hong Kong. Towering 56 floors above the Victoria Harbor, it has direct access to Pacific Place—the island’s most prestigious shopping and entertainment complex.

Its eight award-winning restaurants bring an exquisite dining experience for the epicurean. The hotel also features the world’s largest Chinese silk painting, “The Great Motherland of China,” in its Atrium.

The 565 rooms and suites of this luxurious hotel are among the largest in Hong Kong and each offer breathtaking views of the city and famous harbor from wide bay windows. Amenities include broadband internet access, voice mail, satellite/cable television, DVD player, LCD TV in bathroom, international direct dial telephone, electronic safe, mini bar, coffee/tea making facilities and full-size executive writing desk.

The hotel’s recreation and fitness facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna and steam room, solariums and an outdoor swimming pool.

Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu
Chengdu, China

Located in the city’s cosmopolitan Jinjiang District, Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu enjoys spectacular views of the Jinjiang River. The features and services at the hotel are extensive and modern. The hotel has a full-service business center, gift shop, hair salon, and laundry and valet service. There is a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, game room and a newly opened Chi, The Spa offering a variety of services to sooth your mind and body.

The hotel consists of 593 luxurious and spacious guestrooms, each including amenities such as international direct dial phone, in-room safe, rainforest showerhead, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, internet access and a plasma TV. Travcoa has reserved Horizon Club rooms that in addition feature a DVD entertainment system and access to the Horizon Club Lounge with all-day refreshments as well as evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Tsedang Hotel
Tsedang, Tibet

Surrounded by temples, monasteries, holy mountains, sacred lakes and rivers, this 118-room hotel is ideally located in Tsedang town, and is the largest in the region. Hotel facilities include a Lobby Shop, business center, beauty salon and a bar, and three restaurants that serve Western and Tibetan food.

All rooms have a private bathroom, hot and cold water, central air conditioning, TV, telephone and 24-hour room service.

Four Points by Sheraton
Lhasa, Tibet

The hotel has a great location on the Lhasa River, facing Jiangsu Avenue, just a 10-minute walk from the Jokhang Temple and Barkhorn Street. You’ll find a wide array of features and services including a business center, dry cleaning and laundry and even an in-room massage service.

The 102 air-conditioned guest rooms are warm and inviting with a contemporary design. Enjoy the comforts of home, like a 32-inch flat screen satellite TV, free High Speed Internet Access and a refrigerator, plus telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, and relaxing bathroom with a hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers.

Gyantse Hotel
Gyantse, Tibet

Gyangtse Hotel (built in 1988) is located in the ancient Gyangtse country, with unique Tibetan traditional style and service. The hotel is located in the center of the town, near the local market and attractions including the summer palace of the previous Panchan Lama and famous Kumbum Monastery. The Gyantse Hotel has 120 rooms with facilities including laundry service, a business center, 3 restaurants and a bar, with an Internet café nearby.

The Western/Tibetan-styled guestrooms have a private bathroom, 24-hour hot and cold water Boiled water in a thermos, IDD telephone, color cable TV, a writing desk and room service.

Xigatse Hotel
Xigatse, Tibet

Located at the center of Shigatse city, the site of successive Panchen Lama, and at over 12,000 feet, one of the highest cities in the world. Xigatse (or “Shigatse”) Hotel in Tibet is a three-star tourist hotel, but the best in town. Built in 1985, this four-story structure is typical Tibetan style with an interior decorated in popular Tibetan tradition. The hotel facilities and services include a Beauty Salon, a Fitness Centre, a bar and room service. There are four restaurants serving Tibetan and Chinese delicacies, Tibetan food, Chinese cuisine and western breakfast.

There are 123 guest rooms, including western and Tibetan suites. The rooms are basic yet comfortable with a private bathroom, Hair dryer, Cable TV, Pay Per View movies and telephone. There is hot water provided 24 hours a day.

Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel
Kathmandu, Nepal

This deluxe five-story hotel is nestled in the Himalayas of Nepal, offering a relaxing resort atmosphere. It is spread over 11 acres of lush green lawns, city with scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Hotel features and services include a full fitness center, tennis courts, sauna, steam baths, plus laundry facilities, dry cleaning service a beauty salon, business center and gift shop.

The hotel has four restaurants, offering a variety of cuisine including Italian, Chinese, Indian and continental.

The air-conditioned guestrooms are spacious with amenities including satellite TV, a coffee/tea maker, mini bar, and bathroom with a hairdryer and robe.

Tiger Tops Hotel
Tiger Tops, Nepal

Established in the early 60s for wildlife enthusiasts, set in the lush sub-tropical jungles of the Terai, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is the pioneer wildlife safari lodge of Nepal and Asia, located in the heart of Nepal’s premier Chitwan National Park, a world heritage site. A special feature of the lodge is the circular Dining Hall and Bar called a Gol Ghar with its huge domed roof and central open hearth. The lodge has a reputed kitchen that serves a range of western and Nepali cuisine utilizing fresh organic food supplies. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge practices environmentally responsible and sustainable conservation tourism, with its tree houses and bungalows built with sustainable natural materials.

The lodge has 20 guestrooms; each room has solar powered reading lamps, ceiling fans, attached modern bathrooms equipped with solar-heated showers.

David Rand

David’s favorite Travcoa journeys are those to India and Malaysia. David has lived and worked in these two regions – both as a scientist and as a Travel Director. David speaks Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish and French.

Travel Dates: October 04, 2010