Introduction to The Himalayas

The highest and one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas are a place of startling contrast where extreme altitude has fashioned a unique way of life. This arrangement explores the mystical lands on either side as well as the historic treasures of Beijing.

Tibet has always exerted a fascination on visitors from the West – partly by its isolation and partly by there being no divide between the religious and secular in its unique past. In Lhasa, a Tibetan guide will reveal the cultural and religious heritage. Nepal has been put firmly back on the map by memories of Sir Edmund Hillary. Scarcely any recognisably modern development has taken place outside Kathmandu and the country’s population lives according to centuries of old traditions. The friendliness and welcoming nature of Nepalis is legendary and lends an air of enchantment to the bewitching scenery and astounding historical sites. The royal architectural heritage is wonderfully well preserved and whilst synthesising Chinese and Indian influences undoubtedly embodies a spirit of its own.

A visit to the Rum Doodle Restaurant is a tradition for the expedition teams returning from Everest. They celebrate their return to ‘earth’ at the ‘40,000 and a half feet’ bar, behind which is the summit register of signatures of the greats of the mountaineer world including Sir Edmund himself.

Itinerary

In brief:

Flight – 1 night. Beijing – 3 nights. Lhasa – 3 nights. Kathmandu – 3 nights. Delhi – 1 night. Flight – 1 night.

Day 1 Fly Dublin, cork or Shannon to London. Connecting flight overnight from London Heathrow to Beijing.

Day 2 Transfer to the 3-star Dong Fang Hotel for three nights.

Day 3 Full-day tour of the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Evening Peking Opera performance.

Day 4 Visit to the Temple of Heaven and the Mutianyu Great Wall. Peking Duck dinner.

Day 5 Fly to Lhasa. Transfer to the 3-star Tangka Hotel for three nights.

Day 6 Visit the temple of Jokhang and Barkhor Street. Evening rickshaw ride to view the illuminated Potala Palace.

Day 7 Visit the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama at Norbulingka.

Day 8 Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Grand for three nights.

Day 9 Morning tour of Kathmandu including Durbar Square, the ancient Royal Residential quarter and local bazaars and the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath. Afternoon visit to the ancient Patan City.

Day 10 An optional morning flight over the Himalayas and Mount Everest (weather permitting). Approx. cost US $195 – bookable locally. Afternoon visit to Bhadgaon, a preserved 9th-century city in the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 11 Fly to Delhi. Transfer to the 4-star Ashok Country Resort for overnight.

Day 12 An optional full-day excursion to Agra by train including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj. Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Day 13 Early morning flight to London Heathrow and onwards to Dublin, Cork or Shannon.

Optional Excursions:

• Taj Mahal €110 pp

Optional Extension: Agra & Jaipur

Day 12 Depart for Agra, visit the Taj Mahal and overnight at the 4-star Hotel Clarks Shiraz.

Day 13 Morning visit to Red Fort before departing for Jaipur and two nights at the 4-star Hotel Clarks Amer.

Day 14 Full-day tour of Jaipur including the Amber Fort.

Day 15 Return to Delhi and transfer to airport.

Day 16 Early morning flight to London Heathrow with a connecting flight to Dublin

Price: €400 (2010) Single supplement €210

Price: €425 (Apr – Sept 2011) Single Supplement €250

Price: €499 (Oct 2011) Single Supplement €280

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to London
• Flight London to Beijing with Air China
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 10 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals : Full Board in China & Tibet, breakfast in Nepal & India (no lunch included on day 5)
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Delhi to London (arriving early morning)
• Onward flight to Dublin
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €450

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €399 (2010) €470 (Apr-Sept 2011) €540 (Oct 2011)
• Upgrade to Air China Business Class €2,750 pp
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Irish Nationals require visas to enter China Tibet & India. Cost €190. A Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival for $25.
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price
• Sections of this itinerary reach an elevation of up to 3,650 metres (12,000 feet) and travellers should be in good health and ensure that they are not predisposed to conditions which may be aggravated by high altitude.

Accommodation details

Beijing – 3 Star Dong Fang Hotel – 3 Nights

Lhasa – 3 Star Tangka Hotel – 3 Nights

Kathmandu – 4 Star Hotel Grand – 3 Nights

Delhi – 4 Star Ashok Country Resort – 1 Night

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
04 Sept 2010	€3099
25 Sept 2010	€3169
09 Oct 2010	€3299
23 Oct 2010	€3239
06 Nov 2010	€3089
20 Nov 2010	€3019
23 Apr 2011	€3159
07 May 2011	€3299
21 May 2011	€3379
23 Jul 2011	€3449
27 Aug 2011	€3379
10 Sep 2011	€3379
24 Sep 2011	€3379
08 Oct 2011	€3529
22 Oct 2011	€3449