Tibet pilgrimage trekking tour

Planet

We will transport you to an eclectic and culturally significant range of heritage sites that date back to ancient times and will also take you to unique places of natural wonder, including parts of the Himalayas that are of spectacular beauty. However, the impacts of tourism on the region have been acutely felt in recent times and we fully endorse the need to help manage and protect this natural wonder. Thus, it is therefore exceptionally important that we fully understand and appreciate the importance of developing tours that are sustainable and reduce the impacts of tourism on the human and natural environment wherever possible. Indeed, all of our tours maintain a great respect for the cultural and natural surroundings in which we visit and travel, and we have opted to use only essential methods of public or private transport for this itinerary.

To help us protect and preserve what remains of both China’s wonderful cultural and natural heritage, we ask that all of our travel participants help care for the environments they visit by being respectfully aware of the unique locations we take them to. The importance of sustainable travel, particularly in sensitive natural environments and ecosystems, is something we also value highly. As a bonus of our unique approach, you will also discover that our tour groups are small in size so that are impacts are minimised, and of course, so that we can afford you the attention you deserve!

Activity:
The most inspiring, exhilarating and rewarding way to experience the captivating and wondrous areas of Tibet is to explore the off-the-beaten-track valleys, lakes, paths, mountains. For this route, you will have chance to visit the Tibetan Buddhism and religious culture, blue holy lake, secluded vally...ON FOOT. Few vacations have as little detrimental impact on the environment and local residents as a hiking tour. We are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment, just trek by the way the local Tibetan does.


Water:
It is certain that the water is very important during a trekking tour. We suggest to bring your own travel mug to fill in the boiled water before every morning instead of drinking the bottled mineral water continually. Even though the tap water is not drinkable in China, all of the hotels and restaurants we use will have a kettle which can be used to boil. Such measure could really reduce the amount of rubbish we produce.

Office:
It is advocated to recycle paper and ink cartridges to reduce the waste in landfill sites. We turn off printers, computers, battery chargers and transformers at the end of each day and use energy-efficient bulbs and low-energy appliances.

People

Our itinerary has been designed to fully incorporate the rural communities of the regions we visit, especially those in Tibet. We value their unique insights, knowledge, and hospitality, and believe that they too should benefit from tourism too. Wherever possible, we use locally-owned guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and services to ensure that local communities and business prosper in a highly competitive market. An added bonus of using locally-owned services and people is that they will often be highly enthusiastic, generous and proud to welcome you into the places where many have been born and raised. Many of the locations we visit are of deep spiritual and religious importance and it is crucial of course that we fully respect their beliefs and traditions.

We are also exceptionally aware of the need to use local ‘green’ tourism services and businesses to ensure that the natural and social environments that host tourism are protected and well-managed. This includes the use of locally-sourced produce such as food and crafts, for example. However, perhaps one of the greatest reasons for using locally-owned accommodation is that you will see the ‘real’ China in its various guises. You will sample traditional villages, entertainment shows, cuisines and ways of life that can be significantly different to anything you may have experienced before. We will also take you to incredible places away from the tourist crowds to ensure that your experiences are genuinely unique. We fully believe that this is a wonderful way to learn about this spectacular country and have no doubt that you will agree!

Accommodation:
In Lhasa, first three nights, we choose economical hotels as opposed to bigger chains boosts the local economy by ensuring that jobs are created in the area and that income is reinvested here. And hiking regions are usually wild and remote, hikers will generally accommodate in the villages and monasteries which offer basic guesthouses. As for the route which has no villages along, camping is the only choice.

Food, Drinks and Guides:
There isn't much to eat along the trek, travelers have to buy some foods suitable for trek in Lhasa from local farmers markets and pack enough food and drinks before the trek. We will bring a large-capacity water bottle to contain boiled water instead of repeatedly buying bottled water. We employ a local Tibetan tour guide who was born and bred in the related area of this itinerary. We believe that we have made valuable economic contributions to local rural businesses, bringing them repeat business, and it is our aim to continue to do so.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 12 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.