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| Trip Styles, Drivers, Guides, Accommodation ... |
Our
Trip Style
"thank You for the perfect organisation of our tibettrip. Every single step from the beginning in Bejing until the meeting with the reponsible guide in Nepal was meticulously fulfilled"
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Tibetan
Expeditions operate tours, escorted by an experienced English-speaking
local guide, to many areas of the Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, China &
Mongolia. Larger groups may also be accompanied by a western tour
leader on request
Many of our itineraries operate in remote areas - particularly in
Tibet and Mongolia. These are by nature 'expeditions' not conventional
holidays; conditions are harsher, events less predictable, infrastructure
less developed and the lifestyles very different to those you are
familiar with. The standards of accommodation and communications are
often not up to Western levels.
However good our organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected,
and while most of the time things go smoothly, this cannot be guaranteed.
Remember in many areas - particularly in Monglia and western Tibet
infrastructure is poor to non-existant. If you are not prepared for
this you should not travel with us.
The unpredictable, however often leads to unexpected encounters and
the best experiences.
In China the infrastructure for tourism is far more developed - hotels
are of higher standard, trains and flights generally operate to schedule,
communications are easier, restaurant and food variety much greater.
All
of our itineraries may be privately booked for groups of any size
or tailored to your specific time constraints and interests.
Please ask for a quote based on the number of travelers in your group
and your season of travel.
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Groups |
Fixed
Departures - Minimum 3-5/ Maximum 10-11
We restrict the size of our groups to minimize the impact on the local
environment and communities and to maximize your local interaction as
well as interaction within the group.
Private Departures - any size.
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Accommodation
& Camping |
Tibet: In
main towns and cities in Tibet accommodation is of a good standard
- clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities
and hot showers.
Generally speaking, outside these main towns, accommodation is fairly
basic in Tibet. Plumbing, hot water and electricity are erratic, there
will be many days without showers, although a basin and hot water
is available for basic essential washing. In many places toilets are
of the pit variety - bring your own toilet paper and don't look down.
Tiger Balm has proven popular with those with sensitive noses.
Occassionally it will be 3-4 people to a room (we try to give couples
their own room where possible, but please keep an open mind about
sharing). In some places single/twin occupancy of a room is possible
by paying for the unused beds in a room.
Mongolia:
In main towns and cities in Mongolia accommodation is of a good standard
- clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities
and hot showers.
Gers (Russian Yurt) are the traditional felt tents of nomadic herders.
Each ger is furnished with a wood stove and beautifully painted furniture
such as beds, a table and stools. Gers are based on twin occupancy.
Each ger camp has its restaurant, western style toilet and hot water
showers. Most visitors find their stay in gers, which provide an authentic
taste of Mongolian culture and adventure, their most enjoyable experience
in Mongolia.
Bhutan:
Hotel accommodation throughout Bhutan is generally of a good tourist
standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private
facilities and hot showers. In some remote areas showers and private
toilets are unavailable.
China:
Hotel accommodation throughout China is generally of a good tourist
standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private
facilities and hot showers.
Camping: On camping itineraries all camping & cooking equipment
is supplied except your sleeping bag & inflatable mattress.
This includes 2-man tents, dining tent, toilet tent and cook tent.
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Group
Leaders
& Guides |
In
Tibet all our guides are licensed by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau.
We employ a core of particular guides whom we know well, who are experienced
and knowledgeable and speak good English.
Large groups in Tibet may also be accompanied by a western tour leader
who has been working in Tibet for a minimum of 2 years.
Tours in Bhutan are accompanied by a Bhutanese guide liscenced by
the Bhutan Tourism Authority.
In
China, experienced, liscenced local guides will meet you in each town/city
and accompany you for all sightseeing and included meals/activities.
Your
leader or guide's role is to facilitate the smooth, safe running of
your trip, solve problems that may occur, organise back-up plans should
the need arise and provide you with an appreciation and understanding
of the Himalayan world. Your leader or guide will meet you at Lhasa/Paro/Ulaan
Bataar airport on arrival and accompany you throughout the trip. If
you have any concerns or problems on the trip, this is the person
to speak to.
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Transport
& Drivers |
Most
of our travel is by private transport.
Within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and Mongolia overland transport
is by private 4WD vehicle. Most trips will use minibus for airport transfers
and city sightseeing.
Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics.
They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to
point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them
and you will have a lot of fun.
In Bhutan all transport is by private vehicle - car or mini bus/van
depending on your group size.
In China we use a mis of public (train / boat) and private (car / mini
van/bus) transport.
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Itinerary |
In
some cases you are traveling to remote areas, many of which are still
subject to strict permit control, over rough roads. While we are able
to follow the published itineraries most of the time, be aware that
changes are occassionally unavoidable.
Where delay or a change of itinerary is unavoidable the leader/guide
will decide on the best alternative and will do everything possible
to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results
of delays or changes outside our control.
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Food |
In
Lhasa there are restaurants of every description and budget. There are
also a variety of options in main towns (eg. Shigatse, Gyantse). Outside
the main towns food is often fairly basic. While there is no shortage
of food, variety is often lacking.
On camping tours all meals are included whilst camping. Our cooks do
a great job, but please remember the menus are subject to the remoteness
of the region just as we are and the variety of fresh produce available
is limited.
All meals are included in Bhutan and in Mongolia when outside Ulaan
Bataar.
In China there are restaurants of every style and budget - your guides
will make recommendations.
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Communication |
In
Tibet Internet facilities are available in Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga and
Zhangmu. Most towns have land and mobile phone connections - most mobile
phones with international roaming will work in Tibet, although US phones
must be triband.
In Bhutan & Mongolia internet facilities and IDD phones are available
in most towns. In China Internet and phone communications are readily
available everywhere.
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The
Physical Reality & Culture Shock |
In
Mongolia and Tibet (particularly Kailash and Eastern Tibet tours) the
remote type of travel that you experience can be physically demanding
and the effect that this will have on you, both physically and mentally
should not be underestimated. The roads are rough; sometimes they seem
little more than yak paths. Some driving days are long, 7+ hours. Breakdowns
can occur. You are expected to help load/unload your own bags from the
landcruisers/jeeps or other transport and to/from your room. In some
areas the terrain is very mountainous and you may be affected by altitude.
These trips take you into areas well away from the usual tourist trail
and into a world very, very different to that you know.
Often access to washing water is limited, no showers for several days,
pit toilets, simple food and little spoken or written English. Opportunities
to 'get away' from the group are limited; patience, tolerance and humor
will be required by all.
All this can and does take its toll on people and should not be underestimated
- the rewards however are incredible.
Whilst travel in the central regions of Tibet & Mongolia may be
harsher than you are accustomed, it is no where near as taxing - comforts
such as better standards of accommodation, reliable electricity, hot
showers and international communications are more readily available.
In Bhutan and China accommodation and facilities are generally of good
tourist standard.
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