Dege Tour Information, 1998

On the road in Kham

Khampa

Baiya and fortress

Zhara Lhatse Mtn

Palpung Monastery

• Ride a Tibetan horse on the high plateau.
• Stay in Baiya Monastery and see its famous murals.
• Meet tall, dashing Khampa horsemen.
• Visit the famous Dege Printing House.
• See the rugged mountains of Kham from the air.
• Visit the ruins of Nyesa Aden's fortress.
• See Chamdo, the largest city of Kham.
• Travel the ancient Tea Road to Tibet.
• Visit to Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's retreat.
• See Karmapa's "footprint" in a sacred rock.
• Have an audience with 7-year-old Ugyen Rinpoche at Palpung.
• Explore the towns along the route during free time.
• Tour leader is Pamela Logan, an old Kham hand with lots of stories to tell.
• Climb to a mountain-top stupa.
• Trip includes monasteries of the Sakya, Kagyu, and Nyingma sects.
• Stay at Dzongsar Monastery.
• Camp in the charming valleys and rugged high country of Kham
• Stay inside Palpung Monastery and explore its hundred-odd rooms.
• Sample yak-meat, butter tea, tsampa, and other Tibetan delicacies.
• See places described in the book Among Warriors: A Martial Artist in Tibet.
• Learn the meaning of the phrase "ja tung!"

PLUS it may be possible to arrange a visit to a Bon Monastery (Bon is Tibet's indigeneous animist faith), a ride in a yak-hike coracle (boat), an exhibition of lama dancing, an audience with His Eminence the Baiya Rinpche, and other surprises !

1998 Itinerary

Sun Sept 6 arrive in Chengdu
Sept 7 drive Kangding (Dartsendo) (hotel)
Sept 8 explore Kangding: monasteries, shopping, Racehorse Hill (hotel)
Sept 9 drive Ganzi (stay in hotel or camp outside of town)
Sept 10 drive Dzogchen/Shechen (camp in vicinity)
Sept 11 explore Dzogchen/Shechen: hermit caves, day hikes (camp)
Sept 12 drive to Dege (hotel)
Sept 13 explore Dege, printing house, Tibetan medicine hospital,(hotel)
Sept 14 drive and ride to Palpung (stay at Palpung)
Sept 15 at Palpung: day hikes
Sept 16 ride to Baiya (stay at Baiya)
Sept 17 explore Baiya: visit farmhouses, fortress (stay at Baiya)
Sept 18 ride to Dzongsar (camp)
Sept 19 explore Dzongsar (camp)
Sept 20 drive along upper reaches of Yangtze River(camp)
Sept 21 drive to Chamdo (hotel)
Sept 22 explore Chamdo (hotel)
Sept 23 drive Bangda (hotel)
Sept 24 explore Bangda (hotel)
Sept 25 fly to Chengdu (hotel)
Sept 26 explore Chengdu, free time (hotel)
Sun Sept 27 depart

Important: Itinerary may undergo last-minute changes because of road conditions, flight availability, civil disturbance, etc. Be ready to roll with the punches--this is part of the adventure of traveling in Tibet!

 Cost
The group size will be limited to eight. Land cost out of Chengdu is US$3500. (If you think this is expensive, then check out the competition!) A portion of this will go toward supporting the Kham Aid Foundation, including the repair and conservation of some monasteries you will be visiting. This portion of your payment is tax deductible; we'll let you know how much it works out to be after the trip is over and all the bills are in.

Included in the price
• All accomodations (double occupancy) whether in hotel, hostel, or tents.
• All food, except lunches in Chengdu.
• All transportation except travel between your home and the airport in Chengdu.
• Permits for travel in closed areas.
• Guide/interpreter.
• First aid kit.

Not included in the price
• Tips to local staff, small offerings to monasteries
• Alcoholic beverages

What you must have
• A valid passport.
• Your own sleeping bag, rated to freezing temperature or below.
• Clothing for heat, cold, and rain.
• Light (or heavy) hiking boots.
• A note from your doctor stating that you are fit enough for this trip.
• Ability to walk down a steep hill.
• Ability to lift and carry your own luggage for 50 yards.
• A daypack, water bottle, and shatterproof mug.
• A sense of humor and liking for trying new things.
• It is NOT necessary to have prior equestrian experience. Those not accustommed to riding will be helped by Tibetan wranglers.

Recommended
• Travel insurance, especially that which covers emergency evacuation and travel home in case of serious illness. For more information, email us.
• Ability to walk UP a steep hill, (necessary for some of the optional day-hikes).
• A check-up in a doctor's office.
• A tetanus shot.

 Payment information, cancellation policy and booking form

 Information for parents

 Frequently Asked Questions

 Weather Conditions

 Disclaimers

 Flying to Chengdu

 QUESTIONS?
Call toll-free in the US 1-800-484-6739 x2602; in Hong Kong call 2555-7776; or email to Pamela Logan.