Can't Catch Group Tour in Tibet? A Flexible 7-Day Private Tour for Japanese Tourists

Earlier this year, Sato and Yukiko from Hokkaido, Japan, planned to join a group tour in Tibet. The trip was approaching quickly, everything was routine, and I was methodically organizing their documents.

However, a week before their departure, I received a phone call from them. An urgent voice speaking a mix of Japanese and English came through the line, and I immediately knew they were in trouble.

They had received an email from the airline stating that their flight from Tokyo to Shanghai had been unexpectedly canceled due to mechanical issues, and the rebooked flight would arrive two days later than originally scheduled. This was problematic, as their planned Tibet group tour would have already started its second day by the time they arrived in Lhasa.

It seemed the itinerary would have to change.

Flight Cancellation Impacts Group Tour Participation

"Our flight is canceled, and we won't arrive in Lhasa for another two days."

"The group tour we signed up for will have already started by then, right? Can we still catch up?"

I pulled up their original itinerary. Indeed, according to their new arrival time, they would miss the first two days' visits to major attractions like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. I reassured them, "Mr. Sato, please don't worry. We encounter this situation frequently. Please wait a moment, and I will provide you with some options."

After hanging up, I quickly brainstormed solutions. Catching up with the group tour as originally planned was not feasible. They were planning to take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway into Tibet, a 20-hour train journey. Rushing to meet a group that had already departed immediately after such a long and tiring trip would leave them with no energy or inclination to appreciate the snow-capped mountains and lakes, not to mention the challenge of altitude sickness.

Beyond their physical condition, there were also the additional costs of trying to catch up with the tour group: car rental fees, separate guide fees, and potential medical expenses related to altitude sickness. I outlined the changes to their trip and redesigned an entirely new, customized itinerary.

I tried to design various possibilities, as rushing on the high plateau is not a good idea.

Tibet Group Tour Becomes a Private Customized Tour

During the video conference the next day, I presented them with two options. The first was to stick to the original plan and try to catch up with the group tour, but this would involve extra expenses and enduring the fatigue of continuous travel. The second option was a completely customized private tour.

Upon seeing the actual total cost of trying to catch up with the group tour, Ms. Yukiko's eyes widened in surprise. "It costs this much extra?" she murmured softly.

I then explained the second option, the private customized tour, considering both their expenses and physical comfort. I explained that a private customized tour could be flexibly adjusted according to their arrival time and would ensure ample rest, avoiding the exhaustion that could arise from trying to join the group tour late. More importantly, a private tour could be tailored to their specific interests, arranging visits to the attractions they wished to see, ensuring that each stop met their expectations.

I wouldn't recommend they change their plans without good reason. Everything was based on the actual situation.

I provided a detailed cost comparison, calculating the difference between joining the group tour and opting for a private customized tour. This allowed them to clearly understand the cost implications of each option.

While the group tour was more economical in principle, the fact that they would miss two days of the itinerary and would need to pay extra for a driver and guide upon arrival in Lhasa would likely significantly diminish their overall travel experience. Furthermore, they would have to spend more time traveling, missing out on sufficient rest and recovery, potentially making the entire trip tiring and rushed.

Choosing a private customized tour, on the other hand, would allow them to arrange each day's activities according to their own pace and needs, while also avoiding unnecessary additional expenses.

Ms. Yukiko's anxious expression due to the flight change gradually eased. "So, we won't miss seeing Lhasa, and we can still experience all of that as planned?" Her voice began to hold anticipation.

Mr. Sato repeatedly confirmed, "If we choose the customized tour, will the two-day delay at the beginning affect the overall arrangements?" "Not at all," I replied, bringing up the new itinerary. "All the activities will begin when you arrive in Tibet. There's no need to rush to catch up with anyone."

Over the next two days, we communicated repeatedly via email to finalize the details. Ultimately, they chose the customized tour. I replanned their route, adding an extra day in Lhasa for acclimatization and detailing precautions for altitude sickness.

When they finally arrived in Lhasa, I knew that recommending the customized tour with flexible rest arrangements was the right decision.

Resting at the hotel after the train journey helped them regain their energy. Over the next seven days, they traveled at their own pace, and I received photos and brief feedback from them daily - photos with elderly Tibetans on Barkhor Street, pictures with yaks by Yamdrok Lake, and experiences of Tibetan temple culture at Trandruk Monastery and Samye Monastery in Shannan.

On the evening before their departure, we said goodbye via video call. Mr. Sato bowed deeply to me in gratitude, saying, "Thank you for providing the timely solutions for this trip. The entire journey was very comfortable. We're glad we didn't choose to rush to catch up with the group tour."

Unexpected events sometimes lead to more possibilities. Asia Odyssey Travel offers diverse itineraries, and I am always prepared to design the most suitable plans for travelers facing last-minute changes!