AMDO REGION, TIBETAN PLATEAU
LATE AUTUMN 2017
8-DAY EXCHANGE
10,500 feet up (3,200 meters) on the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau...
Nomads, Buddhist monks, and thousands of years of culture...
Connecting the world through sport...
Raising awareness for those with disabilities...
OVERVIEW
TIBET BASKETBALL
In every village and monastery across the Tibetan Plateau you will find nomads herding their yak and sheep, monks reciting their mantras, and Tibetans' engaging in their newest passion: basketball. Basketball has allowed Tibetans to connect with each other and the rest of the world, transcending local languages, cultures, and borders. With an extremely limited number of coaches and formal training, Tibetans relish at the opportunity to watch and learn from foreigners.
THE INVITATIONAL
Local and international wheelchair basketball teams will compete both in a remote Tibetan village as well as in an indoor gymnasium in the renowned monastic town of Labrang. Teams will also lead clinics with the locals and youth, and immerse in the culture through various exchange programs and workshops.
NORLHA TEXTILES
In the remote village of Zorge Ritoma lies Norlha Textiles, home of Norlha Basketball and the International Wheelchair Basketball Invitational.
Norlha is a groundbreaking social enterprise and one of the few luxury brands in the world merging cultural and environmental sustainability with the most sophisticated and enduring style. Norlha is internationally known for its innovation with yak textiles and its inclusion of local nomads in the whole process of transforming the yak.
Norlha employees also love basketball, having started both a men's and women's team. They practice regularly, compete in local tournaments, and host invitationals to connect with the outside world.
YOUR IMPACT
Norden Travel and Norlha Textiles' mission is to generate sustainable employment for former nomads while offering exceptional, uniquely Tibetan experiences and products. With nomadism on the decline and in a fragile state, Tibetans are left with no choice but to move into the large cities searching for work. Norlha and Norden's employment and skills training allows these Tibetans and their families to stay in their home villages, keep their traditions, and give to the world a product and experience they are proud of.
Participation in the Invitational not only directly supports these initiatives, but connects the local community to the global community through sport, and raises awareness for those with disabilities.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Travel & Acclimation
Staggered airport pickups from Xiahe and Lanzhou Airports. Arrive at Norlha Textiles Guesthouse or area hotels. Settle in, relax, and acclimate to the altitude and time-zone. Evening Welcome Dinner with all Teams.
Days 2-4
Ritoma Village & Norlha Textiles
Tournament, Clinics, and Cultural Exchange Programs in Ritoma Village and Norlha Textiles.
Days 4-7
Labrang
Tournament, Clinics, and Cultural Exchange Programs in the monastic town of Labrang.
Day 8
Travel
Morning Departures to Xiahe and Lanzhou Airport.
INVITATIONAL INCLUSIONS:
3 Nights Norlha Textiles Guesthouse or Hezuo/Tso Area Hotel
4 Nights Labrang Area Hotel
All Meals (Lunch/Dinner Day 1, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Days 2-7, Breakfast Day 8)
All Ground Transportation
All Activities, Excursions, & Local Guides
All Basketball-Related Events
TO BE ARRANGED BY PLAYERS/TEAMS:
Airfare
We recommend flights into:
Xiahe Airpoirt (GXH), a 30-minute drive to Norden Camp, accessible worldwide via Lhasa, Chengdu, and Xi'an (recommended site for Xiahe flight: www.ctrip.com).
Lanzhou Airport (LHW), a 4.5-hour drive to Camp, accessible worldwide via major Chinese cities
Visa
A Chinese visa is generally required to enter China (please consult your country's embassy and China visa policy). No Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) special permit is needed to enter this region of the Tibetan Plateau.
Travel Insurance
Kindly consult your local travel insurance agency. We will also send recommendations.
Incidentals
We recommend bringing extra spending money for additional food, Norlha purchases, souvenirs, etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Norlha Textiles Guesthouse (available for 1 team)
Four 1st Floor Rooms with Two Double Beds
Ensuite Bathroom and Shower
Wheelchair-Friendly
