Magical Tibet

On this journey to one of the world’s most fabled destinations, we explore the heart of Tibet’s mystical and spiritual culture. We discover its magic in such places as the renowned monastery of Samye and Lhasa’s lively Barkhor Bazaar, where we mingle with pilgrims and swashbuckling Khampa traders. Crossing the soaring Tibetan Plateau, we visit striking fortress-monasteries where flickering yak-butter lamps illuminate ancient Buddhist frescoes, then reach the foot of Everest, where the dazzling glaciers of the world’s highest

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Lhasa, Tibet

In Lhasa (11,830'), we join the pilgrims who gather at the candle-lit altars of the Jokhang, Tibet’s most sacred temple, and walk in the Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit surrounding the Jokhang. We also explore the majestic Potala Palace and journey to sprawling Ganden Monastery (13,700'), where we have a chance to walk the pilgrim kora (sacred circuit).

Days 5-10
Yarlung Valley / Samye / Gyantse / Shigatse / Shegar

In the remote Yarlung Valley, cradle of Tibetan civilization, we explore 8th century Samye, Tibet′s first Buddhist monastery, with its vibrant, well-preserved murals. We head further to the historic outpost of Gyantse, crossing two high passes and visiting holy Yamdrok Tsho (“Jade Lake”), a pilgrimage site. We continue to Shigatse, where magnificent, gold-topped Tashilumpho, one of Tibet′s most breathtaking monasteries, sprawls across the foot of a mountain, and on to Shegar, where views of Everest and Cho Oyu rise over the sweeping Tibetan landscape from its hilltop fortress.

Days 11-12
Rongphu / Everest Base Camp

After visiting the spectacularly situated Dza Rongphu Monastery (16,500'), we head to Everest Base Camp for stunning views of the sheer North Face of the world′s highest peak. The Rongbuk Glacier is an impressive frozen river of ice, and panoramas of the glacier with Everest as a backdrop are some of the most dramatic in all the Himalaya.

Days 13-16
Lalung La / Zhangmu, Tibet / Kathmandu, Nepal

We head up and over the Lalung La (16,600'), where Himalayan peaks pierce the sky in every direction. We then descend from the roof of the world into the subtropical realm of Nepal and lively Kathmandu, where the ancient past lingers in a maze of narrow streets crowded with small golden temples, artisan workshops, and wandering cows. Depart on Day 16.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 3, moderate. It is an adventurous overland journey with 15 nights in comfortable hotels. While not a hiking trip, there are two or three optional two-hour hikes on the trip, including the optional walk circling the pilgrim kora at Ganden Monastery and an optional hike from Rongphu to Everest Base Camp. Otherwise, our activities center on exploring cultural sites and mingling with the people of Tibet. Road travel is by 4WD vehicle, and travel distances on some days are long, dusty, and bumpy. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking is an excellent preparatory exercise.

We will be at altitudes of at least 12,800 feet during the entire trip until we descend into Nepal. The highest altitude we reach is about 17,000, by vehicle. Individuals vary widely in both their physical response to high altitude. It is not uncommon to experience mild headaches or sleeplessness for a day or two when you first arrive at high altitude. Most people gradually adjust within a few days, and our three-day stay in Lhasa at the start of the trip will aid us in acclimatization. The weather will likely be quite comfortable, with blue skies most days, but nights can be chilly. At high altitude, the weather is unpredictable, and the effect of the wind-chill factor can create very cold conditions.

Explanation of Trip Levels