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 peak seem almost within arm’s reach. At journey’s end, we cross the spine of the Himalaya for a spectacular 10,000-foot descent into the lush greenery of Nepal and the temples and shrines of Kathmandu, its exotic capital city.

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 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). While in Lhasa, we enjoy a special traditional festival: Saga Dawa (May) or Shoton (August).

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 that are an encyclopedia of Tibet’s culture and religion. We head further to the historic outpost of Gyantse, crossing two high passes and visiting holy Yamdrok Tsho (“Jade Lake”), a site of pilgrimage. 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 dramatically over the sweeping Tibetan landscape from its hilltop fortress.

Days 11-12
Rongphu / Everest Base Camp

Crossing the Pang La (16,700'), with its grand panorama of the Himalaya, we descend through a dazzling valley to the spectacularly situated Dza Rongphu Monastery (16,500'), acclaimed as the highest monastery in the world. From here we gaze at the icy ramparts of Everest where the legendary British mountaineers Mallory and Irvine disappeared into the mists of history. We then head to Everest Base Camp (16,900') for stunning views of the sheer North Face of the world’s highest peak.

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 a vibrant culture is showcased in a maze of narrow streets crowded with small golden temples, artisan workshops, and wandering cows. Depart on Day 16.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 3, Moderate. It is an adventurous overland journey with 15 nights in comfortable hotels and basic lodges. 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 Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp.

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. No matter what, at high altitude, the weather is unpredictable, and the effect of the wind-chill factor can create very cold conditions.

Explanation of Trip Levels