Tibet Private Journey

Enjoy a Private Journey on the Roof of the World! Explore the cultural heartland of Tibet, beginning in the Holy City of Lhasa, home to the magnificent Potala Palace, thought to contain 10,000 temples, and the lively Barkhor Bazaar, where pilgrims jostle with traders. Then head out across the soaring Tibetan Plateau s to the Yarlung Valley, cradle of Tibetan civilization, and visit remote monasteries including  8th century Samye, with its flickering yak-butter lamps illuminating ancient Buddhist frescoes. Flying to Gyalthang, a Shangri La setting on the remote eastern reaches of the Tibetan Plateau, experience the traditional culture of the Khampa Tibetans, once known as swashbuckling horsemen and caravan traders. At journey’s end, we offer an extension to the ancient highland city of Lijiang, with its fascinating Naxi culture.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Lhasa

In Tibet’s sacred city, join pilgrims who gather at the candle-lit altars of the Jokhang, holiest of temples, and walk the Barkhor kora (pilgrimage route). Visit with monks at Sera Monastery, explore the extraordinary Potala Palace, and discover the Norbulingka, official summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Hike with your guide to a hilltop hermitage for spectacular vistas of the Lhasa Valley.

Day 4
Samye, Tsethang and the Yarlung Valley

Tibet’s oldest monastery is 8th century Samye, set between the legendary Tsangpo River and beautiful dun-colored hills. Samye was built to represent the Buddhist cosmos, its 108 chapels surrounding the massive central chanting hall. In the Yarlung Valley, birthplace of the Tibetan dynasty, explore Yumbu Lakhang, Tibet’s first palace, and see a precious thangka painting protected in 7th century Trandruk Monastery.

Days 5-6
Gyalthang, Heart of Kham

Fly to Gyalthang, a historic trading post and enclave of Tibetan culture on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. This is the heartland of the Khampa people, with their age-old traditions as swashbuckling horsemen and caravan traders. Meet the welcoming Khampas in their homes, and walk up to Ringha, a sacred 13th century temple on a hill. At Sumtseling Monastery, join monks for morning prayers, sip tea with a high lama, and enjoy a fascinating guided exploration of this remote monastery including areas typically closed to tourists.

Days 7-8
Kunming

Join your guide for a stroll in the quaint neighborhood on the shores of Kunming’s Green Lake and savor a dinner of Yunnan specialties. Depart on Day 8.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2+, easy to moderate. It is a comfortable hotel and vehicle-based sightseeing trip, with optional hiking and walks. Please note that most of the trip takes place at high altitudes (Lhasa is at 11,830 feet and Gyalthang is at 10,800 feet). 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 the three-day stay in Lhasa at the start of the trip will aid 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