Spiritual and Pilgrimage Tour to Central Tibet

Fly to Lhasa takes approx 50 minutes enjoying breath taking view of Mt. Everest and other highest mountain peaks obovve 8000m, this is the only airline flying over passing through the Himalayan ranges above the Mt. Everest into Tibet. You will be met at Gongkar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities take an hour drive to Lhasa. Your first day it is best to take rest and try to acclimatize. O/N Hotel (BB).

Early morning visit Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal.  The most important sacred shrine of Tibet is in Jokhang Temple, the statue of Gautama Boudhna (Jowo Rimpoche) statue was crafted when Boudha was just 12 years old, it was gifted to Indian King of Magadha and later it was again gifted to the emperor of Chinese King who gave the statue to Tibetan King Songten Gombhu when he married of Chinese princes. Tour Guide will organize blessing ceremony in one of the chapel in Jokhang Temple.

Barkhor Market (Bazaar): The most popular Barkhor Market (Bazaar) is a square which used to be the main center in ancient time now a busy shopping area and tourist attraction. There are hundreds of Tibetan houses, local market and touristic market of Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc.

After Lunch we visit Sera Monastery, this monastery is approx. 5km drive away from Lhasa. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where in the past approx. 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. Currently about 550 monks are supposed to be living there. The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories).The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of Maitraya which was erected in 1419; here one can also witness the practicing of debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other. 

Located 40 km northeast from Lhasa, Drak Yerpa is said to be the “life tree”, or spiritual axis, of Lhasa itself. With more than eighty meditation caves, it was a village of several hundred hermits, monks, and nuns who lived on a site blessed by Songsten Gampo, Padmasambhawa, Yeshe Tsogyel, Padampa Sanggye and Atisha. Since the seventh century it has been considered one of the most sacred sites in Central Tibet. You can spend time in one of the cave as per the local condition for meditation. Later return to Lhasa. O/N Hotel (BB)

We you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace, the “winter palace”. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. is a 13th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas.

Afternoon drive to Sal Village located approx. northeast of Lhasa, visit Tibetan village, you will spend time with Tibetan farmer family and interact with family, visit holy Mountain of local village and cave of Padmasambhawa. Enjoy lunch cook by family. Return to Lhasa.

Early morning drive to Namtso Lake Namtso Lak. On the 49 km descent from Lhachen La Pass, there are spectacular views of the tidal Namtso Lake, which is 70km long and 30 km wide is the second largest salt water lake in the Tibetan Plateau after Kokonor. The average altitude is 4,700m, and the landscape is dominated by the snow peak of Nyencheb Tanglha to the southwest. There several caves where great master Padmasambha once believed to have meditated to gain wisdom, there is temple of Tashi Do. Namtso Lake considered source of energy and you may want to meditate by the Lakeside in solitude. There are simple basic Guest house, Government have organized toilet in mobile trailer and it is not allowed to built any permanent structure to keep the Lake in its natural condition and to prevent pollution. O/N Guest House.

Visit Retin Monastery belongs to Geluk tradition and this is the seat of Reting Rimpoches who played important role in searching for the 14th Dalai Lama. Monastery was built by main disciple Drom Tonpa of great teacher Atisa back in 1056; Reging Monastery is 150 km north of Lhasa and apprx. 40km from Namtso Lake south east. Reting Monastery was built by Drom Tönpa decipal of great master Atisha in 1057. There is believed to be important Terma (ancient script). Opportunity to meet resident monks and meditate. O/N Hotel (BB).

Today you drive to Lhasa for rest day.

O/N Hotel(BB).

You will drive south of Lhasa along the Kyichu River and later Yarlung Tsangpu toward east of Lhasa, reach Samy valley. Visit Samyling Monastery, first Monastery with the help of Padmasambhawa and King Trison Detsen. Visit Hipory Hill small shrine temple where Padmasambhawa perform famous ritual and subdue the demon disturbing King from building the Monastery, demon eventually became decipal of Padmasambhawa who converted protecter God of the valley. Visit Chimpu Nunnery located up in the hill above the Samye Monastery required uphill climb vehicle can reach to some point and need to walk to reach the Hermitage; Nunnery takes months and years of retreat. You may like to spend some quiet time meditating, many great master have meditated in this hermitage and preached their decipal. O/N Hotel (BB).

Tradruk Monastery: meaning eagle and dragon in Tibetan, also known as the Changzhug Monastery is the largest and most important of the surviving royal foundations in the Yarlung Valley. Tradruk is said to have been the second of Tibet's earliest great geomantic temples after the Jokhang.  It is believed that famous eminent Buddhists have been cultivated them around Trandruk Monastery, including Masters Padmasambhawa and Melarapa. This existence of relics is the major sights for the pilgrims. There is a famous bronze bell which is widely known in all through Tibet in Trandruk Monastery. The antique precious potteries and relics are still stored here.

Yumbu Lakhang: Meaning 'the palace on the leg of a female deer', located on the east bank of the Yarlong River southeast of Tsedang Town. Yumbu Lakhang, the castle perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley, is the oldest known dwelling in Tibet, reputedly the home of the Yarlong Kings. The view from the castle is awesome. O/N at Hotel in Tsedang (BB).

Moving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4970 meter with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-Tso Lake and Mt. Nojin Kangsang, standing at 7191m. On turning westwards, you come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. After driving 265 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse, an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples. Here we will visit the Khumbum Monastery and Pelkhor Chode Temple. O/N at Hotel in Gyantse (BB)

Khumbum monastery: is a large gold-domed Stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. It is an architectural masterpiece built in the style of 108-sided Mandela. It is the most revered Stupa in Tibet and houses 112 chapels of which only 23 are open to the public.

Pelkhor Chode Temple: which is a fort dating from the 14th century. From there you can enjoy the spectacular views of Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley.

After exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an average altitude of 3900 m, you find yourself at Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Tashilumpho Monastery being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is a major attraction of Shigatse. Enrotue to Shigatse we visit the Shalu monastery.

Shalu Monastery:  'Shalu' means 'new bud' in Tibetan Language. Shalu Monastery, situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Shigatse, is a perfect combination of Han and Tibet architectural styles. In 1320, it was administered by Master Purdain Renqen Zhuba, a renowned religious scholar who compiled the Tenjur sutra, one of the classic woks of Tibetan Budhism. It is said that about 3,800 monks were drawn to his teaching. Therefore, the monastery became a holy site for many worshipers. Since many Chinese artisans were assigned to reconstruction work, it integrated both Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

An interesting anecdote lies behind this interesting name. A monk named Jigzun Xerab Qoinnyai wanted to build a monastery to spread doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism. He consulted his teacher about the construction site. His teachers suggested a site where a shooting arrow fell. The arrow fell in a new bud, hence the name.

Shigatse the capital of Tsang Province was one of the first towns to be visited by westerners due to close distance with the Indian border. Here in Shigatse you will be visiting Tashilumpho Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. There are about 39 amazing chapels inside including the huge Maitreya Chapel coated with gold; its workmanship certainly impresses everyone.After detailed visit of Shigatse, we will visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Shigatse (BB)

Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyantso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. En-route you will Visit Sakya Monastery which is a “must-see” for all the visitors to Tibet. It is the central monastery of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its walls were painted in red, white and grey strips, which represent Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani respectively. O/N at Hotel in Shegar (BB).

Drive off the main friendship highway enter Everest conservation area and begin drive through open valley, remote villages, opportunity to see wildlife such as Tibetan antilope, Eagle, Wild Ass and more, you drive assending and Mt. Everest will be visible from distance until you reach Rongbuk Monastery located at the altitude of 4900m. Founded by Ngima monk Nawang Tenzing Norbu in 1905, there are several huts and caves for meditational purposes. Monastery was totally destroyed during the cultural revolution but rebuilt again, there is sky burial site nearby the Monastery not in used currently but you can see ruins. Monastery provide accommodation to the travellers but its basic. Later Drive back to Old Tingri for overnight stay. O/N at Hotel in Old Tingri (BB)

This morning you will drive along the friendship highway via Gutsu, Reached Kyirong Dzonkha which is the district head quarter of Kyirong. You will pass through high pass of Yandola at 5326m/17469ft. You will descend driving through alpine vegetation called locally happy valley and reach Kyirong a lush forest very different from dry barren Tibetan plateau Time permits, you can visit temple dedicated to great enlighten Yogi of this area famousely called Melarapa. O/N at Hotel in Kyirong (BB).