LAHSA
The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrushed gold and silver stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand staterooms and many important chapels. There are many superb statues, mandalas murals and thangkas to enjoy within the chapels and halls of this imposing palace. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.
The Barkhor circles the jokhang and is the oldest street in Lhasa. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come to complete a circumambulation of this famous and fascinating market. It contains shops and stalls selling all manner of goods, both Tibeten and imported. You can find religious objects such as paintings and prayer flags, as well as traditional Tibetan clothing and jewellery. It is considered good luck to walk around the Barkhor before entering the Jokhang temple.

The Jokhang is the holiest gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing place, where the smell of thousands of butter lamps fills the air. The jokhang, which was built in 647AD by the great king Songsten Gampo, contains the serene and sacred statue of jowo Sakyamuni, Which is believed to be a likeness of the Buddha when he was 12 years old.

Drepung and Sera Monasteries- Sera is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet, renowned for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard in the afternoons. Within the whitewashed walls and golden roofs,several hundred monks.These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred,but there is still much of interest to see here.

Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and lies in a quiet and beautiful garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. The rooms have remained as they were when the Dalai Lama left in 1959. Here you can also see where Heinrich Harrer(“Seven Years in Tibet”) lived and taught English, as well as the cars which the Great 13th Dalai Lama important to Tibet.

SHIGASTE
Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. It contains the world’s largest brass statue of Maitreya Buddha. This beautiful representation of the future Buddha is over 80 feet tall, with extremely delicate features. Tashihunpo is also the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in religious importance to the Dalai Lama himself. We also visit the fascinating local market here, where you will need to bargain hard with the Tibetan stall keepers, especially the ladies!

GYANTSE
In Gyantse, we visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum.The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu valley. It was here that the Tibetans bravely fought the British invasion by colonial aspirations in Asia. The mandala-shaped Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels houses an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.The Kumbum is a veritable maze of dark roomsm, ceremonial masks and paintings.

EVEREST BASE CAMP
The northern Everest Base Camp provides stunning uninterrupted views of the Everest massif, as well as Makalu and Shishapangma. To look out of your tent in the morning and see Everest in all her glory is a sight to cherish. The spectacular Rongbuk glacier forms part of this amazing panorama.Rongbuk monastery, which was founded in 1902 around a series of meditation caves which had been in use for over 400 years, is the last hint of civilization we will see in this area. The lama here traditionally blesses all expeditions aimings for the summit of Mt.Everest.The trek to Advance Base Camp provides even more incredible views and a real sense of the awesome grandeur of this mountain.

KAILASH
Mount Kailash is 6714m high and with its four sheer walls and snow capped peak is an awe-inspiring sight.Like a huge diamond, it is centered among peaks like an eight-petalled lotus. Geographically it is important too- from it flow four great rivers: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra, which drain the vast Tibetan Plateau. However it is most famous for its religious significance.Kailash is an object of devout pilgrimage for Buddhist and Hindus, who believe it is the abode of the gods.

LAKE MANASAROVER
Lake Manasarover is situated approximately 30kms from Mt Kailash and is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. This beautiful and sacred lake is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed that bathing in the holy (and cold) waters will cleanse one’s sins. With views to Gurla Mandhata(7728metres) this is a place of serene beauty.On the northwest schore of the lake is the picturesque Chiu monastery.

YARLUNG AND TSETHANG
Yarlung and Tsethang are known as the Valley of Tombs and the cradle of Tibetan civilization. The Tibetans believe that they were born of a monkey and an ogress, and it is here in Tsethang that the mysterious Monkey Cave is located. The old earth tombs of the great ancient Tibetan kings,including Songsten Gampo, scatter the plains in the highest royal graveyard in the world. You will also see small but charming temples containing statues of Songsten Gampo, his wives and minister. This area also boasts Tibet’s oldest building, built in the 2nd century.Yambu Lakhang was built for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo and is perched high in the mountains overlooking the plains. Once used as a summer place by Songsten Gampo, it was converted to a monastery after he moved the capital to Lasha.
The Yarlung Tsang Po canyon is the largest in the world, a magnificent gorge set amongst lush forests. This area is hometo many rare and beautiful species of flora and fauna, including blue sheep,kiang(Tibetan donkey), and magnificent rhododendron forests.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
VISA REQUIREMENTS
These are subject to change, and depend on weather you join the trip in Kathmandu or China. Please ask your travel agent for the most up to date information. No matter if you join us from Kathmandu or mainland China please have all details to us at least one month prior to the departure date, as trips to Tibet require a lot of paperwork before visas and travel permits are granted.

TRANSPORT/GETTING THERE
For your safety and comfort we choose to travel in Toyota Land cruiser 4wd cars, which can comfortably accommodate 5 passengers including luggage. Our experience has shown that these are more reliable than buses,and are better suited to the varying road conditions.Occasionally however,due to factors beyond our control, we will transport you in buses. These will be the best buses available. We fly between Kathmandu and Lasha on China Southwest Airlines, across the mighty Himalaya. This flight offers spectacular views of Mt.Everest, Makalu,and many other Himalayan giants.All our trips which begin by flying into Lasha can be joined from Kathmandu,Beijing,Hong Kong