The
Tibetan Plateau offers myriad possibilities...
We
offer a variety of package tours for private groups including the highlights
of Lhasa, the Potala, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Qomolangma National
Park, Lake Namtso - and combining Tibet with China & Nepal if you
wish -
or we can tailor a trip specifically to your needs - just let us know
how long you have, how many people in your group, when and where you
want to go.
With a focus on the historic, religious and artistic traditions of Tibet,
each year we offer a limited number of Group Departures
on the most popular routes and to some of the more remote regions of
the Tibetan Plateau.
Read published articles
- Mount Kailash
- Lhasa: Heart of Tibet
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Kailash, the holy mountain that stands at the center of the Buddhist,
Hindu, Bon and Jain universes, the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru,
is the focus of journeys to western Tibet. To make a circumambulation
(kora) of Mount kailash is to cleanse yourself of the sins of a lifetime.
According to both Buddhist and Hindu cosmology the four great rivers
of the world (Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus and Karnali (major tributary
of the Ganges) have their sources in nearby Lake Manasarovar. Whilst
not exactly accurate, they all originate nearby.
Manasarovar is an incredibly beautiful lake, usually cobalt blue, though
it can turn into an angry, churning black during storms.
The remote Kingdom of Guge was establisehed following the 9th century
breakup of the Yarlung Empire - the approach is along a rough, winding
road through incredible gorges with the Ladakh Himalaya as backdrop.
The town of Tsada is dramatically situated on cliffs above the Sutlej
- here the monastery of Tholing and the nearby remains of the Guge capital
at Tsaparang boast some of the most incredible Buddhist wall murals
anywhere.
Along the Sutlej, between Kailash and Guge are the important pilgrimage
site of Tirthapuri, the Bon Monastery of Gurugam and the remains of
one of Tibet's earliest civilizations; Kyunlung and the Shanshung Kingdom.
Expeditions
to this region can be more challenging than other areas - some driving
days are long and the roads unpaved and dusty. Guest houses are basic
and food options simpler and less varied. For groups of 4-5 and larger
camping is a good option. Travel here is still an adventure and the
rewards well worth it.
Kailash
can be reached via a 6 day drive from Lhasa or 5 days from Kathmandu,
add days for sightseeing along the way. The 53km circumambulation of
Mount Kailash takes place at over 5000m and takes 3 days, the Drolma
Pass is over 5600m. The kora around Lake Manasarovar takes 4 days at
around 4900m. Add 2-3 days for Guge.
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Itineraries
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The cultural heart of Tibet are the great monasteries, temples and palaces
of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya - explore this area fully on our
Classic Tibet tour - continuing on the overland route from Lhasa to
Kathmandu which has long been one of the classic journeys of the world
or add in one of Tibet's best treks - 4 days from Ganden to Samye.
A side trip up to North Everest Base Camp a definite highlight affording
superb views of the mountain. Traveling alone or enjoy sharing your
travels with like-minded travelers from around the world - join one
of our group departures: Tibet Overland with Everest Base Camp (14-days).
Or
for the ultimate challenge, consider cycling this route!
These tours use a combination of hotel and basic guest house accommodation,
according to availability and are less demanding (physically and culturally)
than Western Tibet.
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Itineraries |
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated
and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation.
Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling
with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the
senses. Enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show and join pilgrims
on a kora at spectacularly situated Ganden Monastery. In the heart of
central Tibet the great temples, monasteries, forts and palaces of Lhasa,
Gyantse and Shigatse are powerful testaments to a long and volatile
history and to the spiritual and artistic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
If you are pressed for time or do not think the rigours of the remoter
areas are for you, consider one of our shorter tours -flying in and
out, using higher standards of accommodation than our other trips.
Eastern Tibet is a world apart from central and western Tibet. The dramatic
landscapes of forested hillsides, deep gorges and thundering rivers
have contributed to the long-maintained political and cultural independence
of Kham and Kongpo. Ifscenery is your passion you cannot surpass the
mountains and deep river gorges of this region.
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Itineraries |
Tibetan
Expeditions
