Heart of Tibet

Delve into the ancient spiritual and cultural wonders of our homeland in the shadow of the most sacred and majestic mountains on earth. On this journey to Central Tibet, we will explore significant historical and cultural sites. This trip includes short hikes to stunning nomadic vistas, and connects the traveler with the hearts and minds of rural Tibetans (away from the popular tourist paths). The itinerary features sites in and around Lhasa including, a few rural villages untouched by mass tourism.

Highlights

- Journey to Lhasa and visit bustling Barkhor Square, and the sacred Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery
- Explore rural Tibetan villages and sacred sites such as Reting, Drikung Thil and Ganden Monasteries
- Visit Namtso Lake, the world's highest salt lake and Tibet's most sacred and beautiful place.
- Soak in the spectacular Tidrum Hot Springs

Itinerary

Days 1-3: After a short flight over the Himalayan Mountains, we arrive in Lhasa, enjoy a welcome reception, and rest. While acclimatizing in Lhasa, we’ll explore the city by walking around the Barkhor Square and mingling with Tibetan pilgrims. We will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery to learn about Tibetan architecture, history, and culture. You’ll meet Tibetan artisans and scholars to learn more about Tibetan folk arts such as painting, wood curving, and handcrafts.

Days 4-8: On route to the villages, we’ll visit many sacred sites such as Namtso Lake, Reting monastery, Drikung Thil monastery, and Ganden Monastery. We’ll take time to enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot spring and join yaks on the stunning Tibetan hillsides for a few short hikes. While in the villages, we will have opportunities to raise prayer flags, participate in ritual ceremonies and cultural activities, and interact with Tibetan farmers and nomads to learn about their way of life.

Days 9-10: We will return to Lhasa and you’ll have free time to rest, shop, prepare for their return trip, or make plans to stay longer. The trip concludes with a farewell dinner in Lhasa. Participants are free to plan their own post-Cultural Explorations adventure (e.g. Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, or a visit to Kham), and we can assist all continuing travelers with these plans.

Trip Style: Lodging will be simple, comfortable guesthouses and scenic camping.

Arrival: You have option of coming into Lhasa from Nepal or Mainland China. Once you are accepted to the program, you’ll receive our Trip Logistics Guide. It will include all the essential information you’ll need to obtain a Chinese visa and make other necessary preparations for the trip. The guide includes suggested travel gear, a recommended reading list, a day-to-day itinerary, health and safety information, and other key information to make your trip successful and safe. You will receive your Tibet Permit from us in any cities in Mainland China.