Sacred spaces and stunning landscapes! Magnificent temples, mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims – this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul - of all the destinations in Asia, the most sacred and sublime. The days of travel are long, the roads are dusty and bumpy - and it is a world that will take your breath away.

Explore the heart of central Tibet, the great temples, monasteries and palaces of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse & Sakya before traveling west, back in time and history through dramatic landscapes to Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage sites - Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tithapuri - and to the region that was once the heartland of Tibet, the ancient kingdom of Guge. The 3-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash is challenging due to altitude, but within the capabilities of any healthy person - and timed to coincide with the full moon, it is an incredible time.

Stunning views of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) and a day trip up to base camp are a fitting finale to this incredible journey before we leave the Tibetan Plateau behind, plunging into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters in just 30kms to the border town of Zhangmu.

Of incredible geomantic power Kailash (Sanskrit) or Kang Rinpoche (Tibetan) marks the center of the Earth for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bon. To Buddhists it is the abode of Demchok, the wrathful manifestation of Buddha Sakyamuni. To Hindus it is the dwelling of Shiva, the destroyer and according to the Sanskrit tradition of Vishnu Purana it is a representation of Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the center of the universe. It is the place where the founder of Bon descended to Earth and where the founder of the Jain faith was spiritually awakened.

Kailash is also the geographical watershed of South Asia, here its great rivers are born - the Indus, the Sutlej, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and the Karnali / Ganges. At its foot lies the most venerated of Tibet's lakes, Manasarovar, believed by Hindu's to have been formed in the mind of Brahma.
Once the heartland of Tibet, the remains of Zhangzhung date back over 3,000 years. Later the kingdom of Gu-ge flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, with its strong links to Ladakh and Kashmir it is extremely important in terms of Buddhist art history. The remains of this kingdom stand in a landscape so overwhelming as to defy description.

Trip Style
This is an expedition style tour into a remote area at high altitude. Accommodation in some places is extremely basic and some driving days are long over rough roads. A high level of physical fitness is not required, however you do need to be flexible and tolerant of basic conditions and the unexpected.

Departures
As well as selected group departures, private departures may be arranged at any time and may be customized for you.

Continent or Region: Indian Subcontinent

Countries or States/Counties: Nepal, Tibet

A high degree of physical fitness is not required, however general good health is essential.

The Kailash kora is physically demanding due to the altitude, the highest point, the Drolma Pass is 5630 meters and most people will find this tough going. However we do take it slowly, taking 3 days to complete the 53km circuit while most Tibetans will complete the kora in a single day. If you are unable to participate in the kora it is possible to remain in Darchen with our drivers.

This is an expedition-style trip into a remote area and at altitudes from 3700-5600 meters. This trip takes you into areas well away from the usual tourist trail and into a world very, very different to that you know. This means occasionally only group share rooms may be available in very basic accommodation, with limited access to washing water, no showers for several days, pit toilets, simple food and little spoken or written English. This can affect tolerance and patience more than you might expect.

In China, experienced, liscenced local guides will meet you in each town/city and accompany you for all sightseeing and included meals/activities.

In Tibet all our guides are licensed by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau. We employ a core of staff of guides who are experienced and knowledgeable and speak good English.
Your guide's role is to facilitate the smooth, safe running of your trip, solve problems that may occur, organise back-up plans should the need arise and provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the Himalayan world. Your guide will meet you at Lhasa airport/ station on arrival and accompany you throughout the trip. If you have any concerns or problems on the trip, this is the person to speak to.
Most of our travel is by private transport. Within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) overland transport is by private 4WD vehicle. Most trips will use minibus for airport transfers and city sightseeing. Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics. They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them and you will have a lot of fun.
Camping trips will also be accompanied by a support truck to carry camping & cooking equipment and camp staff.