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Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
(see note for arrival in Kathmandu)
Day 2-5: Lhasa
Exlpore the colorful and historic holy city of Lhasa including the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.
Day 6: Gyantse
A spectacular drive to Gyantse, with unforgettable views of Turquoise Lake, Yamdrok-Tso enroute. Visit Gyantse Dzong, Pelkor Choede and the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum.
Day 7-8: Shigatse
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order.
Day 9: Sakya - Lhatse
Sakya, once the seat of political power of Tibet, is the last stop before we set out to fully experience the splendor, enormity and isolation of western Tibet as the camping section of our trip begins.
Day 10-12: Western Tibet
Magnificent valleys, herds of grazing yak, goats and sheep, passes topped by prayer flags and few permanent settlements mark our journey toward Tibet's ancient heartland.
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Day 13-16: Guge Kingdom
En-route to Guge the dramatically situated gompa and hot springs at Tithapuri are linked to Padmasambhava and traditionally visited in conjunction with a Kailash kora. The road into Tholing, once the most important monastic complex in western Tibet, is one of the most awesome sights in a region of awesome sites. Below stands the first capital of Guge with skyline offering a vast sweep of the Ladakh Himalaya.
Day 17-20: Saga Dawa Festival & Kailash Kora
Attend Saga Dawa Festival with local Tibetans. Embark on a 3 day kora (circumambulation).
Day 21-22: Saga - Rombuk - Everest Base Camp
Venture into Qomolangma National Park. Some of the most stunning views of the mountain are from the tiny Rhongphu Monastery seven kilometers below Everest Base Camp.
Day 23: Zhangmu
We reach the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. As the road descends sharply towards the Nepal border, moisture returns to the air, the colors change, trees appear, lush green vegetation and the Bote Khose River thunders below.
Day 24 Kathmandu
Rich in cultural and artistic heritage, Kathmandu is a vibrant, chaotic, colorful city. The markets, bazaars and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, street sellers…you name it, it’s here.
Day 25: Depart
Transfer to airport for flight home.
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