Day 1 Depart U.S.
Day 2 arrival Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of China's most densely populated Sezuhan province, has countless temples on a lot of winding streets, tea gardens and small markets. Pilgrims from all regions come to the buddhist cloisters. Parents and grandparents come to the gardens and parks to flaunt their children. This is one of the last areas to do research on the panda. A few miles outside Chendu, they live in the wild and are threatened animals. The temples and parks make Chengdu a beautiful city and example of everyday Chinese life.
Day 3 Chendu – Flight to Lhasa
Day 4 Lhasa
Day 5 Lhasa
Day 6 Lhasa
We take an internal flight of Chengdu to capital of Tibet, Lhasa. Getting closer to Lhasa the first thing you see is the Potala Palace, built on a hill and towers high above the city. Even though this palace was the winter residence Dalai Lama, the most important religious structure is still the centrally located Jokhang Temple, which rules as the oldest holy site of Tibetan Buddhism. The many pilgrims that come from far and wide and often travel for many days throw their bodies prone on the ground, touching the holy ground with their foreheads. This is how they cover the perimeter of the temple, praying with their entire bodies. The Barkhor Square in front of the Jokhang is a meeting place for visitors and pilgrims. It is fascinating to watch the pilgrims prepare themselves for the prayers for happiness. It is almost impossible to imagine that this holy shrine was used temporarily for a pension and movie theater during the Cultural Revolution. Fortunately the temple suffered little damage during this period. Also worthwhile is a visit to the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, the Norbulingka. During the four-day stay in Lhasa, it is certainly possible to pay a visit to some other important cloisters outside of town such as the Drepung and the Sera Cloister. Drepung is the riches cloister complex with the most monks. A little outside the Sera Cloister you will find the cemetery where the remains of the dead have been left as prey for the wild animals. There is very little wood in the country, which makes it impossible for the dead to be cremated. On a regular basis in the garden of the Sera Cloister there are interesting debates amongst the monks. Debating religion and world matters are integral to a monk’s training. If time allows and you are interested, you can pay a visit to an institute for the blind.
Day 7 Lhasa - Samye – Tsetang
Day 8 Tsetang
Since the occupation by China many Chinese were lured to Tibet, a strategic choice by the Chinese authorities to improve the integration of Tibet within China. However around Tsetang this is not noticeable. This area always played an important role in Tibetan politics and history. For example the first king of Tibet had his reign here, the first royal palace was built (Yumbulakhang), and also the first temple of Tibet (the Trandruk Temple) was located here, and the first Buddhist cloister found its origin here as well. Three of the four holy mountains of Tibet are in this area making it one of most important pilgrimage destinations.
Day 9 Tsetang – Gyantse
Day 10 Gyantse
Meanwhile we adjust to the altitude as we drive and reach the Samye Cloister after a boat excursion and short bus ride. This oldest convent of Tibet is special because of it’s round structure. At the fertile valley of Tsetang, the cradle of the Tibetan civilization is the the oldest building in Tibet, Yumbu Lagang, which lies high on a rock. The route to Gyantse winds through high glaciers and moutain peaks. The Chinese infrastructure is making fast headway into Tibet. But there is always a change that this route is closed and that another route may have to be taken. In the center of the pleasant Gyantse, you will soak in the true Tibetan ambiance.
In the past Gyantse was an important meeting place for wool traders en route to India. In this city you can view the imposing Dzong Fort where you have a gorgeous view over the cloister and the city itself. Make sure you visit the one hundred and five foot high Kumbum Stupa inside the cloister’s walls. It is one of the most beautiful structures in Tibet. Inside you will find one hundred and twelve enclaves filled with statues and wall paintings. During the trip to Gyantse we travel through several passes, one over 15,000 feet high. On the way we come across beautiful views over snow covered mountains and glaciers. The 15,000 foot tall Kamba Pass offers a mind-boggling view over the holy turquoise Yamdrok Tso Lake. On the side of the road you find many prayer flags and offering stones that must protect the traveler. It is impressive to hear the flapping of the flags over the lonely plains. This makes the gods aware that it is a place where they are worshipped.
Day 11 Gyantse – Shigatse
Day 12 Shigatse
Day 13 Shigatse – Lhasa
We drive through the rugged mountain landscape that offers us fantastically beautiful views over the surrounding areas. On the way you will see nomads with their herds of yaks and sheep. Shigatse is the second most important city of Tibet. The name means “beautiful place”. Maybe here it is time for a cup of yak butter tea. Tibetans drink this tea, with its unusual aroma and taste, throughout the entire day. It actually is not tea but ground hops with yak butter, hot water and salt. It is certainly worth a try even though most Western visitors are not bowled over by the taste. In Shigatse you have time to visit the impressive Tashilunpo Cloister, the residence of the Panchen Lama. It is one of the most important cloisters in operation in Tibet. This cloister, built in 1447 under supervision of the first Dalai Lama has always taken a leading role in Tibet. Spiritual and political leaders gathered here to make political and economic decisions for Tibet. Back then about three thousand monks lived in the cloister. Presently, only six hundred monks reside there. The cloister suffered little during the Cultural Revolution and is certainly worth a visit. Maybe you will get lucky and witness one of the many ceremonies conducted by the monks. The monks wave to you warmly to come closer. Dressed in their traditional dark red robes and gold-yellow hats, they mumble their prayers in a concentrated fashion. During the kora, the pilgrims’ route around the cloister, you will encounter several Tibetan pilgrims. This kora offers beautiful views of the cloister and the surroundings of Shigatse. The market offers a view over the old fort.
Day 14 Lhasa
Day 15 Lhasa, flight to Chengdu
Day 16 Chengdu – Arrival U.S.
In Lhasa a day excursion is possible or you can take a walk in the high altitude. Enjoy a last chat in the market, or snack on delicious momo's or noodle soup before you fly back by means of Chengdu to the U.S. .
