Discovering the Soul of Tibet

• Imagine life over 1200 years ago, as you tour Samye Monastery, believed to be the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet
• Picnic alongside the magical turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tso Lake, where you can see the snowy peak of Nojin Gangzang rising over 7000 feet in the distance
• Visit Jokhang Temple and witness devout pilgrims prostrating themselves on the trek towards this spiritual mecca

Buried in China's far west, Tibet is one of the most isolated and wild regions in Asia. Together with its geographic isolation, rich traditions and deeply spiritual lifestyle, Tibet stands a world apart from China, and arguably from the rest of contemporary civilization. This tour is an extension of our popular basic Lhasa offering, but delves even deeper into the unique history, religion, and society of the greater Lhasa region.
Soul of Tibet covers all the attractions of our basic Lhasa tour, but in addition visits even more sacred sites, including the resplendent Samye monastery (believed to be Tibet's first monastery) and the expansive Drepung Monastery, the largest of the Gelugkpa School and a treasure trove of art and cultural relics. While at Drepung, we are given a privileged opportunity to hold a half-hour private conversation with a master lama. Back in Lhasa, we spend an afternoon exploring the bustling markets of Barkhor Street, and head into back alleys to find small, intimate chapels for glimpses of lamas lecturing to their students, hidden from view by the outside world.
We eventually venture beyond the confines of Lhasa Valley to soak in the rarely appreciated rural Tibetan life. We travel to picturesque Shigatse, second largest city in Tibet, and visit the ancient Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, founded by the first Dalai Lama and today's seat of the Panchen Lama (the religion's second most important spiritual leader). The journey draws towards a dramatic finish as we depart from Shigatse to undertake a moderate two day hike, one that takes us across the Chack-La pass (4,470m) and onto ever more spectacular views of the remote Tibetan landscapes - unforgettable collages of solitary monasteries, snowcapped Himalayan backdrops and surreal blue skies. More impressive still, we spend a night camping outdoors, under Tibetan starlight and literally on the Roof of the World.