Amdo is home to the 14th Dalai Lama & is also the birth place of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism. Traversing the expansive grasslands of Amdo, we visit the famous Labrang & Kubum monasteries, one of the most important Gelukpa monasteries in the Tibetan world. We also visit Kokonor Lake, the largest salt water lake on the plateau & the bird island. From Xining we fly to Lhasa, the forbidden city & the ultimate pilgrim destination for Tibetan Buddhist all over.After exploring the Forbidden city, we have the option to continue via overland to Nepal including excursion to Everest Base Camp or fly out to Kathmandu/Chengdu/Xinin.

Journey Across Chamdo and Forbidden Lhasa Itinerary

Day - 01 Lanzhou Arrive Lanzhou, (1520 m)
the capital city of Gansu province & an important trading post on the ancient Silk Road. Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum. O/N Hotel.

Day - 02 Lanzhou - Xiahe
With an elevation of 2900 m above sea level, Xiahe is located at the edge of northeast Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Most of the residents are Tibetan. You'll visit the most siginificant Lamaist Monastery in the northeast of Tibetan civilization - Labrang Monastery. The monastery is one of the 6 leading Gelukpa monasteries in the Tibetan world.

Day - 03 Xiahe - Xunhua - Xining (140 + 110KM) 3000 M
Drive to Xining. En route visit Xunhua, birthplace of 10th Panchen Lama. Xining, is the provincial capital of Qinghai, a city with the majority of the inhabitants Tibetans.

Day - 04 Xining - Koko Nor Lake, 200 KM
On the way to Koko Nor Lake you'll stop to visit Kubum Monastery. The monastery is one of the six leading Gelukpa Monasterieis in the Tibetan world. It is also the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelukpa School. You'll reach Kokonor lake after pass over the Riyue mountain (sun & moon mountain). We will also visit the Bird Island on the western side of the Lake Kokonor.

Day - 05 Koko Nor Lake - Xining, 190 KM
You'll have a short trekking along the lake in the morning. The lake is the largest inland salt water lake in China and covers an area of 4500 sq kms, and 3193 m above sea level. Then drive back to Xining in the afternoon.

Day - 06 - Xining - Lhasa (3650 M), 90 KMS
Transfer to airport to connect CA 408 KTM-LXA flight. Upon arrival you will be met by our Tibet representative & transfered to Hotel. Walking tour of Jokhang & the bustling Barkhor market.

Day - 07-08 Lhasa
We will have two full days in the holy city of Lhasa to make excursions to the following places: The Jokhang Temple, the principal Buddhist temple in Lhasa. The temple, known for its large gold image of Sakyamuni Buddha, was first constructed in the 7th century. The Norbulingka, a richly decorated complex located in a beautiful garden setting, is the traditional summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Drepung Monastery, is one of the largest Tibetan monastic universities. The Monastery used to have 8,000 monks who were taught in the traditions of Vajrayana, Mahayana and Sutrayana, the three vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism. We will also visit the Barkor bazaar, the bustling market in Lhasa, a colorful congregating place for Tibetan merchants. Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, is reputed to contain 1,000 rooms, & is considered as one of the world's most remarkable buildings. Sitting at top of a mountain overlooking Lhasa, the Potala contains hundreds upon hundreds of magnificent thangkas, frescoes, and images.

Day - 09 Depart Lhasa
Early morning breakfast at hotel & transfer to Gongar Airport to connect flight to Kathmandu/Chengdu/Xining.
(Those going via overland to Nepal border will continue with the trip as follows:)

Day - 10 Lhasa-Gyangtse (3990 M), 350 KMSDrive via Yamdrok, the Turquoise Lake to Gyangtse across Kampa la pass 5050 m & Karo la (5045 m)passes. Visit Kubum stupa & Pelkor Chode Monastery.

Day - 11 Gyangtse-Shalu-Shigatse (3860 M), 90 KMS
Drive to Shigatse. En route visit Shalu Monastery.Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd in the Buddhist religious hierachy & Shigatse Market.

Day - 12 Shigatse-Sakya-Shegar/Dingri (4350 M)
Drive to Shegar across Tsoula pass (4500 M) & Gyatso la pass (5220 M). En route visit Sakya Monastery.

Day - 13 Shegar-Rongbuk (5050 M)
Drive via Pangla pass (5200 M) to Rongbuk Monastery, world's highest monastery situated at 5200 M. O/N Rongbuk Guest House.

Day - 14 Everest Base Camp
We have the option to hike or drive to Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk Guest House.

Day - 15 Nyalam
After watching sunrise over Everest, we drive on to Nylam. Nylam Guest House.

Day - 16 Nyalam-Zhangmu-Kathmandu
Drive to Zhangmu & on to Kathmandu. En route visit Milarepa Cave. We descend from the high arid Tibetan plateau into the lush greenery of Nepal