Join our journey of cultural and spiritual insight. Visiting Tibet can be a life-changing experience.

This is really about going to meet one of the most ancient and wonderful groups of people on the planet; the Tibetans.  They live on the highest point of  land on earth which truly seems symbolic of their amazingly rich culture of beauty and wisdom.

As you might know Tibet is now under the control of Peoples Republic of China. Life for the Tibetan people is in tumultuous change and uncertainty. Our support is appreciated greatly and going to Tibet is an opportunity to directly express this to the Tibetan people themselves.

Tibet has a long and fascinating history. Our tour traces some of this history through visiting the ancient sacred sites and places of intense spiritual devotion for the Tibetans. We travel  to Lhasa, Tibets ancient capital,visiting the Potala Palace and summer home of the Dalai Lamas,  to towns and villages, to the great monastaries, through the stunning Tibetan landscape, on the shores of holy turquoise lakes, even travelling up to Everest Base camp.

The land of Tibet is breath-takingly beautiful and a wonder to behold! As well the shocking poignancy of change to this land and culture awakens us to a new reality.  This is your chance to come to Tibet. Please join us this year!

to know more read on…….

If you might be seriously interested please contact : tibettoursnow@gmail.com.

If you want to go to Tibet, here’s how to get there without complication.

By tibettours

Journey to Holy Mount Kailash sacred mountain to the Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpo. For September 2012, we are offering a special group tour to the High Plateau of western Tibet. Circle the mountain (kora) with Tibetan pilgrims. This is an opportunity for a unique experience of a life time.

This tour  begins on  September 10th, 2012.  A group is comprised of a maximum of only ten to twelve people but can go with a minimum of 6 people. This allows us to communicate well and and keep it a very personal experience. Total cost for 2012 tours  is $5,245.00.  Inexpensive compared to similar tours. (Price includes international air ticket))  Our tours are typically around twenty days total with approximately fifteen days in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. A custom tour can be arranged at any time of the year again with a minimum of 6 people.

Inside Tibet we are assisted by a Tibetan guide who also speaks English to assure all of us ready access to specific information or translation in speaking to other Tibetans.

Sometimes individuals ask, “is the money I pay actually getting into the hands of the Tibetan people themselves?” This a fair question as with many large travel companies this can be a real concern. Lha Tso Tours partner company in Tibet is Tibet owned and operated and employs Tibetan guides only, who make their sole sustenance from this job.  Additionally Lhatso Tours priority is  to always patronize Tibet businesses or employ Tibetan people in the course of our tours.

For more  information, please read on…… or if you might be seriously interested please contact : tibettoursnow@gmail.com.

FAQs

How long are the tours? 19 to 21 days

How much do they cost?  Mt. Kialash tour for September, 2011 : $5,245.00-this includes international air-fair.

Do we have to get visas, or permits to go to Tibet and is this a problem?  Lha tso tours handles all Visa and permit requirements, so there is no problem with this.

Isn’t elevation a concern? Yes it is, and because of this we always spend our first five full days at the same base elevation, at the beginning of our time in Tibet.

What about accommodation? It works on  a shared room basis (2 persons per room/a private room is extra)

What kind of accommodation do we have? In urban centres we have modern, very clean, comfortable Tibetan hotels; in rural areas rooms can be in a very simple guesthouse or monastery with no running water but yet comfortable and clean. (please see photos for pictures of accommodations)

What kind of transportation do we have during the tour? As our tours are typically limited a total of ten to twelve travelers,  plus our Canadian and Tibet guides, and a Tibetan driver we use a small, but modern comfortable,  bus. There could be times when we would switch to using several landcruisers because or road conditions. (please see photos for picture of buses used)

Is there much hiking involved in our time in Tibet? We walk a fair amount each day – although on some days we are driving long distances and so do not do much  walking at all.  But the walking we do is also optional and if a person does not feel up to it, there is no problem. There are times when we have the options if we feel up to it to hike, but this is strictly optional.  Just being in Tibet at its lower elevation (12 to 13.000 feet, which is very high for us) we often don’t feel like hiking too much.

It’s not to do with physical fitness either- even Everest climbers can be winded initially . But we don’t really have any trouble. Maybe the first few days we will go through an adjustment – headache or nausea for few hours which can be remedied with medication.

Of course it doesn’t hurt to do a little extra exercising before leaving for Tibet.

What is the weather like in Tibet? In July it is  hot in the middle of the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. The sun is very bright and so Tibetans wear hats. The average daily high is +22c. The average low(nighttime) is +11c. The average precipitation is 0.25cm.

In October the skies are perfectly clear blue and the sun is bright and surprisingly warm. It’s a perfect time of the year. The average temperature daily high is +18c and the average daily low is +3c.  The average precipitation is 0.11cm.

What about food? In the urban centres like Lhasa , Gyantse, or Shigatse there are most kinds of food available; western and eastern. In rural Tibet choices are limited. The Tibetan traditional diet is very simple, yet tasty; centering around:  Tsampa (roasted barley flour), Po Cha (butter tea), Tukpa (noodle soup),  Tingmo or Momos (dumplings) and meat.  Now in most parts of Tibet there are also Chinese options of rice and  vegetable stir fries available. (yes, it is possible for a vegetarian to eat reasonably well in Tibet). Meals in Tibet are generally inexpensive; under $10/day.

What about taking photographs? No problem generally. In fact taking pictures in Tibet is incredible because of the bright sunshine and of course  the spectacular sights. In Lhasa and Shigatse memory cards and even shops downloading pics onto discs are readily available. *Regarding any  restrictions by Chinese law; it is not allowed to photograph military or related checkpoints,vehicles, installations, etc. Otherwise cameras, including video cameras are common place with tourists in Tibet.

Does Lhatso Tours provide information ahead of time about what is needed for this trip? Prior to any tour leaving Canada at least two orientation sessions are provided, detailing information on health concerns, what to pack , resources, (including book and video  lists) on  past and present cultural realities, religious, and geographical information. We arrive in Tibet prepared.

ABOUT LHA TSO TOURS

Lha Tso Tours are organized and led by Glen McLean of Alberta, Canada. Glen has been involved  with Tibetan culture for the past 30 years and is well known within the Tibetan Community of this province as well as with his many associates and friends in Tibet itself. For many years he  has coordinated Tibetan cultural and information events in his city. He is a student of Tibetan history, language, and dharma and has a keen interest in contemporary Tibet and Tibetan culture.  Lha Tso Tours works with a partner company in Tibet. This means that all schedules, permits, and confirmations, etc. are taken care of before you arrive. It also means that you in fact travel with two guides, Glen McLean and  a Tibetan guide, which allows you to have clear communications and an intimate rapport with Tibetan culture throughout the journey.

Here is a general itinerary of this years tours..

For September, 2012 we will be travelling to Holy Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom (pronounced goo-gay) of western Tibet. The the following itinerary outlines  the journey to Kailash and Guge.

        JOURNEY TO MOUNT KAILASH  ITINERARY

Day 01 : Pickup at GANKGAR airport- 40 minute drive to LHASA   checking into   Snowlands Hotel. Afternoon stroll around the Jokhang temple Barkhor .

Day 02 : Late morning visit to the JOKHANG TEMPLE, this is the holiest  shrine in Tibet and houses of golden statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess Wenchen.  Afternoon visit to Sera Monastery to see monks debating..

Day 03 : Afternoon visit  to the POTALA PALACE, formerly both the  religious     and political seat of Tibet . the site of the red fort built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and later becoming the location of the Potala palace constructed by  the 5th Dalai lama in the 17th century

Day 04 : LHASA-GYANGTSE-SHIGATSE    261km
Full day  drive from Lhasa to the city of Gyantse following the Tibetan lifeline river, the YARLUNG TSANGPO (Brahmaputra) – crossing over the high passes of KAMBALA (4,794) and KAROLA (5,010) & via the great tourquoise Yamdrok tso lake.

Visit Koomboom Stupa, which is said to be the home of 10,000 images and Palchode Monastery.    Drive to Shigatse Tibet s second largest city and home of the Panchen Lama monastery, Tashi Lumpo. Overnight at the Gyangtse hotel.

Day 05 : SHIGATSE TO SAGA  430 km  (overnight)

This is a long distance drive through barren grassland areas where we will see many drokpa or     nomad peoples encampments and large herds of yak and cattle.

Day 06 : SAGA TO PARYANG 255 km, 7hrs (Elev.4,700 meters)
Paryang at 15,700 feet or 4,750 m is in the heart of  western Tibet.  Here the four great rivers of south Asia diverge from their glacial sources around Mount Kailash. En route you will pass through the village of Zhongba . (Overnight) in hotel or camping.

Day 07 : LAKE MANASAROVAR – DARCHEN – KAILASH ( 255 km )

Continuing west we will have an uninterrupted view of the Himalaya mountains bordering India and Nepal to the south. Finally comes our first view of Lake Manasarovar and then the great Mount Kailaish. Driving on rugged roads to the windblown settlement of Darchen (15,150 feet or 4,620m ) we  arrive at the Pilgrim’s gate way to the Holy mountain.  Now our seemingly endless driving is over and its time to rest overnight and prepare for the next day’s trek . Overnight in Guest house.

Day 08 :  MOUNT KAILASH KORA (CIRCLING THE MOUNTAIN)Day 1
The pilgrim’s kora around Mount Kailash starts and finishes in Darchen, On this first day we will trek 6 hours from Darchen to Dhira phuk (16,450feet or 5,010m ) and camp at the Gompa (monastery) there. This is near the backside of  Mount Kailash where you can see beautiful view of the mountain. Overnight camping or guest house.

Day 08 : DHIRA PHUK- DZUTRUL PHUK (Kailash Kora)Day 2
Today we will trek 6-7hours from Dhira phuk to Dzutrul phuk (15,700feet or 4,790m ) We will leave the Lhachu valley and enter the Dorma chu valley, heading up towards a high pass above the Gaurikund lake or Tuje Dzingbu (the bathing pool of compassion) which is one of the highest lakes in the world. Hindu pilgrim’s are Supposed to take a ritual bath here. This trek takes us to a very high elevation and is  slow going and definitely a challenge. Overnight camping or Guest house at the Dzutrul phuk.

Day 09 : DZUTRUL PHUK- DARCHEN. (Kailash Kora)Day 3
This day we will finish the kora with a 4-5 hours trek from Dzutrul phuk back to Darchen, We will across several streams and follow an impressive gorge on this trip. Along the way we are once again treated to magnificent views of Mt Kalaish.

AFTERNOON DRIVE TO THIRTHAPORI ( 80 Km ) it takes around 3 hours. Visit Kunglung city and Guru Kem monastery Overnight camping or guest house

Day 10 : DRIVE TO TSABRANG ( 200 KM ) it takes 5 -6 hrs)   After  climbing  and descending from a high pass when the landscape changes drastically and is completely different from other places of Tibet. This is the Guge (goo-gay) kingdom. Over night in guest house.

Day 11 : SIGHTSEEING in the GUGE KINGDOM The Guge Kingdom, founded in the 9th century, evolved as a result of the collapse of the Yarlung Dynasty under the anti-Buddhist ruler Langdarma. After his assassination, one of his sons, Namde Osung, who had fled to this far- west part of Tibet, founded the Guge Kingdom.  The Tholing Temple and religious buildings of Tholing are the most significant in west Tibet. They were constructed under the guidance of the great Tibetan translator Rinchen Sangpo (985-1055), around 1014-25 A.D (some sources suggest an earlier date (996.) During his lifetime he is said to have built 108 temples throughout far –west Tibet and Ladak. . Overnight we come back to Tholing Monastery Guest House.

Day 12 : DRIVE TO LAKE MANASAROVAR :

Time to rest for the day or explore the lake Manasarovar Chiru Gompa ; before the long journey back to Lhasa. Overnight at Guest house

Day 13 : MANASAROVAR TO SAGA 510 km

Day 14 : SAGA TO SHIGATSE 430 km (3800 m ): Overnight

Day 15 : SHIGATSE TO LHASA : 280km

              Day 16: DRIVE TO AIRPORT FOR RETURN TRIP TO CHENGDU

Our annual tour of Central Tibet  follows the itinerary below. This is the recommended journey for first time visitors to Tibet as it covers most of the outstanding historical and sacred sites one would want to see in central Tibet.

A July tour which is outlined below the Sept. and Oct. itinerary is be quite different, in that in includes actually hiking and camping requiring more physical stamina, and perhaps better suited to second time visitors to Tibet. This tour will of course still involve visiting Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. Please see below for details.

The total time travelling  on our tour is approximately 20 days. This is allowing for two days on either side of  the Tibetan Autonomous Region for stop overs in China to obtain permits and make flight connections.

Flying from Vancouver to Beijing,  and continuing on to the Chinese city of Chengdu we spend a day visiting  the  Great Buddha carved  into the cliff at Leishan.

On day three we arrive in the ancient capital of  Tibet, Lhasa. Because elevation in Tibet is a concern, we spend several days in Lhasa to ensure that our bodies have time to adjust.  The elevation of Lhasa city is 3,595 meters above sea level.

In Lhasa, where much of early Tibetan history began, is the Jokhang Temple; built  1,400 years ago  and considered the most sacred place in all of Tibet.  The best way to ease into the elevation and awe-inspiring Tibetan culture is by joining the throngs of  pilgrims  doing ‘kora’ on the kilometer of narrow streets that circle around the this ancient temple.

There is lots to see  in Lhasa and the next excursion is the to Potala, the 1,100 roomed palace  built by the ‘Great Fifth’ Dalai Lama and past home of the present Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government.  Then there is the Norbu Linka, the Summer Palace. Then the three great Gelupa monastaries,  and nunneries.  Our time is very filled.

From Lhasa we journey to Samye, taking a small wood boat across the Yurlung Sangpo river.  Samaye, Tibet’s first monastery, was founded circa 775 A.D. by King Trisen Detsun and Guru Rimpoche. This mandala like complex of temples sits in a quiet valley where we can soak up the peace and spiritual vibrations for a couple of days also having the option to hike up to  Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave.

From here we travel south-west along the shores of the dazzling lake Yamdroktso to Gyantse where we visit the magnificent Koom Boom Chorten, Tibet’s largest stupa and ancient architectural wonder. Today Gyantse is a small relaxed farm town but it was for centuries a centre of trade,  famous for it fine woolen rugs. It is here where the British layed siege  to the fort in their invasion of Tibet in 1904.  On the summer tour we stay in Gyantse for a few days and visit the incredible Gyantse Horse festival and Yak races. This is a special fair because it attracts rural Tibetans from miles around and is almost purely a ‘Tibetan Festival’.

We’ve come west and south and are starting to snug up to the immense Himalayas. Its time to head to Tingre and into the mountains. Time  to approach the North Face and so we are off to Mount Everest.

To say, Chomolangma (Mount Everest)  is breath-taking is both literally and visually true. Base camp is our highest point of  elevation at 5200 meters . To be in such proximity of the worlds highest peak (8,850 m./29,035 ft.) is truly a special time. We spend the night in a yak wool tent or at the guest house of Tibet’s  highest monastery; Rongbok Gompa.

After this visit to the ‘big mountain’ we return to the city of Shigatse, traditional home of the Panchen Lama and relax in a fine hotel, get hot showers, enjoy food choices beyond noodles and rice,  and explore the great Tashilumpo Monastery, the markets, and rug factories.

Rested up we now going to head through the back country north and higher to visit Lake Namtso (4,718 m.) seeing Tibetan nomads, their yaks and  yak wool tents.

Here we can take our time;  explore and breathe in the fresh cool mountain air, stunning scenery of the turquoise lake, and snow-capped mountains.

We have now reached day sixteen. Time to complete our clock wise kora of Central Tibet (remember? – kora means circle)and head back to Lhasa to get one last chance to see the holy Jokhang temple, the Potala , the Barkor, and to shop for folks back home.  A day later we sadly say good-bye to Tibet and board the plane for Chengdu.

At this point our hearts are filled with the soul of Tibet, and her dear people; something that we will cherish and hold strong for ever.

This is a general overview of the itinerary for this years September and October tours of Central Tibet. We hope it is your karma to join us.

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In July we  offer  a tour of the same number of days in Tibet but involving a few different excursions and a mountain trek. After arriving and visiting in Lhasa for several days the group will drive to Ganden Monastery 50 klm northeast of Lhasa. From near Ganden we will begin a three days trek through he mountains south to Samye monastery.

Hiking into the mountain valleys away from roads we can visit nomad camps and a few small villages to see rural Tibetan life. Our bags would all be carried by yaks and our meals made for us over a fire . We would sleep in tents  enjoying outdoors, fresh air, and big sky on top of the world.

After arriving at Samaye valley and  town home of Tibet’s first monastery we would rest fora day and night.

From here we would drive to the city Gyantse to attend the famous Gyantse Horse festival. This festival is special as it attracts Tibetans from far and wide and is a strictly Tibetan festival featuring all kinds of  equestrian competitions and even a yak race. The ambiance and festive celebrations are a great chance to be with Tibetans and really feel Tibetan culture.

We’ll be here for a full three days and so can easily take in visiting the most amazing piece of architecture in Tibet and a most holy spot as well; the famous Koom Boom Chorten or stupa.

After this we will move on to the city of Shigatse with its Tashi lumpo Monastery home of the Panchen Lama.

Returning to Lhasa we will be just in time to attend the great Shoton or Yogurt festival at Drepung Monastery. Drepung was the largest of all Tibet’s monasteries once housing some 10,000 monks. The Shoton festival lasting several days includes the unfurling of the great Buddha tonka or painting which covers  an entire hillside and attracts thousands of  faithful Tibetan s. Amid clouds of  burning incense,  mantra, and long trumpeting horns we can experience a real taste of  old Tibet.

These activities will fill up most of our two weeks in Tibet.  From here we would fly back to Chengdu, China. Or for those  still up for more traveling there is also the option to drive or fly south to Kathmandu, Nepal and/or even on to India.

If you might be seriously interested please contact : tibettoursnow@gmail.com.