Among all the Buddhist nations in Asia, Tibet has preserved the most original forms of Indian Buddhism, partly because of its remoteness but mainly because it has allowed spiritual beliefs to permeate its culture and people's conscience almost entirely. From the 8th to the 10th century AD, Tibet witnessed the birth of more than 20 religious schools, each deriving from distinct lineages of Buddhism, and among these the most influential were the Nyingmapa, Kagyupa and Gekupka. In this tour, we will explore the major monasteries, temples and sacred sites under the guidance of our experts through horse-riding, hiking and overland drives across spectacular mountain ranges. We will take part in prayer ceremonies, visit the homes of local Tibetans and discuss religious customs throughout the trip. By experiencing the wonders and the spiritual challenges experienced by Tibet's pilgrims, we may gain an understanding of why Tibetans draw an equal sign between religion and life.

Day 1 Chengdu :
You will be met at the airport in Chengdu. The rest of the day is open for you to either take a rest or stroll around the city to buy souvenirs or necessities. Chengdu is a prosperous and lively metropolis famous for its delicious spicy food and attractive tea houses.

Day 2 Chengdu to Tsedang :
We will take a morning flight to Lhasa and drive directly to Tsedang on the Yarlung-Tsangpo river junction. Since we have just made a sudden ascent to an altitude of over 3,700 meters (12,139 ft), the morning is left open for you to acclimatize to the new environment. Afternoon activities will be limited to a visit to Yumbu Lagan, a reconstruction of Tibet's oldest palace originally established on this site by the founder of the Yarlung dynasty - Nyatri Tsenpo during the 1st century BC.

Day 3 Samye Monastery/horse riding at Dorjidrak valley :
In the morning, we will drive along the Tsangpo river to visit the fantastic Samye monastery, believed to be Tibet's first monastery, built between 775 and 779. The original building is no longer intact due to destruction caused by wars and natural disasters, but the monastery has been rebuilt each time and still remains the symbol of Tibet's national identity. Its main building is a three-story tower with an interior influenced by Tibetan, Han and Indian styles. The wide expanse of the river and sand dunes give an almost eerie sense of remoteness here. We will ride on horseback and explore the caves, nunnery and active hermitage in the area. At night, we will camp in the fields near the main monastery.

Day 4 Samye to Lake Yamdrok Tso :
We will leave Samye in the morning for Lake Yamdrok Tso, stopping at Samding Monastery. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery is the residence of Samding Dorje Phagmo, the only female living Buddha in Tibet. After lunch, we will continue our drive to the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso (4408 m), where you will enjoy the unforgettable vista of its princer-shaped expanse of turquoise water, with the mysterious Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m) on the peninsula beyond, and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) in the distance. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. We will hike around the lake and spend the night camping on its shore.

Day 5 Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse :
We will drive towards Gyantse, an attractive, relaxed town offering a splendid sight of the Kumbum Stupa situated at its Northern edge. Housed within the compound of a rather barren looking Pelkor Chode Monastery, Kumbun consists of 8 levels and contains a total of 75 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

Day 6 Gyantse to Shigatse :
In the morning we will drive to Shigatse (3900m/12,793ft), the second largest town in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. We will visit Tashilhumo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and a prominent Gekupka monastery. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In the afternoon, we will drive towards Gyantse, an attractive, relaxed town offering a splendid sight of the Kumbum Stupa situated at its Northern edge. Housed within the compound of a rather barren looking Pelkor Chode Monastery, Kumbun consist of 8 levels and contains a total of 75 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

Day 7 Shigatse to Lhasa :
We'll get up early and listen to the morning prayers in the Grand Hall of Tashilhumo Monastery, where you can see lamas rushing around pouring yak butter tea into endless rows of cups. In the late morning, we will take a 6-hour drive along the Brahmaputra River to Lhasa.

Day 8 Lhasa :
In the morning, we will visit the Potala Palace, winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the religio-political nexus of traditional Tibet. You will join many pilgrims on your way to the top of the hill where this 13-storey architectural wonder is perched upon. After lunch at the Barkhor market, the afternoon is left open for you to explore the local markets.

Day 9 Lhasa to Chengdu :
You will be transferred to the airport in the early morning to Chengdu. Trip ends.

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