LHASA

Sightseeing in Lhasa where you will visit the major sacred places. The Sera Monasterie is one of the Gelugpa's (Yellow Hat) Great monasteries founded in 1419 and is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet; its principal buildings were inexplicably spared during the Cultural Revolution, and a few hundred monks now live here. While the Second Dalai Lama built the Ganden Potrang in the early years of the 16th century, the Drepung Monasterie, became the effective center of political power in Tibet. By the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama (1617-82) its population had grown to a staggering 10,000, easily the largest monastic institution in the world.

The Potala Palace, a monumental palace of kings and Dalai Lamas, towers above the city like a fairytale castle. The Potala has over 1,000 rooms and is the most complex monument ever built in Tibet designed to serve numerous diverse functions. First it was the palace where the Dalai Lama and his large entourage resided and where all ceremonies of state were held. It was also the seat of Tibet's government. All political and administrative decisions concerning the country emanated from here. In addition, the Potala was a major destination for pilgrims.

Norbu Lingka has been the official summer residence of the Dalai Lama since the middle of the 18th C. It has four major palace complexes and the most ornate palace was initiated by the present Dalai Lama. Within re his residential quarters, which are left exactly as they were when he fled to India in 1959.

Pilgrims come from all over the country to pay homage to the Jokhang, Tibet's most sacred temple. Located in the very heart of Lhasa's colorful Tibetan quarter, Jokhang is the focus of devotion day and night. Tibetans circle it while going round and round the Barkhor, gaining spiritual merit and generally having a wonderful time. This, the spiritual center of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.

GYANTSE

From Lhasa we drive the Arniko Higway and after crossing the pass we travel along the lakes of Yamdrok Tso. This idyllic route has the dramatic, contrasting scenery of sparkling blue water and high mountains. When crossing the Karola Pass (5045m) the glacier of Mt. Kangtang 7191m is a few meters within our reach. We arrive in Gyantse, a village with a deeply Tibetan character. The Dzong Fort is presently the only survival fort in Tibet dates back from the early 14th century. The impressive Palcho Monasterie, is a complex composed of sixteen monasteries belonging to different sects, all living in harmony. Multi-sect monasteries such as this are not found elsewhere in Tibet. Overnight hotel.

SHIGATSE

Driving further over a dusty road to Shigatse we enjoy a fine scene of green valleys, now and then spotted with little villages with prayer flags on the roof tops. In Shigatse we visit the Tashilhumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama for which reason Shigatse is the second largest town of Tibet. Here you are amazed by the 30 mtr. gold gilded copper sitting Buddha (Maitreya) with big diamonds inlaid for the eyebrows. Overnight hotel.

After traversing an isolated nomadic region, we drive over the high Tibetan Plateau. The route presents scenery of unforgettable natural wonder. We arrive in New Tingri where we can visit the Shekar Monasterie, perched on a ridge overlooking the small town. Shekar was damaged during the Cultural Revolution but some buildings and chapels have been repaired. Overnight hotel.

Early in the morning we start to follow our way back to Nepal. After Tingri a view of the world famous Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) can be seen from the roadside. The trip to Zhangmu is a real adventure while it cuts right through the mighty Himalayas by crossing the Lalung La Pass on 5.214 m. About 15 km. before we reach the border-town we have to cross by foot a landslide, where no vehicles can pass. Mostly there are some porters who will carry your luggage by payment. Behind the landslide we try to arrange a truck that drives us finally to the town of Zhangmu.