DOSSIER: At Home Elsewhere in the Himalaya
TIBET 
The High Road from Lhasa with The Backdoor to Everest

12 Days.  Hotel and Guest Houses.
Flight:  Kathmandu-Lhasa. 
Pre-tour Briefing: HE Office (Kathmandu Guest House) 3 pm on day prior to Day 1. Full attendance necessary for briefing with emphasis on visa, flight ticket and individual equipment checks.

See ‘First 48’ Dossier for pre-trip services.

Tibet; the forbidden land on the roof of the world. The exotic characteristics of Buddhism’s powerfully sublime and mystical spiritual forces.  The rugged terrain and the raw and intense environment. The limitless sense of scale, the breathtaking vistas and the amiable people.  And the art and architecture owing everything to the above - all concocting to give the intrepid traveller a riveting experience.  With four of the world’s highest mountains flanking its southern border, with numerous ridge-top monasteries gazing unblinkingly at the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, with true adventures lurking around almost each and  every corner and characterized by high altitude and climatic extremes, here, Tibet offers one of the world’s most spectacular journeys.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

Especially during the first few days at this altitude it pays to moderate activity and take short breaks.  And after the first of these, we'll explore Lhasa's Old Quarter. 

We'll find the interesting pilgrimage kora (circuit) of Barkhor and watch as pilgrims perform their ritual prostration.  Here too is a classic Tibetan market; hundreds of merchants, traders and craftsmen, all with something to sell to Lhasa’s inhabitants, to innumerable pilgrims and to the likes of you and me. 

Day 02: Sightseeing in Lhasa -
If you’ve pictured Tibet at all, chances are you‘ve pictured the Potala Palace, the most potent symbol for the Tibetan Community worldwide.  It's a treasure trove of traditional culture, an architectural marvel and it’s World Heritage-listed site. Stroll through its 13 storeys, housing 1,000 rooms. 

In the late afternoon, we'll visit the Jorkhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan beliefs.  It literally hums with pilgrims murmuring chants and spinning prayer wheels amidst the myriad flickering of yak butter lamps.  We'll also attend the evening prayer recital in the temple. Later, take the opportunity for an insight into the world of ancient Tibetan holistic healing at the Metzekhang medicine centre.  (B)  

 Day 03: Lhasa & Environs -
In the morning, travel 5 km north to one of the great monasteries of the Gelugpa, yellow hat, order.   Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery became famous for its Tantric teachings.  At Sera, the monks perform a clapping ritual which is good-natured, boisterous fun, and visitors can also partake.  Also just outside Lhasa stands Drepung, once the largest of all monasteries.  Within the periphery lies the Ganden Palace, home to the Dalai Lamas from the time it was founded by the 2nd Dalai Lama until the 5th built the Potala. The Dalai Lama's erstwhile Summer Palace, Norbulingka, is a shady retreat  a short distance from town and a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.  (B)