8-Nights A Spiritual Journey in Tibet - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Beijing, China
Big, bold, bewildering: no adjective is too grand for the Chinese capital. It is a living, breathing timeline on the rushing banks of the Hai, where red lanterns flicker in the narrow alleys of hutong districts, the scents of Pekinese cuisine waft over busy markets, and each skyscraper looms larger than the last.


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2 Beijing – The Great Wall
Leave the crowds behind as you scale the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, a wonderfully preserved, off-piste stretch of this iconic monument, before delving into one of Beijing’s traditional hutong neighborhoods. In this old-world maze of lanes and alleyways, visit the home of a local family for a rare glimpse into a bygone age.


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3 Lhasa, Tibet – Sky-High Cradle Of Buddhism
Even if Lhasa were not the ancient cradle of Buddhism, it would be hard to refute the misty, spiritual quality of its geography, perched like an eagle’s nest on a lofty plateau. But faith is inescapable in this rich, altitudinous dream: fluttering prayer flags and monks’ crimson robes, butter lamps flickering in ornate temples, bazaars stocked with prayer beads, and grand palaces and shrines.


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4 Lhasa – Monastic Footsteps
Immerse yourself in the history of Tibet with visits to three of its most significant sites. First, Norbulingka, or the “Jeweled Park,” the elegant former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Wander through its leafy gardens and beautiful pavilions, soaking in the history of royal life. Next, head to the Tibet Museum, which illustrates the region’s culture and history through ancient artifacts and archaeological finds. Then, uncover the rich history of Tibet’s monastic tradition with a visit to the Sera Monastery. Founded in 1419, the monastery is famed as the site of many important monastic debates, and today houses ancient scriptures, Buddhist artwork and detailed murals.


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5 Lhasa – Palaces, Temples And Bazaars
Dominating the skyline of Lhasa is the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former winter residence of nine Dalai Lamas dates to 1645. Its intricate prayer halls, statues and frescoes radiate a sense of peace. On clear days, the palace affords stunning views stretching of the Himalayas. Continue to to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most revered shrine. Built in the seventh century, the temple’s golden-roofed halls house the venerated Jowo Shakyamuni statue, believed to be blessed by the Buddha himself. Then, tap into the rhythms of daily Tibetan life at Barkhor Bazaar, where you witness pilgrims spinning prayer wheels as vendors sell local delicacies. Cap things off with a visit to the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, the 15th-century nunnery that endures as one of Lhasa’s longest standing religious institutions for women.


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6 Gyantse – Sacred Lakes And Glaciers
Begin with a visit to the sacred Yamdrok Lake. Framed by snow-capped peaks and prayer flag-draped mountain passes, the lake is believed to be a talisman for Tibetan vitality and fertility. Next, journey to the Karola Glacier. Descending to within view of the highway, the Karola Glacier is one of the most accessible in Tibet. Its icy cliffs cascade down Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar, forming a dramatic natural wall that glows blue in the midday sun.


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7 Gyantse – Dzongs And Chapels
Sitting at 13,000 feet above sea level on an ancient trade route between Tibet and India, Gyantse is a cultural capital rich in history. At its heart lies its impeccably preserved dzong fortress that still stands firm despite a turbulent past. Ascend the slopes of a rocky hill to Gyantse Dzong, one of Tibet’s best-preserved fortresses, before heading to Kumbum Stupa Temple. Rising nine tiers and crowned with a golden dome, its 70 chapels and 100,000 murals pay homage to Buddhist cosmology.


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8 Shigatse
This thriving modern metropolis of Shigatse serves as a worthy jumping off point for trips in western Tibet. As the former seat of the Panchen Lama, it’s also home to a host of historically significant sites, including the gold-roofed Tashilhunpo Monastery. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, Tashilunpo is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. It houses the world’s largest gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha and an intact monastic community. Step inside the monastery as your guide reveals its maze of chapels, courtyards, and prayer halls alive with ritual and learning.


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9 Depart Chengdu, China



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