Lhasa & Central Tibet Pilgrimage

Your journey begins with a short but scenic flight from Paro International Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, ideally located near the Great Stupa of Boudhanath. The evening is free for rest and personal orientation. A group briefing will be held to discuss the upcoming Tibet permit procedures and offer final pilgrimage preparations.

Take an early morning scenic Himalayan flight into Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The views of Everest and other peaks are unforgettable. Upon arrival in the "Land of the Gods," you will be met by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. The most important rule upon arrival is strict rest. This gentle day is crucial for acclimatization. Hydrate well and move slowly.

A gentle morning to assess how your body is adjusting to the altitude. A short walk is beneficial. In the afternoon, you will visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, housing nearly 10,000 monks. It was the complete seat of monastic power and learning. Returning to the hotel early ensures you do not overexert yourself.

Today you will visit the spiritual heart of Tibet, the Jokhang Temple (7th century).

• Significance: Built by King Songtsen Gampo, this temple is the ultimate pilgrimage destination. It houses the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred Buddha statue in Tibet.
• Experience: Witness pilgrims performing full-body prostrations. In the afternoon, walk the Barkhor Kora, the pilgrim path encircling the Jokhang. Joining the continuous flow of pilgrims chanting mantras is a deeply moving spiritual experience.

In the morning, ascend to the magnificent Potala Palace.

• Significance: This iconic structure was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. You will visit the elaborate chapels and the sacred stupas of past Dalai Lamas.
• Afternoon: You will visit Ramoche Temple, an important site for early Buddhist history in Tibet.

Visit Sera Monastery, one of the great "three universities" of the Gelugpa school. Here, you will witness the famous monastic debates in the late afternoon. Monks engage in lively, animated philosophical discussions—a living tradition of Buddhist logic that is both intellectually stimulating and visually captivating.

Depart Lhasa and drive south, crossing the Kamba La Pass (4,794m) for a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake.

• Why Sacred: As one of Tibet’s four great holy lakes, Yamdrok-Tso is associated with divine feminine energy (Dakini).
• Continue, crossing the Karo La Pass (5,248m) —the highest point of your pilgrimage. Overnight in Gyantse.

In Gyantse, visit the unique Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa, containing 108 chapels. Later, drive to Shigatse to visit the colossal Tashilhunpo Monastery.

• Significance: The traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, it houses a magnificent 26-meter statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa along the fertile valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra).

Drive to Ganden Monastery, founded by Tsongkhapa. For those with the energy, an optional, moderate kora (pilgrimage path) hike of 2-3 hours offers stunning views. This is a wonderful way to physically engage in walking meditation.

This day is entirely free for your own spiritual practice. You may wish to:

• Make butter lamp offerings at the Jokhang Temple.
• Perform additional prostrations or kora around the Barkhor.
• Spend quiet time for reflection and personal prayers.

(This day was gained by streamlining the visa process)
Another full day for personal exploration. You could revisit a monastery that touched you deeply, explore the lesser-known Tibet Museum (if open) to understand the culture, or simply rest and absorb the atmosphere of Lhasa.

After a final morning in Lhasa, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Take your return flight to Paro International Airport, marking the end of this profound 15-day pilgrimage. Tashi Delek!