Tibet Tours

The people of Tibet make some gorgeous beads of different sizes, some inlaid with gem stones, and some set  in brass and silver. Tibetan silver is not 925, but is recognized worlwide as a great  silver jewelry product. I’ve found some good sources of these wonderful beads, and am enjoying working with them.  Here are two examples of items I’ve made with some Tibetan beads.  The first is beads that have coral and lapis set in bands of Tibetan silver, and I mixed them with some lapis jasper and Chinese blue glass beads,  then added a 925 closure and earwires.

Tibetan silver beaded necklace and earring set

The second example uses 3 Tibetan brass beads, inlaid with coral and turquoise.  Then I used lots of coral and turquoise beads, and added 925 sterling earwires and a Thai S closure on the necklace. Thai silver is actually more pure in silver than 925.

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Every daybreak on the southeast edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Lucy walks into the only Catholic Church in Tibet, dips her fingers into the holy water and makes the sign of the cross before praying.

Rain, hail or shine, the 62-year-old has attended masses and sermons since she was baptized as a child. The priest who baptized her gave her the Western name.

But Lucy is at home among Tibetans, who swing prayer wheels and prostrate themselves in front of Buddhas.

Unlike Catholics elsewhere, Lucy reads the Bible in Tibetan and presents hada, long pieces of silk used as greeting gifts among Tibetans, to the Virgin Mary.

The church she visits every day is perched on a hill in the valley west of the Jinsha River. It is in the village of Yanjing, also known as “Yerkalo”, and is adorned with gesang flowers in its court, where white hada frame the religious artworks.

Built by French missionary Felix Biet in 1865, the whitewashed structure has two crosses on its outer walls while its interior is adorned with Gothic arches and frescos on the ceiling.

Father Felix was born in 1838 and ordained a priest in January 1864. He arrived in Tibet two months later. He was also ordained a bishop and died in 1901.

After the church was built, clashes between its followers and those of a nearby lamasery were common. The clashes reached a peak in the 1940s when armed lamas took over the church. The church was not returned to Catholic hand until 1951 after many local Catholics had asked the local authorities, the Qamdo People’s Liberation Committee, to return it to them.

That handover marked the end of clashes between the local Catholics and Tibetan Buddhists, according to the China Tibet News website.

The church became an elementary and middle school during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). In the late 1980s, the church was renovated at a cost of 102,000 yuan (about 14,934 U.S. dollars), 95,000 yuan of which came from the government.

Tibetan priest Father Laurent says the Upper Yanjing Village has a population of less than 1,000, and that the church, with more than 500 parishioners, has enriched the local culture and coexists with Tibetan monasteries.

“Many villagers bring their babies to be baptized, and the baptism is performed over eight consecutive days. The babies will receive religious names like Paul and Anne. The names will be with them for their whole lives, and when they die, they will be buried,” he says.

But wedding ceremonies do not take place in the church, Father Laurent says, the priest will instead go to the couple’s home and pray for them.

Maria takes charge of cleaning and daily necessities. But her husband Zhaxi Wangdui is a fervent Tibetan Buddhist.

Maria says they are both pious and respect each other’s beliefs – “We still share the same culture and lifestyle after all.”

When the Tibetan New Year falls, normally in March, Maria joins her husband and the village folk to celebrate.

“After all these years of coexistence, couples who belong to different religions in the village can stick to their own faiths when they marry and their children can choose their own religion once they grow up.”

At Christmas, Father Laurent says Catholics from neighboring provinces come while Buddhists from nearby lamaseries are invited over.

“Religious conflicts between the Catholics and Buddhists are a thing of the past,” says Father Laurent.

Trip Length
7 Days
Route
Chengdu-Rilong-Xinduqiao-Litang-Daocheng-Yading-Daocheng-Xinduqiao-Chengdu
Attractions
Overland Aba, Ganzi, two Tibetan Prefectures, the altitude rises and Plateau landscape is beheld. The largest Panda Breeding Base, magnificent Mt Siguniang, stone watchtowers, alpine meadows and the tour destination: Mt kongarimsongongbo, the Trinity of Tibetan Buddhist Protectors.
Today’s Highlights:
Drive to Rilong; Wolong Panda Base Visiting

Details:
We will depart in the morning and continue drive to Rilong which is about 220 km from Chengdu (about 5-6 hours driving). It is a small town, situated at an altitude of 10,000ft. En route, we will visit Wolong Panda Base, one of the earliest research bases established in the early 1980s. Overnight in Rilong.

Day 2: Rilong-Xinduqiao
Today’s Highlights:
Xinduqiao Sightseeing; Bamei and Tagong Grassland

Details:
After breakfast, driving to Xinduqiao, is always called as the platform of photographer. the photography lover using the place, could take numerous beautiful pictures of plateau pastureland. En route enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Bamei and Tagong grassland. Overnight in Xinduqiao.

Day 3:Xinduqiao-Yajiang-Litang-Daocheng(3,400m)
Today’s Highlights:
Drive to Daocheng

Details:
357km ride over mountain passes over 4,000m in turn as Gao’ersi, Jianziwan and Haizishan to Daocheng, which is full of discovery of primitive Tibetan villages, Buddhism monasteries and pastoral scenery brought by the rolling landscapes. Overnight at Daocheng.

Day 4: Daocheng-Riwa-Chongu Monastery-Luorong Yak field-Yarding (3,700m)
Today’s Highlights:
Drive to Yading; Luorong Yak Field

Details:
110km ride to Yarding and free activities at your preference. Yading is a paradise for photographers and trekkers, which is one of China’s most awe-inspiring nature reserves, Tibetan’s holy land. Every stunning vista here is celebrated with a gompa, prayer flags or Mani Stones. You will take in relatively remote areas of Tibetan culture – small towns reminiscent of the wild west, rolling landscapes characterized by wheat and barley fields and Tibetan houses. Overnight at Yading town.

Day 5: Yarding-Mt Kongarimgongbo-Daocheng
Today’s Highlights:
Yading; Mt. Kongarimgongbo; Back to Daocheng

Details:
Yading is renowned for the 3 holy peaks, which were blessed in the 8th century by Buddha Padmasambhava of projecting his divine light onto the range and naming the 3 elevations after 3 bodhisattvas.

The south peak Jambeyang (or Jampelyang, Yangmaiyong) of 5,958m is the avatar of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The east peak Chanadorje (or Xianuoduoji) of the same height represents Vajrapani , the Bodhisattva of Wrath. The north peak, Chenresig (or Chenrezig, Xiannairi ) of 6,032m, the highest of the trio, symbolizes Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy. After visit, drive back to Daocheng. Overnight in Daocheng.

Day 6: Daocheng-Litang-Yajiang-Xinduqiao(3,200m)
Today’s Highlights:
Litang; Back to Xinduqiao

Details:
On the way to visit Litang Monastery. Overnight at Xinduqiao.

Day07: Back to Chengdu
Today’s Highlights:
Back to Chengdu

Details:
Today we will drive back to Chengdu. From Chengdu, you can take flight or train to your next destination. Hope you had a great time in Sichuan.

Tips for This Tour
1. Cold in night, bring enough clothes to keep warm;
2. Heavy sunshine in daytime, bring sunglasses and sunblock;
3. Avoid catching cold and bring some medicine;
4. Pass several mountains which are above 4,000 meters. For those who suffered from high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and heart disease, is not suitable;
5. No alcohol; More water, vegetable, and fruits;
6. The living condition and food supplies are compared not good. Prepare some food if necessary;
7. Protect the environment and respect the local culture. Prepare some candies or stationery as the gifts to the local people.

The Land of Snows, the roof of the world for travelers to visit Tibet is without doubt one of the most important places, which has many attractions for the visitors. The people of the plateau are a bluff, the strong heart, friendly and live in perfect harmony with its environment. Now for a Tibetan, Tibetan way of life and see how their daily lives!
Highlights:
a. Wind your way through the Potala, the Holy Land and a symbol of Tibet.
b. Join brew, pilgrims murmured shrines around the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
C. Around the Barkhor, Lhasa fascinating medieval pilgrimage circuit.
d. Close contact with the traditional art of Tibet and their daily lives. Join them, including one of them, enjoy this new way of life completely.
e. Sip tea in the tearoom Tibetan religious Ani Sangkhung monastery discover the most beautiful Tibet.
f. A short walk on the nature of Tibet near Sera, take the court of wild rose, and the famous debate sessions of the monks of the Sera Monastery.
Day 1
Place & Transport: Arrive in Lhasa
Today’s Activities: Hometown of Tibetan apron, spectacular scenery and typical Tibetan villages along the way.
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Welcome to Tibet! Today you could go to the “hometown of Tibetan apron”. There you could learn how to make Pulu (a weaving wool fabric Tibetan cloth) by locals, you could have a try if you are interested in. And on the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages. Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.

Day 2
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today’s Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: TVisit Potala, which was constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet and later reconstructed and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Then walk on the Barkhor Street nearby the temple, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Day 3
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today’s Activities: Stay with Tibetan family, become a Tibetan for one day.
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Today, you could learn how to make Tibetan joss stick, or Tibetan porcelain, or Thangka, etc. Or you could learn how Tibetans turn the yak dung into a good fuel, or how they gather in the harvest. You could join into them if you want. Different season, different activities.

Day 4
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today’s Activities: enjoy Tibetan tea in Ani Sangkhung Nunnery tea house, a short hiking into Tibet nature, catch the famous debate sessions of the monks in Sera monastery.
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Head past Muslim tea stalls and butcher shops, along part of the Lingkhor pilgrim circuit to the yellow walls of the Ani Sangkhung Nunnery. This small, friendly and active nunnery is the only one within the precincts of the old Tibetan quarter. The site of the nunnery probably dates back to the 7th century, but is housed a monastery until at least the 15th century. The principal image, upstairs on the 2nd floor, is a thousand-armed Chenresing. A small alley to the side of the main chapel heads down to the former meditation chamber of Songtsen Gampo, the 7th-century king of Tibet. The busy nuns run a great teahouse in the courtyard. Then drive to Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there, in the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa.

Day 5
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today’s Activities: Souvenir shopping and scenery on the way
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Free morning for shopping, buy some souvenirs for your families and friends. After lunch, departure transfer to see off, tour services end and Tibet welcome you back forever.

In the vast land of Tibet, which is regarded as “the Roof of the World”, the diligent and smart Tibetan people have made numerous cultural miracles. The Tibetan architecture, costumes, cuisine, folklore, epic tales, dances and festivals appeal deeply to the outsiders. This program probes into the mystery of Tibet’s colorful and ancient culture.
In this tour, we will explore the major monasteries and sacred sites under the guidance of our experts through overland drives across spectacular mountain ranges. Have a closed touch with Tibetan culture and nature, enjoy the Tibetan style life and see how their daily life is!

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1
Place & Transport: Arrive in Lhasa, get the first impression of Tibetan daily life
Today’s Activities: Hometown of Tibetan apron, spectacular scenery and typical Tibetan villages along the way.
Meals: D
Detailed Itinerary: Welcome to Tibet! Today you could go to the “hometown of Tibetan apron”. There you could learn how to make Pulu (a weaving wool fabric Tibetan cloth) by locals, you could have a try if you are interested in. And on the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages. Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.

Day 2
Place & Transport: Lhasa highlights escorted tour
Today’s Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Visit Potala, which was constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet and later reconstructed and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Then walk on the Barkhor Street nearby the temple, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Day 3
Place & Transport: Tibet Nunnery and Monastery
Today’s Activities: enjoy Tibetan tea in Ani Sangkhung Nunnery tea house, a short hiking into Tibet nature, catch the famous debate sessions of the monks in Sera monastery.
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Head past Muslim tea stalls and butcher shops, along part of the Lingkhor pilgrim circuit to the yellow walls of the Ani Sangkhung Nunnery. This small, friendly and active nunnery is the only one within the precincts of the old Tibetan quarter. The site of the nunnery probably dates back to the 7th century, but is housed a monastery until at least the 15th century. The principal image, upstairs on the 2nd floor, is a thousand-armed Chenresing. A small alley to the side of the main chapel heads down to the former meditation chamber of Songtsen Gampo, the 7th-century king of Tibet. The busy nuns run a great teahouse in the courtyard. Then drive to Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there, in the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa.

Day 4
Place & Transport: Lhasa/Gyantse
Today’s Activities: fabulous scenery of turquoise Lake and Karola glacier, a close touch with locals, hometown of Tibetan rug, shot the sunset in Gyantse Dzong
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. Then continue to Gyantse, if you are interested in, you could have a closed touch with Tibetan locals, visit their house, have a chat with them, see how they turn the yak dung into a good fuel, or how they gather in the harvest, different season different activities. You can enjoy Ningjinkangsang Snow Mountain and Karola Glacier from a distance on the way as well. Upon arrival in Gyantse, the hometown of Tibetan rug, explore its carpet. After dinner, a short hiking to Gyantse Dzong, shot the sunset there, it is worth the stiff climb to its upper limits. There is amazing views of Gyantse, the monastery compound at the end of town and the surrounding Nyang-chu Valley.

Day 5
Place & Transport: Gyantse/Shigatse
Today’s Activities: the seat of Panchen Lama
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Drive further to the second largest city in Tibet and also the seat of Panchen Lama. It is a good place to hang out, explore the nearby monasteries and enjoy a beer in the Tenzin Hotel while gazing across at the ruins of the Shigatse Dzong fort. Tashilumpo is also a highlight of Tibet and is Shigatse’s foremost attraction.

Day 6
Place & Transport: Shigatse/Nyemo
Today’s Activities: Tibetan artistic explore in Nyemo County
Meals: B,L,D
Detailed Itinerary: Drive to Nyemo County, it is a wonderful area for trekking and hiking, today we will have a Tibetan artistic tour and camping in the county yard. Nyemo is famous for its Tibetan joss stick and Tibetan porcelain, you could see how the locals make them in the traditional way.

Day 7
Place & Transport: Finish this unforgettable tour
Today’s Activities: Souvenir shopping and scenery on the way
Meals: /
Detailed Itinerary: Shot hiking around village in early morning, and then departure transfer to see off, tour services end and Tibet welcome you back forever.

With unique culture and religion, Tibetans have different ways of behavior in many aspects. There is an old Chinese saying: “Sing the local songs when you get to a local place.” So please keep in mind the following tips:

1. Remember not to step on threshold when entering the tent or house.
2. Calling somebody in name please add “la” behind the name to express respects.
3. If you are asked to sit down, please cross your legs, do not stretch your legs forward and face your sole to others.
4. You should accept the gift with both hands. While presenting the gift you should bend your body forward and hold the gift higher than your head with both hands. While offering tea, wine or cigarette, you should offer them by both hands and any fingers do not touch inside of the bowl.
5. Do not touch, walk over or sit on any religious texts, objects or prayer flags in monasteries.
6. When the host presents you a cup of wine, you should dip your ring finger in the wine and flick the wine into the sky, in the air and to the ground respectively to express your respects to the heaven, the earth and the ancestors before sipping the wine. The host will fill the cup, and you take a sip of the wine again. After the host fills your cup again, you have to bottom it up.
7. Tibetan people do not eat horse, dog and donkey meat and also do not eat fish in some areas, so please respect their diet habits. 8. It is not polite to clap your palms and spit behind the Tibetan people.
9. Tibetan people stretch out their tongue to say hello to you. Also it is a courtesy to put their hands palm in front of breast.
10. Do not smoke in monasteries. Also it is banned to touch the statue of Buddha and religious articles and take pictures of them. In addition, all should walk clockwise (not in the Bon temples).
11. Seeing any dagobas, monasteries or Mani piles, please go around them clockwise (not of the Bon), do not cross them.
12. Eagles are the sacred birds in the eyes of the Tibetan people. You should not drive them away or injure them. On the outskirts, you could not drive or disturb the sheep or cows with red, green or yellow cloth strips on.

Since more and more tourists are going to Tibet, more and more Tibetan people get used of seeing the “Big Noses” (western people) with jeans, sun glasses and some of them with shorts (It is prohibited to wear shorts among the Tibetans.), the above rules are not obeyed so strictly as before. But we still suggest you take the above advices and travel to behave well.

Jordan Romero, a 13-year-old Californian boy and the world’s youngest mountaineer who successfully surmounted the world highest mountain Qomolangma, returned to the advanced base camp (ABC) at around 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA).

Sonam Wangchen, base camp mountaineering head of the CTMA Himalayan Expedition, told Xinhua that Romero’s team have tried to scale the summit from 7,500 meters Saturday, and it took 14 hours for them to reach the peak 8,844 meters above sea level.

Romero’s teammates include his father, his father’s girlfriend, and three sherpas, who also reached the top.

“I summited at 9:45 am on 22 (Saturday)” Jordan Romero told Xinhua over satellite phone Sunday at ABC, which is 6,500 meters above sea level.

The Romero team safely returned to camp 2, 7,790 meters above sea level Saturday and camped there one night. Leaving camp 2 at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, the team arrived at the advanced base camp around 6:00 p.m.

“I feel really good, no problem at all,” Romero said. “It is all about an experience, and I am glad to be back to the advanced base camp safely.”

“I just want to say that nothing is impossible, and age does not matter, and I want to inspire more people and let them get out of the door,” Romero said.

When talking about people’s concerns and criticism about his expedition at such a young age, he said “We have been receiving emails from many people, and there are many people criticizing my father, but I want to say that, really, this whole thing is my idea, and I have completed it with my family around. ”

The team will arrive at the base camp, which is 5,200 meters above sea leave, in two days.

The previous world record was set by a Nepalese boy, Temba Temba, who reached the summit of the Mt. Qomolangma at 16.

From July 2006 to September 2009, along with his father and stepmother, Romero had climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa, Kosciuszko in Australia, Elbrus in Europe/Russia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania.

Jordan’s team will leave for Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica in December, to achieve his dream of conquering all the highest mountains in the seven continents before the end of this year.

Tibet Highland Expedition operates many Tibet adventure tours & treks from China,Nepal and Kashgar.This is one of our special package tours,taking you through three different regions & cultures.You will first fly to Chengdu where you will be warmly received by our agency and can explore Chengdu for a couple of days before moving on to Lhasa by flight or train.There you can visit the most famous monasteries and palaces in and around Lhasa such as the Potala Palace,the Norbulingka (Summer Palace of Holiness the Dalai Lama),Drepung Monastery,Sera Monastery,the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor street.You then travel overland to Gyantse via Yamdraktso Lake,then to Mt.Everest Base Camp,and Zhangmu (Nepal Border).Our Nepali branch will pick you up from friendship bridge and you will be able to briefly explore Nepalese culture before flying home to your country.

Chengdu is the capital of “Heavenly State” (Tian Fu Zhi Guo),habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton -rose hibiscus.Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain,Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres(4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million, The biggest population city in China.

NOTE:
Many various Overland itineraries available Chengdu to Tibet,through east Tibet (Kham) and excursion around Sichun & Yunnan areas.

Highlights:
Duration: 15days
Destination: Places Covered:Chengdu,Lhasa,Gyantse,Shigatse,
Maximum Altitude: 5225m
Best Season: Jan,Feb,March,Aprill,May,June,Aug,Sept,Oct,
Photo Spot: Monasteries and Bharkor,Yamdok Tso Lake,Rongbuk, Gyawu La pss,Thangla pass.

Day01:FLY TO CHENGDU
Our local driver and guide will warmly receive you at airport and Transfer to Hotel O/H

Day02:SIGHTSEEING
AM:Wuhao Temple PM:Panda zoo

Day03:SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Laoshan Dafuo and back to Hotel and rest

Day04:BY TRAIN TO LHASA

Day05:BY TRIAN TO LHASA 3650m
Our Tibetan guide and driver will receive you at trian station and transfer to Lhasa, O/H Keychu Hotel 8km

Day06:SIGHTSEEING
AM:Sera Monastery PM;Jokhang temple
Sera is the second biggest Gelupa Monastery in the north suburb of Lhasa, which was built in 1419 by Tsongapa’s disciple Sakya-yeshi. Situated at the heart of the oldest section of the Lhasa city, Jokhang, one of the oldest temples in Tibet, was built in the 7th century by the 33rd king Sontsanganbu.
Barkor is the middle pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang temple.

Day07:SIGHTSEEING
AM:Potala Palace, PM:Jokhang and Norbulinka
Potala was the winter palace of the Dalailama, which was originally built in the 7th century by the king Sotsen Gampo and rebuilt to the present size by the 5th Dalai lama in the 17th century. Built in the mid-18th century by the 7th Dalailama, Norbulingka, the Jewel Park was the Dalai lama’s summer palace, it covers 100 acres with palaces, pavilions and a zoo.
Drepung monastery; Built in1416 by Tsongapa’s disciple Jamyang-choje, Drepung Monastery is the biggest Gelupa monastery in the west suburb of Lhasa.

Day08:DRIVE TO GYANTSE VIA YAMDOKTSO LAKE
Gyantse is located 260km far away from Lhasa and 230km away from Yatong (India Border),It is the thrid larggest town in Tibet,also this is the place where British (Young Hasband) took war with Tibetans,O/H Gyantse Hotel 260km 4-5hrs

Day09:DRIVE TO SHIGATSE VIA SHALU MONASTERY
Shigatse is located 90km far away from Gyantse and second larggest city in Tibet,also the HOME of Pancheng Lamas O/H Hotel Manasarovar 90km 1/half hr

Day10:DRIVE TO LHATSE VIA SAKYA MONASTERY
Lhatse is located 150km far away from Shigatse and it is the center of the Nepal Border and Capital city of Lhasa,Most tourists will have their lunch at this town when they travelling on friendship highway,O/H Guoliang Hotel 200km 5hrs

Day11:DRIVE TO RONGBUK MONASTERY 4950m
Rongbuk is located 100km far away from Xegar (New Tingri) and it is one of the highest monastery on the world,O/H Monastery GH 190km 5hrs

Day12:EXCURSION
Early in the morning walk to Everest Base Camp 8km (one way), (2hrs walk and get sunny photo of Mount.Everest,Then driver and guide will come to receive you at Base Camp or walk back to Rongbuk Monastery,O/H Monastery GH 8km

Day13:DRIVE TO TINGRI
Tingri is located on friendship highway and most beautiful village where you can have a very comfortable accomodation and wonderful view of highest snoew peaks, Mount.Everest, Mount.Makalu, Mount.Cho Oyu and Mount Lhotse,O/H Tingri SnowLand GH 170km 5-6hrs

Day14:DRIVE TO NYALAM
Drive to Nyalam O/H GH 150km 3-4hrs

Day15:DRIVE TO ZHANGMU
Located 30km far away from Nyalam and it is the last Tibetan town on friendship highway,then Exit to Nepal 38km 2hrs

Photo from CTIC shows the traditional wind horse prayer flags. This kind of flags can be seen everywhere in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Tibetan people print images of scriptures on cloth, silk or papar and put them on branches, doors, ropes or cols, so the flags will rock in wind with best wishes of the local people.

Norsang crawled on the ground and prostrated herself as she moved through the crowds on the Potala Palace square in Lhasa.

With two spiral sea shells, or conches, in hand, Norsang had made hundreds of bows on Friday morning as the month-long Sagya Dawa Festival started.

A Tibetan woman in her 30s, she said she prayed for her family to lead safe and happy lives.

The festival, which falls on the first day of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, commemorates the birth and death of Sakyamuni, founder of Buddhism.

According to the regional tourism authority, Tibet expects to receive 6.5 million tourists this year, up 16 percent from last year.

Over the next month, Tibetans will hold Buddhist rituals such as the release of captive animals in memory of Sakyamuni.

On Friday, pilgrims were seen at major monasteries and streets in Lhasa, some from neighboring provinces. Tourists from abroad also took in the sights.

Sambo, in red monk’s robes, drove 11 hours to Lhasa from Chakri Monastery in Nagqu county.

He and his friends planned to stay for the whole month.

“I pray for a peaceful and safe world, and hope quake victims in Yushu will find way their to heaven,” he says.

While some devout Tibetan Buddhists made long prostrations, others held prayer wheels and walked clockwise around the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Monastery, two major pilgrim routes in downtown Lhasa.

Chodron, 32, carrying her 3-year-old boy on her back and holding her 10-year-old girl by hand, walked around the Potala Palace. They were accompanied by two relatives from other regions in Tibet.

Twirling a prayer wheel, Chodron says they have walked around the Potala Palace twice since early Friday, and planned another three circuits.

In the square outside the Jokhang Monastery, hundreds of pilgrims crawled on the ground facing the temple and prostrated themselves on meter-long cushions.

Near the temple, Drolma was selling yak butter to pilgrims. The liquid yellow butter is used to fuel lamps in the temple.

Drolma said she had sold 10 pots of butter in two sizes, at 13 yuan ($1.9) or 25 yuan per pot, in the morning. “Business is good as people stream in during the festival,” she said.

Long queues formed outside the main shrine of the Jokhang Monastery. Inside, banknotes donated by pilgrims lay spread out in front of each Buddha statue and portrait