TIBET

In May 1993 the government of Nepal and China reached an accord that allowed the first treks across the border between the two countries. While it had been a route for Nepalese pilgrims for years, foreign trekkers were never allowed to trek from Nepal into Tibet. It has always been possible the rules. A trip to Mt Kailas has always been regarded as a pilgrimage. It satisfies the romantic in us that the pilgrimage to Kailas is a difficult one. Whether you drive  for seven days or walk for six days, it is still not possible to make a quick, easy visit to  Kailas and Manasarovar. You cannot yet travel all the way to Kailas by helicopter or airplane. This is certainly as it should be.

Today we’ll cross the Brahmaputra on a ferry to explore Samye Monastery. Built in the 8th Century as Buddhism was just starting to grow deep roots in Tibetan culture, Samye means "unimaginable" in Tibetan. Samye combines the styles of China, Tibet and India with a layout designed to represent the ideal universe described in Buddhist scriptures. The Monastery has a large collection of artefacts but is famed throughout Tibet for its murals, depicting ancient history and local folklore. Later this afternoon we’ll visit the Yambhulakhang, Tibet’s first castle and also Cha-Duk Monastery. Located about 12 km south of Tsedang, Yambhulakhang is the first palace built by Tibetans for their first recorded King Nyatri Tsedpo, believed to have descended from heaven. It is a five storey fortress built on the spur of a hill with impressive views of the entire valley. Leaving Samye we’ll travel to Lhasa where we’ll stay overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast today, we’ll take time to explore the heart of Tibet, the holy and forbidden city of Lhasa. During today and tomorrow we’ll take time to explore the heart of Tibet, the holy and forbidden city of Lhasa.  Explore the vast halls and chapels of impressive Potala Palace, former home of the Dali Lamas and an awe inspiring landmark that dominates the skyline over Lhasa. Join the medieval bustle of pilgrims, worshippers, performers and traders in and around Jokhang Temple, the most revered religious structure in Tibet. Follow the pilgrimage circuit along the ancient streets of the old town around Barkhor Bazaar. Enjoy the solemnity of holy Dreprung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and now the largest and richest monastery in Tibet, founded in 1416 and a place of study for many of the most learned lamas. Explore Norbulinka Palace, in Tibetan ‘beautiful gardens’ and the summer palace home for the 7th to the 14th Dalai Lama. At serene Sera Monastery, enjoy watching the monks animatedly debating the Buddhist scriptures and see the wonderful collection of ancient murals and statues as well as scriptures written in gold powder, wonderful scroll paintings, tapestries and thangkas that can be seen throughout. Relax overnight at the hotel and surrounds in Lhasa.

Tibet one of those extraordinary destination where indeed adventure lurks around every corner! Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans Himalayan drive, through mountain, passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. It culminates on an arid plateau - a veritable treasure trove of architectural masterpieces - the Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest in the country The Jhokhang - a spiritual centre, and the awesome palaces of the Dalai Lama - Norbulinga (the summer palace) and the Potala (the traditional seat). Ancient Barkhor Bazaar still barters the bric -- a -- brac, in a region that's not so much a little strange as utterly surreal. Pilgrimage to Mansarovar and the Holy Mt. Kailash claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet, and Lake Mansarovar at 14,950 feet is said to be the highest fresh water lake in the world. Certainly a difficult region to reach due to the variable and extreme weather conditions. The distance from Lhasa for example is approximately 2000 km.
 
Only during the last few years have lots of ordinary and not so ordinary travellers, been able to experience this region. Road conditions are difficult much of the time and we have to make many preparations to ensure that we have a reasonable chance of reaching Kailash. We need to bring our own food and camping equipment. Basic lodges and teahouses can be found but the plateau is so remote that it is possible to travel for several days without finding food available. To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks is to be transformed into another way of life, to see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is to put some aspects of our western way of life into proper perspective.
 
The tour can be accomplished by travelling to Kathmandu and departing by road to Kodari, the Nepal/Tibet border town of Zhangmu, where we collect our Transport. The trip heads through the SOUTHERN route and after the pilgrimage (religious or secular), drive back by the same route.

LHASA, Mt. KAILASH & LAKE MANASAROVAR

Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak of Asia. The beauty of the 6700-meter high Mount Kailash, that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is echoed in various mythological and literary works. Dominating the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its spectacular view, the Mount Kailash (or Mt. Kailas) is equally venerated as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön-Po. Tibetans regard this mountain as the manifestation of Mount Meru, “the navel of the earth” where founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven, Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the abode of Samvara and Jains as a scared site where their prophet, Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment. With its four sheer walls, distinctive snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with brightly-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peak’, as known by the Tibetans) is an awe-inspiring sight.Four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here. A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mount Kailash over a 5630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime.
To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bath in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata. On the journey to Mt. Kailash across the windswept Tibetan plateau, you will see cliff-top monasteries, wild-looking but hardy and hospitable Tibetans, yak caravans journeying over snowy passes, and the great peaks of the Himalaya with a foreground of grazing herds, yak skin tents and a glittering turquoise lake. Journeying through Norbulingka, Sera and Drepung monasteries, Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Barkhor markets, you gain in-depth understanding of Tibetan ancient cultures and civilizations. On this expertly guided overland tour on 4WD landcruiser, you get to explore colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, crafts, history, culture, custom, tradition, lifestyle and cuisine and in the process attain profound spirituality. You become a witness to a host of indigenous cultures on your tour to Lhasa Gyantse, Shigatse and other significant en route cities. Further drive across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau brings you to Lake Manasarovar, before completing a kora around Mt Kailash. From there, you re-cross the vast arid plains before heading south to the Nepalese border and returning to Kathmandu.
This is truly the trip of a lifetime with stunning scenery and cultural highlights. You can join this trip either in Lhasa or in Kathmandu. The tour starts with a comprehensive trip briefing in Kathmandu followed by a sensational trans Himalayan flight to Lhasa that passes over Mt. Everest and many highest peaks of the world (if you join the tour in Kathmandu). In case you wish to start the tour in Lhasa arriving from anywhere in mainland China or taking a new train from Beijing you will be briefed about the tour by your Tibetan Guide.
Tibet is described as the roof of the world and its capital, Lhasa is the soul of this fascinating place. Lhasa still remains the city of wonders, with Potala Palace, which dominates the skyline, and the bustle of the local markets.

There are the temples and monasteries such as the Jokhang and the Drepung Monastery where one can soak up the atmosphere of the rich Buddhist culture. With never ending fascinating sites and culture that resides in Tibet, and with so much to see and explore, it becomes a perfect place for short holidays an unforgettable Experience. We stay in the best hotels in the centre of the Lhasa, close to the major attractions. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse we explore further monasteries like Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum stupa and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture

Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara), that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD. In 637 Songtsen Gampo built a palace on the hill. This structure stood until the seventeenth century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the greater buildings still standing today. Construction of the present palace began in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama and by 1648 the Potrang Karpo, or White Palace, was completed. The Potrang Marpo, or Red Palace, was added between 1690 and 1694; its construction required the labors of more than 7000 workers and 1500 artists and craftsman. In 1922 the 13th Dalai Lama renovated many chapels and assembly halls in the White Palace and added two stories to the Red Palace. The Potala Palace was only slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the invading Chinese in 1959. Unlike most other Tibetan religious structures, it was not sacked by the Red Guards during the 1960s and 1970s, apparently through the personal intervention of Chou En Lai. As a result, all the chapels and their artifacts are very well preserved.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Emperor Songtsen Gampo had been regarded as an incarnation of Chenresi. Given that he founded the Potala, it seems likely that the hilltop palace of Lhasa took on the name of the Indian sacred mountain. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas. Within the White Palace are two small chapels, the Phakpa Lhakhang and the Chogyal Drubphuk; dating from the seventh century, these chapels are the oldest surviving structures on the hill and also the most sacred. The Potala's most venerated statue, the Arya Lokeshvara, is housed inside the Phapka Lhakhang, and it draws thousands of Tibetan pilgrims each day.

History of Dreprung Monastery
 
Drepung monastery was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa, Yangjiangque jie.
Yangjiangque jie was born in a poor family inShannanyedi, Tibet. He studied hard in his childhood, and later became a disciple of Tsong Khapa specializing in sutra, and at last became well-known for his mastery of Xianzhong, Esoteric sect. In order to spread abroad the tenet, Tsong Khapa entrusted him to build a grand monastery and presented him a lucky symbol: a conch shell. Under the patron of a noble family, Yangjiangqu jie started to build this monastery in 1416.The monastery was named “Baidenzhehe” which means Rice Heap in Tibetan. After its construction, Yangjiangquejie was appointed as the first tripas. There are 23 tripas together. In 1464, colleges were set up to teach tantra in this monastery.
Drepung monastery is called the original monastery of Lamaism for it has been the living place of the first, second, third and forth Dalai Lama. The second Dalai Lama built a palace（named Gedanpozhang）in this monastery where he took over the administrative power of Tibet.
The third Dalai Lama was invited here as the first living Buddha in Drepung monastery, who later went to Qinghai to sermon after Andahai (the leader of Mongolia) invited him. In Ming Dynasty, the 6th year of Yong Le, Andahai bestowed the honor name “Sheshiyiqianwaqierdalaierlama ” which bought the saying of Dalai Lama into being. After he got this honor name, he admitted posthumously the former two with the fist and second Dalai Lama. And the fifth Dalai Lama also lived there until he received the appointment of Qing Dynasty.
Drepung monastery is called the original monastery of Lamaism for its most honorable status and deep influence. Ganden Potrang Palace (one of the palace in Drepung monastery) is also thought of the place where Gelug took the administrative power of both Lamaist sect and local area, because it has been the living place of the second, third, forth and the fifth Dalai Lama.

Jokhang temple was constructed by King Songtsän Gampo (see also internet variant Songsten Gampo) probably in 642. It was originally called the Rasa Tulnang Tsuklakang or 'The House of Mysteries, The Magical Emanation at Rasa [the early name for Lhasa].' Both Bhrituti and Wencheng, the Nepalese and Chinese wives of Songsten Gampo brought important Buddhist images to Tibet as part of their dowries, and Drepung Monastery lies in west of Lhasa under Mt. Gambo Utse, clustered round by the black mountain, its white grand buildings shining under the sunlight. Built in 1416, it is considered as one of the largest monasteries in the six principle monasteries of Gelu Sect in China. Drepung Monastery used to be the living palace of Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of Potala palace (after the 5th Dalai Lamas was bestowed by Qing emperor Qianlong)
The 5th Dalai Lama enlarged Drepung and ruled there while the Potala was being built. This magnificent monastery was built on an enormous scale, resembling a huge walled city. From its roofs, one can enjoy a scenic view of Lhasa city.
According to religious records, during the foundation of Drepung, Tsong Khapa discovered a magical white conch shell with counter clockwise swirls, believed to be buried by the Buddha Sakyamuni. Tsong Khapa bestowed this religious treasure to Drepung, and it can still be seen today in the "Great Sutra Chanting Hall".
As the most powerful of the "Gelukpa" monasteries, Drepung had seven colleges and, at its height, housed over 10,000 monks. It owns many splendid murals, elaborate statues and other rich treasures. A giant golden statue of Buddha "Jiangba Tongzhenma" sits near the precious conch shell.
 the were housed here
In Tibetan, "Norbu Linka" means beautiful gardens. This garden covers an area of 36 hectares and it is the annual vacation home for the 7th to the 14th Dalai Lama, who would move here from the Potala Palace to this summer palace and spend most of their summer here.

Around the Norbulinka Palace (Norbu Linka Palace), there are doors. The door facing east is the front door of the garden. Entering from this door, you will see the main construction "Xiabudianlakang". It is the place that Dalai Lama holds religion etiquette.
The other side is "Kangsongsilun" and it is the most conspicuous attic in front of this garden. In the center of the garden, there is the most attractive building. After repaired, a small wood pavilion becomes the building for seeing drama. In the east, there is a stage used to provide performance to entertain Dalai Lama.
In late spring or early summer each year, many government operations in the Potala Palace were move jointly with Dalai Lama, to the Norbu Linka Palace.
In the northwest of "Xiabudianlakang" is a shrine palace named "Gesangpozhang", the 7th Dalai Lama named this palace after his own name. Back then, he was not very healthy and often ill, he chose this quiet grove to help recovery, the 14th Dalai once lived in this palace.
In 1751, near the New Palace, another palace was build for the 7th Dalai Lama, in the main hall housed the throne of the 7th Dalai Lama. On the second floor, a statue of the Sakyamuni is enshrined, and there are 16 Buddhist Saint statues on each side. The murals on the wall record biographical stories of Tibetan kings.
The New Palace ("Dadanmingjiupozhang") was built in 1956, there are many halls in this building for priests to study scripture. In the west of the small hall is the 14th Dalai's bedroom, there is his bed and two chairs for priests, the room was kept the same as original situated.
In the east of the bedroom, is a small house it is Dalai Lama's study where he learned Mizong. Next is the Dalia's preachment hall, displayed Dalai's throne. Including the officials' records, the murals in the preachment hall are the portraits of every Dalai Lama.
Not far from here, you will see the heart of the lake ("Cuojipozhang"). This is a group of constructions built above the water with many interesting spots. There are the Dragon King pavilion and an eastern Dragon King temple in the east, the west is "Chunzengpozhang". Towards the south of the building there were horse stables and an animal farm. Yet, you can even found many of mural drawings on the wall of those stables.

Actually, this elegant garden ("Norbu Linka Palace ") has other palaces such as "Wuyaopozhang" and "Gold Pozhang"; they are all worth visiting. Although the Norbu Linka Palace is like a temporary villa for the Tibetan Dalai Lama, it accumulates the Dalai's culture, spirits in Buddhism and regal miens because the former Dalai Lamas once lived here. Only after you travel those palaces yourself, you can then understand it better.
The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City. It is one of three famous monasteries in Lhasa along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. The Sera Monastery is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong Khapa's disciples built the monastery in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built.
The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters (28 acres). Its main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and Kamcun (dormitory). Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries
Located in the quiet piedmont area of the Shannan Region, the Samye Monastery is the first temple to be built in Tibet and the first complete with the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. With these unique features, this splendid temple has become an attraction for visitors from near and far.

History
The temple was built by the Trisong Detsen (reigned 742-798) of the Tubo Kingdom and was presided over by the Buddhist master Padmasambhava. The Detsen contributed a lot to the project. First, it was said the name (meaning surprise in Tibetan) originated from an exclamation he made. When the temple was completed, Detsen took part in the foundation ceremony and then ordained seven descendants of blue blood to cultivate in the temple. They became the first group of monks to live at the temple and later the so-called 'Seven Enlighten Disciples of Samye'. Since then, Buddhism had become widespread within Tibet and forms a branch of splendid culture. Now, the temple is listed as one of the cultural relics of national importance under the protection of the state.

Layout
Mt. Kailash, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the p four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre Buddhist animistic religion - Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit consort Parvati kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati.
For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder walk Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual center of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions.