Held in high regard for its significance as a destination in itself as well as a launch pad for great alpine adventures, Everest Base Camp is visited by ardent mountaineers and tourists alike. Any wonder given the altitude of 5,150 meters which offers a spectacular and unrivaled view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. […]
READ MOREYamdrok Lake
Yet another stunning natural landscape highlight in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is appreciated for the way in which it sustains life in Tibet as a vital water source. Unique for its location, Yamdrok Lake has no natural outlets despite receiving snow melt water from several channels. It is beautifully picturesque and unsurpassed for photographic opportunities, and […]
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Holding appeal for travelers and pilgrims alike, Ganden Monastery is another holy site in Tibet that warrants exploration. Steeped in a rich history of traditional Tibetan learning and principles, Ganden is home to two important colleges, the Jangtse and Shartse. With the entire complex designed with the deep symbolism of a graduated pathway to enlightenment, […]
READ MORETashi Lhunpo Monastery
Founded in 1447, Tashi Lhunpo monastery is the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lama. It took 12 years to build, covers an area of 150,000 square meters, and is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. Auspiciously located at the foot of Niseri Mountain in Shigatse City, the monastery’s layout is characterized by connected […]
READ MORENamtso Lake
Regardless of how you find your way to Namtso Lake, the trek is definitely worth the investment of time and effort. Considered heavenly for many reasons, not least of which includes the 4,718 meter altitude and stunning photographic opportunities, Namtso Lake is a destination that every intrepid international traveler should have on their list of […]
READ MOREAni Tsankhung Nunnery
Located near Jokhang Temple, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is the only nunnery in downtown Lhasa. First built in the 15th century, the approximately 100 Tibetan nuns who live there today make a livelihood through sales of alms, clothing, printed holy texts, as well as meals prepared daily at a now famous teahouse associated with the nunnery. […]
READ MORENorbulingka
Originally established as a place of healing for the seventh Dalai Lama who visited it annually due to ill health, Norbulingka became the summer residence of subsequent Dalai Lamas and a place of study prior to officially assuming office in the role. Separable into three parts: the courtyard, palace and forest, Norbulingka is perhaps not […]
READ MOREDrepung Monastery
Another of the Great Three Gelug Monasteries, Drepung Monastery is another iconic center of learning. Arguably the most important of all three, Drepung is famous for its size (it’s the largest monastery) and for having once been the home of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace took preeminence. The monastery consists of large and […]
READ MORESera Monastery
Located on 28 acres on Lhasa’s outskirts, Sera Monastery holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Tibetan Buddhists. With a centuries old history steeped in learning, Sera Monastery is one of the Great Three university monasteries built in the Gelug tradition, which operate as a teaching monastery. Sera monastery is home to […]
READ MOREBarkhor Circuit
Barkhor Circuit is a precinct of narrow streets and a public market square in the old city of Lhasa. For a direct experience of traditional Tibetan daily life, culture, and religion, a wander around the hexagonal shaped Barkhor Circuit offers insights that cannot be gained elsewhere in Lhasa. Referred to by locals as the ‘Holy […]
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