The Historic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

September 27 - October 13, 2010 Including Beijing, China

Join to us on a priceless journey to the mystic land on the "Roof of the World." Experience exotic lamaseries and temples as an insider and feel the energy of the exiled Dalai Lama's one thousand room Potola Palace. Be in awe of the majestic sacred mountains, immerse yourself in Tibet's fascinating culture, friendly people, and much more.

Forbidden City Day 1: Fly from Seattle to Beijing. (Those from other areas connect with the Seattle flight.) Day 2: Arrive into Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Day 3: Visit the Forbidden City, the largest palace enclosure in China that defines the word imperial. It had been home to emperors and exclusive to all but members of the royal court and official delegations for 500 years. Also see the Temple of Heaven, believed to be the exact meeting point of Heaven and Earth. The Son of Heaven would perform sacrifices here after praying for the year’s good harvest. The annual procession to the Temple of Heaven was so sacred that the people of Beijing could not cast their eyes upon it. Great Wall Day 4: Full day tour to the Great Wall, China's most renowned monument whose origins go back to the 5th century A.D. and perhaps even earlier. Later today see the Tibetan temple in Beijing. Day 5: Fly to Tibet and travel to Tsedang in the Yarlung Valley. There is an adequate hotel here, and since it is at an altitude lower than that of Lhasa, there is a greater chance you will be able to acclimate more easily to the altitude of Tibet than by going first to Lhasa (most tours go directly to Lhasa). The Yarlung Valley is the home of the ancient Kings of Tibet, and near to the location of spectacular Samye Monastery. Day 6: Visit the Valley of the Kings, Yumbhulakhang and the Temple of the Ten Thousand Pearled Tangkha. Sakya Monk Samye Monastery Day 7: On our way to Lhasa, capital of Tibet, visit Samye Monastery, one of the most important sites in Tibet, since Tibetans believe that the soul of the recently deceased travels first to Samye Monastery. Day 8: Visit two of the most spectacular sites in Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple and the Norbulingka, meaning "Jewel Park,” the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. The Jokhang Temple is in the center of the city and is the spiritual center of all Tibet, so it is fitting we visit this site first. It has been the destination of millions of pilgrims who for centuries have come from throughout Tibet to pray here. You will marvel at the many statues, shrines, and murals. Most important of these is the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha) in the holy of holies of the Temple. The Chinese bride brought this statue, the most precious object in Tibet, here 1300 years ago to the Tibetan King who converted Tibet to Buddhism. Drepung monastery Day 9: Tour Drepung monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet which once had over 10,000 monks, and housed the State Oracle nearby as well. Perhaps you will see the monks in their lively debates in the gardens, for debating is an essential part of their training. Visit Sera Monastery in the afternoon, the other of the two great monasteries near Lhasa, which are two of the four great monasteries of central Tibet. Day 10: One visit to the Jokhang Temple for most people is not enough. So today you will have the option to re-visit this spectacular power place. You will be sure to visit the Jokhang Temple in the morning, since it is only open for worship at that time. It is quite a sight to see the thousands of worshipers filling the temple. You will also have time for shopping on the Barkhor, the street that encircles the Jokhang that is both a sacred pilgrim path and a lively market place. Gyantse Day 11: This morning travel to Gyantse. The road crosses two high passes and the sapphire-blue Lake Yamdrok Yamtso, third largest lake in Tibet. Arrive in Gyantse late in the day. Gyantse is the site of Palkhor Monastery and the Kumbum Chorten. Day 12: This morning we will see the sites of the ancient trading town and religious center of Gyantse, and then depart for Shigatse. On the way you take a side-trip to Shalu monastery. Although it is small, for centuries Shalu was renowned as a center of scholarly learning and psychic training. It was also famous for its mural paintings, considered to be the most ancient and beautiful in Tibet, though only a few of them remain. Tashilhunpo Monastery Prayer spinning wheel Day 13: Shigatse is the second largest town in Tibet and site of Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the Tour great monasteries of central Tibet and the only one of the four not in or near Lhasa. Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, considered the second highest lama (after the Dalai Lama) of Tibet. Tashilhunpo means “Heap of Glory,” and the monastery is one of the most active in Tibet. In the morning you tour the monastery including the Chanting Hall, the library, and the huge 86-foot tall bronze statue of the Maitreya Buddha. This afternoon we will visit a carpet factory, which was a project of the late Panchen Lama, and we might also visit the town market to shop for Tibetan artifacts, jewelry, etc. Day 14: Take a scenic return drive to Lhasa. Tibet girl Potala Palace Day 15: Visit the Potala Palace. The Potala is one of the architectural wonders of the world. Built in the 17th century, it was home to the Dalai Lama before the current one fled the Chinese occupation in 1959. The 1,000 plus rooms were not only for the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, but also many other high lamas and government officials, and many of the rooms were of course for worship as well. Of all the rooms you see here, the holiest is the Saint's Chapel, which contains an ancient jewel-encrusted statue of Chenrezi, the Bodhisattva of Compassion of whom the Dalai Lama is the reincarnation. Later in the day visit Palalh Ubu Monastery, a small but powerfully impressive site near the Potala. Day 16: Fly to Beijing and overnight. Day 17: Return flight to the U.S., arriving in Seattle the same day.

Note: Itinerary subject to change