Day1. August 5, 2024, Monday.
Arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Acclimatization and familiarization.
Meet at the airport in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet (3650m above sea level). Transfer to a hotel near the airport in Tsedang.
Overnight in a 4* hotel in Tsedang.
Day 2. August 6, 2024, Tuesday.
Visit to the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet – Samye. Easy trekking to Mt. Chimpu. Arrival in Lhasa.
Samye Monastery is the first and oldest Buddhist monastery in Tibet. It was founded by the legendary Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Samye Monastery is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. Built in the form of a mandala, it is the only structure of its kind in Tibet. In “A Short Biography of Padmasambhava” about Samye Monastery it says: “It was erected as a symbol of Mount Sumeru, surrounded by four large continents and eight small ones, the sun and the moon, and a wall of iron mountains”. The monastery has preserved relics related to Padmasambhava. During the founding of Samye Monastery, at the request of King Trisong Decena, Padmasambhava opened the mandala of Vajrayana teachings at the Chimpu Caves to 25 disciples, nine of whom attained siddhis through the sadhana practices he imparted to them.
Mount Chimpu rises above the monastery and is home to many retreat caves and hermit huts. Even in our days, practitioners continue to hold retreats there.
We will visit Samye Monastery, and if we are lucky – we will participate in a Buddhist puja (service) in the oldest monastery in Tibet, and receive a blessing from the Lama.
After lunch, those who wish to do so can walk up the mountain to the caves, which offer scenic views of the valley. Here you can feel the spirit of Tibet, the antiquity of this land and its sacredness. Through contact with the outer silence, experience the silence of the inner silence.
Transfer to Lhasa.
Overnight in a 4* hotel in Lhasa.
Day 3. August 7, 2024, Wednesday.
Lhasa Attractions. Potala Palace, Jokang Temple.
A visit to the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas of many generations – Potala Palace. It is a royal palace and a Buddhist temple complex. The palace was built from 641 AD to the 17th century. The palace has 999 luxurious rooms. From here you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Lhasa. The Potala is the historical, architectural, political and religious center of Tibet. The magnificent halls of the Red and White Palaces, many chapels, and the covered terraces of the Dalai Lama’s residence fascinate with their architecture. Within the palace grounds at the Phakpa Lhakhang temple is a statue of Arya Lokeshwar, sacred to Buddhists. It also houses the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery, religious school, monks’ cells, treasury and store rooms.
Visit to the most sacred temple of Lhasa – Jokang. (17 в.). Pilgrims from all over Tibet come here to worship the sacred statue of Shakyamuni, brought to Lhasa in the 10th century. This is the very first statue of Buddha (Jowo Shakyamuni), which is 2500 years old; it was consecrated by Buddha himself. The temple has 14 separate prayer rooms dedicated to Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug-ba sect, Avalokiteshvara (one of the main manifestations of Buddha), and the famous teacher (guru) Lama Rimpoche. Pilgrims stretch out in front of Jokang Temple. Miracles happen in this temple! The Buddha statue heals people and fulfills innermost wishes. (Dr. Myasnikov shared a story of his life after visiting the Temple: “While visiting the temple, my wife put a small money in front of the Buddha and asked for health and good luck for her son. The next morning (!!!!) she calls me and silently shows me her leg. The ulcers had all healed overnight! I am well aware that this just can’t happen! And when in 2 weeks we landed in Moscow and my son still on the plane turned on his phone, the first e-mail was from the Sorbonne: “we have fallen out of one of the applicants and you are next in line. We’ve accepted you!”….
Walking with pilgrims along Barkhor Street, visiting the old market. Taste Tibetan tea with the locals at a tea house.
Overnight in a 4* hotel in Lhasa.
Day 4. August 8, 2024, Thursday.
Lhasa and the surrounding area. Drak Yerpa Cave Complex, Dalai Lam’s summer residence – Norbulinka Park.
Drak Yerpa cave complex, is located 35 km from Lhasa (4885 m). It is also home to the Drak Yerpa Monastery, founded in the 12th century. It was here that the most famous teachers of Tibet – Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and Atisha, as well as the king of Tibet – Songtsen Gampo – spent years in meditation. The monastery was also the summer residence of the Gyuto Tantric College. It is one of the three most important monasteries of the Gelug lineage honoring Maitreya Buddha (Buddha of the Future).
After lunch we will walk around the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas – Norbulinka Park. There used to be a healing spring in the place of the present Norbulinka Park. The 7th Dalai Lama Gesang Gyaltsu (1708-1757), who was characterized by poor health, came to bathe in the spring every year in summer. Thus was the beginning of the construction of the park. The park covers an area of 3600 thousand square meters. – It is the largest and highest artificial park in the world and is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Overnight in a 4* hotel in Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple (642 Year Built) – Lhasa, TibetDay 5. August 9, 2024, Friday.
Transfer to Gyantse and onward to Shigatse. The sacred lake of Yamdroktsho. Pelkhor Chode Monastery. Kumbum Stupa.
On the way we will see one of the three Great Lakes of Tibet, Yandroyung-tsho (Yamdroktsho). The high-altitude lake is located at an altitude of 4,488 meters. Formerly a wealthy settlement strategically located at the confluence of several important trade routes. It is known for its mystical properties, predictions and magic. We will see the Korola Glacier and Lake Manak.
In Gyantse, we will visit Pelkhor Chode Mon astery. Pelkhor Chode Monastery was a complex of 15 monasteries of three different traditions, which in itself is a rarity in Tibetan Buddhism. 9 of the monasteries belonged to the Gelug, 3 to the Sakya and 3 to the small Budon tradition, whose main monastery, Shalu, was located near Shigatse. The largest stupa in Central Tibet, Kumbum, is located here. It has five floors, many rooms, statues and altars. “Kumbum” means “thousand” as there are 1000 images of Buddhas, deities and bodhisattvas. As for the statues, most of them were damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution but have now been restored. We will also see the outside of the ancient fort, built back in the 14th century. The fort is located in the center of the city and spectacularly crowns a rocky hill several hundred meters high. It was designed as a major defensive fortification on the road leading to Lhasa from the south. Numerous white stone buildings still make an impressive impression: high (5-8 m) and thick (up to 4 m) walls, powerful fortifications, massive buildings. It housed a garrison of 500 men in peacetime.
We’ll visit a traditional barley mill.
Overnight in Shigatze in a 4* hotel.
Day 6. August 10, 2024, Saturday.
Transfer from Shigatze to Everest Base Camp. Tashilunpo Monastery.
In the morning we will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, where Panchen Lamas used to reside in previous centuries. The monastery, which belongs to the Gelupta Sect, currently has 800 monks in training. The tombs of all the Panchen Lamas and the 13th Dalai Lama are preserved in the temple complex. The main temple houses an ancient statue of the Future Buddha Maitreya, 26 meters high.
In the evening we will arrive at Everest base camp for an overnight stay.
Overnight at EBC tent house.
Day 7. August 11, 2024, Sunday.
Everest base camp – 5150 m. Transfer to Saga.
This morning we will see the first rays of dawn on the shining ice-capped north face of the Top of the World – Jomolungma (8848m). Mount Everest is called “Jomolungma” in Tibet, which translates to “Mother of the Universe”. You will see this mountain from the side of the North Base Camp at about 5150 meters above sea level.
The walk at Everest base camp will be a good preparation for us for the kora.
In the afternoon we will be transferred to Saga. On the way we will see the beautiful Peiku Tso Lake and a view of another “smallest eight thousand meter peak” – Shishapangma (8021m). In addition, we will be accompanied by stunning views of the Main Himalayan Range almost all the way.
Overnight in a 3* hotel in Saga (4640 m)
Day 8. August 12, 2024, Monday.
Transfer from Saga to Darcen.
On the way, we will see a stunning view of the Saga Valley between the Gangdise and Himayala ranges. We will see beautiful meadows and local villages, drive over Mayomla Pass (5112 m), see Naimonagni Mountain, drive past the sacred Lake Manasarovar.
Overnight in a 3* hotel in Darcena.
Day 9.August 13, 2024, Tuesday.
Lakes Manasarovar and Rakshastal. Visit to Chiu Monastery.
Today we will arrive at the place of power – the sacred Lake Manasarovar (4557 meters) – a lake with “living water”! Here you can meditate on the shore of a lake overlooking Mount Kailash, and tune in for a 3-day mountain circumambulation (kora). Lake Manasarovar is mentioned in the Indian epic Ramayana. Hindus believe that Manasarovar is the soul of the god Brahma. Shiva and his wife Parvati are believed to have washed themselves here. Another legend says that Lake Manasarovar was the first earthly creation that Brahma created in his mind. Buddhists believe that Manasarovar is the legendary lake where the gods carried the Buddha after birth to wash him.
Also today we will visit Chiu (“bird”) Monastery, which sits on either side of a cliff overlooking Lake Manasarovar.
The monastery is built over the cave of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, the teacher who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century). The Precious Master spent three years in meditation in the cave and, according to one version, realized a rainbow body in it. It also houses a lifetime sculpture of Chomdente Buddha.
Transfer to Rakshastal Lake, the “demonic lake” which is located just three meters away from the sacred water of Manasarovar. But it’s a completely different body of water.
According to legend, a demon meditated for ten days near this very body of water. The ten-headed Ravana cut off one head every day and threw it to Shiva. When the demon had one, last head left, the god Shiva softened his anger and gave the petitioner the power he craved. There is another tale. According to legend, the demon meditated by the dead lake for ten days waiting for the coveted Parvati. But Shiva’s wife never lavished the unfortunate demon with her attention. She didn’t show up.
Tibetans don’t like to stop by this lake – a bit afraid of the place. Nevertheless it is beautiful, and we can stop by if we wish.
Return to Darcen. Bark preparation.
Overnight in a 3* hotel in Darcena.
Day 10. August 14, 2024, Wednesday.
The first day of the bark around Mt. Kailas.
(We drive to Sarshung village 7 km, trek 13 km. climb to an altitude of about 5000 meters).
Route: Tarboche, Chukugompa Monastery. House of lucky stone, West face of Kailasa, Dhirapuk Monastery, North face of Kailasa.
The spiritual meaning of the journey:
On the first day of the kora, at the white chorten, the symbolic new life of our soul begins. It is as if we are being born again, acquiring a new symbolic body.
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Day 11.
August 15, 2024, Thursday.
Radial exit to the North face of Mount Kailas.
(We walk about 4 hours one way and the same amount back, climbing to the height of 5400 m).
Touching Kailas – the most powerful energy point of the planet with reference vibrations.
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Day 12. August 16, 2024, Friday.
Day 2 of the bark around Kailas.
(The way is 18 km, the crossing takes 7-9 hours, climbing to the height of 5669 m).
Kailas, bark. Dhirapuk Monastery, past the Valley of Death, Shivatsal Cemetery, Green Tara Pass, Gaurikund Lake, Axe of Karma, Zutulpuk Monastery.
The spiritual meaning of the journey:
On the second day of the bark, our soul lives through symbolic maturity, old age, death, bordeaux and new birth. This day is very physically demanding. The trek of the second day starts from Dhirapuk Monastery at an altitude of 4850 meters above sea level.
After Shivatsal cemetery up to the top of Green Tara pass symbolically our soul lives through the state of bordeaux, there is a scanning of karma, a feeling of waiting for the results after a fateful exam, the gods are testing the human soul to decide what will be its future destiny. The top of the pass is a place of celebration, a long-awaited symbolic new birth takes place here.
From the top of the pass, there are views of Karma’s Axe Mountain. The axe of karma finally cuts off the old karma and one feels the beginning of a new life.
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Day 13. August 17, 2024, Saturday.
Day 3 of the bark around Kailas. Optional field trip to the South Face of Mt. Kailas.
(The path is 7 km, the crossing is easy and beautiful, takes 3-4 hours).
Early in the morning, we’ll visit Zutulpuk Monastery (we will spend the night near this monastery). Here is Milarepa’s most important meditation cave, magically created with a huge stone slab placed by Milarepa himself during a contest in magic with another famous master of the Bonpo tradition, Naro Bon Yung. Milarepa, a disciple of Marpa, is the most colorful figure of Tibetan Buddhism. Mystic poet, great hermit and mahasiddha. The monastery houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. Pilgrims leave their belongings here, asking for blessings and prosperity. The monastery is about 1000 years old.
Return to Darcen, lunch.
Optional jeep ride to Sarlung Monastery to see and meditate on the South Face of Kailas, from where the journey to the Inner Kora (Nandi Kora) begins. This is a unique opportunity to visit the inner space of Kailas! And another day to be in the energies of this place of power.
Overnight in a 3* hotel in Darcena.
Day 14. August 18, 2024, Sunday.
Transfer from Darcen to Saga.
Overnight in a 3* hotel in Saga.
Day 15. August 19, 2024, Monday.
Transfer from Saga to Gyirong (Gyirong). Departure from Tibet to Nepal.
From Saga, we move to Gerong.
Visit to Milarepa’s monastery of enlightenment (if you can make it).
Crossing the Tibet-Nepal border.
Overnight in a hotel at the border.
Day 16. August 20, 2024, Tuesday.
Road to Kathmandu.
There are 2 ways to reach Kathmandu from the border:
The first option is to reach Kathmandu by helicopter (from $1,500 for 5 people);
The second option is to take a bus to Kathmandu for about 7 hours.
Attention! Riding a bus on Nepalese roads is not as comfortable as driving on Tibetan highways in a Chinese minibus. In this regard, look out for the opportunity to fly to Kathmandu by helicopter almost from the border itself. The price range is from $1,500 (USD) for five passengers. The issue is resolved with the organizers well in advance.
Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 4* hotel near Boudhanath Stupa.
Day 17. August 21, 2024, Wednesday.
Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Boudhanath Stupa – a place with amazing energy. By this Stupa we will live.
It is the oldest and largest stupa. Buddhists from all over the world come here to visit, including the most famous, movie actor Richard Gere. Here from early morning till late evening people walk around the Stupa – this ritual of going around the holy place is called kora. While circumambulating the Stupa, believers recite mantras and make prostrations. It purifies karma and also our heart and mind.
Once at the Stupa, everyone, regardless of their faith, feels a sense of belonging to the flow of Love and Power that has been going on here for centuries.
One of the main relics of the Boudhanath stupa is the ashes of the body of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of the world religion. The second relic – it is not so obvious, only the “initiated” – the Tibetan Lamas (Gurus) know about it. It is a statue of the guardian of the stupa itself and the space around it. She
she grants all wishes.
You may or may not believe that. In our experience, it works. After fulfilling a few wishes, you begin to understand the meaning of the expression, “Fear your wishes – they come true!”. Make wishes at a certain place that we will show you.
Pashupatinath
– shrine of Shiva
– Nepal’s most important Hindu temple complex, established in the 13th century. Chronicles say that the temple existed before the 4th century BC. Besides the temple itself, the complex includes nursing homes, a hospice for the terminally ill and various homes and caves of hermits, sadhus. It is a place that is shockingly frank – here they burn the bodies of the dead and send the ashes down the river. Everyone who happens to be here can see the cremation ceremony, as it is a common process for the locals. We will see the evening ceremony of lights and Aarati music.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu 4* near Boudhanath Stupa.
Day 18. August 22, 2024, Thursday.
Changu Narayan Temple (UNESCO) and
the ancient city of Bhaktapur
(UNESCO). Transfer to Farping.
Not far from Kathmandu lies a marvelous “land of saints” called Bhaktapur. This settlement is one of the ancient Nawar cities, which has a large number of architectural monuments. It is also called the land of potters or artisans.
Excursion to Changu Narayan hilltop temple, located 4 kilometers north of Bhaktapur, on the outskirts of Kathmandu (40 minutes from the capital), is the oldest Vishnu temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Apart from the main temple, the courtyard houses other shrines dedicated to Shiva, Chinna Masta (Kali), Ganesha and Krishna.
Transfer to Farping.
Overnight at Resort Haatiban in Farping.
Day 19. August 23, 2024, Friday.
Farping is the new Tibet. Transfer to Kathmandu.
Pharping is a Buddhist township 22 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is a place with living representatives of living Buddhist teachings. There are dozens of Buddhist monasteries, stupas and holy sites in and around Farping. Rinpoche and Lamas and their disciples live and practice here, there are special caves for multi-year retreats, daily pujas (services), and teachings at monasteries.
We will walk around the holy sites of Farping:
–
Asura Cave, where Guru Padmasambhava
spent a long time practicing tantric practices and meditation. The Great Master has reached a very high level of spiritual development here. Therefore, many subsequent practitioners have come here to meditate, knowing that the Asura Cave has tremendous power of blessing. Here he left his handprint on the stone that can be seen in front of the cave entrance.
–
Rigon Tashi Choling Monastery.
–
Green Tara Temple of stone.
– Vajrayogini Cave.
Easy trekking around the neighborhood to caves and through the mountains.
It is possible to meet a Lama, a Buddhist teacher. Q&A. Blessing.
In the evening we return to Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu 4* near Boudhanath Stupa.
Day 20. August 24, 2024, Saturday.
Vacation. Shopping. The flight home.
Today is free time, you can relax, buy gifts and souvenirs.
Transfer to Kathmandu airport. The flight home.
.
