Day 1&2 : July 16 & 17
The Journey Begins: From Beijing to Chengdu by Rail
Our 14-day adventure opens with a mesmerizing train ride that sets the tone for everything to come. Over two days aboard Train K545, we’ll glide through China’s vast heartland—from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the cultural crossroads of Chengdu. Departing at 13:40 from Beijing Station and arriving at 22:21 the next day in Chengdu West, this 32-hour journey is a slow immersion into a different rhythm of life, where ancient landscapes and modern cities roll past your window in an ever-changing panorama. Upon arrival, meet our local representative for a smooth transfer to the hotel, where your original Tibet travel permit awaits. Rest up—your flight to the mystical city of Lhasa is just around the corner.           

 
Day 3: July 18

Flight to Lhasa & First Steps in the Holy City
By midday, we trade the fertile lowlands of Sichuan for the soaring skies above the Himalayas as we board our flight to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

As the plane rises, so does the sense of awe—this is no ordinary journey, but a passage into another world.

Touching down at 3,650 meters, the crisp mountain air and striking light announce our arrival on the Roof of the World, the land of the snow lion.  

We settle into atraditional Tibetan-style hotel, a serene haven tucked in the heart of Lhasa. The afternoon invites a gentle yet profound first encounter: a walk through the Barkhor, the centuries-old pilgrimage circuit that circles the Jokhang Temple, alive with the sound of prayer wheels and the scent of juniper smoke. Here, past and present converge in sacred rhythm—your Tibetan journey has truly begun.   

• Barkhor Street: A bustling, devotional path encircling the Jokhang Temple, the Barkhor is one of the oldest streets in Lhasa. Pilgrims walk clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras, creating a living circle of faith that’s existed for centuries.
• Jokhang Temple: Founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the Jokhang is considered the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. It houses the revered statue of Shakyamuni, said to be the most lifelike image of the historical Buddha ever created.
• Atmosphere: Expect incense, prostrating pilgrims, saffron-robed monks, and the deep hum of prayer—an unforgettable sensory immersion into Tibet’s spiritual soul.
• Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, located near Jokhang Temple. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with 4-star level facilities, ideal for your first night in Lhasa.

Day 6 : July 21
Into the Valley of Kings – From Samye to Tsetang
This morning, we depart the sacred stillness of Samye and journey deeper into the legendary Yarlung Valley, often called the “cradle of Tibetan civilization.” Our destination is Tsetang, a town steeped in royal history and myth, once home to Tibet’s earliest kings.

Along the way, we pass through fertile river plains and golden barley fields, tracing the ancient veins of a culture that stretches back over two millennia. In the afternoon, we begin to explore this historic region, where myth and monarchy intertwine. If time allows, we may visit Yumbulagang, Tibet’s first palace, perched dramatically on a hilltop with sweeping views across the valley.

In Tsetang, we settle into our hotel and enjoy a quieter evening, surrounded by stories of Tibet’s earliest dynasties and the landscapes that gave birth to its identity.

• Tsetang: Considered the third most important town in central Tibet, Tsetang is both a spiritual and historical hub, offering insight into Tibet before Buddhism took root.
• Yumbulagang Palace: According to legend, this was the palace of Nyatri Tsenpo, Tibet’s first king, said to have descended from the sky. Its fortress-like silhouette remains a powerful symbol of Tibet’s royal heritage.
• Yarlung Valley: This lush valley is not only the mythical birthplace of the Tibetan people—it’s where kings ruled, Buddhism was first practiced, and Tibetan culture took form.
• Overnight: Longma Hotel, a 4-star standard hotel with excellent facilities, located in the center of Tsetang.

Day 7 : July 22
Return to the Heart – Tsetang to Lhasa, via Traduk Temple & Yumbulagang Palace
We begin our day with visits to two of Tibet’s most ancient and storied sites. First, the Temple of Traduk, one of Tibet’s earliest Buddhist sanctuaries, founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. Once a royal chapel, this temple is famed for its ancient murals and its quiet, reverent atmosphere. 

Next, we ascend to the Yumbulakang Palace, dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Yarlung Valley. Said to be Tibet’s first palace and home to its first king, this striking fortress offers panoramic views and a powerful connection to Tibet’s pre-Buddhist and early Buddhist past. 

After these unforgettable explorations, we journey back to Lhasa, retracing the path along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The return feels different—richer, deeper. With ancient legends behind us and the Potala Palace ahead, we arrive in Lhasa not just as travelers, but as witnesses to the soul of Tibet.  

Enjoy a restful evening or explore the city’s twilight energy at your own pace.

• Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, Lhasa.

Day 8 : July 23
Palaces of Power and Peace – Potala, Chakpori, & Norbulingka
Today we step into the very heart of Tibetan identity, beginning with the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, a 13-story citadel of red and white rising from the hill like a vision. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the palace is a masterpiece of architecture and devotion, housing sacred chapels, golden tombs, and endless rows of flickering butter lamps. Climbing its ancient steps, you’ll feel not only the altitude—but the weight of centuries.  

Next, we walk to nearby Mount Chakpori, once home to Tibet’s first medical college. Today, it offers a peaceful vantage point and a stunning collection of rock carvings—Buddhas etched directly into the mountainside, weathered yet luminous, guardians of the sacred city.  

We close the day with a serene stroll through Norbulingka, the “Jewel Park,” once the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. It’s quiet pavilions, blooming gardens, and meandering paths offer a gentler rhythm, a counterpoint to the Potala’s majesty—a space to reflect, breathe, and simply be. 

• Potala Palace: Built on the site of a sacred meditation cave, the Potala is more than a political stronghold—it is a spiritual beacon and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Mount Chakpori: Meaning “Iron Mountain,” it once housed Tibet’s ancient medical traditions. Today, its carvings and panoramic views offer a silent kind of wisdom.
• Norbulingka: Literally “Jewel Park,” Norbulingka reflects the private, human side of Tibet’s spiritual leaders—a place of poetry, art, and nature.

Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, Lhasa.

Day 9 : July 24
In the Presence of the Sacred – Jokhang Temple
This morning, we return to the spiritual core of Lhasa to fully immerse ourselves in one of Tibet’s holiest sites: the Jokhang Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jokhang is not just a monument—it is a living sanctuary, drawing pilgrims from every corner of the Tibetan plateau.  

Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the temple enshrines the Shakyamuni, an extraordinarily sacred statue believed to be the most lifelike representation of the historical Buddha. As we walk through its incense-filled corridors, past flickering butter lamps and whispering devotees, you’ll feel the temple’s unique energy—intimate, ancient, and deeply alive. 

We’ll take time to explore the intricate chapels, watch the steady flow of prostrating pilgrims, and maybe even join the slow, meditative kora around the temple—a quiet act of connection to centuries of unbroken faith.

• Founding Legend: Said to have been built to house the sacred Buddha statue brought by Princess Wencheng of China, the Jokhang sits at the very intersection of Tibetan spiritual and political history.
• Pilgrimage Site: The temple is the ultimate destination for Tibetan pilgrims, many of whom journey on foot across great distances, bowing full body in prayer each step of the way.
• A Sacred Atmosphere: The blend of devotion, tradition, and artistry here creates something rare—a place that doesn’t just display faith but breathes it.

Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, Lhasa.

Day 10 :  July 25
Sky Mirror of the Plateau – Namtso Lake to Damzhung
Today, we venture into the vast openness of northern Tibet, toward one of its most breathtaking natural wonders: Namtso Lake. Known as the “Heavenly Lake”, Namtso sits at over 5,000 metersabove sea level, on the windswept Changtang Plateau, where sky and earth blur into an endless horizon.     

The journey itself is unforgettable winding through alpine grasslands, past nomadic camps, with snow-capped mountains as constant companions. Upon arrival, the stillness of the lake is striking. Stretching into infinity, its turquoise waters reflect the sky like a sacred mirror.

We’ll take time for awalking meditation along its shoreline, letting the rhythm of breath and footsteps bring you into alignment with the raw power of this sacred space. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, yaks graze in the distance, and silence reigns—except for the whisper of the elements.  

By evening, we travel to Damzhung, a quiet town nestled in the highlands, to rest and acclimatize after our ascent into one of Tibet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. 

• Spiritual Significance: Revered as one of Tibet’s four holy lakes, Namtso is a site of pilgrimage and meditation. Many Tibetans believe its waters can purify karma and grant spiritual clarity.
• Changtang Plateau: This remote region is home to Tibetan nomads, rare wildlife like the kiang (wild ass), and some of the highest, least-touched landscapes on Earth.
• Walking Meditation: Practiced in Tibetan Buddhism as a form of moving prayer, walking meditation here connects body, mind, and sacred earth.

Overnight: Sheep Hotel, Damzhung (best available rooms in the town).

Day 11 : July 26
Full Circle – Return to Lhasa & the Soul of the Old City
After our high-altitude encounter with the elemental vastness of Namtso, we begin our descent back to Lhasa, the city that first welcomed us to the Tibetan plateau. The return is quiet, almost meditative—an opportunity to let the experiences of the past days settle and take root. 

Once back in the capital, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walk-through Lhasa’s ancient alleys, where whitewashed walls and weathered doorways tell stories older than memory. This is a chance to slow down and soak in the everyday rhythms of the old town—monks murmuring mantras, vendors selling incense and turquoise, and the occasional yak ambling by like part of the scenery. 

It’s a soft reentry into the familiar, yet everything now feels different—because you are. You’ve walked in places few have seen, breathed the air of sacred mountains, and traced the path of ancient wisdom. Lhasa is still here, but so much more alive.

• Architecture & Atmosphere: The old town blends Tibetan, Chinese, and Himalayan influences, creating a labyrinth of narrow lanes that still pulse with spiritual life.
• Local Life: Watch for the daily pilgrimage circles around temples, spontaneous tea stalls in courtyards, and artisans at work in open doorways—a living museum of culture.
• Perfect Place for Souvenirs: This is also the ideal time to pick up prayer beads, handmade textiles, or locally crafted incense—meaningful reminders of a journey deeply felt.

Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, Lhasa.

Day 12: July 27
The Path of the Masters – Ganden Monastery
Today we journey east of Lhasa to the majestic heights of Ganden Monastery, perched dramatically on a ridge overlooking the Kyi Chu Valley. Founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa, the great reformer and founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden is one of the most important monastic sites in Tibet—and a place of profound spiritual gravity.  

The monastery’s golden roofs shimmer against the deep blue sky as we ascend toward its inner sanctums, where ancient scriptures, sacred relics, and soft chanting await. Ganden is not only a seat of learning but a living monument to the legacy of Tibet’s greatest teachers.

We’ll walk the Ganden kora, a pilgrimage circuit that winds along the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the valley below. With every prayer flag, chorten, and whispering wind, you’ll feel the presence of something both eternal and immediate. 

This is a day for reflection and connection—on the ridge between heaven and earth.

• Founder’s Legacy: Je Tsongkhapa’s tomb lies here, encased in a golden stupa. His teachings still echo through the monastery’s classrooms and meditation halls.
• Pilgrimage Path: The Ganden kora is considered one of the most beautiful in Tibet, combining dramatic views with deep spiritual resonance.
• Sacred Geography: The monastery’s location—high, remote, and windswept—was chosen for its energetic and symbolic power, ideal for contemplation and clarity.

Overnight: Banak Shol Hotel, Lhasa.

Day 13 : July 28
Echoes in the Caves – Drak Yerpa Hermitage & Return to Chengdu
On our final morning in Tibet, we make a poignant farewell pilgrimage to Drak Yerpa Hermitage, a serene complex of meditation caves tucked into limestone cliffs just outside Lhasa. For centuries, this hidden sanctuary has drawn monks, mystics, and seekers—including Tibetan kings and the great Guru Rinpoche—who came here to meditate in solitude and silence. 

Walking among the whitewashed chapels and ancient cave dwellings, you’ll feel the quiet intensity of this sacred place. It’s not grand like Potala or crowded like Jokhang—but something more intimate. A place to pause, breathe, and absorb all that this journey has offered.

Afterward, we head to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, where our guide will escort you for your return flight to Chengdu. As you descend from the heights of the Himalayas back into the bustling lowlands, the stillness of Tibet comes with you—etched not just in memory, but in spirit.  

• Spiritual Legacy: Said to have hosted meditations by Songtsen Gampo, Padmasambhava, and Atisha, Drak Yerpa is among the holiest retreats in Central Tibet.
• Atmosphere: Set against wind-blown cliffs with panoramic views of the valley, its quiet paths and ancient meditation caves make it one of the most peaceful places in Tibet.
• Final Reflection: Many consider a visit here the perfect way to end a pilgrimage—a quiet closing chapter before rejoining the world beyond the mountains.

• Overnight in Chengdu.

Day 14 : July 29
Farewell for Now – Departure from Chengdu
After an unforgettable journey through the sacred landscapes of Tibet, we arrive back in Chengdu—a city that now feels like a familiar threshold between two worlds. Upon arrival, our local guide will greet you and assist with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.   

Though your path now turns westward, what you’ve experienced—the silent monasteries, the wind-swept plateaus, the prayers whispered on mountain air—will travel with you. Tibet leaves quietly, but it never really let’s go.

Until the next great journey — Tashi Delek.

ALTITUDE AND IMPORTANT WELLBEING DURING YOUR JOURNEY

Most travelers won’t feel the effects of altitude unless engaging in significant physical activity. This journey has been carefully designed with gradual acclimatization in mind. We’ll take things at a gentle pace, ensuring that even short walks are comfortable for everyone.

Our guides—and your fellow travelers—will all embrace this slower rhythm. Whatever your age or fitness level, we move together with care, mutual respect, and without pressure or competition.

Should you experience any discomfort, simply pause, rest, and drink some water we are all there to support one another.

THE VALUE OF THIS JOURNEY

To convert US Dollars to euros or other currencies you can use:

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Double occupancy      US $ 3995.00
Single occupancy       US $ 4490.00
Couples                            US $ 6795.00

DETAIL OF SERVICES

The price includes:

• The teachings of Don Ernesto Ortiz through the trip
• French translator for the whole trip
• Train ride from Beijing to Chengdu
• Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa
• Professional Tibetan guides
• Tibet Travel Permits
• Accommodation (double occupancy)
• Single accommodation available for a surcharge
• Comfortable, well-maintained tourist transportation (2 buses)
• All entrance fees to attractions
• Full-board meals throughout the trip
• Two bottles of mineral water per day (1 liter each)
• Oxygen cylinders (if needed)
• First aid kit

The price doesn’t include:

• Round trip air ticket from your country of origin to China
• The cost of obtaining a visa for China (this may vary by nationality)
• Tips for the local team (guide, driver)
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• The possible international taxes of exit and of aerial surcharges
• Personal travel insurance
• Individual medical assistance

Note 1 : Your return flight to your home country can depart drom Chengdu International Airport. When booking your flights, ensure that your arrival is into Beijin and your return is from Chengdu.

Note 2 : Due to the high altitude of the visits, it is important to be in good health to make this trip

YOUR REGISTRATION

Seats are limited; we advise that your register as soon as possible.

Click on the Registration link to access the Registration forms and the terms and conditions.

PREPARATION OF THE TRIP

Once you register for your trip, you will receive a complete preparation list covering the practical details: clothing, money, visas, practical advice, etc.

I look forward to walking this sacred path with you—sharing the journey, the teachings, and the ceremonies that connect us to the heart of Tibet and to the heart within.

In Spirit

Don Ernesto

OM MANI PADME HUM

Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara Mantra

In the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon of enlightened beings, Chenrezig is revered as the embodiment of compassion, known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The Sanskrit name Avalokiteshvara is used in Hindu and broader Buddhist traditions, while Chenrezig is his Tibetan counterpart.

This mantra—Om Mani Padme Hum—is considered the most powerful expression of compassion, both for oneself and for all beings.

The phrase translates roughly as:
“I bow to the jewel in the lotus.”
Here, the lotus symbolizes the self, and the jewel represents enlightenment. Together, the mantra affirms:
“I honor the enlightened potential within myself.”