After a short visit of Katmandu you will fly past the ice peaks of Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Mt. Everest to Lhasa, the spiritual center of Tibet visited by pilgrims from all parts of the country.
Mingling with them you wander around the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest temple. You will visit the mighty Potala Palace. Perched high above the old city it is the landmark of Lhasa.
Then we embark on our journey along the southern route to western Tibet by jeep. Incredible views of the Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayas make up for the long, up to 12-hour drives on rough roads. En route we visit Tashilunpo in Shigatse and the Kumbum chorten, rich in murals and statues, in Gyantse.
Our destination is the 'Center of the World', as the Tibetans refer to Kailash. 6714m above see level towers the scenic and white snow pyramid. Prayer flags on the Dolma La (5600m) greet you on your circumambulation of Kailash, which takes three days. Traditionally, Tibetans then pay a visit to Lake Manasarowar and conclude their pilgrimage with a visit of Tirthapuri.
Almost bizarre is the canyon-like landscape around the Sutlej River. Embedded lie the ruins of Tsaparang, the capital of the former kingdom Guge. We explore this 900 years old religious site and head on north via Tholing and Ali (Chin. Shinquanhe). The grandiose mountain scenery of Kunlun and the oasis en route to Kashgar in southwestern Xinjiang will remain unforgettable. Experience the charme of the bazaar before you carry on to Urumqui and Beijing and return to Germany.
