Days 01 : Arrive Kathmandu, On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel for your trip briefing and the completion of your Visa Application for Tibet.

Days 02 : In Kathmandu,

Days 03 : Fly to Nepalgunj, overnight,

Days 04-10 : fly to Simikot and commence trek: The trek from Simikot to the Tibetan border can be completed in five stages. The trek from Simikot: crosses the Humla region, on of the remotest regions of Nepal and weeks from the nearest road head. We follow the course of the Humla Karnali river, one of the sacred rivers that flow from the vicinity of Mt Kailas and one of the main tributaries of the Ganges. Yet the trek is by no means straightforward. In places the Karnali cuts through the high mountain ridges bordering Nepal and Tibet creating awesome gorges that defy even the most intrepid of trail builders. High passes are the only alternative to reach Tibet, including the Nara Lagna at 4580 m. This is also the terrain where the Tibetan Khampas sought out a haven during the battles with the Chinese army in the 1970's: a political struggle that was to form the basis of Lincoln Hall's first novel 'Blood on the Lotus' published in 1990.
From Simikot we head northwest through a series of small villages and past walnut and apricot groves and rice paddies before completing the first continuous ascent to the high goatherds' pastures in route to the settlement of Yangar. This is a fine introduction to trekking and our crew will establish our comfortable daily routine on these first couple of stages. WE also pass Mani walls, small chortens and rock cairns reflecting the dominantly Buddhist culture in this remote borderland region.
At Yangar we cross the Karnali river by suspension bridge before reaching the stone houses of Muchu. There follows a steady ascent through juniper forest and grazing pastures on the higher elevation before returning to the valley settlements where potatoes, millet and mustard seeds are harvested.
On the fourth stage of our trek we plan to reach the last important Nepalese settlement at Yari where we register with the Nepalese police and Custom officials. By now we are getting close to the Tibetan border and we share the trail with traders, pilgrims, and pack animals that ply across the border throughout the long summer months.
The ascent to the Nara Lagna is tough going in places, but the views from the summit are rewarding with fine views towards the 'Tibetan plateau and peaks of Gurla Mandata, while the green barley fields at Sher can be appreciated way below.
A final descent bring us back down to the banks of the Karnali and the post marking the border between Nepal and Tibet from here on it is a short climb to Sher village to clear the Chinese Customs post and meet our Tibetan guides and drivers who will have driven from Lhasa to meet us. It's then a 26-km drive from Sher to Taklakot where we camp overnight.

Days 11 : Transfer to Tarboche: On arrival at Tarboche (4700 metres) we witness the arrival of the pilgrims who may have spent up to a month travelling across Tibet for the Saka Dawa festival. It takes four to five hours to complete the 100-km drive. The road ascends to the Gurla La (4590 metres) where we gain out first views of Mt Kailas before descending to the windswept plains skirting the banks of Rakshas Tal and Lake Manasarovar. A bumpy and somewhat dusty drive takes us onto Darchen. After clearing permits at Darchen we continue for a further 10 kms to the camp at Tarboche and our base to witness the Wesac Festival or the Saka Dawa.

Days 12 : At Tarboche - the Wesac Festival - The Saka Dawa.

Days 13 : At Tarboche - the Wesac festival - the Saka Dawa.

Days 14-16 : Commence trek around Kailas (the outer kora)
Hardy pilgrims can complete the 51-km trek around Mt Kailas in one day. We take three. The first stage to the camp / monastery at Dri-ra Pak, the second stage over the Dolma La (5670 metres) to Zutrul Puk and the final stage around to the road head several kilometers before Darchen.
From Tarboche it is a short stage to the small monastery at Nyenri. Just above Nyenri we gain our first views of Kailas from the pilgrim trail, with its summit rising above the sandstone escarpment. Climbing higher we pass a dome outcrop of rock known as 'Padmasambhava's Tomb' before the valley widens out before the Dri Puk monastery. Here we gain impressive views of the North face of Kailas as it rises sheer 2000 metres to its summit.
On the second stage we commence our climb to the Dolma La (5670 metres). The climb to the pass is not unduly strenuous although small steps are the order of the day. On the pass the pilgrims gather and pay homage to the mountain. We descend on the fat side of the pass to the Tukje Tso-- ' the Compassion Lake' -- in a spectacular setting beneath huge rock cliffs, before commencing a steep descent down a ' rock staircase to the eastern valley and a grassy campsite.

On the third stage we continue down the valley to the small monastery of Zutrul Puk. The site of Zutrul Puk (Miracle Cave) marks the place where the celebrated Buddhist teacher Milarepa performed miracles in a contest with the high priest of the bon Po's the form of nature worship common to Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism. Milarepa won the contest but consented for the followers of Bon PO to continue their own pilgrimage around Kailas in an anticlockwise fashion.

On the third day it is further four to five hour trek across the open plains and past the lines of mani walls and prayer flags to the roadhead where we transfer to Manasarovar.

Days 17 : At Manasarovar:
We complete the short drive to the shores of Lake Manasarovar. Buddhists believe that the Gods carried Queen Mara, the Mother of the Shakyamunui Buddha, here before giving birth to her son, while Hindus believe the lake was a creation of Lord Brahma.
We plan to camp close to the northern shores soaking up the atmosphere with the optional trek to Chiu Monastery with its commanding position on the cliff tops overlooking the lake.

Days 18-21 : Drive to Shigatse:
Four days are reserved for the drive to Shigatse. It is a truly spectacular and demanding drive at times dusty and uncomfortable, but never boring. On the first day we cross a series of ridges and gain uninterrupted views of the Himalaya bordering India and Nepal. Our camp that night will be in the vicinity of the village of Paryang.
Our second stage involves a drive of around 8 to 10 hours to the town of Saga situated alongside the Tsangpo. On the next stage we can to camp about two hours south of Lhatse on the Kathmandu to Lhasa highway, leaving us ample time to complete the drive to Lhatse and the final 200 kms to Shigatse the following day.

Note that campsites throughout the drive to Shigatse will depend on road conditions, the capabilities of the Tibetan drivers, the condition of the vehicles and group preferences.
We visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. Since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642, the abbot of Tashilhunpo was known as the Panchen Lama (literally the Great Scholar). Over the generations he established himself as the chief spiritual and temporal adviser of the huge western portion of Tibet known as Tsang, and at times was even considered a rival to the Dalai Lama. During the Cultural Revolution much of the Tashilhunpo and the nearby Fort were destroyed. What we witness today is a huge complex, home to over 600 monks in various stages of re-building. We visit a series of the main temple. Of particular interest is (1) the huge temple to the Maitreva Bubbha (the Buddha to be); (2) the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama who died in 1989. The tomb is said to be encased with over 300 kegs of gold; (3) the Palace of the Panchen Lama; (4) the tomb of the 5th to 9th Panchen Lamas. This has been recently recently reconstructed and contains the remains of the former Panchen Lamas that were retrieved after their separate tombs were demolished by the Chinese troops in 1966; (5) the main Assembly Hall adjacent to many of the important chapels in everyday use.

Days 22 : In Shigatse, and drive to Gyantse:
Later that afternoon we complete the two-hour drive to Gyantse, a remarkable town that has escaped much of the Chinese influence common to other main Tibetan towns. The town us dominated by the ancient Fort. In 1904 British forces during the famous designed it Young husband expedition. We also visit the remarkable octagonal monastery - the Kumbum (of Pango Chorten)--that was build in 1444 on a series of four levels each containing separate chapels.

Days 23 : Drive to Lhasa
From Gyantse the road ascends the Karo La (5200 metres) to the Yamdrol Tso or Turquoise Lake, a vast freshwater lake. In many respects it is surprising that the lakeside has not been developed, although plans are afoot to divert the headwaters of the lake under the Khamba La to provide water supply to Lhasa. Crossing Khamba La (4900 metres) we descend to the Tsangpo river before completing the final stage of the drive that takes us up the Kyichu valley to the fabled city of Lhasa. Driving time is around seven to eight hours.

Days 24-25 : In Lhasa:
During our time in Lhasa we include visits to the Jokhang, the Norbulingka -- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and the Potala palace.

The Old City of Lhasa was built around the Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet. It was established in the 7th century when Buddhism was first introduced into Tibet, and since then it has been considerably enlarged particularly during the reign of the Great 5th Dalai Lama. Within the Jokhang there are a series of temples situated on the ground and the upper floors that are in various states of repair after the Cultural Revolution. Some are also closed to the public but our guide will be able to give you a detailed description of each o the main chapels. The main entrance to the Jokhang is always full of activity with pilgrims prostrating themselves as they conduct their prayers before continuing on their ritual circuit around the temple.

This circuit area together and the Barkor-- the market area outside the Jokhang-- is a gathering area for Tibetans who may have traveled fir many months across Tibet. The Barkor is the 'real Tibet' with a multitude of stalls selling anything from ceremonial scarfs to Chinese thermos flasks. You can spend many hours there people -watching, although be sure to ask first before taking photographs. The Norbulingka -- the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama -- is a large compound situated to the west of the city where successive Dalai Lama spent their summer months. Indeed the 14th Dalai Lama preferred to stay in his Summer Palace in contrast to the rather cold, isolated chambers of the Potala. The area within the Norbulingka is forested and provides ideal shade from the intense Lhasa sunlight. The Palace of the 14th Dalai Lama is situated in the centre of the compound and little seems to have changed from when he escaped into exile in 1959. Most of the private quarters are open to the public, which always includes a steady flow of Tibetan pilgrims keen to pay homage to their exiled leader. The Palace of the 13th Dalai Lama, situated on the perimeter on the perimeter of the Norbulingka is also open to the public.

The Potala Palace is one of the highlights of a visit to Lhasa. It was founded in 1645 during the reign of the great 5th Dalai Lama. It is divided into two main complexes -- the outer white building, the White Palace that housed the administration, and the Red Fort where the chapels, tombs and living quarters of the Dalai Lama are located. It is normal to approach the Potala through the Western Gate and make your way slowly through the labyrinth of chambers to the lower floor of the Red Fort. The most impressive hall within this mediaeval building is the chamber where the tombs of the former Dalai Lamas including the massive golden tomb of the great 5th, are located. Nearby is the chapel commemorating padmasambhava, the Tantric sage who introduced Buddhism to Tibet. On the upper middle floor is the Tomb of the 13th Dalai Lama, while on the upper floor there is the official Reception Hall and the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, some of which are open to the public, We complete our visit to the Palace by leaving through the Main Gate to the Red Fort before descending to the marketplace immediately in front of the Palace.

Time spent in the Potala will depend on the number of pilgrims and tourists present. On one visit to the Potala there were virtually no pilgrims visiting the Dalai Lama's quarters, while a few days later the place was packed with hundreds of pilgrims who waited for many hours to view the various chambers. Please at all times be patient and keep a sense of humour.

Days 26 : Fly Lhasa to Kathmandu
An early morning start from Lhasa is essential for the two-hour drive to the airport. The airport is impressive and formalities can be completed without much delay. The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu takes two hours and is without doubt one of the most spectacular commercial flights in the world. The flight path takes us just east of Everest before circling to the south where the entire Himalaya range from Makalu to the Annapurna can be appreciated: a fitting end to your journey.
On arrival at Kathmandu airport you will require a further visa to re- enter Nepal. Please have your documentation ready. Overnight Kathmandu.

Days 27 : Trip concludes Kathmandu
During May the climate in southern Tibet is normally clear and fine. The day time temperatures will be warm rising to around 20c while at night they can drop to well below freezing ensuring that our two man tents, sleeping bags and down jackets are put to good use.

Days 28 : Departure transfer to the airport for onward destination.