Join Amdo-born Pema Wanma Jiancuo on a journey into remote Amdo, one of the cultural cores of Tibetan civilization, and the region of the fierce Golok and Aba tribes. Amdo is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and the great Gelugpa teacher Tsongkhapa. Here, you will visit sacred temples, and discover Amdo art paintings, architecture, jewelry, and textiles. Meet monks and local families, explore glacial mountains, lush valleys, and deserts&on your way to the blue Lake Kokonor.

Your journey begins where Buddhism began in Tibet - the Tsetang region east of Lhasa. Explore one of the oldest of the Nyingma monasteries, Samye 'a model of the Buddhist universe' and meditation caves that served the likes of Guru Rimpoche and the 5th Dalai Lama. From Samye, head into the countryside - a trail of memorable scenery, lakes, meadows, high grasses, willows, tiny villages, and nomad camps. The trail takes you to the beautiful Guru Rimpoche cave of Chimpu. This is a trip of monks, monasteries, and more salt tea than you thought possible!

Join Amdo-born Pema Wanma Jiancuo on a journey into remote Amdo, one of the cultural cores of Tibetan civilization, and the region of the fierce Golok and Aba tribes. Amdo is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and the great Gelugpa teacher Tsongkhapa. Here, you will visit sacred temples, and discover Amdo art paintings, architecture, jewelry, and textiles. Meet monks and local families, explore glacial mountains, lush valleys, and deserts&on your way to the blue Lake Kokonor.

You are standing in the courtyard of the Jokhang in the center of Lhasa, amid pilgrims from all over Tibet who are prostrating themselves. Did you ever believe this would happen? Can you imagine monks from Sera debating, camping below Drigung Monastery, watching Himalayan vultures assemble for a sky burial, or chatting with the nuns of Terdrum while you bathe in the hot springs?

Boat across the Yarlung Tsampo River and visit Samye and the Yombulakham - Tibet's first monastery and dwelling. Travel in the shadow of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and listen to monks from Sera dramatically debating religious fine points. Walk the sacred path around Shigatse's Tashilumpo Monastery with pilgrims and enjoy the art of Gyantse's Kumbum and sunrise prayers at Lhasa's Jokhang temple. This journey is the essence of Central Tibet.