This epic journey through Sichuan, across the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa and Kathmandu, has attracted explorers and adventurers, pilgrims, traders, and even missionaries for hundreds of years. The journey is a long one, and requires a certain dedication on the part of the traveler, as well as certain resilience to bumps! We have considerable experience of this route and know exactly what is required in terms of transportation, accommodation, and red tape, not to mention the fascinating sights along the way.
The first leg of this great overland adventure takes us to Dartsedo, the historic border town and gateway to Tibet. After relaxing in the nearby hot springs we head north to Kanze which currently boasts the largest monastery in Kham and then continue to the sacred lake of Yilhun Lhatso and finally the cultural centre of Derge where we can relax for a day on the banks of the upper Yangtse. In Chamdo we'll visit Kalden Jampaling Monastery which dates from the 15th century, and forms the focal point of this important market town at the confluence of two tributaries of the Mekong River.
At this point our route takes the northern road to Lhasa, over the Tanlen Taweng Range to Riwoche and Tingchen, an important centre for the old Bon religion. We drive across high passes and verdant pastures, where village monasteries cling to the rock face, and where nomads pasture their flocks.