Overland from Lhasa to Mt Everest and Kathmandu
Dates: April 16—28, 2023
Cost: $3299 USD per person. $2999 USD per person if you join with a friend/partner.
More details: info@himalayajourney.com or call us at (+977) 980 3001 060 (NEPAL) or (+1) 253-289-9166 (USA).
Slow travel route: Nearly all travel companies that offer the route from Lhasa to Mt Everest to Kathmandu do it in just 7 or 8 days. Not us...we do it over 12 full days! Why? Because we want our clients to actually experience Tibet's amazing culture and beauty, rather than experience long hours in a vehicle each day! Plus, going at a slower pace allows your body the much needed time to acclimatize to higher elevation. Our professionally-guided journeys are for those that want to get the MOST out of a journey to Tibet! While we will be doing walking and short day hikes on most days, this journey will be done by vehicle. No long distance trekking or backpacking is required.
Journey Highlights:
- Exploring the Buddhist holy city of Lhasa
- Lectures on Tibet history and culture from expert guides from the US and Tibet
- Experiencing Tibetan culture
- Watching the sunset and sunrise on Everest from the base camp region
- Traveling overland thru Tibet to Nepal
- Explore the monastic ruins at Phuntsoling and Shelkar
- Learning about Buddhism and Hinduism
- Amazing Himalayan food
This is a journey for people who:
- Want to get the MOST out of a journey thru Tibet
- Want to get up close to Mt Everest safely without climbing or trekking
- Want to learn about Tibet's history and religion from expert Tibetan and American guides
- Want to travel at a slow pace to allow for better altitude acclimatization
- Want to spend more time exploring Tibet's monasteries and villages
- Want to stay at higher quality hotels
- Want to have a trained Wilderness First Responder with them
- Want to have an all-inclusive tour that includes meals, hotels and domestic flight
The 1200 kilometer overland route connecting Lhasa, Tibet with Kathmandu, Nepal is considered one of the most epic and most beautiful road trips on the planet. This 13 day journey will start in Xining, China on April 16. The next day, we will fly (flight cost included!) to the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa where we will spend 3 days exploring some of the holiest Buddhist sites in the Himalaya. In Lhasa, we will visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and other sacred sites. After our time in Lhasa, we will begin our road-trip to Kathmandu.
From Lhasa, the real adventure begins as you start the epic road trip through Central Tibet to Nepal. You will start by photographing Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet's most beautiful lakes. From there, you will get up close to the Karo La Glacier before visiting the quaint, historic town of Gyantse and the Pelkhor Chode Monastery. Passing through quiet farming villages, you will then go to Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city. In Shigatse, you will explore the massive monastery of Tashi Lhunpo and walk the ancient pilgrimage circuit. After Shigatse, you will work your way overland to Mt Everest's spectacular North Face Base Camp Region at Rongphu (Rongbuk) Monastery, where you will get the single best view of the world's highest peak.
But wait....there is still more to come! After Everest Base Camp Region, you will continue on to view Cho Oyu (6th highest) as well as Shisha Pangma, the 14th highest peak on the planet and the highest mountain that is completely in Tibet. You will also visit Peiku Tso, one of Tibet's most remote and beautiful alpine lakes. From there, we will begin the descent down to the Tibet border town of Kyirong. At Kyirong, we will say goodbye to our Tibetan driver and guide and say hello to our Nepali driver and guide. We will then continue on to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Our journey will conclude on the morning of April 13 (Day 13) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This journey will be professionally guided by Himalayan expert Ben Cubbage, who has lived full-time on the Tibetan Plateau for nearly 13 years and has thoroughly explored Tibet, including the Everest Region. Ben will be giving lectures each day on different aspects of Tibetan culture and history as well as taking about the climbing history of Mt Everest. Ben has been trained as a Wilderness First Responder and will be checking on clients throughout the journey to make sure they are healthy.
In Tibet, Ben will be joined by expert cultural guide Phurpu Chungdak, who has been guiding overland journeys and treks in the Tibetan Himalayas for the past 6 years. Phurpu, who is from the Shigatse region of Central Tibet, will be teaching clients about Buddhism and Tibetan culture as well as serving as a translator during the journey. In Nepal, we will be joined by Ashok Shahi, who serves as our Nepal General manager.
This high quality, professionally guided Tibet adventure is limited to around 12 clients (compared to most group other tours, which have 25 to 35 people). For more information about this journey, send an email to: info@himalayajourney.com
April 2023 Lhasa to Everest and Kathmandu Journey
Here is the itinerary we will be following:
April 16: Arrive to Xining, China
All participants must arrive in Xining, China by 5pm on April 18. We will stay at the 5 Star Xining Sofitel Hotel, the best hotel in the city. We will eat dinner together during a time of meet and greet at a restaurant near our hotel. NOTE: This journey is beginning in the city of Xining, elevation 2300m/7500 feet. Staying the night here before going to Lhasa will assist clients with acclimatizing to Tibet's higher altitude. Though Xining does not have an international airport, it can be reached by direct flight from most major cities in China including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Kunming and Guangzhou. Though we prefer our clients to begin this journey in Xining, we can also arrange for you to fly to Lhasa on April 19 from Chengdu or Beijing.
April 17: Fly from Xining to Lhasa
In the late morning/early afternoon, we will fly to Lhasa and arrive in the early/mid afternoon. This one-way flight is included in the journey costs. The Tibetan capital sits at 3590m/12,000 feet and is the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. After getting situated in a centrally located hotel, we will explore and photograph the center of the Old Tibetan Quarter in the heart of Lhasa. The Barkhor is the main shopping market for local Tibetans. It is one of the most interesting markets in all of Asia and is an excellent place to photograph modern Tibetan culture. In Lhasa we will stay at the Gold Star Dekang Hotel, located near the Lhasa Old Town.
April 18: Lhasa
After breakfast, we will spend the morning going through the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest and most famous temple. Each day, thousands of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims work their way through this nearly 1400 year old temple. In the afternoon, we will photograph the Buddhist philosophy debates at Sera, one of Tibet’s largest monasteries. The monk debates will be a major highlight during your time in Tibet. Later in the afternoon, you will have time to wander the Lhasa Old Town on your own.
April 19: Lhasa
We will start the day by exploring Tibet’s most iconic building, the Potala Palace. Towering above Lhasa with more than 1000 rooms, the Potala Palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama’s for hundreds of years. Next, we will explore Drepung, another of Lhasa's great Buddhist monasteries. You will again have free time in the late afternoon ad evening to explore the Lhasa Old Town on your own
April 20: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse
In the morning, we will depart from Lhasa and drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake. Yamdrok Lake, during clear weather, is a brilliant turquoise color and is one of the 4 main holy lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. The huge, glaciated 7191 meter Mt. Nojin Kangtsang forms the backdrop of the lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 4441 meters above sea level. Along the way to Gyantse, we will stop by the glaciers of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang at the Karo La Pass, which come down almost to the highway. Gyantse is a small, but modern Tibetan town, that lies at 4025m/13,000 feet. We will be photographing the Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the Gyantse Kumbum, the highest stupa (Buddhist pagoda) in Tibet. The drive from Lhasa to Gyantse covers 260 kms (162 miles). In Gyantse, we will stay at the 3 Star Yeti Hotel.
April 21: Gyantse to Shigatse
After breakfast, we will photograph the 600 year old Pelkor Chode Monastery. This beautiful monastery lies within a walled complex in the Gyantse Old Town. The short hike to the top of the wall gives an excellent panorama view of the monastery, town and the high plateau in the distance. After lunch, we will depart Gyantse and drive to Shigatse, elevation 3840 meters. Along the way, we will explore the monastery and village of Shalu, one of Central Tibet's many interesting sites. The distance from Gyantse to Shigatse is 95 kilometers (60 miles). In Shigatse we will stay at the 4 Star Tashi Choten Hotel.
April 22: Shigatse and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Shigatse is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery and its 600+ monks. This monastery, one of the largest in Tibet, is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most important lama in Tibetan Buddhism. We will walk around the pilgrim route that goes up and around the famous monastery as well as explore inside the huge monastery complex. In the afternoon, we will explore the walking street and markets in the Old Town.
April 23: Shigatse to Phuntsoling and Shelkar
From Shigatse, we will go to one of Tibet's best kept secrets—Phuntsoling Monastery. This monastery has both a newer section as well as some ancient ruins that are above it. The monastery looks out to a fantastic valley and is the perfect place to get in some hiking along with some teachings on how to improve your photography! Next, we will continue on to the Gyatso La Pass, one of the highest in Tibet at an altitude of 5248m/17,200 feet. From there, we will descend to the town of Shelkar. If time allows, we will wander thru the ruins of the ancient Shelkar Fortress. The distance from Shigatse to Shelkar is 265 kms (165 miles). In Shelkar, we will stay at the 3 Star Qomolangma Everest Hotel, the best option in the area.
April 24: Shelkar to Mt Everest and Rongphu Monastery
After breakfast, you will depart Shelkar and begin driving up to the Geu La Pass, elevation 5198m/17,050 feet. If the weather is clear, you can se 5 of the world's 15 highest peaks including Everest, Lhotse (4th highest), Makalu (5th highest), Cho Oyu (6th highest) and Gyachung Kang (15th highest). From the pass, you will continue on to the Mt Everest Base Camp Region at Rongphu Monastery. From here, you will get one of the BEST mountain views the Himalayas have to offer! If the weather is good (which it should be!), you can watch an epic sunset on Mt Everest! At Rongphu, we will stay at either the basic Monastery Hotel or the nearby tent hotels (a favorite of our clients!). Accommodations here are all very basic with only shared bathrooms and no showering facilities. The distance from Shelkar to Rongphu is 110 kilometers (70 miles). The elevation of Rongphu Monastery is just under 5000m/16,400 feet. NOTE: Without an Everest Climbing Permit, you will not be permitted to go beyond Rongphu Monastery.
April 25: Mt Everest to Old Tingri
We will get up early to watch an amazing sunrise on the North Face of Mt Everest! After a hot breakfast at the foot of Mt Everest, we will continue on to the town of Old Tingri, located 140 kilometers (88 miles) away. On the way, we will again stop at the Geu La Pass to gaze out at a panoramic view of the Himalaya Mountains. We will also stop and photograph a couple of villages before arriving to Old Tingri, elevation 4350m/14,270 feet. In Old Tingri we will stay at the Kangar Hotel, the best option in town. If the weather is good, the hotel looks out to both Mt Everest as well as Cho Oyu.
April 26: Old Tingri to Peiku Lake and Kyirong
This day we will drive 255 kilometers (160 miles) to Kyirong, the last area in Tibet along the Nepal border. We will get more stunning views of the Himalaya, including Cho Oyu (6th highest), Shisha Pangma (14th highest) and several other peaks that rise above 7000 meters/23,000 feet. We will have a picnic lunch at Lake Peiku Tso, a beautiful high altitude lake not far from Shisha Pangma. We will then spend the night in Kyirong, just a short drive from the Nepal border. The altitude in Kyirong is 2800m/9185 feet. In Kyirong, we will stay at a clean 2 star hotel that is the best in town.
April 27: Kyirong to Kathmandu
The last full day of our journey will take us 150 kilometers (95 miles) from Kyirong to Kathmandu. From Kyirong, we will drive 40 kilometers to the international border crossing with Nepal. There, we will say goodbye to our Tibetan staff and hello to our Nepal staff. The road from the Tibet—Nepal border to Kathmandu is a rough dirt road that will take a full day to drive. We will stop for lunch along the way as well as at a couple of small villages. In Kathmandu, we will stay at the pleasant 4 Star Nepali Ghar Hotel.
April 28: Kathmandu
Our journey will conclude in Kathmandu after breakfast on April 28. If you want, we can arrange an extension to your journey that includes more time in Nepal, or even a short journey to Bhutan!
Tibet to Nepal Overland Journey
Dates: April 16—28, 2023
The cost per person is $3299 USD. Discounted price of $2999 USD per person if you join with a friend/partner. Participants are responsible for their own international airfare to Xining, China and from Kathmandu, Nepal, but we will take care of just about everything else after that! While we will be doing plenty of walking and short day hikes, no trekking or backpacking is required as we will be traveling this route by vehicle. Send us an email at info@himalayajourney.com to apply for this tour or for any questions you may have.
Included in the price:
- One-way airfare from Xining, China to Lhasa, Tibet
- All accommodations (Based on double occupancy; Single room supplement available)
- All meals from the evening of April 16 until morning of April 28
- All bottled drinking water (bottles will all be recycled)
- Daily fresh fruit
- All ground transportation in Tibet and Nepal from April 17—28
- All meals and accommodations for Tibetan driver and guide
- All entrance fees per itinerary
- All Tibet permit fees
- All Everest fees
- Professional foreign guide trained as a Wilderness First Responder
- Expert local guides in Tibet and Nepal
Not included in the price:
- Passport costs, Chinese Visa or Nepal visa fees
- International airfare to Xining, China or from Kathmandu, Nepal
- Travel vaccinations
- Airport transfer in Kathmandu
- Insurance (travel, medical, etc)
- Souvenirs or personal items such as laundry, excess baggage fees, snacks, etc
- Drinks besides bottled water. Bottled water is provided in the journey cost.
- Photography fees inside temples and monasteries
- Gratuities to the Tibetan and Nepali drivers and guides
High quality, professionally guided journey: This journey is for clients who want to get the most out of their time traveling from Tibet to Nepal. This journey price includes much more than other journeys from Lhasa to Kathmandu include, such as 4 or 5 star hotel in Xining, flight from Xining to Lhasa, upgraded hotels in Tibet, all meals at quality restaurants, all bottled drinking water, fresh fruit each day, expert English speaking Tibetan and Nepali guides, expert foreign guide who is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and an expert in Tibetan culture and history and much more! Each day, clients will learn more about different aspects of Tibetan and Nepali religion, culture and history so they can fully understand the places and people they are seeing and experiencing.
Accommodations: In Xining, we will be staying in a highly rated 4 or 5 star international hotel. In Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, we will be staying in pleasant, locally-rated 3 and 4 Star Tibetan-owned hotels. Hotels in western Tibet are very basic, but clean. Accommodations at Rongphu Monastery at Mt Everest is extremely basic and does not offer showers and only has shared bathrooms. In Old Tingri and Kyirong, we will stay in the best places available. In Kathmandu, you will stay at a highly rated 4 star hotels. For more details on the hotels we stay at, go to the following link: Hotels we use in Tibet
Meals: For this tour, we will be eating a variety of Western, Chinese, Tibetan and Nepali food. Food in the Everest and Tibet-Nepal border regions is limited to basic noodle and rice dishes with vegetables. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. Our clients are always happy with the meals during our journeys!
China and Nepal Visas: Chinese Tourist Visa must be arranged at least 8 weeks before the journey begins. A Nepal Visa can easily be obtained at the Tibet-Nepal border or at the Nepal Embassy in Lhasa at a cost of $40 USD for 15 days or $50 USD for 30 days. Info on how to get your China Visa can be found in the following link: China Visa Instructions
Recommended Packing List: Go to the following link for details on what to pack for this journey: Tibet Packing List
Weather to Expect: Go to the following link for details on what weather and temperatures to expect. Be sure to look under the SPRING section: Weather and Temperatures in Tibet
Responsible Tourism: Himalaya Journey is US-based, but Tibetan and Nepali staffed. All of our guides and drivers are local Tibetans and Nepalis who have been working in tourism for many years. In Tibet, it is a top priority for us to support as many Tibetan-owned businesses as possible. During this tour, all of the hotels we will be staying at in Tibet are locally-owned, as are all of the restaurants we will be going to. The preservation of the culture of Tibet, as well as the protection of the environment of Tibet, are extremely important to us. In fact, when we are not out leading journeys across Tibet, we are working with local Tibetans in numerous eco-tourism and conservation projects.
Take a moment to read more about us and why ethical tourism in the Himalaya is so important to us: Why Use Us?
BEN CUBBAGE: Lead Guide
Ben Cubbage is originally from the US, but has spent 10 years living and working full-time on the Tibetan Plateau. He will be serving as the lead guide on this Tibet cultural journey. Ben has a degree in Environmental Science and has spent considerable time over the years teaching organic agriculture and sustainable development in Ghana and Liberia.
Ben has been guiding in the Himalaya and other parts of the globe for over a decade. He has completed numerous treks including the 4240 kilometer/2650 mile Pacific Crest Trail, which goes from Mexico to Canada thru the western US, the 3500 kilometer/2200 mile long Appalachian Trail in the eastern US, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Mount Kailas Trek in western Tibet and many others. He has been to the Tibet-side Everest Base Camp numerous times and knows that region well. Ben is also a Wilderness First Responder, the respected backcountry medical training held by guides across the globe. Ben will use his expert knowledge in giving lectures each day on different aspects of Tibetan culture, history and religion.
PHURBU CHUNGDAK: Lead Tibetan Guide
Phurpu Chungdak is from Shigatse, a farming region of Central Tibet. He has been working as a cultural and trekking guide in Tibet for the past 5 years. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys teaching his clients about his unique Tibetan culture. He is an expert in Tibetan Buddhism and has traveled to every corner of Tibet, including to Mt Everest dozens of times. He speaks English fluently and is trained in Wilderness First Aid. He will be teaching clients each day about Tibetan history and religion and will be working as a translator throughout this journey.
Independent reviews of Himalaya Journey can be found on our official Facebook Page in the following links:
Himalaya Journey Facebook Reviews
Himalaya Journey Trip Advisor Reviews
I had the good fortune of joining the Kham Adventure in eastern Tibet. The two week journey took us through Tibet's cultural heartland. Lead guides Jamin and Gonkho did a fantastic job in giving us insight into the region and made the entire journey enjoyable. Himalaya Journey is a great travel and adventure outfit! Responsive, considerate and most importantly conscientious and responsible in the areas whey they work. I highly recommend the Kham Journey and would not hesitate to take another trip with them!
Rachna—Thailand—July 2019
10/10 experience with Himalaya Journey! Highly recommend Himalaya Journey whether traveling solo, with a family, or group. I organized a three week group trip from the US to Nepal with Himalaya Journey and will absolutely utilize their services again. Ashok was always quick to respond to questions during planning phase, effortlessly made adjustments to our itinerary based on our goals/needs, and organized a seamless and stress free trip! Highly recommend Himalaya Journey and will definitely utilize their services when I organize my next group trip.
David—USA—June 2019
My experience with Himalaya Journey was absolutely phenomenal. We had a three week trip and after experiencing some unexpected, but necessary, changes to the original trip plan, our guide readjusted our trip without taking away any of the value and quality with the things we did. During this trip, we visited Kathmandu, the historic city of Bhaktapur, Pohkara, and the Chitwan National Park. We also did a five day trek to Annapurna Base Camp in which we were given the best guide on the mountain! Both of our guides were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the trip and it was very clear that they wanted nothing but the best for us during our stay in Nepal. I highly recommend traveling with Himalaya Journey, they introduced me to Nepal in the most beautiful way and I cannot wait to go back and visit one day.
Kiana—USA—June 2019
I’m home in London – bleary eyed and a bit jet lagged, but very happy to have been well looked after on my trip - overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu. All the connections, arrangements, permits, guide, driver and fellow travelers were very amiable, and the tour ran like clockwork to a succession of amazing locations…so I’m very pleased.
Very best wishes – I hope that we can do business again sometime.
I absolutely loved this tour and Himalaya Journey. They definitely know what they're doing. Not only did we get to see things that aren't available on most other tours, it was two days longer than most tours. On top of that, they do the tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu, rather than the other way around. This is very important, because coming from Kathmandu, you go from 1,300 meters elevation to the 5,050 high Everest Base Camp in one or two days. This is NOT enough time to acclimate to such high altitudes. Doing the journey from Lhasa provides a gradual climb, with time for the body to adjust. In addition, this is a small group tour (just eight people on ours), so there is a high level of personal and individual interaction. Highly, highly recommended for anyone who has ever dreamed of going to Tibet.
Barbara—USA—April 2019
I just got back from an amazing trip to Tibet and Bhutan, with a quick stop in Nepal in between. I've been to over 90 countries, and this was unquestionably one of the best experiences I've ever had; I can't say enough good things about Jamin York, Ashok Shahi and the whole team at Himalaya Journey.
I should note upfront that I almost always travel independently, and was a bit concerned when I realized in my planning for this trip that you simply can't go to Tibet and Bhutan without the involvement of some sort of tour company. I did a lot of research before settling on Himalaya Journey, and I'm incredibly glad that I did. Jamin worked with me to custom design an itinerary that would get me and my travel partner to all of the places that we most wanted to see in Tibet - and provided loads of helpful input on spots that we might want to add or delete from the trip given our various interests and constraints. When I later decided that I might want to add Bhutan to the trip, Ashok entered the picture and I was able to seamlessly add that country on to my itinerary.
Once we arrived in Tibet, we were delighted to meet Rinzin, our knowledgeable and incredibly diligent guide (as well as our endlessly cheerful driver, Lhapa). As we proceeded from the Lhasa area down to EBC and the Nepali border, any concerns I may have had about a guided tour dissipated; indeed, even if it had been possible, our experience would have been far less satisfying and meaningful absent everything Rinzin brought to the trip. We also were able to observe what our very personalized Tibet experience was like in comparison to the cookie-cutter itineraries of the large group tours we sometimes encountered...reinforcing our appreciation for the approach that Himalaya Journey takes.
When we reached Nepal, any angst regarding that potentially tricky border crossing was completely removed by the Himalaya Journey staff on both sides of the border (Ashok himself came all the way up from Kathmandu to shepherd us across the Himalaya). I then headed on to Bhutan, where I was met by another fantastic team led by Tika, an exceptionally amiable and well-versed guide. Again, it was easy to distinguish between the very personalized experience I was having in Bhutan and the more cookie-cutter itineraries that I would encounter from time to time with larger tour groups. It was clear that the quality and depth of the Himalaya Journey experience was consistent in all three of the countries that I visited despite the fact that the nations themselves are so different.
In sum, I would strongly recommend Himalaya Journey to anyone considering a visit to any of these countries. Namaste and Tashi Delek!
Jamin is incredibly experienced and charismatic. He leads from the heart and speaks from his own, very unique, personal experience. It was important for us to know that our visit was going to benefit the people of Tibet and we were delighted to find out that Jamin cares about that very much. Jamin’s guides, Nyima Dolma and Jamyang in Tibet and Ashok in Kathmandu were also so knowledgable and simply amazing with their kindness and attentiveness. We feel so happy and honoured to have met them.
There were many highlights on this trip, from experiencing the holy city of Lhasa to finally seeing Everest (I’m obsessed with all things Everest) but mostly we loved experiencing people’s kindness and hospitality. I truly can’t wait to travel with Himalaya Journey once again and would recommend travelling with them in a heartbeat.
We miss you Jamin & everyone at Himalaya Journey!
Lucia—Italy—May 2018
Almost without exception, travels have both an objective and certain expectations that need be met for the outcome to be judged successful. For me a ‘journey’ implies somewhat more than this….there is a sense of challenging the unknown, including one’s own inner self. And then if you add to ‘journey’ the word ‘Himalaya’, one of the world’s most majestic and inspiring regions with landscapes that are often beyond belief, then you have something very, very special indeed.
Prior to October 2016 I had travelled solo, with a guide and transportation, on all my journeys, including the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), giving me the flexibility and freedom to stop at will, modify plans and so on. But having vowed to go back to the far west of the TAR (Ngari) to do the kora of Mount Kailash and visit the Guge Kingdom I was faced with exorbitant costs if travelling alone. I knew I had to find an alternative, and that alternative proved to be Himalaya Journey.
I had been in touch with Jamin York, Himalaya Journey’s Owner and Lead Guide, several times previously with general questions about travelling in ‘Greater Tibet’ and so it somehow seemed natural to approach him regarding making my Kailash dream materialize. One thing led to another and by the time 2015 melted into 2016 I was committed to joining Jamin’s small (10 person) group embarking on a 23-day journey in October which would take us across the TAR from Lhasa slowly westwards via Everest and Shishapangma Base Camps to Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom, and then back…a total land journey of around 4,000km.
My initial concerns about being in a group and having to keep to a strict schedule proved groundless. Jamin was only too willing to stop for sudden photo ops—the appearance of a Tibetan fox, a glorious view, a nomad encampment and so on. He also actively encouraged us to explore on our own when the itinerary permitted: in my case that meant spending special moments wandering through the Barkor in Lhasa and watching sunrise on the shore of Manasarovar.Only once were we ‘chivvied’ in any sense, and that was during the Kailash kora on top of the Drolma-la. Jamin, with his vast experience of the mountains, was aware not only of the time constraints that day but more importantly that staying too long at that altitude (5,630m/ around 18,400’) was not to be recommended.
From a practical standpoint, everything throughout the journey was seamlessly arranged: we travelled in a small bus which gave us space to spread out and with a driver whose skills made going over 5,000m+ high passes again and again seem effortless! The hotels and guest houses, especially once we got beyond Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, were always the best available: I had paid a single room supplement, fully expecting to have to share in these remote areas, so I was delighted that there were only two nights on which I could not have some much appreciated privacy. The meals were generally of a high standard, and even in Ngari Jamin managed to rustle something tasty up for us or produce snack bars and packets of instant oatmeal out of his proverbial hat.
What also emerged strongly throughout our journey was Jamin’s love for and commitment to Tibet and its people, not to mention his in-depth knowledge.His assistant on our journey, Nordrup, was himself Tibetan; we frequented Tibetan-owned restaurants, hotels and guesthouses whenever possible; and Jamin, fluent in Tibetan as well as Mandarin, regaled us while we were on the road with both incidents from Tibetan history and his own personal experiences of living there.
It was an unforgettable journey…indeed, although I left Tibet many weeks ago now, my journey is still on-going as I look back at my photos and notebook and try to weave it all into a story on my laptop.
I have the greatest respect and admiration for Jamin both as a person and journey-leader and have no reservations at all in recommending him and his company. Indeed, I hope to join him again in the future on a journey to Ladakh, ‘Little Tibet’: I believe that is the strongest recommendation of all.
Lesley—UK—October 2016
The trip far exceeded my expectations and I will definitely use Himalaya Journey again. I highly recommend Himalaya Journey to others who want to experience this hauntingly beautiful place called Tibet!
Sue—USA—October 2016
I’d have to use a ridiculous number of superlatives to honestly describe the quality of my recent journey with Jamin York and Himalaya Journey. In the interest of being believable, I’ll try to rein it in, but it will be a task I’m not sure I can manage! For me, this was a journey that I (and a couple friends) have spent many years and two failed attempts trying to accomplish. The permits were just not to be had, and we were beginning to feel that the idea must be abandoned. Then we discovered Jamin’s excellent website and, after a number of emails with him, began to feel confident that it could become a reality. I just completed a 23-day journey, led by Jamin and his wonderful guide Ngodup, that not only fulfilled my hope to complete the kora of Mt. Kailash and a visit to the lost Guge Kingdom, but took us across the length of the Tibetan Himalaya from Everest Base Camp to nearly the Indian border in far west Tibet. He even threw in Shishapangma Base Camp at the request of our group.
Each day, every step of the way, revealed such wondrous gifts, some expected and others a complete surprise. This journey, and the itinerary designed by Jamin and Ngodup, had it all, from monasteries and lost citadels, to landscapes beyond imagination: mountains, badlands, sand dunes, vast plateaus, and sacred lakes. And then there were our “Tibet 101” talks: Jamin and Ngodup each have a deep and personal knowledge which was shared each day as we traveled or walked; they taught us so much about the culture, geology, and history of Tibet and its people; and each shared many personal stories as well. Jamin has a heartfelt love for the Tibetan people that was evident in every way. Jamin cares genuinely and deeply about the quality of the experience his journeys provide, and he makes it his responsibility to see that both the physical and emotional needs of his travelers are met. His attention to detail in all matters was clear to see. I have never before joined a group that was not organized by myself, and I have to say that this was a pleasant surprise. I never felt that we were being herded around and there was, for the most part, enough flexibility in the days and the schedule to allow personal time and space.
I imagine that every traveler in our group felt “heard” and “seen” and that his or her unique expectations for this journey had been fulfilled. I can say that for me, the experience was transcendent. I would recommend Jamin’s Himalaya Journey without reservation to anyone wanting to travel in Tibet – or anywhere he offers to travel!
Karla—USA—October 2016
Jamin York leads a fantastic trip beyond the usual (and including!) sites of Lhasa. He takes great pains to preview routes, lodging and restaurants in person and is careful to limit his group to a comfortable ten. His attention to detail has him preparing contingency plans for any circumstance he can think of. His knowledge of the Chinese and Tibetan languages eased our way through the expected and unexpected. Nothing is sugar-coated as the journey can be rough and uncomfortable at times, but if there was comfort in the area, we had it! Jamin also has the uncanny ability to arrange for perfect weather and the tastiest of Tibetan cuisine.
On advance request he added a side trip to Shishapangma Base Camp which ended up being a popular highlight on a stunning day. The extension to the lost citadel of the Guge Kingdom was the holy grail of photographic opportunities. On second thought, most of the trip was like this!
Even though it can be close to impossible to deviate from “The Plan” due to restrictions, Jamin and Nordrup facilitated spontaneous interactions with Tibetans along the way, from the barley harvesters and millers to the nomads and their yaks.
Nancy—USA—October 2016
Our safety, health, and happiness were always a top priority and Jamin is a top notch tour leader in every sense of the word. I can’t imagine a better person in this role!
I took my dream trip to Tibet and Mt. Everest with Jamin and Himalaya Journey this April. From the minute we landed in Lhasa to the birthday banquet in a Tibetan home restaurant on the last day, his staff and friends surrounded us like a big family. He is truly their brother.
The photography time was not just for the magnificent and mystified monasteries. It included Himalaya mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers, and villages, etc. We even stopped by a farming field one time and participated in their plowing and seeding activities.
The Mt. Everest sunrise photo experience was a well thought-out plan. Spending the night before in a nearby Tibetan home and mingling with the entire family was quite an experience. We played hide and seek with the neighboring children on the street. We chatted with village shepherds in the field herding their sheep home and showing off their baby sheep. When we headed out to catch the sunrise, the full moon lit up the entire village.
Jamin is a natural when it comes to telling stories. He preps us on the history, religion, culture and politics of Tibet. But what really connects us to this land and its people are his stories of his Tibetan friends, their struggles and triumphs. We also engaged in questioning and debating with gusto, Sera Monastery monk style, ha, ha, ha.
Ruth—USA/Taiwan—April 2016
I highly recommend travelling with Jamin and his Himalaya Journey team to Tibet. He cares about Tibetans and and he cares about Tibet, a country which has an inherent fascination for many. Jamin has lived in Tibet for many years and has visited the iconic attractions on numerous occasions. He willingly shares his knowledge and insights about their history and cultural significance. Despite his familiarity he brings a fresh approach and willingness to engage. His team are a credit to him, particularly the exuberant Jampa. His staff member Woaber helped me ensure Lhasa has forever a place in my heart and …… our bus driver was safe and considerate. And let’s not forget the energetic Will, assistant guide on this trip. I didn’t expect to eat as well as I did when visiting Tibet nor did I expect to experience the comfort in the hotels that were used. These aspects were of course a pleasant surprise. The memories of this trip from Lhasa to Everest base camp will be long lasting and thought provoking.
Richard—UK—April 2016
I’ve been a follower of Jamin on Instagram since 2013. Initially, it was my mom’s dream to see Mt Everest, but ended up doing this trip on my own because I knew that Jamin was a professional, trust worthy expert on Tibet. I usually never join small group tours, as I always travel on my own. But, joining this journey made me realize that not all group tours are the same after all. I met people on this journey that I will call my friends for life. Jamin is indeed the best travel coordinator that I have ever met. I went to Tibet to just see Mt Everest, but I came back home not just with great photos and videos, but with a person I can always look up to who is making a huge impact in Tibet by promoting and showing it to the world in an ethical way. I also work in the travel industry, but am still quite young. I am not sure if I can ever be quite like Jamin who does this business not just to make money for himself, but to help the Tibetan people in every possible way he can. He is an inspiration. I finally found my hero in this crazy competitive travel industry.
Angely from Access Tours and Travels—Phillippines—April 2016
