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?

Be one of the few western tourists to witness this unspoiled Khampa horse festival, high on the Tibetan Plateau. Get acquainted with the Khampa warriors and women, visit their monasteries - on horseback, if you wish. Dance, sing, and revel in the diversity of the people. Explore the nomadic grasslands of Litang and Batrang and stare down into the spectacularly deep Mekong Gorge.

South India is ancient India in its purest form. Soak in the beauty and exuberance of the Dravidian culture around Madras, Tellicheri, and Cochin, learn about ayurvedic massages, medicines, and healing herbs, see original sculpture and architecture, take a leisurely houseboat trip through villages, canals, and backwaters in the countryside, and stay in heritage properties and homes. And if luck is with you this summer, you will even catch the snakeboat races!

If Kailas in western Tibet represents the body of Buddha, Kawakarpo, unknown to most Westerners and one of the holiest mountains to the Tibetan Buddhists, represents the mind emanation. Join the many pilgrims circumambulating this holy mountain in the province of 'Shangri-La' and you will accrue the most merit for your next life. You'll stay in small communities, overnight in guesthouses, visit 'eternal waterfalls', and chat with monks and nuns. An amazing trip!

If you are truly a Buddhist pilgrim, this is a trip dreams are made of. Drive from Kathmandu to far west Tibet with Gombu Sherpa as your guide, a man who has summited Everest and circumambulated Kailas many times to this most divine of mountains. Walk amid the laughter and support of the many pilgrims around this navel of the universe. Camp with the Saddhus by the shores of Lake Manasorovar on full-moon day, and explore the ancient monasteries of Tsaparang and Tholing.

The Chinese call the Zhongdien Province 'Shangrila', and you will trek there! Fly into Gyalthang, explore, shop, enjoy. Then trek five days to the Sacred Black Lake, staying in homes, visiting local temples and monasteries, and climbing through beautiful forests and meadows. Yaks graze in the fields, flowers bloom, villagers tend their crops, and you will be there with them.

Rhythmic drumbeats accompany men piercing their cheeks or backs while ritual dances are performed. Here, in far-off Amdo, you witness the shamanic festivals of three different villages- Mayba, Sakkyi, and Lhanggya. You'll explore monasteries filled with artwork, carvings, and sculpture; pray and sip salt tea with the monks; visit Amdo's biggest stupa, admire its scenery, and bring back memories.

Picture yourself flying over jagged Himalayan peaks to holy Lhasa. Here you can pray with Tibetans in front of the Jokhang. Then drive to Tingri via Gyantse, with its singular Kumbum, and Shigatse's Tashilumpo Monastery. Trek from Tingri past Tibetan villages and over high passes with incredible views, finally arriving at Everest Base Camp. Your journey ends with a spectacular drive down to Kathmandu.

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.

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.

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.

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!