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Tibet and Nepal are both magical destinations! More than mere tourist destinations, visits to these places have changed many lives. I have been a pilgrim on seven organized trips with three Tibet expert guides. All were Buddhist or spiritual in nature. Two of the pilgrimages were organized by me for my local meditation center so I have a bit of knowledge about the way these trips are organized. As a Buddhist and a meditator, I love the Tibetan culture, art and iconography. I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I have learned over the last ten years, but I am in no way a travel agent or travel expert. Here, I just present my own opinion and observations. Maybe it will be useful to you. I am not endorsing any particular Trip or Travel agent, although from time to time I may post information about extraordinary opportunities I hear about. Thanks for visiting! |
Tibet is open for travel again! Yippee! Not all monasteries are open right now, but, by 2009, Tibet travel will be normal again. "Normal," of course, is always changing in Tibet . In the last few summers , the capitol city of Lhasa has been filled, with tour groups from other parts of China. My reaction to this? My reaction is, that, while this is sad for Tibetan culture, it should not deter travel to Tibet. Why? Because, guides who know the territory cam lead a group right out of the crowds and into places where Buddhism, Bon and Tibetan-style spirituality and magic can still be experienced. Mystical monasteries, magical scenery, warm and wonderful people--still there.
In 2009, I hope to get back to Nepal and Tibet (this summer I opted for hanging out in Mongolia for a few weeks, as Tibet was closed temporarily).
An old friend, wonderful person, and scholar / explorer extraordinare, Jungly John Bellezza, will be leading two unique and noteworthy trips. In May, 2009, he will share his discoveries in Upper Tibet with a few fortunate people. Zhang Zhung, the subject of John's just-published book, is on the itinerary, as are some of the most remote Bonpo and Buddhist monasteries. John is the ultimate Tibet explorer (anyone who knows Tibet and Nepal, knows this!) and, because he led trips for our meditation center, I know first-hand that any travel with him will be excellent. The itinerary starts in Kathmandu, so I will probably go early for a Temple visit there. The route goes up in altitude slowly, allowing for some time in central Tibet to acclimatize before visiting the high Mountain God and Lake Goddess at Namtso on the Upper Plateau. Archaeologists will enjoy this trip, as well as the spiritually inclined.
In September, 2009, John will lead a trip to Mustang, the forbidden Buddhist Kingdom, that was recently opened for limited tourism (A surcharge applies for the few who are allowed). Mustang is in Nepal, north of Pokhara, the frequent starting place of Annapurna treks. It is a remote place I have always wanted to see, and that area of Nepal (on the Tibet border) boasts some of the most fabulous Himalayan scenery. This trip will appeal to the spiritual, the trekkers, and the spiritual trekkers. And it will be full of surprises and fun with John.
I don't usually recommend specific trips, but these are the exception. Just 'Google' John Bellezza or check out his qualifications on www.TibetArchaeology and you will get the idea. The award winning agent is Adventures Within Reach.
Important Note and Disclaimer: This site is informational and for discussion only. I have no expertise in Travel and am not a travel agent. I am merely sharing my thoughts after seven Tibet Pilgrimages with different leaders and many treks and other travel.
May all your trips be good ones! I do not get paid for endorsing any particular trip.