This morning our guide will take us to visit the most holy of all Tibetan temples, the Jo-Khang Temple (7th century). Pilgrims of all ages walk clockwise around this place, twirling their ever-present prayer-wheels. The colourful prayer flags which dominate the skyline everywhere in Tibet, have prayers printed on them, so that when they flutter in the breeze, a prayer is released heavenwards. We can try one of the local restaurants in the Barkhor Square for lunch. This afternoon we visit the monks at Sera Monastery (founded in 1419), and watch the daily debating.

Today we visit the previous winter home of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace. We can photograph wonderful views of all Lhasa, from the very spot the young Dalai Lama observed his people through his large telescope. After a lunch, where we can buy traditional meals of mo-mos, potato and yak meat stew or soups, we visit the Summer Palace, Norbulinka.

Today we visit the Drepung Monastery (founded 1416), once the largest monastery in the world, with up to 10,000 monks. Here, as in most monasteries, a small payment allows photography of the magnificent images and paintings. We leave this afternoon free for shopping, photography or just wandering with the pilgrims. You might like to buy some snacks for lunches on the road. Neil will arrange the purchase of thermos (vacuum) flasks and have them filled with boiling water for the road.

Today we set off (in 5 Toyota 4WD Land Cruisers) to travel what is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. In a few hours, we visit our first high pass, where we can have stunning views (Kamba-la Pass 4794m) down into the beautiful blue Yamdrok Tso (lake at 4488m). In the distance is Mt Nojin Kangtsang 7191m. After a picnic stop near the lake, we continue on to Gyantse (3950m). We will visit a small local restaurant for dinner.

This morning we visit the large stupa (Gyantse Kumbum from 1440) overlooking Gyantse before we drive 90km on to Shigatse (3900m). Here we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery (founded 1447), the seat of the Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama is second only to the Dalai Lama, and is seen as the re-incarnation of one of Buddha’s manifestations. Shigatse is the second largest town in Tibet.

Again today we will bring food to picnic in some beautiful valley, in view of grazing yaks, serious horsemen, and gentle shepherds. Today we drive through Sakya to Lhatse (150km from Shigatse) and Shegar, then we turn off the Friendship Highway to Pangla. This is a day of driving, through amazing valleys and passes, with glaciers and snow covered peaks appearing above stark treeless ranges. We then drive on 63km to the Rongbuk Monastery (5000m) where we spend the night. This will be simple accommodation, in close proximity to the highest mountain in the world.

This morning we make the short 8km drive to Everest Base Camp (5200m) where we are 15km from this magnificent mountain(Mt Everest; 8848m high; known as Chomolangma to the Tibetans, and translated to Qomolangma by the Chinese. In Nepal, it is Sagamatha.) Later in the morning, we drive 65km back to the highway. Overnight at Tingri (4350m). Tonight we will stay in a simple and very friendly hotel with wonderful views.

After an early breakfast, we force ourselves away from the Himalayan views, and continue our journey towards the southern border of Tibet. We cross our final high pass, at 5,200m, La Lung Pass, then enter the alpine rainforests. We drive through deep gorges, quickly changing from the browns and yellows of Tibet, to the lush greens of the lower slopes of the Himalayas. Waterfalls seem to fall from the clouds into the racing streams deep in the valleys. We overnight in Zhangmu.