From the ancient Tang Dynasty trading post of Song Zhou we'll ride with the Tibetan nomads on
horseback through the deep forests, river valleys and high mountain passes through the magical Zhaga
waterfalls up to the Tibetan highlands. We'll begin with a hike through the rainbow colored lakes and
waterfalls and camp out in the grassy meadows by the river. Sometimes we'll stay with the local Tibetans
along the way and sometimes we'll stay at the monasteries where hundreds and thousands of monks and nuns
live together to celebrate their fasinating religion of Vajrayana Buddhism. We'll visit some of Tibet's most
amazing Buddhist monasteries and holy sites and seek their master's blessings, empowerments and teachings.
There are no requirements or pre-requisits to enjoy this sacred journey. We'll ride and practice in a relaxed
and informal way adapting to our changing environment to tap into the divine energies that pervade the Tibetan
landscape. No experience in horse riding is needed either although it is good to have. Tibetan horses are much
smaller than American horses and each one will be fitted to the rider's capabilities. Hiking and riding on horse
back is the only way to get up in the mountains and see what Tibet is really like!
Trekking from temple to temple in the land of snows.
Itinerary
What to expect and what to pack: We already provide horses, tents, bedding, and food
but this is a camping trip so pack according to your own needs. Sunscreen, thermo-rest sleeping pad,
rain jacket, rain pants and a garbage bag to put everything in inside your back pack if it rains
is higly recomended. Extra gear might include a sleeping bag, tent, a few extra layers of clothes, long
johns, heavy socks, wide brim hat, flash light, toiletries and your medications. People have started their
film careers on this trip so bring a camera too.
Itinerary is flexible: Horses are fit to riders abilities and we acclimate very slowly so altitude is
no problem. If you want to stay on in retreat just let us know and we'll be more than happy to arrange it for
you. Private tours can be arranged for groups of four or more. Enjoy!!!
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Flower washing ponds |
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Dakini Mountains |
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July, 31 - Arrive in Beijing the capital of the Central Kingdom, check into the Taiwan Hotel rest and relax,
after dinner herbal bath reflexology and evening bodywork.
August, 1 - Morning flight to Chengdu and drive up the mountains to the Ancient Tang Dynasty trading post
of Song Zhou. We will pass many Han, Qiang, hui, and Tibetan villages along the way so you can see for
yourself exactly how the Tibetans are living. Shop for last minute supplies, Tibetan long coats, rain coats,
hats, carpets, jewelery, knives, snacks etc... This will be the last contact with civilization till the end
of the trip. After horse selection we will mount up and ride to the amazingly beautiful Housi Gelug Temple.
Evening dinner by the camp fire.
August, 2 - Spend the day at Housi Gelug Temple. visit with the local monks. Request an audience with the abbot
if he's available, frolick in the crystal clear streams, evening dinner by the camp fire.
August, 3 - Ride to Zhaga Waterfalls and camp out on the peak. Afternoon hike through the waterfalls. This is
one of the stops made by the legendary monk Tang Seng and the Monkey King on their journey west.
August, 4 - Ride up into the mountains across the plains to Da Gou Pass and camp out in the fields of
wild mountain flowers.
August, 5 - Ride to Bonpo Temple, camp out or stay in the temple, learn about the local Bon religion,
which is Tibet's original religion. Inside the prayer wheel house used to be two gentelmen that were there for
fifty years in retreat.
August, 6 - Ride across the high plains up to 13,000 Ft. and the source of the Yellow River and the
Mekong River, camp on the side of the river,
August, 7 - Ride to the Longchen Nythink Monastery one of the largest in the world.
August, 8 - Free day at the Longchen Nythink Monastery, audience with the
abbot Jamyang Rimpoche if he's available, request an audience and teachings.
August, 9 - Morning bus pass the snow peaks into the valley and see the amazing homes of the local
Eastern Tibetans on our way back to Chengdu. afternoon flight to Chengdu-Beijing
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