On our ride north we’ll experience rain forests and high mountain passes as we head to the shores of Erhai Lake where the walled old city dates to the Ming dynasty. Step back in time and stroll along 800-year-old bridges and waterways of the Old Town in the gaze of Yulong Snow Mountain.

The famous Tiger Leaping Gorge is just one of the highlights en route to the land of “sacredness and peace’; Shangri La. Named after the fictional place of eternal peace and tranquillity. described in the novel “Lost Horizon” by British author James Hilton.

The Yila Grasslands of Napa Lake will pass by as we climb higher toward the Meili Snow Mountains and the air becomes thinner. Tibet is next on our agenda as we head west toward the Tibetan Alps and Rawok Lake, surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains and forests.  The eastern Himalayans are in our sights, ancient temples, palaces and spectacular natural landscapes are ahead of us.

At almost 5000 metres above sea level the Rongbuk Monastery will take your breath away in the shadow of Mount Everest! We’ll be staying in Base Camp, where you watch the sun set and rise over the awesome spectacle that is Chomolungma ‘Mother godess of the World”. A truly unique experience.   The adventure is far from over with a visit to the Namtso Lake. At over 4700 metres above sea level, this stunning sacred lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. As well as the locals in their colourful traditional dress, keep an eye out for wild yak roaming nearby.

Our destination is Lhasa, ‘Place of the Gods’.  Centre of the Tibetan Buddhist world for over a millennium, your first view of the red-and-white Potala Palace soaring above the Holy City will amaze you. We will have two full days to rest and to explore this magnificent city and the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Finally it’s time to return home with your cameras and soul full of memories of your Himalayan adventure.