Starting at Himalayan Orchard, we first stop at Sarahan, site of the 13th century Bhimakali Temple complex. Then to Reckong Peo, where there are both Hindu and Buddhist temples, and we pick up our Inner Line Permits.  We then explore the monastic village of Kanam, with its 10th century temples founded by Rinchen Zangpo, and the ancient library where Alexander Csoma de Koros studied the sacred Tibetan texts, the first European to do so. We stay at Pooh, visit Nako and then stay at Tabo, where the monastery is considered by the Dalai Lama as one of the holiest. We then stay at Kaza for three nights, from where we visit other sacred sites, including the Ki and Dhankar monasteries.

Rinchen Zangpo is believed to have been born in 958 in the Hangrang valley on the border of Kinnaur, Spiti and  Western Tibet (Ngari), which at that time were all part of the ancient Kingdom of Guge ('goo-gay'). Buddhism had spread all over the subcontinent over the preceding 1,500 years or so but was now in decline. Rinchen Zangpo went twice to the great centres of Buddhist learning in Gandhara and Kashmir and returned with large numbers of Sanskrit Buddhist texts as well as artists and artisans. He then translated 150 of the texts into Tibetan and with the Guge King/Monk Yeshe O founded 108 temples/monasteries over their long lives, and with Atisa can be credited with the re-establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

We stay in hotels and homestays carefully chosen for their cleanliness, high standards and interesting styles.

We travel together in one Force Traveller 1X1 such that everyone has their own comfortable window seat, and nobody misses out on anything.

Up to eight, although this depends to a certain extent on whether the group participants are in pairs (double occupancy) or alone (single occupancy).

• Tuesday 9th to Thursday 18th September, 2025.

• Saturday 4th October to Monday 13th October, 2025.

• Tuesday 15th September to Thursday 24th September, 2026 

Prices for 2025 including transport from Himalayan Orchard and back, ten nights, including breakfast and dinner are £650 / 65,000 INR on a double occupancy basis and £850 / 85,000 INR on a single occupancy basis. 

Lunches and drinks are not included. Please arrange your own travel insurance. 

Further nights at Himalayan Orchard before or after can be arranged - please see the tariffs on the website.

Please contact Mike for further details at lidgleymike@gmail.com / +91 7807 345342