Photo of a Shaman from Upper Tibet.  John interviewed many shamans for his 2006 book, Down From the Mountain"  Photo: J.V. Bellezza

View from a Meditation Cave at Lake Namtsho. Those mountains across the lake are 21,000 feet high and the altitude of the lake is around 15,000.  It is magical.  (Photo Lynne Heckert)

On September 5,  2008, John Bellezza will Lead a pilgrimage in Nepal and Tibet.   Some will remember that John led two pilgrimages sponsored by PMC in the year 2000.  Those were wonderful experiences!  Now, finally, John is again leading another adventure.  It is not a PMC sponsored pilgrimage, but because those PMC trips were incredibly valuable, educational as well as fun, I am posting this note on our site.

The Tibet Adventure itinerary is a spectacular one.  It presents an unusual opportunity to learn from one of the world's most acclaimed and knowledgeable experts in the areas of Tibetan culture and history.  John's expertise is evidenced by his books, articles, and reputation as a scholar and competent and expert guide. 

This itinerary is not an easy one because of the altitude of the great Tibetan plateau and because it includes some camping.   But, it looks like there will be acclimatization time in Kathmandu (around 5000' altitude), and then a week in Lhasa (12,000'), before going to the old higher-altitude Bonpo sites.  I have been to Tibet many times,  but I have never been to a place as mystical and beautiful as the Lake Namtsho area.  This trip seems to have it all:  Mystical and colorful Kathmandu in a First Class hotel,  A flight over the Himalayas and Mt. Everest to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet; the important sites in Lhasa,  camping on the Great Northern Plateau, and much much more.  In fact, I have seen  many Tibet  brochures, but I have never seen an itinerary like this.  It combines all the things one needs to see in Kathmandu and Lhasa with lots of time outside the city, in remote and fabulously beautiful scenery. 

John is the ultimate 'experienced and knowledgeable guide' (and wrote and contributed to many past Lonely Planet guides), speaks local languages, and knows many indigenous people.  He knows Tibet so well, and is so flexible and creative, that he is able to take advantage of special opportunities as they present themselves. John is not a religious teacher (although he knows his Tibetan Buddhism inside and out, and is the translator for many lamas).  Still,  the trip will appeal to those interested in Buddhism and perhaps especially those interested in the old schools, Bon and Nyingma.  On our 2000 trips, John was nice to everyone, did not play favorites,  tried to accommodate special interests, always displayed a great sense of humor and was with the group, and available to the group, at all times.

Finally, although I recommend this trip highly, I do not recommend it for anyone who has a low tolerance for frustration or who is in bad health.  There will not be days and days of walking like there is in a trek (four wheel drive vehicles are used).  But higher altitudes can be inadvisable for those with some health conditions.  For those in good physical condition, with a sense of humor and an ability to withstand some inconvenience, I recommend taking a serious look at this package. It will be unforgettable, maybe even life changing!

Who is John Bellezza?
Ahma's sponsored (ongoing) specialist on pre-Buddhist Tibet.
Recipient of post-doctoral fellowship from American Society of Learned Societies, 2007
National Geographic Grant, 2006, and many other top level grants
Discovery Channel film of Guge, 2006
Chosen as one of the 120 greatest living explorers in new book, Adventurous Lives, Adventurous Dreams
Published books with elite European presses
University of VA, visiting scholar
Discover of Zhang Zhung civilization in Tibet
Close associate of HH Menri Khenpo, head of Bon and Lopon Tenzin Namdak, senior-most Bon scholar.
25 intensive years of exploring the Himalaya
Professional mountain and cultural and pilgrimage guide since mid-1980s

Here are some links for your exploration:

About John Bellezza, and his amazing work (Early mapping of Bonpo settlements, books about Shamans and other diverse and fascinating accomplishments abound).

The 2008 Pilgrimage  (A PDF file on www.AdventuresWithinReach.com)

TibetPilgrimage.com  My own site containing some practical information about Tibet travel.