Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons' "Tibet: Cultural Odyssey" summer program. Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, itineraries are subject to change. Please keep an eye on the course's Yak board for additional itinerary-related postings and updates.

Week One:
Orientation in Los Angeles; prepare for flight to Lhasa with a layover in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province.  Arrive Lhasa: Visit sacred Tibetan monuments such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s former home, the Potala Palace, the 7th Century Jokhang Temple, and Sera and Drepung Monasteries; join pilgrims in the morning as they walk along the Barkhor circuit; meet with traditional Tibetan healers at the Lhasa Mentsekhang; meet with aid groups and scholars from Tibet University; begin in-depth language and Buddhist studies, and mentored independent studies.

Weeks Two-Three:
Travel north to the sacred Lake Namtso: Camp along the shore at over 4,700 meters in elevation and marvel at the surrounding mountainscape; explore nearby hermitage and nomadic communities.  Continue on to the Terdrom Valley: Camp above the Terdrom Nunnery, soak in medicinal hot springs, and prepare for challenging 3 to 4-day trek to Drigung.  Spend a day at Drigung exploring the monastery, listening in on traditional prayer ceremonies, visiting the nearby sky burial site, and discussing the Tibetan worldview of impermanence.  Return to Lhasa to continue with independent studies.

Week Four:
Travel to Ganden Monastery: Hike traditional pilgrimage route encircling the monastery and explore one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist universities; prepare for breathtaking 5-day trek to Samye Monastery (if permitted).  Arrive Samye: Set up camp; learn about Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery; explore nearby meditation retreat caves Drakyul and Chimpu.  Return to Lhasa for flight to Xining, the capital of China’s Qinghai Province—our gateway to the historic Tibetan border provinces of Amdo and Kham.

Week Five:
Rugged overland travel by public bus into the region of Amdo: Camp at traditional Tibetan horse festival; visit remote monasteries and learn about the various sects of Tibetan Buddhism.  Travel south into China’s Sichuan Province (Tibetan Kham): Stay on the grounds of the Shechen Charity Orphan School or live with monks or elderly mothers at the nearby Shechen Monastery; learn about pressing development issues in this remote area and engage with the local community in service efforts; enjoy meetings with local religious leaders and an in-depth exploration of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan political situation; explore nearby mountains and glacial lakes on day hikes.

Week Six:
Travel from Shechen to Karze, a lively Tibetan market town: Explore the impressive Karze Monastery and shop for traditional Tibetan crafts; present on Independent Study Projects.  Embark on our last public bus ride, a 12-14 hour trip descending from the Tibetan Plateau to the Chinese city of Chengdu: Celebrate the end of our mighty journey and prepare for our return flight to the U.S.