A mountainous area, surrounded by high hills of brown talus and snowy mountains, it is a spectacularly beautiful place to visit. Ladakh lies to the northwest at altitudes of between 10,000 and 20,000 feet.

This culturally rich trip takes you to Lhasa, the spiritual center of Tibet, and off the beaten path exploring the religion and countryside. Visit ancient palaces and holy sites and the fascinating monasteries of Sera and Drepung.

Experience Bhutan and its people by meeting families, seeing a variety of festivals, staying in small hotels and sampling regional foods. Travel routes in Bhutan may be somewhat limited, but what you do in the country is as broad as your imagination.

Every spring, at the palace in Lo Manthang, there is a Buddhist festival called Tiji, hosted by the Crown Prince of Mustang. Travel with READ Founder and Chairperson, Dr. Antonia Neubauer and visit Tiji and the first READ Library in Upper Mustang.

Welcome to an extraordinary kaleidoscope of festivals, cultures, foods, and scenery! Spend time temples and monasteries, wander the local bazaars and hike along trails to gaze at sacred peaks in the beautiful Indian Himalayas and Bhutan.