Tibet to Everest

Bensko Photojourneys for the Soul bringing the world together one shot at a time... Conquer the Great Wall Venture through the Tibetan Countryside Embrace the Ancient Dwelling of the Dalai Lamas Chant with the Monks Overnight at Everest

Dear Friends, I am officially launching my inaugural photo expedition Photojourney for the Soul, Tibet to Everest 2009, with the emphasis on cultural appreciation through immersion and imagery. A limited number of positions will be offered to individuals with a simple love for photography, as well as openness to embracing the intricacies of this multicultural and spiritual adventure. Bensko Photography will contribute photographic support, with cultural guidance by Jim Hagan of Wisdom Tours who has personally created life-altering experiences for his clients in the region for over 30 years. This itinerary is built to emphasize the photographic and spiritual elements of the region culminating in the arrival at the most majestic place on the planet, the foot of Everest. One week after this journey, a reunion will occur in Los Angeles where I will personally conduct a Photoshop and File Organizing Seminar, resulting in a personal Coffee Table Book for each individual with 100 of your favorite images from your Photojourney. A portion of the proceeds from Tibet to Everest will benefit the SFK Foundation (Spirituality For Kids). SFK teaches kids tools for life to end the cycle of conflict for children at risk - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It begins by teaching the tools that will help them realize their full potential and change the course for them and future generations. http://www.sfk.org In our ever changing world, there is opportunity for growth and enlightenment of the cultures which enhabit our planet. For years I have appreciated mankind through the lens, it is time to do so through the soul. Photojourney for the Soul is a way to bring people together through the love of imagery to discover the beauty in cultures beyond our own. Tibet to Everest is a collaboration between Bensko Photography and guides with over thirty years experience in the region. Photojourney for the Soul, Live your dream along with mine... Micaela

Itinerary Tibet to Everest August 1-11, 2009 Day 1 Arrive in Beijing, transfer to hotel and meet up with the group. Overnight - Beijing Day 2 Full day of exploring Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. Beijing is a city with a history stretching back more than two thousand years. We explore some of the treasures of this magnificent city such as The Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Overnight Beijing Day 3 Depart the colorful city of Beijing on a flight to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet and once the centuries-old home of the Dalai Lamas. On our first day, we will browse Lhasa's ancient market and bazaar - the Barkhor, where we will see pilgrims from all over Tibet circumambulating Tibet's holiest temple, the Jokhang. Overnight Lhasa Day 4 We begin our day of exploring Lhasa at the Potala - the Pure Land of Avalokitesvara - the embodiment of compassion and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Constructed in the 17th century by the great Fifth Dalai Lama, this fantastic masterpiece of Tibetan architecture has more than 1000 rooms that include a collection of sacred Buddhist art second to none. Centuries of sacred art - statues, stupas and paintings are contained in the many shrines, temples and prayer halls. The history of Tibet is portrayed here in the Potala, on its walls and altars in this magnificent former palace. In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, north of Lhasa. This Gelugpa monastery was once the home to 5,000 monks. Founded in 1419, Sera has a superb collection of sacred art. The highlight of our visit to Sera is experiencing the monks perform their afternoon debates. In the evening we visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest of temples. Here at the Jokhang, we will have the rare opportunity to sit and chant with the monks. Overnight Lhasa. Day 5 Early morning departure for Shigatse. On the outskirts of Shigatse, we will visit Shalu Monastery, located a few miles east of Shigatse. This beautiful small monastery, with its Chinese style green tiled roofs, dates back to the 11th century. Shalu is noted for its 14th century murals that fuse Chinese, Mongol and Nepalese styles. Shalu is a treasure house of Buddhist art and is one of my most favorite sites in Tibet. Overnight Shigatse. Day 6 Early morning departure for Mount Everest. We are treated to one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Tibet. Driving through small remote villages we come to one of the highest mountain passes that offers us our first magnificent view of the massive Himalayan range including Mount Everest. With our first glimpse we come to understand why the Tibetans refer to it as Chomolungma, the Mother Goddess of the World! Overnight - Everest Day 7 In the morning we will explore the world's highest monastery - Rongphu Gompa. We then depart Everest and drive back through the Tibetan countryside to Shigatse. Overnight - Shigatse. Day 8 After breakfast we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, once the seat of the Panchen Lama, who was declared an incarnation of the Buddha Amitabha by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo houses a brilliant collection of sacred Buddhist art especially with its 86 foot-high statue of the future Buddha Maitreya. After lunch, we return to Lhasa. Overnight - Lhasa. Day 9 Our wonderful adventure of Tibet comes to its conclusion as we have our last look at the Tibetan countryside as we travel to Gongar Airport for our return flight to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel. Overnight Beijing. Day 10 Full free day in Beijing to rest, shop and prepare for our next day return flight back to the States. Overnight Beijing. Day 11 Homeward bound. We depart Beijing for the States. One Week Later A reunion will occur in Los Angeles where Bensko will conduct a Photoshop and File Organizing Seminar, resulting in a personal Coffee Table Book for each individual with 100 of your favorite images from your adventure of Tibet to Everest. $6500 pp Includes rt airfare from LAX to Tibet, Transportation, Accommodations, Meals

Elope to Everest Coming Soon~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If it is your dream to stand at the foot of Mount Everest, imagine beginning your lives together in that very spot. Beginning 2009 Bensko Photography is offering packages for weddings from 2-24 people at the foot Everest. Life is about stories, this will be one which will echo for generations to come.

Kindly Contact Bensko Photography for Details and Booking ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ phone: 310.990.8389 email: benskophotography@gmail.com 201 South Santa Fe Ave. Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90012 www.benskophotography.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~