Local Tibetan staff of Conscious Journeys in Tibet
Conscious Journeysis a unique volun-tourism program of the Tibetan Village Project (TVP) and we offer a balanced blend of mindful-tourism and volunteerism excursions to Tibet. Led by Tamdin Wangdu, a native Tibetan and the founder of TVP, our socially responsible team strives to maintain programs with positive outcomes for travelers and local communities through a balanced blend of mindful-tourism and volunteerism. Since 2005, Conscious Journeys has been organizing trips for small groups of volun-tourists to Tibet. Many Conscious Journeys participants describe the program as ‘a life changing experience.’ We create rich cultural experiences by extending our arms and opening our hearts to embrace the villages where we work; by providing you opportunities to interact with and develop friendships with the Tibetans we serve; employing the most qualified and reputable Tibetans; and by continually working to improve the quality of our responsible tourism programs.
We are very mindful of the impact your tourist dollars will have on the Tibetan communities we visit. Thus, we emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses in each region of Tibet. We also ask you to consider the impact of your travel on the environment and local culture of Tibet. We therefore promote responsible tourism by teaching Leave-No-Trace principles; organizing eco-tourism trainings; and conducting site clean-ups, etc. Finally, in order to achieve a truly sustainable business model, we use all proceeds from Conscious Journeys program fees to support the efforts of the Tibetan Village Project.
Tamdin Wangdu was born and raised in Tibet, and came to the United States to study business and tourism. Upon completion of his university studies, Tamdin founded the NGO Tibetan Village Project to support his fellow villagers with community development projects, and also started Conscious Journeys to build a bridge between those that wish to visit his home in Tibet and local Tibetan tourism service providers such as tour operators, guides, drivers and cooks. Tamdin strives to design and improve programs that minimize negative impact on culture and the environment and increase tourism revenue to contribute to the sustainability of local communities. As a program director of Conscious Journeys, Tamdin assists with marketing, ensures service quality, builds cultural bridges between clients and his staff in Tibet (with his knowledge of East & West) and occasionally leads important trips.
Tsering Tso grew up impoverished in a nomadic region of Amdo, Tibet. Instilled with an inexhaustible work ethic from a young age, Tsering graduated high school top in her class. With little financial resources, Tsering utilized support from family and friends to work as an English tutor and a guide to pay her college tuition. After years of uncompromising sacrifice, Tsering ultimately earned a Master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhism, which is the foundation of Tibetan culture. Tsering joined our team in early 2011 and clients already love her! As a trip coordinator, she helps to design itineraries and service projects based on clients’ interests. She works with guesthouse owners, homestays, guides, cooks and drivers to receive clients, and she often travels with groups as a guide and translator. In her first year alone, one client told her “you are a wonderful and integral part of my trip experience” and another said “I will come back soon with friends and family members.”
Sonam Jamphel was born near Samye in Southern Tibet. He is the second youngest of seven siblings. Like many of the tour guides, Jamphel went abroad to study English for 8 years and obtained a Chinese National Tour Guide license. He speaks excellent English, Tibetan (Lhasa dialect) and Chinese. Since 2004, Jamphel has been organizing and leading trekking, cultural, and spiritual trips in all Tibetan areas. In addition, Jamphel has attended several ecotourism workshops and travels extensively in remote villages to promote positive interactions that benefit both local communities and visitors. Jamphel organizes our trips to Central Tibet and occasionally travels with important groups as a guide as he is recommended on Lonely Planet’s website by many of his previous clients.
Tenpa Tenzin (Tour Guide and Driver) is from the Minyag region of Kham and currently lives in Kangding. He speaks English, Tibetan (Lhasa and Kham dialects) and Chinese. He is in charge of organizing trips throughout the Kham region and is one of our most versatile tour guides, acting as a trip organizer, guide, driver (with his newly acquired 4WD) and cook. Tenpa’s great sense of humor, voice (he’s a great singer), humility, hard work and friendship are just some of the reasons that most of our clients don’t travel to Kham without Tenpa. Tenpa and his family warmly welcome everyone to their home and make visitors part of family by mingling, cooking and laughing together. By allowing guests to participate in family chores they can experience Tibet’s living and breathing culture.
Tamdin Wangdu, Sonam Jamphel, Tsering Tso and Tenpa Tenzin are some of our leading team members and we suggest booking a trip early if you would like to have some of them accompany you on your trip. However, Conscious Journeys also has other Tibetan guides, drivers and cooks that will make your Tibet journey an unforgettable experience.
