Tour Features: Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, the 'Roof of the World, is one of the world's cities nearest to the sky and one of the cleanest. Shigatse is the most colorful area in Tibet with vast grasslands, fertile fields in river valleys, flourishing semitropical jungles and snowfields at high altitudes. By this tour, you will visit the hottest attractions in these two cities. After that, you will have a new impression on Tibet.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa (-/ L/ D)
In the morning you will visit the Potala Palace. The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The complex, comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, is built on Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700 m. The White Palace, comprising halls, temples and courtyards, serves as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama.
In the afternoon you will visit the Jokhang Monastery and Barkgor Street. Jokhang means the 'House of the Buddha in Tibetan. With the history of more than 1,350 years, it's the oldest monatery in Lhasa. For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims either walk or crawl around the Jokhang Temple since it was first constructed in the seventh century. Traditional Tibetan houses and narrow lanes in and around the street whisper the stories of old Lhasa. It's not only a Circumambulation but also the largest commercial street in Lhasa. Barkhor Street boasts various sorts of Tibetan folk crafts catering to tourists. In the evening, you will stay in the hotel of Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa / Namtso Lake / Lhasa (-/ L/ -)
Today you will appreciate the magic Namtso Lake. In the morning, drive to the Namtso Lake and visit this mysterious and beautiful lake. Lying at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Namtso Lake covers an area of 1,940 square kilometers at an elevation of 4,718 meters. Its purity and solemnness are symbols of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In Tibetan, Namtso means 'Heavenly Lake'. It is considered one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. It is believed to be the second largest salt water lake in China and the salt water lake at the highest elevation in the world. Queer rocks, steep peaks, natural stone ladders and other landform wonders on Zhaxi byland present visitors a picture filled with mystery and enchantment. Besides, you can also see the main peaks of Nyainqentanglha Range in the distance. The natural pastureland around the lake, the snow-topped peaks and the blue sky compose a fantastic picture. Furthermore, you will pass the Yangpachen on the way. Yangpachen gains its fame from the abundant geothermic heat. Afterwards, go back to Lhasa in the everning.
Day 3: Lhasa / Shigatse (-/ L/ D)
Set off from Lhasa in the morning. On the way the coach will pass the Gangbala Mountain. Drive to the Yamdrok-Tso Lake-one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. It is also the highest fresh water lake in the world. The Yamdrok-Tso Lake is blue and clear like a sapphire. The lake water tastes sweet, you can drink it. On the grassland near the lake, flocks of sheep, herds of cattle and droves of horses are browsing among the brilliant flowering shrubs with leisure, decorating the pastureland on the plateau into a beautiful painting of mountains and waters. Then go to see the Karola Glacier. It looks like an ice beauty. Later, visit the Palkhor Monastery. It has two features: there are three classes of Buddhismexisting harmoniously this monastery. Palkhor also features its "Bodhi stupa", or "Kumbum" in Tibetan. Deemed as the symbol of the monastery, the spectacular "stupa" consists of hundreds of chapels in layers, housing about a hundred thousand images of various icons. Then visit the Zongshan Ruins. The Gyantse Zongshan Anti-British Battle Ruins are located in the seat of Gyantse Country. In the 30th year of Emperor Guangxu or 1904 during the Qing Dynasty, patriotic armies, monks and secular people in Tibet constructed barbettes and other defense systems in front of the Zongshan Mountain to resist the British invaders. Next stop is Pala Manor. Pala family owned mass manors and serf carried a strong old Tibet feature. The most precious is that it’s maintained in a good condition after the times vicissitude. Now it’s open to the public and serves as the evidence of Tibetan Serf system. Stay overnight in the Shigatse local hotel.
Day 4: Shigatse-Lhasa (-/ L/ -)
In the morning you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. Experiencing five centuries, it still maintains the magnificent vigor. Built in 1447, Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa in China and the biggest Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism monastery in back Tibet area. Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge in the monastery. One can find the biggest statue of a sitting Maitreya Buddha inside the chapel. The statue stands 26.2 meters high and is decorated with gold, copper, pearl, amber, coral, diamond and other precious stones. After visiting the Stupa-tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama, you will go to the Shigatse market. Go back to Lhasa after lunch. After you returning to Lhasa, the rest time is free.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
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