Tour Features: Blue and clear sky, crystal lakes without any pollution, mysterious ancient monasteries and hospitable welcomes. This is Tibet—one of the most attractive destinations in China. By this tour, you will experience all the things above. Besides, delicious local food will make your mouth water. After this amazing tour, you will definitely think that this tour is really worthy of joining.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival / Lhasa (-/ L/ D)
Arrive in Lhasa and you will be met at Gongga Airport. Then drive to Lhasa city. On the way you will appreciate the fantastic view of Brahmaputra River and Lhasa River. You can also see the house of Tibetan people. Then lodge in the hotel. In order to adapt yourself to the climate and environment you will have a rest in the afternoon. If you are not tired you can take a stroll on the street to enjoy the nocturne of Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa (B/ 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 ang 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 3: Lhasa / Shigatse (B/ L/ D)
Head for the Yamdrok-Tso Lake -one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. It is also the highest fresh water lake in the world. The surface of the lake is 4,441 meters high above sea level, and the size of the lake covers 800 square kilometers with a lake line of almost 1,000 kilometers. The 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. Next destination is Palkhor Monastery. On the way to Palkhor Monastery, you will see the Zongshan Ruins in the distance. The Palkhor Monastery has a Chinese name Baiju Monastery. It has two features: there are three classes of Buddhism existing 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. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 4: Shigatse / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
In the morning, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Experiencing five centuries, it still maintains the magnificent vigor. 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. Go back to Lhasa in the afternoon. After you returning to Lhasa, you can go to the Barkhor Street to buy some local products or go to the food court to taste delicious snacks.
Day 5: Lhasa / Namsto / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
Today you will appreciate the magic Namtso Lake. In the morning, drive to the Namtso Lake and visit this mysterious and beautiful lake. 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 Platean. 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. You can 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. Then head for the Yangpachen, which gains its fame from the abundant geothermic heat. Enjoy yourself in the hot spring pool. After that, return back to Lhasa.
Day 6: Lhasa / Shannan / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
Drive to the birthplace of Tibetan culture- Tsedang. Tsedang is the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the area is filled with important historical landmarks, Samye being one of the most important. On the way you will stop to visit the Samye Monastery, the first temple to be built in Tibet and the first complete with the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. As one of the three scared monastery in Shannan Prefecture, Trandruk Monastery enjoys a high standing in the hearts of the faithful pilgrims. The Coqen Hall still boasts a lot of statues and mural paintings in the hall. The most attractive is the Pearl-made Tangkha (a kind of embroidery), made of 29,026 pearls, 1 diamond, 1 ruby, 1 sapphire, and 15 grams of gold. Then visit Yumbu Lhakang Palace, reputed as the first palace in Tibet history, is also the oldest extant building in Tibet. Youmpu Lhakang became famous after Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng spent their summer holidays there, making it their summer palace. Afterwards, drive back and stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 7: Lhasa / Departure (B/ -/ -)
Drive to Lhasa Gongga Airport, and then take a flight to go back home.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
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