Tour Features: Tibet is one of the most mysterious places in the world with unique sceneries and characteristic customs and architectures. This five-day self-driving tour emphasize on natural scenes and Tibetan architectures. By this tour, you will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street, Namsto Lake, Basomtso, Mt. Namjagbarwa and Yaluzangbu River and so on. All of attractions will definitely give you a big shock.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa (-/ B/ D)
In the morning you will visit the majestic Potala Palace, which is the highest palace in the world. In 641, Songtsan Gambo, ruler of the Tubo Kingdom, had the Potala Palace built for Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, whom he was soon to marry. 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. In the afternnon, you will visit the Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Street. Jokhang Monastery is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. It was built during the reign of King Songsten Gampo to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace" and a spiritual centre of Lhasa. Being a circular street, 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.
Day 2: Lhasa / Namsto / Yangpachen / Lhasa (-/ L/ -)
Set off from Lhasa in the morning. Drive to the Namsto Lake. Namtso Lake is the highest lake in the world and is 4,718 meters above sea level. It is 72 kilomters long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square kilometers. Some 60 kilometers to the northwest of Damxung County seat, it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives high respects among the local people. The natural pastureland around the lake, Nyenchen Tonglha Mountains (Nyainqentanglha Range) in the distance and enchanting Namtso Lake compose a fantastic picture. Then head for the Yangpachen, which gains its fame from the abundant geothermic heat. The hot spring in Yambajan, which contains high content of sulfureted hydrogen, is therapeutic to many chronic diseases. The bathing place is an open-air swimming pool. With the snow-capped mountains in the distance, it is really an enjoyment to have a hot-spring bath in the swimming pool. Especially in winter, it is very pleasant and romantic to enjoy the heavy snowfall by bathing in the hot spring. Go back to Lhasa in the evening.
Day 3: Lhasa / Basomtso / Nyingchi (470km, 8hours, asphalt road) (-/ L/ -)
Drive to Kangpo Gymda along the Niyang River. On the way you will cross the Mila mountain pass. (Altitude-5,300m) You will admire the scenic beauty of Basomtso. Basomtso is 15 kilometers long, and the deepest parts of the lake reach 166 meters. The lake is a crescent covering 27 sq kilometers. Around the lake, there are both snow-capped mountains and mountains dotted with evergreen trees. It is viewed by the local Tibetan people as the holy lake of the Nyingmapa (Red) Sect. On the islet at the center of Basum Lake, there is an ancient monastery constructed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Ferrying across the lake to the islet is a great fun. The snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear water and lush vegetation add much charm to this mysterious land. Indulged in such beautiful scenery, you will feel like living in a fairyland. After enjoying the fantastic scenery of Basomtso, you will head for Nyingchi. In Tibetan language, Nyingchi means ‘the throne of the sun’. You will appreciate the scenery of Niyang River Valley.
Day 4: Bayi Town / Mt. Namjagbarwa / Yaluzangbu River / Bayi Town (-/ L/ -)
Set off from Bayi Town (Lyingchi) after breakfast. Drive to the central port. (40km, 1-2 hour dirve) After arrival at the port, take an auto boat to Pai Town. Two hours later you will reach there, and then take a coach to Viewing Platform. You can have a bird's view of Mt. Namjagbarwa and Yaluzangbu River. Then return to the Bayi Town by boat along the same way.
Day 5: Nyingchi / Lhasa (6hour dirve, asphalt road) (B/ L/ -)
In the morning you will visit the Giant Cypress Forest and the King Cypress, which had the history of 2,500 years. Then go back to Lhasa along the Niyang River. You will enjoy the fantastic scenery of the virgin forest and grassland as well as the Tibetan houses. This tour will be finished in Lhasa.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
|
: http://www.explorechinatours.com 
German site: China Reisen & China Urlaub 
: contact
explorechinatours.com