Tour Features: Mysterious Tibet attracts lots of tourists in China and all over the world every year. By this tour, you will experience brand new sceneries that you never seen before. This tour includes three hottest destinations in Tibet, Lhasa, Nyingchi and Shigatse. After this tour, you will have a different impression on Tibet.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa (-/ L/ 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 Circumanbulation but also the largest commercial street in Lhasa. Barkhor Street boasts various sorts of Tibetan folk crafts catering to tourists. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa / Nyingchi (B/ L/ D)
Drive to Nyingchi, known as 'Tibetan Jiangnan', which means those regions to the south of the Yangtze River. In Tibetan language it means 'the throne of the sun'. You will visit the Giant Cypress Forest after breakfast. It is here in Bajie village that a giant cypress Nature Reserve was built. Here all luxuriant cypresses are grown in a grove, the biggest being over 4.46 m. in circumference and 46 m. in height. The projection of the cypress shade covers an area of more than one acre. According to survey, this cypress has a history of 2,000-2,500 years and is named “the sacred Cypress" and local people protect it. It is said that this cypress is the soul of the Bon ancestor Sherab Miwoche. That is why a lot of prayer flags are always hung over these ancient giant trees. In the forest, there are also many stone carvings of prayers are piled and many pilgrims from afar come to pay homage. Stay overnight in Nyingchi.
Day 3: Nyingchi / Basomtso / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
Drive to Basomtso. 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 Baksum Tso 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. Then go back to Lhasa and stay in the hotel.
Day 4: Lhasa / Namtso / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
Today, drive to Namtso. The Namtso Lake is held as "the heavenly lake" or "the holy lake" in northern Tibet. Lying at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, it covers an area of 1,940 square kilometers at an elevation of 4,718 meters. 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. The natural pastureland is around the lake. The snow-topped peaks and the blue sky compose a fantastic picture.Then head for Yangbachen. Yangpachen is famous for its hot springs. It contains rich geothermal resources and is famous as a geothermal museum. Water in the hot spring is rich in hydrogen sulphide, which is beneficial to health. You can also visit the geothermal power station. The fee for hot spring bath is 40 yuan every person (outdoor) and 60 yuan (indoor). After enjoying a hot spring bath, you will return to Lhasa.
Day 5: Lhasa / Shigatse (B/ L/ D)
Set off from Lhasa in the morning. On the way the coach will pass the Gangbala Mountain. At first you will visit the Yamdrok-Tso Lake. Then go to see the Palkhor Monastery and Zongshan Ruins. Yamdrok-Tso Lake is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. It is also the highest fresh water lake in the world. Yamdrok-Tso means upper pastureland and "co" mans Lake in Tibetan. 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. 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. Later, lodge in the local hotel in Shigatse.
Day 6: Shigatse / Lhasa (B/ L/ -)
You will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Experiencing five centuries, it still maintains the magnificent vigor. Tashilhunpo Monastery (meaning auspicious) is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) 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 a short rest, you will be transferred to the airport.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
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