Tour Features:Tibet, an autonomous region in China, full of mystery, attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. During this eight-day tour, you will visit Lhasa, Nyingchi and Shigatze. Picturesque natural sceneries and ancient architectures will show you a unique Tibet. Besides, delicious local snacks will make your mouth water.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival / Lhasa (-/ -/ 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 / Namtso / 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 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 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. Enjoy yourself in the hot spring pool. After that, return back to Lhasa.
Day 4: 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'. Visit the source of Lhasa River and Niyang River-Mila Snow Mountain, with an elevation of 5020m. Along the way, appreciate the Bangjietang Grassland, Ngapoi Manor (Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme's manor) and well-preserved Taizhao Ancient Town. Besides, go the see the Kading Waterfall Scenic Area. In the valley, there is a spectacular waterfall with the fall of 200m. Stay overnight in Nyingchi.
Day 5: Nyingchi / Lhasa (B/ L/ D)
You will visit the Giant Cypress Forest after breakfast. The king cypress, which is more than 2,500 years old, is nearly 50m high and 5.8m thick. As the largest and oldest tree in the forest, it is believed to be the 'life tree' of Tonpa Shenrab, founder of Bon. The cypress forest is venerated as a holy land by the local Bonpos, and throughout it you can see colorful prayer flags hanging from the trees, as well as piles of mani stones. Then head for Basomtso. Basomtso Lake 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 Basomtso 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. Return to Lhasa after lunch.
Day 6: 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. 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. Later, visit the Palkhor 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. Afterwards, stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse / Lhasa (B/ L/ -)
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 8: Lhasa / Departure (B/ -/ -)
In the morning drive to Lhasa Gongga airport for seeing off.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
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