Tour Features: As the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa is an attractive destination for every visitor. During this two-day tour, you will visit the most characteristic attractions in and around Lhasa, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street, Namsto and Yangpachen and so on.
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 afternoon, 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. You can buy many interesting local products on the Barkhor Street.
Day 2: Lhasa / Namsto / Yangpachen / Lhasa (-/ L/ D)
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 kilometers 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 Yangpachen, 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.
Itinerary: B: Breakfast AB: American Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner SD: Special Dinner
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