Itinerary

Day 1

Lhasa - Tsedang
Upon arrival in Lhasa, drive to Tsedang Valley. Tsedang is one of Tibet's largest cities and the capital of Lhoka district of the Tibetan autonomous region, which exercise direct control over the affairs of 13 countries. Tsedang is mainly known as "the cradle of Tibetan civilization". It is the birthplace of the first Tibetans who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness. Tsedang literally means "monkey's playground". We have an overnight stay at the hotel in Tsedang valley.

Day 2

Tsedang
In the morning we have sightseeing in Tsedang valley and visit the Tradruk temple, Samye monastery and Yambu Lakhang monastery. Tradunk temple is located on the south side of the Yarlung valley, only 7km south of Tsedang. This temple is the earliest of Tibet's great geomantic temples apart from Jokhang. It was reputedly constructed by king Srongtsen Gampo of left shoulder of Supin Ogress symbolizing the regions of the Tibetan terrain. Yambu Lhakang, was first of all established on its summit. Samye Monastery is one of first monasteries in Tibet. It was constructed mostly between 775 and 779 AD. Tibetan King Trisong Datsun invited Padmasambhava to subdue the hostile elemental force of Tibet and make them amenable or subservient to Buddhism. Padmasambhava traversed the enter plateau, transforming negative force into Buddhist protectors, and introduced the highest Tantras and their teachings to his fortunate disciples.

Day 3

Tsedang - Gyantse (about 260 km)
In the morning drive from Tsedang Valley to Gyantse (3900 m). Gyantse was earlier the Tibet's third most important city, lying in the Nyangchu valley and along the main routes from India and Nepal to Lhasa. In former times it was a fort, the centre of Tibet's wool trade and a gateway to the outside world. We have an overnight stay at the hotel in Gyantse.

Day 4

Gyantse - Xigatse (Shigatse)
In the morning after having breakfast visit Phalkor Monastery and Khumbum Stupa. Later in the afternoon drive from Gyantse to Shigatse. Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city. It is the administrative centre for 18 countries in southern and western Tibet. Besides the rich cultural heritage, Shigatse has an abundance of native fruits and products. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Shigatse. In the evening visit the Tashilumpo monastery and the market of Shigatse. Tashilumpo monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery, built in 1447 by a nephew of Tsong Khapa once housed over 4000 Monks, but now there are only 600. After visiting the monastery we visit the market of Shigatse. In the market there are more than 300 stalls selling local produce as well as colourful and elaborate handicraft, accessories, antiques and porcelains.

Day 5

Xigatse - Lhasa
In the morning drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3650 m). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free for leisure in Lhasa.

Day 6

Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast proceed for a full day sight seeing tour of Lhasa city covering Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Sera is more like a small town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great Gelukpa Universities - once housing more than 5500 monks. Here one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery we drive to visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century A D and houses the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden roofs found nowhere else except in Tibet. After visiting the temple we have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful market where you can bargain over such treasures like a ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.

Day 7

Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast we visit the Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa situated at a heights of 117 meters above the sea level. The construction of this palace was started on the red hill in 1645 under the 5th Dalai Lama. An immense building, 13 storeys high with walls 3 meters thick contains over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. It was both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former head of state. After the visit of Potala Palace we visit the Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River, there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, the park was originally laid out in the year 1750. Norbulingka was also the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th). The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama is an odd mix of traditional Tibetan architecture and modern paraphernalia. In the evening we visit the Drepung monastery. This monastery is situated in the west suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular interest is the medieval monk's kitchen with its great cauldrons of steaming barley 'stamp' sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From the roof of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lhasa valley. After having the sightseeing we return back to the hotel.

Day 8

Lhasa
Flight to home destination.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Entrances of the monuments during the sightseeing.

Exclusions -

Visa Fees

Extras -

Given cost if on per person basis on minimum two travelers. There is discount available between April and September. Please write us to receive more details !