Tibet Winter tour to Tsedang

Attractions; Potala palace, Jokhang temple and bustling Bakhor street.

Today, we embark on our first day exploring the high plateau. It’s common for travelers to experience slight headaches due to the high altitude, so it’s advisable to stay hydrated and engage in mild activities during the initial days. In the morning, our guide will meet you at the hotel for an easy visit to the revered Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of the historic Old Lhasa city. The temple holds great sacred significance and is always bustling with devoted local pilgrims. Following the temple visit, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along Bakhor Street, a vibrant and lively market that was once a renowned local marketplace but has now transformed into a bustling tourist shopping center. In the afternoon, we will visit the iconic Potala Palace, a remarkable masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and the prominent symbol of Tibet. Originally constructed in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gangpo and later rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama, this palace served as the residence for successive Dalai Lamas and their government. Although the climb up the long steps can be challenging, it’s a worthwhile experience to leave your footprints in this spiritually significant palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Take the rest of the day to acclimatize and alleviate any jet lag. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions; Drepung monastery and Sera monastery.

Today, we will explore two significant attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. In the morning, we’ll begin our visit to Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monastic complexes in the world, accommodating over 10,000 monks. This monastery served as the residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the Potala Palace. Although the monastery has suffered some destruction over time, there are still plenty of fascinating sights to behold. As we navigate through the narrow and winding lanes amidst the monks’ living quarters, it almost feels like strolling through a traditional village. Concluding our visit to Drepung Monastery, we’ll proceed to the renowned Sera Monastery. Founded in the fifteenth century by Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, this monastery consists of several monastic colleges that house hundreds of monks from different regions of Tibet. One of the highlights at Sera Monastery is the famous Buddhist philosophical debates that take place among the monks every afternoon, except on Sundays. Take the rest of the day to continue acclimatizing and alleviating any jet lag. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions; Fertile Yarlung valley-ancient Tibet capital, Samye monastery.

Today, we will embark on a scenic drive to the southern part of Tibet, specifically to Samye Monastery. Along the way, we will make a stop at Tsedang for lunch. From Tsedang, it’s just a 50km drive to reach the magnificent Samye Monastery. Built during the reign of King Trisong Desen in the 7th century, Samye Monastery holds the distinction of being the first-ever Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Despite facing challenges such as the Cultural Revolution and other periods of destruction, this monastery has managed to endure throughout the centuries. It is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, nestled within a small valley adorned with surrounding villages. Upon arrival, we will visit Samye Tsuglhak Khang and have the opportunity for a short hike up Hepu Hill, located near the monastery. Hepu Hill holds significant historical value, as it was on this hill that Indian Guru Padmasambhava successfully subdued the obstacles posed by Bon devils during the initial construction of Samye Monastery. These devils were ultimately punished by a stone rainfall. Overnight accommodation will be provided at Samye Monastery’s guest house.

Attractions; Chimpu nunnery, Yogis in the caves, Yumbo Lhakang, Tramduk monastery.

Today, we will return to Tsedang, with a visit to Chimpu Hermitage along the way. Chimpu Hermitage is renowned for its numerous caves where Guru Rinpoche and Khangdo Yeshi Tsogyal, one of Guru’s three consorts, meditated in the 7th century. Over the years, it has attracted retreatants and hermits from various regions of Tibet. Upon reaching Chimpu Hermitage, we will first visit the nunnery located at the base of the hill. Then, we will embark on a hike through the caves, providing a unique opportunity to witness the lives of Tibetan yogis. If you’re fortunate, you may even have a chance to interact with some yogis. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Tsedang, a place steeped in Tibetan civilization and formerly the capital of Tibet before Lhasa. During our time in Tsedang, we will explore Yumbu Lhakang, the palace of the first Tibetan king, located just a few kilometers south of the town. Overnight stay in Tsedang.

Attractions; Yamdrok lake, Mt.Nyechen Kangsar glacier, Gyantse Kubum stupa and Pelkhor Choede monastery.

Today, we will embark on a picturesque drive from Tsedang to Gyantse. As we follow the course of the Brahmaputra River, we will pass through several Tibetan towns and villages. Our journey will take us up the winding road of Kampa La Pass (4700m), offering captivating views along the way. From the summit of Gampa La Pass, you will catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Yamdrok Lake, nestled deep within the mountainous valley, adorned with its mesmerizing turquoise hue. We will continue driving alongside the lake for a few kilometers. Along the route, we will make a stop at Karo La Pass (5150m) to witness the sacred Nyenchen Kangsar glacier, a majestic sight to behold. Throughout the day, we will be treated to magnificent valleys and charming Tibetan villages that we pass through. Upon arrival in Gyantse, we will visit the remarkable Kumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Choede Monastery. This grand structure, with its multiple doorways, is the largest stupa in Tibet, renowned not only for its architecture but also for the ancient sculptures and paintings adorning its inner walls, carrying centuries of historical significance. Overnight stay in Gyantse.

Attractions; Villages and farms, Tashi Lhunpo monastery.

Today, we will embark on a short and pleasant drive to Shigatse, following a well-maintained road. In the morning, our first stop will be Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Constructed in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Gedun Drup, it later became the seat of the Panchen Lama lineages. At Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, you will have the opportunity to observe the tombs of the seven past Panchen Lamas. As you navigate through the bustling cobblestone lanes, which wind around the ancient buildings serving as monks’ apartments, you’ll experience the unique charm of this sacred place. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Attractions: Nimo home-made incense factory, Brahmaputra river.

Today, we will embark on a scenic drive from Shigatse to Lhasa, passing through various villages along the way. During our journey, we will make a stop at the Nyimo local home-based incense factory. Here, you will witness the traditional and primitive methods employed by the locals to process incense materials. The incense sticks are meticulously handcrafted, and if you’re fortunate, you may even get to observe the artisans in action. However, please note that this opportunity might not always be available due to local circumstances. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Lhasa, where you will have some free time to explore the bustling Bakhor area. This is an excellent opportunity to shop for unique gifts for your loved ones back home. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Today, our guide and driver will accompany you to the airport or train station as it is time to bid farewell and continue your journey to your next destination. Before your departure, we kindly request that you take a moment to evaluate our services. You can either fill out the feedback form provided or simply send us an email with your feedback. We value your input and appreciate your time. With this, the trip officially comes to an end.

DAY 09- LHASA AIRPOR/TRAIN STATION SEND-OFF.

Today our guide and driver will send you to the airport and it is time to say your good bye and depart to your next destination. Before your departure, we will appreciate if you can spend a short time to evaluate our services either by filling the feedback form or simply send us an email. The trip officially end.” please rewrite in simple english, active voice, and professional voice.