Exploring Tibetan Heritage And Culture Group Tour

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street

Today marks your first full day on the high-altitude plateau, and you may experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches or nausea. This is a common occurrence among travelers to Tibet and typically subsides after a day or two of rest and proper hydration as your body adjusts.

The morning begins with a visit to the Old Lhasa city, where you will explore the revered Jokhang Temple. This temple, considered the holiest in Tibet, has been a significant pilgrimage site for over a thousand years and is always bustling with devoted pilgrims. After exploring the temple’s interior, you will have the opportunity to stroll along Barkhor Street, a devotional route encircling the temple and the largest market area in Lhasa’s Old City.

In the afternoon, you will ascend the steps of the Red Hill to visit the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Originally built in the 7th century by the renowned Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, the modern palace was constructed in the 17th century as the new residence and governmental seat of the Dalai Lama. The remainder of the day is yours to rest or venture out and explore the local streets. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

The second full day in Lhasa begins with a visit to Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest monastery in the world, accommodating over 10,000 monks and lamas. Originally serving as the residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery has undergone several damages over the years, yet the narrow winding lanes amidst the monastic residences remain a captivating area to explore.

After the Drepung tour, you will proceed to Sera Monastery in the afternoon, located a few kilometers north of the Jokhang Temple. Built in the 15th century by Tsongkhapa’s disciple, Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi, this monastery houses multiple monastic colleges, with several hundred monks from across Tibet in residence. One of the monastery’s most renowned attractions is the philosophical and theological debates among the monks, which take place in the debating courtyard every afternoon, except on Sundays. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar Glacier, Gyantse Kumbum Stupa, and Pelkor Chode Monastery

Today, we embark on a journey southwest, traversing a winding road that ascends to the Gampa La pass (4794m). From here, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the sacred Lake Yamdrok, with its turquoise waters, and the snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. Continuing alongside the lake for a few kilometers, we reach Nagartse, where we stop for lunch.

The rest of the day will be spent traversing magnificent valleys and visiting exquisite Tibetan villages along the route. En route to Shigatse, we make a stop at Karo La (5150m) to witness the majestic Mount Nyenchen Kangsar glacier.

Upon reaching Gyantse, we visit the renowned Kumbum stupa in the Pelkor Chode Monastery. This grand structure, with its numerous doors, is the largest stupa in Tibet, renowned not only for its architecture but also for the ancient sculptures and paintings adorning its inner walls.

In the late afternoon, we drive to Shigatse (3845m), a journey of only 90km. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Attractions: Tashilhunpo Monastery

In the morning, we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama, Gedun Drup, in 1447 and later becoming the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage. Explore the tombs of the seven deceased Panchen Lamas and wander through the bustling cobbled lanes surrounding the aged buildings that serve as monks’ apartments.

After the monastery tour, we have the option to enjoy lunch together and take a short walk with our guide through the local markets in Shigatse. Today, we have two possible transportation options based on group size and availability. We can either drive back to Lhasa or take the express train on the newly opened Lhasa-Shigatse Railway.

In the case of the train, a local guide will arrange a taxi to the Shigatse train station, which is less than a 15-minute drive away. You will board the train departing at 12:05 and arriving in Lhasa at 14:40, enjoying a memorable 2-hour and 35-minute ride on this modern railway line. Our guide and driver will pick you up from the Lhasa train station and transfer you to your hotel. Alternatively, if driving, our driver will meet you and our guide at the hotel, and we will embark on the scenic 6-hour journey back to Lhasa along the famous northern Friendship Highway. Shortly after your arrival in Lhasa, our driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Lhasa. (Please be prepared for either transportation option, and we will strive to make the journey as simple and convenient as possible.)

After a hearty breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for the transfer to the train station or airport as you prepare to depart Tibet and continue your journey to your next destination. It is time to bid farewell and express gratitude for the unforgettable experiences.

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