Arrival in Lhasa [3658m]
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel / hostel in Lhasa. Afternoon have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple
Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery & Norbulingka summer palace
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa /Yamdrok Lake /Gyantse [4040m] /Shigatse[3836m], 360KM 7hrs drive (B)
Morning drive up to Kambala pass[4794m high], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso there, which is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy to Gyantse, short stop at Karo La pass[5100m] which is overlooked by MT. Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. Visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Shigatse / Lhasa, 300km, 5-6hrs drive (B)
Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, do its kora with local people. Afternoon drive back to Lhasa along the friendship highway. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa /Yangbachen hot-spring / Namtso Lake
Today make a day tour to Namtso Lake. Driving along Northern Tibetan grassland, distance view of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges, and pass the Nargen-la pass[5190m]. Namtso Lake is the sky lake which is one of the three most holy lakes in Tibet, also the highest salt lake. You can do a bit trekking at the lakeside. Afternoon drive back to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa train station / airport dropping off
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.
