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.
Lhasa City sightseeing, 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 / Samye / Tsedang, 260KM, 3-4hours
Morning drive to Tsedang city which is located at the Yarlung Valley, it is also reputed as 'the cradle of Tibetan civilization'. Visit Samye Monastery which is believed to be the first monastery in Tibet. Late afternoon visit Yumbulakang Palace - the first palace in Tibet. Overnight at Tsedang.
Tsedang / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse, 300KM, 6-7hours
After breakfast, start to 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. After lunch at Nangartse county, keep driving along the Friendship southern Hwy to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumpum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight at Gyantse.
Gyantse/ Shalu Monastery / Shigatse, 120KM, 2 hours
Morning visit Gyantse Dzong where you will see the whole Gyantse city. Afterwards drive to Shalu monastery, which is around 20km south of Shigatse. After sightseeing at Shalu monstery, drive to Shigatse, visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse, and do its kora. Overnight at Shigatse.
Shigatse / Lhasa, 280KM, 5hours
After breakfast driving back to Lhasa along the friendship highway, afternoon free on your own in 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.
