Fly to Lhasa
We will take a morning flight to Lhasa. Guide will meet you at the airport. Since we have just made a sudden ascent from the lowland area to an altitude of over 3,700 meters(12,139 ft), we will take the afternoon off to acclimatize to the new environment.
Lhasa
Lhasa, the holy capital of Tibet, still maintains its spirituality and mystique despite the growing population of Han Chinese and rapid development of the city in recent years. You are certain to notice the contrast among its inhabitants, however. Pilgrims kowtowing at Jokhang Temple and hip youngsters in discos boogieing to Celine Dion exemplify the duality of Lhasa. The early morning is the best time to appreciate the spiritual face of Lhasa.
Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
Drepung Monastery has an enormous hall with thousands of silk-bound scriptures covering 1,800-sqm(5,906-sqft) of wall space. Here we will witness thousands of lamas chanting en masse, with their passionate voices reverberating through the ancient halls as the flames of yak butter candles flicker under their breaths. Sera Monastery, one of the three main temples of Gelukpa Sect, is located at the foot of Mt. Purbuchok. Each afternoon, the monastery's 300-strong lamas hold a debate session in the garden, at times engaged in a heated discussion over spiritual questions.
Lhasa to Naqu
Under good road conditions, the 315 km(197 mi) journey from Lhasa to Naqu should take approximately 6 hours. Though the journey is long and at times ardurous, there is no such thing as an ugly road in Tibet. We will pass beautiful temples and shrines and encounter herdsmen and pilgrims as we traverse deep valleys and drive across rugged passes. We should reach Naqu Grasslands by dusk, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to watch the sun go down while sipping hot tea and eating tsampa (the staple Tibetan food) with the nomads.
Day 5-6 Naqu
Grab your horse or your camera, (we do not suggest both) and enjoy a long day of festivities and races at the annual Horse Racing Festival, which is held in August each year. Rows of tents cover the vast green grassland, hosting more than 10,000 spectators from afar. In addition to the various equine events, such as shooting on horseback and cross-country racing, the festival also provides an opportunity to watch regional folk dances. In the evening we will gather around the campfire for more singing and dancing.
Nagchu(Naqu) to Dangxiong to Lake Namtso-Chukmo
After breakfast, we will leave the racecourse and drive south for 6 hours to arrive at the Lake Namtso-Chukmo in Zhaxi Peninsula. The lake basin, located at an altitude of 4,718 m(15,479 ft), can be cold in the evening but our cozy sleeping bags and campfire should keep us warm and comfortable all night long.
Lake Namtso-Chukmo to Lhasa
We will get up early to explore the peninsula and its bird sanctuary, where we may get a glimpse of the rare black-necked crane. There are many caves to explore, including those along a 100-meter mani stone wall. We will return to Lhasa in the late evening.
