Itinerary
Day1 Arrival in Lhasa (D)
Arrive at Gonggar Airport (3500m), welcome by the local tour guide with the hada, which means lucky and happiness, transfer 60km (paved road, about 1 hour drive ) to the city, drive along the Yalutsangpo River and Lhasa River, enjoy the Tibetan style villages and Nyetang Buddha ,check in hotel in Lhasa (3658m) and rest for acclimatization.
Day2 Lhasa (B+L+D)
Take a tour to Potala Palace. It was the local government location, and was divided into two parts, the white palace and red one; it was also the highest castle-style palace in the world; Visit Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market, the heart of the old Lhasa town, here you’ll enjoy fascinating combination of deep religiosity and push and shove market economics. In Tibetan Buddhism Jokhang is also regarded as the center of the Universe, it is a must sightseeing in Lhasa.
Day3 Lhasa to Shigatse (B+L+D)
After breakfast, drive to visit the Yamdroktso Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. After that, drive to Shigatse. On the way, visit the Karuola Glacier. After arriving in Shigatse, visit the seat of Panchen Lama-Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is also the largest one in Shigatse area, built by the first Dalai Lama. Back to Shigatse.
Day4 Shigatse to Lhasa (B+L+D)
After breakfast, drive to visit Palkhor Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in Shigatse and being famous for murals. And then, move on to visit a Tibetan family and experience the local people’s life. It is the typical Tibetan house, which is usually two floors. The first floor is for live stocks and storages and then the second one is for people living. There are reception halls, bedrooms , chanting room and so on. Sun-dried bricks are main materials for building. Here you can taste the butter tea, barley beer and barley flour. The butter tea like your coffee, they drink it from morning till night. And the barley beer is very light alcohol. Even the children drink it for thirsty. We called the barley flour ‘Tsamba’ in Tibetan. It is very nourishing . Three is no need to cook, it is very convenient during long journey. Anytime or in a any condition you can eat it with drink. Because of time we can not enjoy the lunch or dinner here.
Then drive back to Lhasa.
Day5 Lhasa (B+L+D)
Visit the Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The most distinguished and interesting thing here is monks’ debating about Buddhism. Then visit Norbulingka Park (the jewel park in Tibetan) which was the summer palace of Dalai Lamas, and the Tibet Museum, which is located to the southeast of the Norbulingka Park. Enjoy a Tibetan Song and Dance Show at dinner.
Day6 Lhasa Departure (B)
See off at the airport.
B for Breakfast, L for Lunch, D for Dinner