9 DAYS HOLY CENTRE TIBET TOUR
Day 1 - Arrival in Lhasa [3680m]
You will be greeted by our local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel where you can relax.
Day 2 - In the morning visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet.The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures and many rooms. Built in 637AD, the Potala has been home to the HH Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. Afterwards visit Jokhang temple, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front of to the Jowo Buddha statue inside temple. Afterwards walk through the Barkor which is the most popular market and sacred walk for all Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3 - visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa, once home to as many as 10,000 monks. Afterwards visit Sera monastery where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. Visiting Drepung and Sera monasteries will elaborate your understanding about Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
Day 4 - Lhasa-Tsedang [3500m] 180km, approx 3hrs
Drive Lhasa to Tsedang through the famous Yarlung Tsangpo or Bramaputra river which flows through this valley.The Yarlung valley is the home of Tibetan civilization. Visit Yumbu Lakhang, which was built in the second century B.C.for the first king of Tibet, "Nyatri Tsenpo". It was the main palace for the 1st to the 32nd kings of Tibet. Overnight in Tsedang.
Day 5 - Tsedang-Chimpu hermitage [4000m]-Samye [3500m] 130km, approx 4hrs.
Drive Tsedang to Chimpu hermitage. Chimpu hermitage is a warren of caves northeast of Samye that was once a retreat for Guru Rinpoche in 8th century. It is a popular day hike for travellers. Afterwards, return to Samye, visit Samye monastery. Samye monastery was Tibet's very first monastery and has a long history that spans more than 1200 years. It was founded in the reign of King Trisong Detsen, Samye monastery is designed to represent the Buddhist universe. Overnight in Samye.
Day 6 - Samye-Gyaltse-Shigatse [4000m] 390km, approx 8hrs.
Drive through Yarlung valley. Along the way cross over the Kamba la pass [4794m] and the Karo la pass [5039m], which boast spectacular views. After Kamba la, arrive at Yamdrok lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. View Nyenchen Kangsar glacier above [7100m]. Time permitting, visit Pelkor Chode with Kumbum stupa, which was built in 15th century and a beautiful local king's castle "Dzong", continue drive through Nyenchu river valley and arrive in Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 7 - Shigatse-Shuegu la [5300m]-Namtso lake [4700m] 400km, approx 8hrs.
Drive up to Yangpachen natural hot spring and then continue on to Namtso. Namtso known as the "heavenly lake" is one of 3 saltwater lakes in Tibet. Namtso lake we call, land of sheep and yaks as its surrounding by beautiful snow mountains. You will have opportunities to take wonderful photos of the sunrise and the sunset. Overnight at Namtso lake.
Day 8 - Namtso-Lhasa [3680m] 250km, approx 4hrs.
Drive back to Lhasa, passing by nomads and fields and snow mountains. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 9 - Depart Lhasa. You will be dropped off at the airport or train station.
Tour cost includes:
- All necessary travel permits in Tibet
- Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program.
- Private transportation in Tibet: 4WD land cruiser, van or bus depending on the group size and trip route.
- Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide.
- Lodging: Available from 5 star to budget guesthouse.
- Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning and end of the tour.
- Lodging and meals for guide and driver.
- First aid kit.
- Travel Liability Insurance.
Tour cost excludes:
- Travel insurance to cover trip cancellation and emergency evacuation (recommended).
- Expenses of personal nature.
- International and domestic flight/train. Note: we accept flight and train tickets bookings in advance. Please check the updated cost and ticket availability with your travel consultant.
- Tip for guide and driver. -
- Food: depending on your preferences, food is approximately 60-120¥ for per person per day.
