8 DAYS LHASA TO SOUTH EAST TIBET
Day 1 - Arrival in Lhasa [3680m]
You will be greeted by our local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to 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 the Jowo Buddha statue inside the 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. Visit Norbulingka Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama which was built by the 7th Dalai Lama Kalsang Gyaltso. Afterwards visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. Visiting Drepung and Sera monasteries will enhance your understanding about Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
Day 4 - Lhasa-Draksum Tso Lake (3540m), 320km approx 6/7hrs - Bayi prefecture (2990m), 130km approx 1/5hrs.
In the morning, drive from Lhasa through Lhasa Kyi Chu Valley and pass Ba la (5013m). Continue alongside Nayang River which joins Yarlung Tsenpo at Menling. From here you will see the beautiful alpine Lake Draksumtso and its surrounding 6000m peaks. Visit Tsodzong monastery, a small Nyingmapa monastery sited on a photogenic Island and founded by Sangye Lingpa in the 14th century. After that continue drive to Bayi prefecture for 1/5hrs. Overnight in Bayi local guest house or hotel.
Day 5 - Bayi-Lamaling monastery- Lunang (3375m), 160km approx 5/6 hrs.
From Bayi drive to Lamaling temple, which is Nyingmapa temple and Dudjom Rinpoche supported, where most religious services are held with eight monks.Then go up to the Serkhym-la pass (4515m). From the top of the pass you will view Mt Namche Barwa (7765m) and Gyala Pelri (7151m). Serkhym-la road descends past gorgeous alpine valley lined with rhododendron bushes in to Rong Chu valley. Overnight in Lunang local guest house or hotel.
Day 6 - Lunang-Bayi-Menling -Nang county-Gyaltsa county (3457m), 360km approx 7/8hrs
In the morning drive from Rong Chu valley along forest and Yarlung Tsangpo valley to Gyaltsa county. Stop to take pictures of beautiful valley and mountains. Overnight in Gyaltse county, local guest house.
Day 7 - Gyaltsa-Zangri county-Tsethang prefecture (3500m), 150km approx 3/30hrs. -Samye monastery (3500m), Tsethang to Samye is 70km approx 1/30hrs.
In the morning drive from Gyaltsa along Yarlung valley and beautiful villages,stop moment for PSB and visit Yumbulagang palace,which was founded in the 2nd century and the oldest or earliest palace in Tibet for first king of Tibet (Nyentri Tsenpo). After that continue drive to Samye monastery. Will see either get enough time to visit Samye monastery or next morning. Over night in Samye local guest house or Hotel.
Day 8 - 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.