Itinerary

Day 01 Dec. 26, 2013 Arrival at Lhasa (3,658m)

​Upon arrival you will be met by our staff and transferred to the hotel.  The rest of the day at own leisure to acclimatize yourselves to the high altitude at 3658 m (12001 ft).

​

​Day 02 Dec. 27, 2013 Lhasa city sightseeing, visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple(B)​

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.

Note: In the evening there is a special ceremony for Ganden Ngangchoe festival at Jokhang Temple Square. Lots of pilgrims will come here to pray.

Day 03 Dec. 30, 2013 Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery, Norbulingka summer palace (B)

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.

Day 04 Dec. 31, 2013 One day tour to Ganden Monastery(4,500m) (B)​

After visited all these monasteries, guess you want to explore more nature. Morning drive about 60 km eastwards to Ganden Monastery, which ranks the first among the six largest monasteries of Gelugpa. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is a extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill, and Kichu valley is behind Ganden monastery, it is strongly suggested to hiking around the monastery and take a bird's-eye view of the valley. Afternoon drive back to Lhasa, free on your own. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 05 Jan. 01, 2014 Lhasa airport / train station send-off (B)​

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.