Lhasa (3N) - Gyantse (1N) - Shigatse (1N) - Lhasa (1N)
Known worldwide as the Roof of the World, Tibet has an average elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level. Traveling to Tibet is a dream for many people, however, there are many misconceptions of what actually happens here. Come see it with your own eyes and feel it with your own heart. Discover its beautiful landscape and experience its ancient charming culture with their mysterious folklores. The capital Lhasa means "Land of the Gods" and is the heart of Tibet. Located at 3650 meters (12 000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of the Himalayas, it is over 1,300 years old and sits in a valley right next to the Lhasa River.
Day 1
Lhasa
Upon arrival at Lhasa's Gongar airport (3600m), your English speaking guide will meet you and present you with a Hada (white silk scarf) to express a sincere welcome and best wishes. On your 2 hour private transfer to the hotel, you will stop at many places along the way for some spectacular scenery. Upon arrival at Lhasa city (3658m), have a good rest at the hotel to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 2
Lhasa (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, visit Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and one of the most famous architecture works of Tibet & the cream of Tibetan culture. In the afternoon go for a tour to Jokhang monastery, bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery. It has architectural features from the Tang Dynasty. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barchor Bazaar- Lhasa's most interesting pilgrimage circuit, which gives you a curious sensation of having slipped through time into a medieval carnival.
Day 3
Lhasa (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to visit the Sera Monastey where - if you're lucky - you can enjoy an excellent lection debate followed by a tour of Norbulingka - the summer palace of Dalai Lama. After lunch, visit the Tibet Museum and a local family to experience the unique Tibetan culture and religion.
Day 4
Lhasa - Gyantse (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, drive from Lhasa to Gyantse. The road to Gyantse meanders down through the Kyichu Valley to Yarlong Tsampa (Brahmaputra) River before climbing over Khama La Pass at 4,900 m (16,076 ft). We will stop to take a breath in this majestic topography - the serene turquoise Lake of Yamdrok Tso with a backdrop of snow-topped mountains. Before reaching Gyantse, we will make one more ascent over Karo La at 5,200 m (17,060 ft).
Day 5
Lhasa - Shigatse (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we will soak up the old-world atmosphere of Tibetan rural life. For centuries, this town has dominated the wool and timber trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. We will explore the 14-15th century fortress and Palkhor Monastery, most notably the Gyantse Kumbum, the Stupa of 100,000 Deities, which is one of most famous architectural achievements in Tibet. In the afternoon drive to Shigatse.
Day 6
Shigatse - Lhasa (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, explore Shigatse. It is pleasantly covered in trees, a view which is quite rare in Tibet. The city is divided into two parts - the charming old town retaining old Tibetan homes lining the narrow streets, and the newer commercial district with department stores and karakoke bars. Visit the Tshilunpo Monastery, which is the residence of Banchan Lama. It hosts the world largest bronze statue, which was built in 1904 for Qianba Buddha. In the afternoon, drive back to Lhasa.
Day 7
Lhasa - next destination (Breakfast)
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibet guide and he/she will take you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.