Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
Tour Category: | Lhasa-shigatse-mt Everest-kyir |
MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Stree, Potala Palace, Ganden Monastery, Palkhor Monastery, Yamdrok Lake
DETAIL ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa:
(70 kilometers away from the airport and 30 kilometers away from the railway station), We will pick you up at the airport or the railway station and present you with a Hada which will bring you good luck. Then we will set out for the Holy City – Lhasa which has an altitude of 3658 meters. You can take a break for acclimatization for the rest of the day.
Accommodation:3-star Standard Hotel Meals: None
Day 2: Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street:
We will visit the highest ancient castle-style architectural complex above sea level – Potala Palace (1 hour). It was the residence of the Tibetan Dalai Lamas, as well as the political, educational, and religious center of Tibet. It was built in the 7th century during the regime of Songtsan Gampo. Potala Palace is composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace. The main constructions of the Red Palace are the Buddhist stupas and chapels while the White Palace acted as the residence of Dalai Lamas.
In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the Jokhang Temple (1 hour) which was widely accepted as the spiritual center of Tibet. The precious Statue of 12-year Sakyamuni (the founder of Buddhism) was brought to Tibet by the Princess of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the statues of some eminent Buddhists are enshrined in the monastery.
There are also exquisite murals that present the history and culture of Tibet collected in the monastery. Then we will take a ramble at Barkhor Street (half an hour) which is around the Jokhang Temple. There we could experience the traditional culture and daily life of Tibetans. Accommodation:3-star Standard Hotel Meals: B
Day 3:Gandan Monastery – Tsayeba Monastery (170 km):
We will set out for Ganden Monastery after breakfast in the morning. Ganden Monastery ranks first among the six monasteries of the Gelug Sect. It was constructed in 1409 and there were about 4000 Buddhists in the monastery in its heyday. It is highly respected by the followers of Tibetan Buddhism since it was built by the founder of the Gelug Sect – Master Tsongkhapa.
In the afternoon, we will visit one of the four ashrams during the Tubo Kingdom Period in Tibet - Tsayeba Monastery. It is a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism composed of queer mountains, particular rocks, caverns, and a monastery. It is noted for its long history and amazing landscapes. There is an old proverb among Tibetans that the holy place of Tibet is Lhasa and the holy place of Lhasa is Tsayeba Monastery. Then we will back to Lhasa. Accommodation:3-star Standard HotelMeals: B
Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Palkhor Monastery – Shigatse (360 kilometers):
We will leave Lhasa for Yamdrok Lake through Gambarak Mountain Pass (4780 meters above sea level) after breakfast. Yamdrok Lake is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. It covers an area of 638 square kilometers with an altitude of 4441 meters. The landscapes of mountains and lakes here top in southern Tibet. Then we will set out for Shigatse, via Karo-la Glacier and Manla Reservoir and visit Palkhor Monastery – a typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Gyantse on our way to Shigatse, which is the biggest city in Tsang.
Accommodation:3-star Standard Hotel Meals: B
Day 5: Shigatse – Xegar – Old Tingri (300 km):
We will pay a visit to the residence of Panchen Lamas - Tashilhunpo Monastery (1.5 hours). The largest bronze statue of Maitreya with a height of 26.2 meters is enshrined in the monastery. Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Shigatse Prefecture and also one of the six monasteries of the Gelug Sect. Then we will drive to Old Tingri via Xegar.
Accommodation:GuesthouseMeals: B
Day 6: Old Tingri – Zham Port – Leave Tibet:
We will drive to Zham Port along the international roads of China and Nepal. Zham is located on the boundary of China and Nepal with an altitude of 2000 meters. It is an important trade port, which is only 120 kilometers away from Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal. We will help you to deal with the customs formalities. Tourists could leave Tibet for Kathmandu through the national boundary – the Friendship Bridge between China and Nepal.
Accommodation:NoneMeals: B
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PRICE INCLUSIONS:
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Transfers between airport/train station, hotels, and Scenic Spots while the whole sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide.
Guide:
The English-speaking local tour guide, your kind friend in Tibet
Entrance fees listed in the itinerary
Accommodation:
3 to 4-star hotel in Lhasa according to your request, guesthouse or tent in other areas according to the specific condition
Travel Permits:
All Tibet traveling permits
Travel Insurance
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PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
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Transportation to and from Tibet
Meals
Single Room Supplement
Personal Expenses like beverages, mini bar, laundry, telephone cost, etc
Tips to driver and tour guide as you wish.
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Notes for Your Tibet Tours
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Before you go
Permits:
Passport, Tibet Entry Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Allowance.
Health Care:
Tourists should take care of your body before you enter Tibet. People who catch a severe cold, respiratory system diseases, heart diseases, hypertension, or asthma are not advised to tour Tibet.
Personal Belongings:
Portable and practical. Forbidden objects and dangerous goods are banned. Flashlight is rather needed since sometimes you have to set off early in the morning and back to your hotel late at night. You should also bring some daily necessities with you since the accommodation conditions might be pretty poor. Multifunctional Cross-shaped knives could be used to peel fruits, and open drinks and canned food.
Enough Cash:
There are only a few banks in Lhasa and Shigatse such as Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of China due to the limited conditions. Thus tourists are suggested to take enough cash instead of credit cards. You can exchange for cash in such banks but foreign currency exchange services are only offered by the Bank of China and a few hotels. It’s not convenient to withdraw money in another area of Tibet and even only cash can be accepted.
While in travel
High Altitude Sickness:
High altitude sickness is a normal phenomenon on the plateau, and you shouldn’t be too worried about it. Generally, these symptoms would disappear in one or two days after you adapt to the plateau environment. You should sleep enough and drink a lot of water. During the adjustment period, you should not do some violent activities; appropriate clothes should be worn to protect yourself from the cold.
Political Issues:
Political issues are very sensitive in Tibet. It is not advisable to discuss the Tibet issue with the local Tibetans.
Not Do in Photography:
You should also realize that not all the Tibetans would like to be photographed, especially the Tibetan women. You’d better ask for their permission before you take pictures.
Traditions and Customs:
The tour guide will detail the folk customs and taboos of the Tibetan nationality and the Hui nationality, which we couldn’t violate.