Tibet In - Depth Tour

The Tibet In-depth tour covers the highlights of Central Tibet. In Lhasa, you will visit the World Heritage Sites of the Potala and Jokhang Temples. You will tour the Barkhor Pilgrimage circuit, the monastic institution of Drepung and Sera Monasteries.

In Tsedang, you will visit Yumbulakang Palace, Tibet's first palace, and Samye Monastery, Tibet's first monastery. On the way to Gyantse, you will visit Tibet's Holiest Lake - Yamdrok Lake. In Gyantse, you will tour the famous Gyantse Kumpum Stupa. In Shigatse, you will visit the seat of the Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Trip Code ET-152

Length of Trip 8 Days

Type of Tour Private Tour

The holiness of Tibet, the tradition of Potala Palace, the majestic beauty of Mount Everest and Yamdrok Lake - whether you are a pilgrim, tourist, or adventurer, Tibet has something to offer you.

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrival at Lhasa [3,658m]:

Upon arriving at the Lhasa airport or train station, you will be greeted by your Tibetan tour guide and driver. Your guide will drive you to your hotel or hostel. It is 68 km from the airport to Lhasa and is an hour and a half drive. From the train station, it is just 15 km to Lhasa and only takes 20 minutes. Be sure to rest during the afternoon in order to acclimatize to high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 02: Lhasa City Sightseeing, Visit Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple (B) - Walking tour is arranged today:

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau and we have arranged to visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet. Built in the 7th century and located in the heart of Lhasa's old town, the Jokhan temple is truly a sight to behold. Many souvenir shops and gift shops can be found on nearby Barkhor Street, which circles the temple. Famous worldwide, Potala Palace has come to symbolize Tibet.

This massive structure contains a small world within its walls. The palace is world-renowned as the residence of the Dalai Lama lineage (Avalokiteshvara). Both Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace are focal points for pilgrims from all over Tibet and the world. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 03: Lhasa City Sightseeing, Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B):

Today you will visit Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon. 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's largest monastery with 10,000 monks hailing from monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its practice of debating Buddhism and philosophy, the clapping sound, and the aggressive expression of the monks -all are well worth seeing. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 04: Lhasa / Samye / Tsedang, 290KM, 5hours (B):

In the morning, you will drive to Tsedang City. The city is located in the Yarlung Valley, which is reputed to be the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Here you will be arranged to visit the first monastery Samye and the first palace Yumbulakang in Tibet. After a 2-hour drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, you will reach Tsedang town. Here your guide will process your PSB permit.

Afterward, you will visit Yumbulakang Palace. Next drive to Samye monastery. Samye is the first monastery built in Tibet, boasting over 1200 years of history. Nestled in a scenic valley, Samye is an important pilgrimage location. Later in the afternoon, your guide will drive you back to Tsedang overnight.

Day 05: Tsedang / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse, 300KM, 6-7hours (B):

After breakfast, you will drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo River back to Chushul, where you will cross the Kambala Pass. The Kambala Pass is 4,794 meters high and will provide you with your first sight of Yamdrok Tso, which is one of three holy lakes in Tibet. Later you will descend to the bank of Yamdrok Tso Lake. Half an hour of driving along the beautiful lake brings you to the nearest town - Nangartse.

Normally groups eat lunch here. After lunch, you will continue west on the Southern Friendship Highway, enjoying spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and grasslands dotted with groups of nomads. Arriving at Gyantse in the afternoon, you will be arranged to visit Tibet's most famous stupa - Gyantse Kumpum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight at Gyantse.

Day 06: Gyantse / Shigatse, 90KM, 1.5 hours (B):

In the morning you will visit Gyantse Dzong, where you will have a great view of the whole of Gyantse City. Afterward, drive to Shigatse. About 90km away from Gyantse, the drive to Shigatse takes about 1.5 hours. On the way you will stop at the Tsampa factory - a traditional factory where locals make Tsampa powder. Upon arriving at Shigatse, you will check into your hotel.

In the afternoon visit Tashilunpo Monastery where you can view the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas from Shigatse, and do its kora which provides a great view of the whole of Shigatse city. Overnight at Shigatse.

Day 07: Shigatse / Lhasa, 280KM, 5 hours (B):

In the morning you will visit the lively free market in the old area of Shigatse, where you can buy local handicrafts and also other local Tibetan stuff. Later that morning, you will start driving back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way, once again enjoying marvelous landscapes and sceneries along the Brahmaputra River, which will accompany you all the way back to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 08: 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.

Private Tour Notes:

All of our tours can be customized to suit your requirements, interests, and budget. It is our specialty! Please feel free to contact us.

The tour price is based on 3-star standard hotels. At your request, we can provide pricing for different levels of service such as budget hostels, luxury 4-star standard hotels, or deluxe 5-star standard hotels.

The tour price is based on per person and shown in US dollars.

General Inclusions:

Please contact one of our Tour Advisors to get a custom quotation made to your requirements.

All required government taxes and fees.

All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.

Guide Inclusions:

Local Tibetan guide fluent in English, Chinese, or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism building. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)

Accommodation Inclusions:

3 Star hotel in Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse (shared twin room with private bathroom)

Transportation Inclusions:

Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.

Comfortable and clean private minivan with driver (please note that on days designated with walking tours, no private vehicle will be arranged by default.)

Attraction Inclusion:

All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary.

General Exclusions:

Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls, etc.

Tips for your guide and driver.

Accommodation Exclusions:

Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.

Transportation Exclusions:

Flight tickets or train tickets in and out of Lhasa (Please note: We can offer you train and/or plane tickets in and out of Lhasa from all cities within China. Please check the latest price with us via email.)

Attraction Exclusions:

Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.