Tibetan New Year Tour

Tibet is quite noted for its long history and splendid culture. Unique Tibetan civilization has been formed in the long history. The mysterious and unique Tibetan culture will be totally presented during Tibetan festivals. Tibet festival tours let you experience the local customs and traditions of the Tibetans from various festivals directly.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:

• Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Sera

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa (70 km):

Day 02: Potala Palace - Norbu Lingka:

We will visit the highest ancient castle style architectural complex above the 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 reign of Songtsen Gampo and is composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace. There is solemn Buddhism scripture chanting ceremony in the New Year according to Tibetan Calendar.

In the afternoon, we will make a visit to Norbu Lingka – the Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas. It was constructed in 1740s and covers an area of 0.36 square meters after more than 200 years expansion. It is the largest artificial garden in Tibet with beautiful landscapes and rich historical relics. Accommodation:3-star Standard HotelMeals:B

We will tour to Jokhang Temple in the morning. There is solemn praying ceremony during Tibetan New Year, the Buddhists would chant and a large quantity of Buddhism followers would collect here. We will make a visit to Sera Monastery to enjoy its special and famous Buddhism scripture debating. Accommodation:3-star Standard HotelMeals:B

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

• Transfers between airport/train station, hotels and Scenic Spots while the whole sightseeing by air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide.

• English-speaking local tour guide, your kindly friend in Tibet
• Entrance fees listed in the itinerary

• 3 to 4 star hotel in Lhasa according to your request, guesthouse or tent in other areas according to the specific condition

• All Tibet traveling permits
• Travel Insurance

• 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 your wish.

• Passport, Tibet Entry Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Allowance.

• Tourists should take care of your body before you enter into Tibet. People who caught a severe cold, respiratory system diseases, heart diseases, hypertension or asthma are not advised to tour to Tibet.

• 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 till late at night. You should also bring some daily necessities with you since the accommodation conditions might be pretty poor. Multifunctional Cross-shaped Knife could be used to peel the fruits, open the drinks and canned food.

• There are only 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 card. You can exchange for cash in such banks but foreign currency exchanging service only offered by Bank of China and a few hotels. It’s not convenient to withdraw money in other area of Tibet and even only cash can be accepted.

• The high altitude sickness is a normal phenomenon on 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 much water. During the adjustment period, you should not do some violent activities; appropriate clothes should be worn so as to prevent yourself from the cold.

• Political issues are very sensitive in Tibet. It is not advisable to discuss the Tibet issue with the local Tibetans.

• 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.

• Tour guide will detail the folk customs and taboos of Tibetan nationality and the Hui nationally, which we couldn’t violate.