Tour Map
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1- ARRIVAL IN LHASA
As you arrive at the Lhasa, Our guide will receive you at either airport or the train Station. The airport is located 62 kilometers from Lhasa city. It take approximately one hour to get to our hotel. On the way, you will enjoy beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the city. Lhasa train station is located in Lhasa and you will only need a short transfer to the hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa.
Remember, that the city is located at 12,000 ft above sea level and you will to acclimatize well a head of the tour.
After checking in the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city and visit near by temples, do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurant, or take a rest.
Walking around the Barkhor street can be an excellent choice for you first day in Lhasa. You will join crowds of pilgrims, local Tibetans, and monks circumambulating the Jokhang temple.
Most importantly, on you first day in Tibet, Be sure relax, enjoy your day and allow some time for acclimatization.
DAY 2) LHASA CITY TOUR: POTALA PALACE AND JOKHANG TEMPLE
Today we will visit two of most important religious sites in Tibet. The Potala palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. First the guide will take you to the Chakpori hill to take photos of the Majestic Palace. We will then go inside and spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours there. While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
There will be free for lunch after visiting the Potala Palace.
If time permit, you can walk around the Potala Palace and join many of the local Tibetans.
Next, we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue – the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Bakhor Street.
More information about the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
DAY 3) LHASA CITY TOUR: DREPUNG AND SERA MONASTERY
We are visiting two most important monasteries in the capital.
first, we will visit Drepung monastery which once was the biggest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks living there. It was the residence of Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.
We have lunch after the visit
In the afternoon we are visiting Sera Monastery. It was founded by Tsongkhapa’s disciple in the 15th century. Nowadays it is famous for monks debate that you can witness. Debates are a very important part of learning and understanding Buddhism. Monks gather in the courtyard in the shade of trees to refine their knowledge.
DAY 4) – DRIVING FROM LHASA TO GANDEN MONASTERY, TIDRUM HOTSPRING AND NUNNERY
In the morning we will head East towards Ganden monastery. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelug or Yellow Hat sect. It was founded by Tsongkhapa, who was the founder of the Gelug sect in the 14th century.
The monastery is built on a mountain, overlooking the vast valley. It is also the starting point for one of the historical routes connecting Ganden with Samye –the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.
We will visit the most important chapels and the monastery’s Assembly hall. After visiting the monastery, we will drive to Tidrum Nunnery. We will reach the nunnery in a beautiful natural setting. There is a complex of meditation caves on the hills surrounding the nunnery. Many visitors come here because of the Hotspring.
DAY 5) DRIVING FROM TIDRUM TO DRIGUNG TIL MONASTERY AND RETING MONASTERY
Today the two highlights will be the important monasteries.
Drigung Til monastery is about 150 km to the East from Lhasa (4,150 meters above the sea level) dates back to the 12th century. It belongs to the Kaguy sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has a large sky burial site nearby, however, only Tibetans can visit it nowadays.
Reting monastery was founded by Dromton, the main disciple of Atisha, in the 11th century. Originally, it belonged to Kadam sect of Buddhism. Later, it became an important Gelug center. Rinpoches from Reting monastery were responsible for the search of successive Dalai Lamas. Reting Rinpoche was also a Regent during the time when Dalai Lama was young.
DAY 6 – DRIVING FROM RETING MONASTERY TO NAMTSO LAKE
Today we will head towards the largest lake in Tibet – Namtso lake. We will take the scenic road towards the lake driving through nomadic grassland area. There will be high mountain passes providing fantastic views. We will reach the Namtso lake in the evening. You can spend time, walking on the lake shore and enjoying the views. We will spend a night in the closest city – Damxung.
DAY 7 – DRIVING FROM DAMXUNG TO LHASA: YANGPACHEN HOTSPRING.
On the way back to Lhasa we will stop by the Yangpachen hot springs. The hot springs have two large swimming pools and a number of smaller ones. They are filled with the mineral water that is naturally hot. You can swim in the pools for an additional fee.
DAY 8 – DRIVE FROM LHASA TO TSEDANG
We will drive to the Tsedang town. The Tsedang town was the ancient capital of Tibet before moving it to Lhasa city. Here we will visit the First fort Yumbulhagang and the first temple Traduk temple.
After visit to these two attractions we will stay for a night in town.
DAY 9 – DRIVE FROM TSADANG TO SAMYE
Today we will take 50 Kilometer drive to the first monastery of Tibet. The Samye Monastery. The monastery was built in 8th century with the help indian Guru Padmasambhava.
On the way we will make a small hike to the Hepori Hill. It is said that Guru Rinpoche has tamed many demons on the top of this Hill. from the hill you will get the Panasonic bird eye view of the monastery, and entire Yurlung Tsangpo River and Samye town below.
Afer the hill, we will check in to the hotel and visit the monastery in the afternoon.
After the visit, you have free time in the monastery compound for your ownself.
DAY 10 – DAY HIKE TO CHIMPU
Today we will dedicate the day to hike up to the Chimpu hermit. It is once said to be the location where guru rinpoche tough many of his teachings. it is also said the many of his discipline has achieve enlightenment here.
Here you can visit the cave where he meditated and other caves. Hiking up to the top cave is about 200 meters and would take about 3 hours. Since you are going to be well adjust to the high elevation by the time. We think you will not face any issue here.
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DAY 11 – DEPARTURE FROM TIBET
Today is your departure from Tibet. If you are leaving on flight, we will have to leave the hotel 4 hours before the departure time. If you are leaving on train, we will have to leave 5 hours before your train schedule.