China Tour: 6-Day Tibet Explore

In exceptional circumstances (breakdowns, delays due to transport problems, weather problems, strikes, sports and religious events, congresses, sanitary precautions and protocols or other complications), the Company reserves the right to modify the places of visit, the order of visits, certain days or stages of the itinerary.

Facts:

• Destinations: Tibet
• Age Range: 7-80 year olds
• Group size: 2-12 persons
• Operated in English
• Length: 6 days (Days can be customized longer or shorter according to the needs at different prices.)

Highlights

• Explore the vibrant Potala Palace
• Join pilgrims at sacred Jokhang Temple
• Experience rural life in Dadong Village
• View Yamdrok-tso and Korola Glacier
• Visit Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the essence of central Tibet with our classic 6-day tour. Embark on a journey that unveils the splendors of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, the three prominent ancient cities. This carefully crafted itinerary allows you to experience Tibet's rich religious heritage, cultural treasures, and enchanting landscapes.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, an architectural marvel that epitomizes Tibetan grandeur. Delve into the vibrant markets of Barkor street, where you can witness Tibetans engaged in prostrations around the sacred Jokhang Temple and witness the spirited debates among monks at Sera Monastery. Indulge your senses in the breathtaking beauty of Holy Yamdrok Lake and Karo Glacier. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the world's largest copper Buddha statue. Gyantse awaits with its magnificent stupa boasting an astounding 100,000 Buddhist statues within.

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.

After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.

Insider Tips:

For the new-comers of Tibet,  to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option.  Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

Day 2 Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

Day 3 Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4 Lhasa (3650m) to Shigatse(3900m) via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse,  we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer). 

Day 5 Shigatse to Lhasa via Nyemo

Today's main attraction is a visit to Shigatse's largest monastery, the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Later, you'll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

In the morning, you will explore the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.

After lunch, you’ll visit the most distinctive Samzhubze Old Market, where you can experience the daily activities of the local residents.

Then, you will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Option: You also have the option to take a train from Shigatse to Lhasa instead of driving. If you choose this option, please inform your travel consultant. The cost of train tickets requires an additional payment.

Day 6 Depart from Lhasa

The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.