7 DAYS HEART OF TIBET

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimatise to the weather in the comfort of the hotel. Due to Lhasa’s high altitude of 3,500m, it is highly recommended to take it easy and allow your body to adjust gradually on the first day.

Potala Palace

Begin your exploration of Lhasa with a remarkable start by visiting the illustrious Potala Palace. Constructed over 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, this architectural marvel is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Serving as a significant historical and cultural repository of Tibetan Buddhism, the Potala Palace boasts a rich collection of ancient Tibetan artefacts, including frescos, stupas, and Buddha images.

*Please note that visiting time inside the Potala Palace and Museum is limited to 1 hour.

Kora Pilgrim Route Walk

If you are keen, consider joining local devotees in walking the “Kora”, the sacred pilgrim route around the Potala Palace.

Barkhor Square & Jokhang Monastery

Explore the vibrant Barkhor Square, a bustling market nestled in the heart of old Lhasa, renowned for its labyrinthine narrow streets. In the quieter hours, venture to Jokhang Monastery, often referred to as the “central cathedral,” serving as the religious hub for Tibetan Buddhism.

Princess Wencheng”Performance

Tonight, attend the live drama performance of “Princess Wencheng” (Showtime: 20:00 – 22:00). Set against the backdrop of the mountains, the performance recounts the historical tale of Princess Wencheng’s marriage to the Tibetan King 1,400 years ago (subject to weather conditions).

Highlights of Lhasa

Embark on a visit to Norbulingka, the serene summer palace of the Dalai Lama, nestled within a tranquil and picturesque garden in the western part of Lhasa. Norbulingka serves as a symbolic confluence of Tibetan and inland cultures.

 Your journey then takes you to the Tibet Museum, where an array of treasures unearthed from Tibet await your exploration. Among its exhibits are a collection of Tangkas dating back to ancient times, crafted with natural mineral materials, their colours retaining their vibrancy over time.

Venture to Sera Monastery, renowned as one of Tibet’s best-preserved monastic complexes. Enclosed within its whitewashed walls and adorned golden roofs, this monastery is home to several hundred monks who engage in rigorous study and contemplation. Don’t miss the captivating monk debating sessions (Mon-Fri afternoons only).

Car Transfer: Lhasa to Gyantse with Sightseeing

Today, depart from Lhasa towards Gyantse, a meticulously preserved Tibetan old town (300km/approx. 6h). Along the journey, marvel at the awe-inspiring Tibetan landscape, with highlights including a stop at Kampa La pass (4,750m). 

Yamdrok Lake to Karo La

Between Lhasa to Gyantse, soak in a panoramic vista of the revered Yamdrok Lake and offer your wishes by hanging prayer flags. Indulge in some light refreshments by the lakeside (subject to weather conditions), before continuing your drive (50km/approx. 1h) to Karo La pass (5,020m). This leg of the journey culminates in a breathtaking view of the Karo La Glacier, a magnificent natural wonder reputed to have remained unchanged for millennia.

Pelkor Chode Monastery

Continue from Karo La towards Gyantse (75km/approx. 2.5h). En route, pause to explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum, where you’ll encounter the largest pagoda and vibrant murals depicting various aspects of Buddhist teachings.

Local Family Visit

Immerse yourself in the warmth of Tibetan hospitality with a visit to a local Tibetan family. Indulge in snacks and refreshments while gaining insights into their daily routines and customs.

Upon arrival in Gyantse, settle into your accommodations. If you’re up for it, consider taking a stroll through the charming old town, soaking in its historical ambiance.

Gyantse Dzong Morning Hike

For the adventurous, take part in an early morning hike (approx. 45min) to the top of Gyantse Dzong. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the quaint old town below and the expansive fields stretching out into the distance.

Pala Manor

A short (4km) drive from town brings you to Pala Manor, once owned by the illustrious Pala family, among the wealthiest families in Tibetan history. This well-preserved manor offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Tibetan nobility, showcasing lavish rooms and living quarters. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the modest, narrow rooms where the serfs resided, providing insight into the social dynamics of the time.

Car Transfer: Gyantse to Shigatse via Tashilungpo Monastery

Continue onwards to Shigatse (60km/approx. 2hrs) and visit the impressive Tashilungpo Monastery, the esteemed seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-ranking figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

Train Transfer: Shigatse to Lhasa

This morning, we will transfer to Shigatse train station to catch the train back to Lhasa.

Train   C886    Shigatse / lhasa         1050 – 1310    2hrs20mins

Upon your return, you will have additional time to further explore Lhasa. You may choose to continue shopping in the bustling bazaar around the bustling Barkhor Square or venture out to discover more of Lhasa at your own pace.

***Attention: During the summer season, there is a flight available from Shigatse to Chengdu. If you prefer to depart from Shigatse, that option is also available.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Car Transfer: Shigatse to Tingri

Transfer to Basong Town, the nearest town to Everest Base Camp. From there, we will proceed to Everest Base Camp. After approximately 2 hours of driving, we will reach the Pass of Banglha, where you will have the opportunity to view the five highest peaks in the world. Witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating the summit of Mount Everest, and behold the majestic sight of Everest standing tall before you.

Rongbuk Monastery

In Rongbuk, you’ll have the chance to visit Rongbuk Monastery, recognised as the highest monastery in the world. Following your visit to Rongbuk, a local bus will transport you to Everest Base Camp. Here, you’ll have approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to capture stunning photos of the Base Camp and its surroundings.

Car Transfer：Tingri to Shigatse

Following departure from Everest Base Camp, we embark on a 2.5-hour drive back to Shigatse.

Sakya Monastery

Pay a visit to Sakya Monastery, affiliated with one of the four primary schools of Tibetan Buddhism – the Sakyapa sect. One of the notable features of the Sakyapa sect is the hereditary lineage of its lamas.

Transfer：Lhasa to Shannan with Sightseeing

After breakfast, transfer to Shannan (150km/approx. 2.5h), with sightseeing en route.

Samye Monastery

Along the way, make a stop at Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery constructed between 775 and 779 by Trisong Detsen with significant assistance from Padmasambhava. Samye is renowned for its sacred mandala design, with the central temple symbolising the legendary Mount Meru, the center of the universe.

Yumbulakhang, The First Palace

Yumbulakhang holds the distinction of being the first palace in Tibet. Initially constructed by Bon believers in the 2nd century for the first Tibetan King, it later served as the summer palace for King Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng. Subsequently, during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, it was transformed into the temple of the Old-Yellow Hat Sect.

Half Day tour to Zhangtang Monastery & Minzhulin Monastery

Proceed to Zhangtang Monastery, renowned for its invaluable murals. Painted over 900 years ago, these murals have remarkably stood the test of time and remain vivid and clear to this day. Continue to Minzhulin Monastery, built over 15 years during the Qing Kangxi era, and one of the three major temples of the Ningma Pai (Red Church) in Tibet.

Car Transfer to Lhasa Airport

You will be transferred to Lhasa airport (approx. 2.5h) for your onward journey.

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Chaka Salt Lake & Qinghai Lake.

This morning, embark on a drive to Chaka Salt Lake (approx. 300km/5h). Akin to Bolivia’s “Mirror of the Sky” Salar de Uyuni, Chaka Salt Lake boasts a breathtaking mirror-like surface that dazzles visitors. Situated to the west of the renowned Qinghai Lake, this hidden gem is a sight to behold.

Upon the return to Xining, making a stop at the Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area. Positioned on the south shore of the lake, this area serves as the primary attraction of Qinghai Lake, offering stunning vistas and captivating scenery for visitors to enjoy.

Ta’er Monastery

This morning, we embark on a drive to Ta’er Monastery (approx. 30km/40min). Also known as Kumbum Monastery or Ta’er Temple in Chinese, the monastery holds a significant place amongst the Six Greatest Tibetan Gelug Monasteries. It is revered as the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. With its rich history, noble statues, and remarkable “Three Arts,” this monastery is honoured as “the Second Lumbini Garden” for worshippers worldwide, and stands as a prominent landmark for travellers.

Train Transfer：Xining to Lhasa

You will be met by your driver and transferred to the train station for your onward journey to Lhasa.