Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival in Lhasa, transfer to your hotel. 

Afternoon at Leisure

Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatising in the comfort of your hotel. Due to Lhasa’s high altitude of 3,500m, it is highly recommended to take it easy and rest well for your body to gradually adjust to the high altitude. 

Discover Lhasa

We begin with a visit to the Tibet Museum for an introduction to Tibetan history, politics and culture, where a rich collection of cultural relics including Tibetan manuscripts, handicrafts and colourful Tangka paintings, await exploration.

Next, visit Norbulingka, the serene summer palace of past Dalai Lamas and the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Here, explore beautifully landscaped gardens and historic palaces adorned with intricate murals and artifacts in a picturesque garden setting.

Venture to Sera Monastery, renowned as one of Tibet’s best-preserved monastic complexes. Witness the famous “Monks Debate” here, a lively Buddhist educational practice that occurs on weekday afternoons, and a fun, captivating sight for visitors.

We also visit local Tibetan teahouse, where Tibetans usually hang out with friends. Enjoy tea and snacks, and take the opportunity to interact with locals!

Potala Palace 

Be wowed by the majestic Potala Palace, UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic emblem of Tibetan architectural prowess, perched at an elevation of 3,700m. Ascend its staircases to behold panoramic views of Lhasa and explore this treasury of Tibetan Buddhism, boasting a rich collection of ancient Tibetan artifacts, including frescos, stupas and Buddha images.

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

Jokhang Temple & Bakhor Street

Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, housing its most revered icon, the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Afterwards, visit Bakhor Street area in the heart of old Lhasa (originally a circumambulating circuit encircling the Jokhang Temple) for a slice of local Tibetan life!

In the evening, be enchanted by the magic of numerous butter lamps lit for the Butter Lamp Festival.

Scenic Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse

Today, we leave Lhasa and drive over 2 spectacular high passes: the Kampa La at 4750m and Karo La at 5050m while en route to Gyantse, a meticulously preserved Tibetan old town. Also, marvel at the Karo La Glacier, a breathtaking natural wonder reputed to have remained unchanged for millennia.

The drive to Gyantse is around 265km and will take about 7 hours, including sightseeing stops.

Yamdrok Lake

En route, we visit the beautiful turquoise lake of Yamdrok and cross rugged mountain plateaus, with the snow-capped Himalayas as the backdrop. Yamdrok Lake is one of Tibet’s three most important sacred lakes, and boasts an alpine setting with two extensive arms of water resembling the shape of a scorpion.

Explore Gyantse

We visit Pelkor Chode Monastery, which is revered in Tibet for being a harmonious cohabitation of the three most influential sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Gelugpa, Sakypa and Kadampa). Here, we can also find the striking Kumbum Stupa, known for its 100,000 images of Buddhas.

Tashihunpo Monastery

In the afternoon, we drive to Shigatse and tour the impressive Tashihunpo Monastery, seat of Panchen Lama, second only to the Dalai Lama. Tashihunpo is the largest monastery in the Shigatse area. Within its grounds lie the tombs of the Panchen Lamas, and a colossal 26-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha).

Train transfer: Shigatse to Lhasa

Enjoy a scenic ride on a high-speed train back to Lhasa (2.5h), without the hassle of bringing your luggage on board!

Thangka Painting Appreciation

A Thankgka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting, usually depicting Buddhas or mandalas. Step into the painting studio of a Thangka expert, and learn about the meticulous and painstaking process of creating Thangkas in this private Thangka appreciation session.

We end the trip with a farewell dinner with a Tibetan cultural performance!

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Enjoy the morning at your own leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.