Tour Code: xz-22
Departure Date: Daily
Features: 
Private Tour Guide 
Private Car & Driver 
Authentic Local Restaurants
It is no secret that Tibet is home to some of the richest examples of native human culture on the planet, highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. However, the stark landscapes of Lhasa, known as the "Roof of the World" due to its high altitude, are also star attractions for visitors. On this 5 day tour, discover the essence of Lhasa and Tibet, peering into its human side and its religious and historical sides.
As soon as you arrive into Lhasa's international airport, we will meet and greet you, then assist you to your hotel in the city. Take some time to acclimate to the high altitude in the afternoon, which is why the rest of the day will be yours at leisure to enjoy as you wish.
| Tangka Hotel 
| lhasa Tashi Nota hotel 
Sera Monastery makes for the perfect introduction to Lhasa and Tibet. This famous monastery in the capital is one of the 3 major significant monasteries in the country and is rather a complex with 19 hermitages, 4 nunneries, and other religious Buddhist buildings. Today, more than 550 monks continue to live and worship here. Throughout the week, there are regular Buddhist debates during which the monks gather to discuss sutras and ideas.
Afterwards, you will be taken to you to Norbulingka, founded by the 7th Dalai Lama in 1755 but not completed until 1783. This is a palace complex with wonderful gardens on its grounds, altogether forming a stunning property. Not to miss the Lake Palace in the southwest, one of the palaces built on the 3 manmade islands in the middle of the large lake.
At lunch time, enjoy an authentic tibetan-style meal at a local restaurant. Visit Drepung ("Collecting Rice") Monastery to conclude your day. Together with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery, they altogether form the Three Great Monasteries of Tibet. A highlight here is the massive Coqen Hall with 183 pillars and vivid statues of Buddha. There are also a handful of courtyards as part of the heavy forests on the property where the monks debate sutras. Beyond the monastery itself, you will find yourself surrounded by the dramatic mountains, especially the shadow of Mount Gambo Utse.
| Tangka Hotel | lhasa Tashi Nota hotel If there is one place you can't miss in Tibet, it is Potala Palace, traditional home of the Dalai Lama. It is also the highest ancient palace in the world, high up in the Himalayas. The Red Palace and White Palace are the principal wings. The former is used to study religious topics and pray. The latter was once a local administrative site and the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. As you explore Potala Palace, enjoy the sight of amazing corridors, stairs, shrines, elegant rooms, art such as statues, murals, and antiques, and even some tombs. In addition, you will see worshippers continue to visit Potala Palace to offer precious items such as silk scarves, coins, or yak butter for burning.
Jokhang Temple will be next. Many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimages lead to Jokhang Temple. There are 4 stories and at the top is the famous golden dome recognized throughout the world. The Main Hall is over 1,300 years old and is the oldest part of Jokhang Temple. Your guide will also take you to see the statue of Sakyamuni at age 12, one of just 3 visual representations of him in his whole life, hence the sacredness of this attraction.
Enjoy a fine meal at a local restaurant, and visit Barkhor Street afterwards. The Barkhor Street remains a main pilgrimage path with many holding prayer wheels walking clockwise from dawn to dusk at the end of their thousand-mile journeys. Today, you will also see a large number of shops and stalls along the way selling souvenirs, Tibetan Buddhism relics, and other specialties.
| Tangka Hotel | lhasa Tashi Nota hotel Today, visit the typical town of Nagqu which is about 87 kilometers (54 miles) northwest of Lhasa. It is set in a magnificent region, with green valleys and mountains in the distance. Traditional nomadic herder people still tend to their yaks and sheep in the hillsides. Yangpachen is famous for its hot springs whose energy has been harnessed to provide much use for Lhasa. This site is quiet and peaceful, providing you with insight not only into local life but also the ancient essence of Tibet.
After lunch, continuing your visit to Lake Namtso at the end of Laken Pass, the 2nd largest saltwater lake in China and Tibet. At its widest, the lake is 70 kilometers across with an average depth of 33 meters. High up in the Himalayas, Lake Namtso takes you 4,718 meters above sea level. There are 5 uninhabited lakes in the middle of this body of water, once used occasionally for Buddhist pilgrims and accessed by walking across the frozen lake in winter.
| Tangka Hotel | lhasa Tashi Nota hotel You will be transferred to the airport by our private car/van. Thank you for exploring Tibet with us!
We use different hotels for different tour classes while the itinerary is the same. Deluxe Class is usually staying at a 5-star hotel, Superior Class at a 4-star hotel and Tourist Class at a 3-star level hotel. The prices for one person are based on sharing twin hotel rooms with another guest. A supplement is necessary if you want to book single rooms. And the prices may rise during national holidays, such as the National Day (September 30th to October 6th) and Chinese New Year (late January or early February)
All of our tour guides are certificated and experienced. They are local experts with detailed knowledge about attractions, history, culture and more. They know the best places to visit, can give you advice on restaurants that serve great local food, the best places to shop, or theaters for the best shows in town.
We use the modern air-conditioned luxury cars for families or 2-3 persons and small buses for small groups of 4-7 persons.
We ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well-maintained (not over 4 years) and always very clean. Our drivers are very nice and careful with over 5-year drive experience.
Sally Guo
Travel Advisor
86-773-2865632(Int'l)
service@chinatravel.com