Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa
Upon arrival at Gongor airport at
Lhasa, transfer to the hotel in
Lhasa. Rest of the day free for acclimatization.
Day 02:
Lhasa
In the morning after
having breakfast proceed for a full day sight seeing tour of
Lhasa
city covering
Sera monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
Sera is more like a small town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base
of Tatipu hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the
three great Gelukpa Universities - once housing more than 5500
monks. Here one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the
Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery we drive to visit
the Jokhang temple.
Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century A D
and houses the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni
Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden
roofs found nowhere else except in Tibet. After visiting the temple
we have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful
market where you can bargain over such treasures like a ornate long
bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.
Day 03: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast we visit the
Potala Palace.
Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa situated at a
heights of 117 meters above the sea level. The construction of this
palace was started on the red hill in 1645 under the 5th Dalai Lama.
An immense building, 13 storeys high with walls 3 meters thick
contains over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. It was
both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former
head of state. The Potala Palace is full of elaborate art work and
frescos that tell many stories. After the visit of Potala Palace we
visit the Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi
River, there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the
Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of 360,000
square meters, the park was originally laid out in the year 1750.
Norbulingka was also the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to
14th). The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama is an odd mix of
traditional Tibetan architecture and modern paraphernalia. In the
evening we visit the
Drepung Monastery. This monastery is situated
in the west suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and
richest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular
interest is the medieval monk's kitchen with its great cauldrons of
steaming barley 'stamp' sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and
tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From the roof
of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lhasa
valley.
Day 04: Lhasa - Gyantse
In the morning we drive to
Gyantse. Gyantse was earlier the Tibet's third most important city, lying in
the Nyangchu valley and along the main routes from India and Nepal
to Lhasa. In former times it was a fort, the centre of Tibet's wool
trade and a gateway to the outside world. We have an overnight stay
at the hotel in Gyantse.
Day 05: Gyantse - Xigatse (Shigatse)
In the morning after having breakfast visit
Phalkor monastery and
Kumbum Stupa. Later in the afternoon drive from Gyantse to Shigatse.
Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city. It is the administrative
centre for 18 countries in southern and western Tibet. Besides the
rich cultural heritage, Shigatse has an abundance of native fruits
and products. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Shigatse. In the
evening visit the
Tashilhunpo Monastery and the market of
Shigatse.
Tashilumpo monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery,
built in 1447 by a nephew of Tsong Khapa once housed over 4000
Monks, but now there are only 600. After visiting the monastery we
visit the market of Shigatse. In the market there are more than 300
stalls selling local produce as well as colourful and elaborate
handicraft, accessories, antiques and porcelains.
Day 06: Xigatse - Xegar (about 245 km)
Today we drive from Xigatse (Shigatse) to Xegar.
Xegar is a new
Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar Dzong, and
is 7 km from the main road. With a population of 3000, its
importance lies in the fact that it is the center of this large and
remote country and also because it is the base from where
expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peals are launched.
Day 07: Xegar - Rongbuk (about 105 km)
Today we drive from Xegar to Rongbuk.
Rongbuk Monastery
was founded
in 1902. This is the largest monastery of the region and had once
over 500 monks and nun. It is located at the foot of the Rongbuk
Glacier, near Mt. Everest's north face Base camp. A couple of
centuries before the complex was built, a small group of nuns in
meditation huts braved the severe conditions regularly experienced
at this sobering altitude of 4980 m. In Rongbuk we also explore the
Mt. Everest's Base Camp.
Day 08: Rongbuk - Xegar (about 105 km)
Today we drive back from Rongbuk to Xegar. Evening free for
leisure in Xegar.
Day 09: Xegar - Xigatse (about 245 km)
Today we drive back
from Xegar to Xigatse. Evening free for leisure in Xigatse.
Day 10: Xigatse - Lhasa
In the morning drive from Xigatse to Lhasa (3650 m). Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free for leisure in
Lhasa.
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail !
Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
Our Services Include:
Accommodation in
double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the
chosen category.
Entrances of the monuments during the sightseeing.
Services of qualified
local guides (English speaking or languages of your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing
throughout the tour by an air-conditioned Car with
driver.
For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except Standard Hotels) will
be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and
Alcoholic beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
Visa Fees
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