Day 01: Lhasa - Tsedang
Upon arrival in Lhasa, drive to Tsedang Valley.
Tsedang is one of
Tibet's largest cities and the capital of Lhoka district of the
Tibetan autonomous region, which exercise direct control over the
affairs of 13 countries. Tsedang is mainly known as "the cradle of
Tibetan civilization". It is the birthplace of the first Tibetans
who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness.
Tsedang literally means "monkey's playground". We
have an overnight stay at the hotel in Tsedang valley.
Day 02: Tsedang
In the morning we have sightseeing in Tsedang valley and visit the
Tradruk temple, Samye monastery and
Yambu Lakhang monastery. Tradunk
temple is located on the south side of the Yarlung valley, only 7km
south of Tsedang. This temple is the earliest of Tibet’s great
geomantic temples apart from Jokhang. It was reputedly constructed
by king Srongtsen Gampo of left shoulder of Supin Ogress symbolizing
the regions of the Tibetan terrain. Yambu Lhakang, was first of all
established on its summit.
Samye Monastery
is one of first
monasteries in Tibet. It was constructed mostly between 775 and 779
AD. Tibetan King Trisong Datsun invited Padmasambhava to subdue the
hostile elemental force of Tibet and make them amenable or
subservient to Buddhism. Padmasambhava traversed the enter plateau,
transforming negative force into Buddhist protectors, and introduced
the highest Tantras and their teachings to his fortunate disciples.
Day 03: Tsedang - Gyantse (about 260 km)
In the morning drive from Tsedang Valley to
Gyantse (3900 m).
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 04: 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 05: Xigatse - Lhasa
In the morning drive from Shigatse to
Lhasa (3650 m). Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free for leisure in
Lhasa.
Day 06: 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 07: 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. 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. After having the sightseeing we return back to the hotel.
Day 08: Lhasa
Flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation
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Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
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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)
during
the whole tour.
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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