Best of Tibet Tour

Day 01: Kathmandu - Lhasa (3650 m)
In the morning transfer to airport to connect flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongor airport at Lhasa, transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. From Kathmandu to Lhasa it would be a scenic flight across the Himalayas. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclaim yourselves to this high altitude of Lhasa.

Day 02: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Lhasa city. In Lhasa we visit Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa which is situated at a height 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 Stories 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. In the afternoon 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 which is found only 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 ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast 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 about 10000 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. Then we visit the Sera monastery. 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. In the evening 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 is also the site of 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.

Day 04: Lhasa - Gyantse (3950 m)
Today we drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Kampa La pass (4794 m) and Yamdrok Tso (4482 m) also known as Turquoise Lake (600 square km.), one of the three largest lakes in Tibet. Enroute we cross Karo La pass (5010 m) and two other smaller passes before reaching Gyantse Town. Gyangtse 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 as well as 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 - Shigatse (3900 m)
In the morning after having breakfast visit the Phalkor monastery and Kumbum Stupa designed by Newari architects from Nepal. The Phalkor monastery has a special influence over Buddhism owing to its unity of Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bhutan sects. After visiting the monastery drive to Shigatse. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Day 06: Shigatse - New Tingri (4342 m)
In the morning after having breakfast visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. This monastery houses the Maitreya Buddha statue which weighs 275 kgs and is made of gold and 26 metres in height. After visiting the monastery drive to New Tingri. On the way cross two passes which are Tsuo La (4500 m) and Lhakpa La (5220 m). We have an overnight stay in the hotel in New Tingri.

Day 07: New Tingri - Zhangmu (2300 m)
Today we drive from New Tingri to Zhangmu. After leaving New Tingri there are great views of Mount Everest (Chomulangma) and Mount Shisapangma. Enroute we pass Nyalam (3500 m), an irnportant old trading post and also cross Lalung La (5050 m). This is a very scenic drive as the road cuts through the Himalaya and the dramatic changes in the vegetation and the landscape in such a short distance are truly amazing. We have an overnight stay in hotel in Zhangmu.

Day 08: Zhangmu - Kathmandu (1390 m)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kathmandu. After immigration and custom formalities, drive to Friendship Bridge, the border of Nepal and China. Then we cross the bridge on foot to Kodari and drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival transfer to the airport for the flight to onwards journey.

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 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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