TT-02 Lhasa Explorer
LHASA ► GYANTSE ► SHIGATSE ► LHASA
6 nights from UK £ 1,585 / US$ 1,980 pp
Perfect for those wanting to see some of life outside of Lhasa. The highlights of LHASA are covered including the astonishing Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, the most scared shrine for Tibetans.
Continue to GYANTSE and SHIGATSE seeing some stunning scenery including mountains, glaciers and lakes as well as passing by numerous small villages. The trip returns to Lhasa to finish.
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TRIP MAP & DESTINATIONS VISITED
DAY BY DAY TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival Lhasa
Arrival in Tibet’s Capital of Lhasa With a Transfer to Your Hotel & Free Time
Arrival in Lhasa with a warm welcome from your guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel. Lhasa, at a quite manageable altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), is a unique city and a real highlight. The setting, history, architecture, people and contrasts all make for a very special travel experience. Free time to relax and adjust to the altitude or start exploring the city.
Meals Included: None today.
Day 2 - Lhasa
Drepung Monastery, Nechung Residence, Sacred Jokhang Temple & Kora
Today first head 5 km out of Lhasa to Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet located on Gambo Utse mountain. Founded in 1416, it was the principal seat of learning for the Gelugpa school and at its height was thought to contain up to 10,000 monks (now there are 300). About 10 minutes walk from Drepung is Nechung Chok which was the residence of the State Oracle of Tibet. This small monastery was also evocatively known as the ”Demon Fortress of the Oracle King.”
After lunch (own arrangement) visit the Jokhang Temple constructed in 642 AD and considered the most sacred and important temple in all Tibet. It is located at one end of Barkhor Square, a fascinating meeting point for pilgrims from all over the region making for an intense atmosphere infused with incense and devotion. Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Kora, a 1 km circular walk for pilgrims and locals as well as a fascinating market selling all the goods a pilgrim might need on their travels.
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
Day 3 - Lhasa
The Truly Spectacular Potala Palace & Ancient Sera Monastery
Today you visit one of the architectural highlights of China – if not the world – the vast Potala Palace, former residence of Dalai Lamas. Building started in 1645 and has been added to over the centuries. It is 13 stories high and contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. You will see some of the meeting rooms as well as the extraordinary chapels with their vast gold and jewel encrusted shrines to previous Dalai Lamas – the chapel of the 5th Dalai Lama has a stupa coated in 3,727kg of gold and 18,680 precious stones. The Potala dominates Lhasa and the views from the palace stretch out across the city to the surrounding mountains.
Continue to Sera Monastery, spread over 28 acres at the base of Pubuchok mountain and built in 1419. The highlights are the great assembly hall and some of the colleges located within the complex with their wealth of architectural features and shrines.
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
Day 4 - Lhasa to Gyantse
Kambala Pass, Beautiful Yamdrok Lake & the Norjing Gangsang Glacier
Today we journey to Gyantse, 230 km south of Lhasa. The city is soon left behind as the road winds up the 4,780 meter (15,680 foot) Kambala pass colourfully strewn with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. See spectacular views in all directions before the road descends to the beautiful, 72 km long Yamdrok lake with its dramatic backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Follow the lake shore before heading back into the hills passing the Norjing Gangsang Glacier, where we can stop for photos.
Continue along the road stopping at villages and scenic spots before reaching Gyantse (3,977 meters / 13,050 feet), Tibet’s third largest city. Free time to explore the city and if you have the energy the walk up the Dzong (fortress) that dominates the skyline is well recommended for both views and acclimatization.
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
Day 5 - Gyantse to Shigatse
Palcho Monastery & Kumbum & Vast Tashilhunpo Monastery & Market
This morning visit Gyantse’s main monastery, the Palcho or Pelkhor Choede in Tibetan. The sprawling monastery complex dates back to the 9th century. It is most famous for the Kumbum, a 32 meter high 9 floored shrine which contains 108 unique chapels and is the largest of its kind in Tibet.
It is a 100 km drive to Shigatse at (3,840 meters / 12,600 feet) where we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and has since been the traditional seat of the “Tashi” or Panchen Lama. The monastery is fascinating as is the walk around the Kora which stretches up the hillside behind the monastery offering superb views of the complex and Shigatse itself. We also visit the local market.
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
Day 6 - Shigatse to Lhasa
Leisurely Drive Back to Lhasa With Time to Stop Along the Way
Today there is plenty of time to drive back to Lhasa stopping for photos and short walks as and when you wish. Free time to walk around the old town, souvenir shop, visit more temples or just relax!
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
Day 7 - Depart Lhasa
A Sad Farewell to This Extraordinary & Unique City
Free time until a transfer to your onward transport out of Lhasa. We believe, like so many, you will have come under Tibet’s magical spell!
Meals Included: Hotel Breakfast.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS TRIP
The hotels & accommodation used for this trip are from our hand picked selection and all are excellent for their class. We also offer upgraded hotels in most locations. Click here to explore additional hotel options and let us know of any changes you wish to make.
TOUR INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
What is included?
The Tibet Travel Permit.
Back up oxygen cylinder outside of Lhasa in case of altitude issues (extremely rare this ever needs to be used!
All accommodation as specified under the accommodation tab
All private transfers and any other transportation as described
All meals as specified in the itinerary
All tours as specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees to sights toured in the itinerary
24 hour emergency assistance
Visa Paperwork you need in order to obtain the visas
Financial Peace of Mind as your trip is protected
What is not included?
International Airfare to / from the start / finish of your trip – we can book these flights on request The Chinese visa – we can advise and partner with
Citybond Suretravel (UK residents only)
Travel insurance to cover any medical treatment – we have partnered withDiscretionary gratuities to drivers and guides
Laundry and bar bills
Photographic charges in some monasteries
Additional costs due to unforeseen expenses that may arise due to the factors beyond our control like personal illness, weather, landslides, etc…