Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you at either Lhasa Airport or Railway Station. The airport is located about 1.5 hours away from the city center, while the railway station is only 20 minutes away. Our staff will transfer you to your hotel. Have good rest today, and get ready to begin your adventure the following day. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today, we'll begin at the Potala Palace, an enormous structure that dominates the skyline of Lhasa. As you approach the palace, you'll be struck by its sheer size and grandeur. Inside, you'll spend 1-2 hours exploring its rooms, halls, and chapels. Then we'll visit the Jokhang Temple, which is considered the spiritual heart of Tibet. This is where pilgrims from all over Tibet come to pay their respects and offer prayers. The temple is a fascinating blend of Han, Tibetan, and Nepalese architecture, and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Finally, we'll take a stroll through Barkhor, the oldest street in Lhasa and a hub of traditional Tibetan life. You'll have the chance to soak up the unique atmosphere of this incredible city. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today, we'll explore two of the most exquisite and significant monasteries in Lhasa, starting with Drepung Monastery. The name Drepung is derived from the Tibetan language and means "piles of rice", which is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Drepung Monastery once housed over 10,000 monks, making it the world's largest monastery. After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to Sera Monastery. Sera is renowned for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. One of the most fascinating activities to experience at Sera Monastery is the Buddhist scriptures debating session that takes place in the afternoon from 3 to 5 PM. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
On the fourth day, we embark on our cycling journey towards west. The road will be flanked by breathtaking vistas on either side, providing us with stunning views of the rural landscapes of Tibet. As we approach the Kangba La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 4,990 meters, we will witness the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River winding its way along the foot of the mountain pass. As we reach the foot of the Kang La Pass, we will set up camp for the night.
Today’s route starts with a challenging climb up the Kangba La Pass, the main mountain pass, which involves navigating steep uphill slopes on a winding tar road with numerous hairpin bends. Reaching the summit of this pass is akin to overcoming a significant obstacle, and the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the Yamdrok Valley that will leave you in awe. As you descend from the summit, you'll arrive at the shore of the Yamdrok Tso Lake - one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. The beauty of the lake is awe-inspiring, and it's the perfect spot for a peaceful overnight camping experience.
Today, start your morning with the breathtaking sight of the sunrise over the Yamdrok Lake and take a leisurely stroll by the lakeside. Later, head southwest to visit Samding Monastery, a historic Gelug Sect monastery established in the early 15th century. Samding Monastery is notable for being the seat of Dorje Pakmo, the sole female incarnation in Tibet. After exploring the monastery, travel back to Lhasa in the comfort of a car.
Today, you will be dropped off at the Lhasa airport or train station. This is where you'll say your farewells to your guide and driver. Service ends.
Hi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!
I highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.