Footprints on Roof of the World
Most of Tibet is made up of the immense Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that lies at an average altitude of 4,000m to 5,000m. Locked in its mountain fortress of the Himalaya, Tibet has long exercised a unique hold on the imagination of those both at home and abroad. It was not until recently that few outsiders had laid their eyes on the holy city of Lhasa and the other secrets of Tibet. With the Qinghai-Tibet Railway open last year, come quickly before it develops and changes too much. Taking the weather condition into consideration, this itinerary concentrates on the best months of April to October.
Itinerary – 9 Days/8 Nights Tsedang (2N), Lhasa (4N), Shigatse (1N) & Gyangtse (1N)
Day01 Arrive Tsedang
Upon arrival into Gonggar Airport, meet and drive for around 1.5 hours before reaching Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Rest of the day will be free for acclimatization.
Day02 Tsedang (B/L)
Your full day tours in Tibet start with visit to the Trandruk Temple, one of the first Buddhist Temples built in Tibet. Afterwards see the Yumbulakhang Palace – the first palace of Tibet. This castle-like building rises on the spur of a hill, commanding an impressive view of the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.
Day03 Tsedang – Lhasa (B/L)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Lhasa with stop on the way to visit Samye Monastery. Located about 40km to the west of Tsedang across the Yarlung Tsangpo River, it is the very first monastery of Tibet. You’ll take ferry to across the Yarlung Tsangpo River, a fantastic ride.
Day04 Lhasa (B/L)
Your tours in this “Sacred Place of Buddha” start with the golden-roofed Jokhang Monastery – a curious mix of somber darkness, wafting incense and prostrating pilgrims. Then visit the Barkor Street, an astonishing Tibetan style stock exchange and hive of market activity. In the afternoon visit the Potala Palace, once the center of the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama as well as the most imposing attraction of Lhasa
Day05 Lhasa (B/L)
Another full day tours include Norbulingka that used to be the summer Palace of the Dalai Lama, the Drepung Monastery - the largest in the world and still has 700 monks in residence, and Sera Monastery which was built in the 15th century.
Day06 Lhasa – Shigatse (B/L/D)
Most of today’s time will be spent on the bumpy road but the view of the Yamdrok Lake will be rewarding
Day07 Shigatse – Gyangtse (B/L/D)
Visit the Tashilunpo Monastery – the official seat of Panchen Lama, second in importance to only the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon drive to Gyangtse
Day08 Gyangtse – Lhasa (B/L)
Visit the Phalkor Monastery that is notable for its superb Kumbum stupa. Drive back to Lhasa in the afternoon
Day09 Depart Lhasa (B)
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight
City |
Hotel |
Season |
Superior |
Superior |
2 Up |
S/S |
Tsedang |
Tsedang
*** * |
Apr – Jun, 09 |
2070 |
592 |
Lhasa |
Four Points
*** |
Jul & Sep – Oct, 09 |
2196 |
718 |
Shigatse |
Shigatse
*** |
| Gyangtse |
Gyangtse
*** |
Aug, 09 |
2247 |
769 |
