Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Culture Tour
Overview
Venture off the cities to the roof of the world and uncover the incredible beauty and timeless tranquil of Tibet. This specially-designed 6-day Tibet tour to Lhasa and Shigatse is for those who want to explore the cultural & natural sites inside and outside Lhasa. You will visit the time-honored palaces, monasteries and shrines in Lhasa and Shigatse, and pilgrim to the holy lake Yomdrok, nestled in glittering snowy mountains. Just take this trip and have unforgettable Lhasa experience!
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After breakfast, we will set out for today’s exciting tour. The tour will start from the splendid Potala Palace, which is the first must-visit attraction for every visitor to Lhasa. Standing in the center of Lhasa, Potala Palace is not only an iconic landmark of the city, but also a symbol of the snowy Tibetan Plateau and a museum of Tibetan culture. It covers an area of 360,000 square meters, with over 2,000 rooms and 34 Buddha halls. The general layout of Potala Palace includes the White Palace for the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the Red Palace for religious functions.
In the afternoon, we come to Jokhang Temple, which is 1300 years old and one of Tibet’s holiest shrines. It is Jokhang Temple that makes Lhasa the holy city. Located in the center of the old town of Lhasa, the temple was built by the contribution of the craftsmen from Tibet, Nepal and inland China, which makes the different architectural styles of the temple. Outside Jokhang Temple is the famous bazaar of Barkhor Street. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Barkhor is essentially a pilgrim circuit, which is followed clockwise round the periphery of the Jokhang.
Later today, visit a Tibetan carpet workshop. Tibetan carpet is a unique work of art that dates back to the mid-1900s, it is a marvel of Tibetan art. Here, you will get to know the knowledge about Tibetan carpet and see the process of making Tibetan carpet.
Meal: B, L
After breakfast, you are going to visit the Drepung Monastery which is located in the west suburb of the city. It is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of Tibet, the other two are Ganden and Sera Monastery. Drepung Monastery is the largest one of all Tibetan Monastery. All the halls are magnificent. There are 183 pillars in the main assembly hall and the carvings on the pillars are so exquisite.
In the afternoon, visit the Sera Monastery, around 4 kilometers north of Lhasa. It is famous for the excellent Buddhist debating among lamas. The debating takes place from 3:00 pm everyday in a garden next to the central assembly in the center of the monastery. It would be a great fun to see lamas debating. After that, we will move on to visit the nearby Norbulingka Park. It used to be the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Encompassing 360,000 square meters, the pleasant park consists of small palaces, chapels and a zoo.
Meal: B, L
This morning, you will be transferred to see the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. Although it will takes 2hrs driving from Lhasa, it is definitely worth the time as the scenery en route is really charming.Yamdrok Lake is one of the “Three Holiest Lakes”, also known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet. With an altitude of 4441 meters, the magnificent lake lies between grand mountains with snow on the tops and covers an area of 638 square kilometers. Looking from distance, you will see yaks and sheep grazing on the grassland. Later, we will go ahead to Gyantse, en rout enjoy the view of the Karo-la Glacier (5560 meters above the sea level).
Arrive at Gyantse, take a visit to the Palkhor Monastery. It was first built in 1427 and the project lasted for 10 years to complete. The uniqueness is that the monastery houses 3 different sects of Tibetan Buddhism: Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa under same roof. Another highlight of this temple is the 9-story and 32-meter high Bodhi Dagoba. It has become the symbol of Palkhor Monastery. Afterwards, driver to Shigatse and stay overnight there.
Meal: B, L
After breakfast, transfer to visit the famous Tashihunpo Monastery located at the west part of Shigatse city. It is the largest one of Gelupa sect in Rear Tibet and one of the six largest Gelugpa monasteries in China. It is said that the monastery was home to over 4000 monks during its heyday, now there are still 600 monks. The Maitreya Temple is the tallest building in the west of the Monastery. The Maitreya Buddha statue in the hall was cast out of 3350-kg gold and over 115,000-kg copper. It is the largest sitting Buddha in the world. After visiting Tashihunpo Monastery, drive back to Lhasa.
Meal: B, L
Today is free for your last minute sightseeing in Lhasa until we transfer you to airport or train station. End of your 6 days Lhasa and Shigatse tour.
Meal: B
Service ends.
