9 Days Tibet Highlight Tour

Day 01 Lhasa

Arrive in the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet. Tibet is a land as profound as that millions of pilgrims regard it as the world center of holiness. In Tibetan, Lhasa means 'The land of the Gods', or 'Holy Place'. Three out of the six most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries are in Lhasa. Almost one third of Tibetan Lamas practice and live in Lhasa, home to some of the world's richest religious relics.

You are greeted by tour guide at the airport and transferred to the first-class Tibet Hotel.

Day 02 Lhasa (B, L)

Tour starts from the religious Potala Palace built in the 7th century by the famous Tibetan king-Songtzen Gampo. The present one was built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. The Potala is full of elaborate artwork and frescos that tell many stories. They portray religious subjects as well as the customs and traditions of Tibet. After lunch, you will visit Jokhang Temple, situated in the old section of Lhasa. King Songtzen Gampo built this temple in the mid-7th century A.D. Now it is the most sacred place in Tibet. Pilgrims come here to pay homage from all over Tibet.

Day 03 Lhasa (B, L)

Full day sightseeing takes you to Drepung Monastery. "Drepung" in Tibetan means "the hill of rice”, because this white Monastery looks like a big hill of rice. This monastery occupies an area of 150,000 square meters with 7700 lamas and becomes the largest monastery in Asia. After that, you will visit Norbulingka Park. In 1752, the 7th Dalai Lama built the first palace here for successive Dalai Lamas to carry out their political and religious activities during the summer season. Today Norbulingka has become a public park for picnicking, relaxing and entertainment.

Day 04 Lhasa (B, L)

Today you will visit Drigung Monastery which is a notable monastery in Tibet, known for performing sky burials. It is named after its location in a valley about 150 km east from Lhasa, in Drigung district, and is the mother monastery of the Drigung Kagyu tradition. In the afternoon, you will visit Drak Yerpa Monastery. Built on a hillside with more than 80 meditation caves, Drak Yerpa is described as the "life tree" or spiritual axis of Lhasa. The site had a powerful spiritual heritage, having been visited by Songsten Gampo, Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsoygel, Padampa Sanggye, and Asisha.

Day 05 Lhasa (B, L)

After breakfast, you will visit Ganden Monaster. Ganden Monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain, on the southern bank of Lhasa River in Tagtse County, 47 kilometers from Lhasa City. The Gandain Monastery was built after Zongkapa, founder of the Gelug Sect, pioneered the Grand Summons Ceremony in Lhasa in 1409. On the way back to Lhasa, you will visit Ramoche Monastery which is situated in the northwest of Lhasa. This temple is one of the important cultural relic protection sites in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Day 06 Lhasa / Gyantze (B, L, D)

Drive to Gyantze, the once fortified city at the junction of two major caravan routes: one to India and the other to Nepal. Pass the giant Yamdrok Yamtso Lake, the holy lake of the Tibetan people. Stay at the local best Gyantze Hotel. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 07 Gyantze / Shigatse (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will visit Palkhor Monastery and the ten-thousand-Buddhist Pagoda. Then take a coach to Shigatse. After a rest from the drive, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, traditional seat of the Panchen Lama who is the second holiest man in Tibet. Check into the local best Shigatse Hotel. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 08 Shigatse / Lhasa (B, L)

Drive back to Lhasa and arrive by late afternoon. You will visit a Tibetan family and share tea in their home. Lunch is served at the local popular restaurant.

Day 09 Lhasa departure (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination. The whole trip ends with a memorable experience.