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Day 01: Lhasa - Tsedang
Upon arrival in Lhasa, drive to Tsedang Valley.
Tsedang is one of Tibet's largest cities and the capital of
Lhoka district of the Tibetan autonomous region, which
exercise direct control over the affairs of 13 countries.
Tsedang is mainly known as "the cradle of Tibetan
civilization". It is the birthplace of the first Tibetans who
were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness.
Tsedang literally means "monkey's playground". You will have
an overnight stay at the hotel in Tsedang valley.
Day 02: Tsedang
In the morning you will have sightseeing in Tsedang valley and
visit the Tradruk temple, Samye monastery and Yambu Lakhang
monastery. Tradunk temple is located on the south side of the
Yarlung valley, only 7 km south of Tsedang. This temple is the
earliest of Tibet’s great geomantic temples apart from Jokhang.
It was reputedly constructed by king Srongtsen Gampo of left
shoulder of Supin Ogress symbolizing the regions of the
Tibetan terrain. Yambu Lhakang, was first of all established
on its summit. Samye Monastery is one of first monasteries in
Tibet. It was constructed mostly between 775 and 779 AD.
Tibetan King Trisong Datsun invited Padmasambhava to subdue
the hostile elemental force of Tibet and make them amenable or
subservient to Buddhism. Padmasambhava traversed the enter
plateau, transforming negative force into Buddhist protectors,
and introduced the highest Tantras and their teachings to his
fortunate disciples.
Day 03: Tsedang - Gyantse (about 260 km)
In the morning drive from Tsedang Valley to Gyantse (3900 m).
Gyantse was earlier the Tibet's third most important city,
lying in the Nyangchu valley and along the main routes from
India and Nepal to Lhasa. In former times it was a fort, the
centre of Tibet's wool trade and a gateway to the outside
world. You will have an overnight stay at the hotel in Gyantse.
Day 04: Gyantse - Shigatse (Xigatse)
In the morning after having breakfast visit Phalkor monastery
and Kumbum Stupa. Later in the afternoon drive from Gyantse to
Shigatse. Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city. It is the
administrative centre for 18 countries in southern and western
Tibet. Besides the rich cultural heritage, Shigatse has an
abundance of native fruits and products. Upon arrival transfer
to the hotel in Shigatse. In the evening visit the Tashilhunpo
Monastery and the market of Shigatse. Tashilumpo monastery is
the seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery, built in 1447 by
a nephew of Tsong Khapa once housed over 4000 Monks, but now
there are only 600. After visiting the monastery you will
visit the market of Shigatse. In the market there are more
than 300 stalls selling local produce as well as colourful and
elaborate handicraft, accessories, antiques and porcelains.
Day 05: Shigatse - Lhasa
In the morning drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3650 m). Upon
arrival transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. Rest of the day free
for leisure in Lhasa.
Day 06: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast proceed for a full day
sight seeing tour of Lhasa city covering Sera Monastery,
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Sera is more like a small
town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It
is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great
Gelukpa Universities - once housing more than 5500 monks. Here
one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the
Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery you will
drive to visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang temple was built in
the 7th century A D and houses the most prized Buddhist relic,
a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of
the temple is topped with golden roofs found nowhere else
except in Tibet. After visiting the temple you will have a
walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful
market where you can bargain over such treasures like ornate
long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.
Day 07: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast you will visit the
Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa
situated at a height of 117 meters above the sea level. The
construction of this palace was started on the red hill in
1645 under the 5th Dalai Lama. An immense building, 13 storeys
high with walls 3 meters thick contains over 1000 rooms,
10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. It was both the residence
of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former head of
state. After the visit of Potala Palace you will visit the
Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River,
there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the
Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of
360,000 square meters, the park was originally laid out in the
year 1750. Norbulingka was also the summer palace of the Dalai
Lamas (8th to 14th). The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama
is an odd mix of traditional Tibetan architecture and modern
paraphernalia. In the evening you will visit the Drepung
monastery. This monastery is situated in the west suburbs of
Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest monastery
in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular interest is the
medieval monk's kitchen with its great cauldrons of steaming
barley 'stamp' sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and
tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From
the roof of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of
the Lhasa valley. After having the sightseeing you will return
back to the hotel.
Day 08: Lhasa (Departure)
Around midnight transfer to the airport for the flight to home
destination.
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