This is a short trip comprising Lhasa, Samye and Tsedang. These sites have very important places in the history, culture and religion of Tibet. Tsedang, situated 138 miles south-east of Lhasa is the gateway to the ancient Yarlung valley –the base from where Yarlung kings unified Tibet. It was only later that the power center moved to Lhasa when King Songtsen Gambo of 7th century moved his capital to Lhasa. Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery of Tibet and is a testimony of acceptance of Buddhism in Bön dominated Tibet.
You will spend the first 3 days, visiting Dalai Lama’s Potala and Norbulingkha palaces, Drepung and Sera-the two great Gelug Monasteries, Jorkhang Temple-the ancient Buddhist temple and Barkhor Street that forms the most venerated pilgrimage circuit, kora of Tibet. If you find that Lhasa’s altitude sickness is already over with you, you can try optional hikes in the hills behind Sera or Drepung monasteries. En route, Lhasa to Tsedang, you will cross Yarlungdzangbo River by ferry, take a truck ride for another 20-25 minutes along the rough and bumpy road to visit the Tibet’s first Buddhist Monastery. Retrace the way to take ferry crossing and continue to Tsedang, which of course is not an inspiring town in itself but has some great sites related to Tibetan history. Ancient Yambulakhang palace, Tradruk Temple and burial mounds of Tibetan kings are worth visiting.
Day 01: Flight to Lhasa (B) Arrival in Gonkar Airport of Lhasa. You are met and greeted by our representative and transferred to Lhasa City (1 hr). Check in hotel and take rest for the acclimatization. Accommodation in Dhood Gu or Yak Best Wing or Gorkha Hotel
Day 02: At Lhasa (B) Full day sightseeing of Lhasa, visiting Potala Palace-that dominates the Lhasa sky, Sera Monastery-the last of the three Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa and the tour concludes in Norbulinka- the summer retreats of the Dalai Lama. Accommodation in Dhood Gu or Yak Best Wing or Gorkha Hotel
Day 03: At Lhasa (B) Today, you will visit Drepung Monastery-once the largest, richest and the most powerful of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries of Tibet, the ancient Jorkhang Temple and the Barkhor Street that forms the pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple. Accommodation in Dhood Gu or Yak Best Wing or Gorkha Hotel. Day 04: To Tsedang (B) via Samye Monastery (3,100m/ 10, 168ft, 122miles, 4 hrs). Drive to Tsedang, en route cross Yarlungdzangbo River by ferry and visit Samye Monastery-the first monastery of Tibet. Upon arrival in Tsedang, check in hotel and after refreshment, stroll along the Tibetan quarter of city. Accommodation in Tsedang hotel of the top end.
Day 05: At Tsedang (B) Vsit Tradruk Temple, Yambulakhang Palace and burial mounds of Tibetan kings at Chongye Valley.Accommodation in Tsedang hotel of the top end.
Day 06: Tsedang-Departure (55 miles, 2 hrs) (B) Transfer to Gongar airport. Service ends.
Activities:
Cultural touring.
Meet the monks and lamas
Folk dances
Trip Grading:
Moderate
Trip Type:
Popular
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Lhasa
Finish In:
Tsedang
Highest Altitude:
3, 595m
Best Season:
March to November
Tour Cost
US$ 750
Optional Activity
Optional kora hikes
Trips Highlights
• Dalai Lamas’s Potala and Norbulingkha Palaces.
• Drepung –one time the largest and the most powerful of the Gelug monasteries.
Sera-one of the two largest monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1419 by another disciple of Tsongkhapa-Jamchen Chöje.
• Jorkhang Temple-the most revered shrines of Tibet.
• Barkhor square and the holy circuit.
• Norbulingkha Palaces-the summer retreats of Dalai Lamas.
• Samye, the first Buddhist monastery of Tibet.
• Yambulakhang and Tradruk Temples of Tsedang.
• Tombs of ancient Yarlung Kings in Chongye Valley
Inclusive
• Accommodation on twin sharing
• Daily Breakfast
• All transfers and sightseeing by a private air conditioned car or coach
• Sightseeing admission fees
• English speaking Tour Guide
• Tibet Travel Permit
Exclusive
• International and internal air fare
• Airport Taxes
• Chinese visa fee
• Lunch and dinner except as indicated.
• Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature.
• Travel & Health Insurance.
• All extra expenses caused due to nature or unforeseen events. Excess baggage charges
• Optional tipping to local staffs, hotels etc.
• Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone etc.
