Lhasa-Ganden-Drigung Till Monastery-Tridom Hot Springs-Yarpa and return to Lhasa.
If you want to see a more genuine Tibet and if you don’t want to run the risk of getting “templed out”, you will have to get out of Lhasa to the country side and this itinerary covers such areas which are within easy reach of Lhasa by 4WD jeeps. While monasteries or shrines seem to be the major destinations, the landscapes and the sights you get to see on the way are more interesting. The first 3 days, you will spend in Lhasa, visiting its major attractions, which are kinds of customary visits, while you are getting properly acclimatized. From Lhasa, you will drive to Ganden Monastery-the famous 15 century monastery that lies 25 miles east of Lhasa and is set in a natural, hilly amphitheatre. You will continue further 56 miles, north east to Drigung, reputed to have the best sky burial ceremony of all and the only place where you are permitted to see the ceremony. Tonight, you will adjust in monastery’s dormitory and next day early morning, take a chance to see the sky burial-the unique funeral service you have ever heard or seen. Do not try photography here. From Drigung, you will take approximately 4- hour trek to Tirdrom Nunnery, set in a beautiful valley with numerous hermitages and caves in the surrounding hills. Tirdrom is famous for its hot sulphur hot springs, believed to be good for the treatment of arthritis, gastritis etc. Tonight, you are guests in the nunnery’s guesthouse and the following morning, you will have a stroll along Tirdrom and return drive to Lhasa via Yerpa-famous for its more than 80 meditation caves.
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: Drive to Ganden Monastery ( 4,500m/14, 760ft) Visit the seat of Chief abbot of Gelugpa Sect. Continue drive to Drigung. Accommodation guesthouse.
Day 05: Take chance to see the sky burial at Drigung if allowed. Trek to Tridom Nunnery with medicinal hot springs. Accommodation in local guesthouse.
Day 06: Stroll in Tridom in the morning, and drive to Yerpa, visit the meditation caves and return to Lhasa. Accommodation in middle range Dhudgu or Kyichu or Gorkha Hotel
Day 07: Departure. Transfer to airport. Service ends
Activities:
Cultural touring, visiting monasteries, nunnery, hotspring and hiking.
Trip Type:
Off the beaten path
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Lhasa
Finish In:
Lhasa
Highest Altitude:
4,500m at Ganden Monastery
Best Season:
March to November
Tour Cost
US$ 1050 per person
Optional Activity
Ganden Kora Hike
Hotspring bath
Meditation
Trips Highlights
• Dalai Lamas’s Potala and Norbulingkha Palaces.
• Drepung –once the largest and most powerful of the Gelug monasteries.
• Sera-one of the largest monasteries of Tibet, ancient Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street in old Tibetan quarter of Lhasa.
• Visit Ganden Monastery, the seat of the chief abbot of Gelug Sect.
• Sky burial sites in Tridrom.
• Cave Hermitages where the ancient Gurus mediated.
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.