Cultural Tour in Tibet
Day 1 – Arrive at Lhasa airport
Travel to Lhasa. Before embarking on your sightseeing tour, you will use the afternoon for acclimatization to the altitude. This evening, enjoy your dinner and be ready for your journey.
Day 2 – Lhasa sightseeing
Your tour begins with a morning at the Potala Palace, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled the region in 1959, following a failed uprising. The palace is situated on the Red Hill and sits more than 12,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest ancient palace in the world. Potala Palace is comprised of two main areas: the Red Palace, at its center, and the White Palace. Today, the Red Palace is completely devoted to Buddhist prayer and ongoing religious study.
After Potala Palace and a lunch break, you will visit the Jokhang Temple, another sacred Tibetan site and place of religious practice. Tourists can only visit Jokhang Temple in the afternoon.
Following your time at the temple, you will head out to Barkhor Street, the street and public square surrounding the temple. Visit the many shops, some of which offer religious items such as prayer wheels, unique Tibetan art, and more.
Optional afternoon activities:
- Visit a Tibetan hospital and learn about Tibetan medicine
- Enjoy a cultural presentation organized at a café in the hotel
Day 3 –Explore two great Buddhist monasteries such as Drepung and Sera
Today’s excursion will take you two of Tibet’s most important Buddhist monasteries: Drepung and Sera.
Dreprung Monastery is the largest of all of Tibet’s many monasteries and is located a short distance outside of Lhasa on the Gambo Utse mountain. Founded in 1416, Dreprung is now divided into seven “colleges”, each having its own focus and emphasis, or teaching tradition. Even though Dreprung does not house the huge numbers of monks that it used, it is still a vibrant campus with a few hundred monks.
Sera Monastery is located north of Lhasa near the foot of the Tatipu Hill. Along with Dreprung and Garden Monastery, Sera makes up the most famous of the Tibetan monasteries. The monastery got its name due to its surrounding landscape of wild roses, or sera in the Tibetan language. Your visit to Sera will include a chance to experience the beauty of these wild roses.
Day 4 – Picnic Lunch on the shore of a holy lake then travel on to Shigatse
Today’s travels will begin with a picnic lunch at the holy Yamdrok Tso Lake, one of the largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded in picturesque beauty so be sure to bring your camera. Capture the many snow-capped mountains, streams, and natural foliage.
Along the route from Lhasa to Shigatse, you will also have a chance to visit the Kumbrum, or Gyantse Monastery. This monastery is much smaller than Dreprung and Sera, housing just a few monks, but its beauty and religious importance is not diminished.
After your time at Gyantse, you’ll continue your transport to Shigatse, arriving in the early evening. You will have the rest of the evening to rest at the hotel.
Day 5 –Shigatse sightseeing (Shigatse)
Begin your day at Tashilhunpo Monastery where you will observe morning prayers and explore the beautiful grounds. The monastery is a historic and cultural landmark, founded in the 15th century by the very first Dalai Lama.
After the monastery, you will visit a local Shigatse market where you can explore the local merchants and shops offering clothing, art, religious items, food, and more. Following lunch, spend the afternoon touring a carpet factory where you will learn about the art of hand-woven and loom-woven carpets and rugs.
Day 6 – Drive back to Lhasa (Shigatse – Lhasa)
Upon return to Lhasa in the morning, you will have the rest of the morning and afternoon to explore the capital city on your own. Not sure where to go or what to see? Just ask – we have plenty of suggestions for how to spend your afternoon.
This evening, be sure to attend a Tibetan Farewell Dinner where you will enjoy local cuisine and a final gathering with your travelers.
Day 7 – Depart Lhasa
Say farewell to Tibet as you depart from Gonggar Airport to return home. Your trip will leave you with great memories of the Himalayas and the Tibetan people. Safe travels home.
