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Central Tibet Classical Tour to Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse
offered by supplier M16652 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 6
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 10
people
Destination(s):
China
Specialty Categories:
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
Season: March - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 825 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1077 US Dollar (USD)
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Lhasa rose to prominence as an important center of administrative power in the 7th century AD, when Songtsen Gampo, a local ruler in the Yarlung Valley, continued the task of unifying Tibet. Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa and built a palace on the site that is now occupied by the Potala.
The fifth Dalai Lama also made Lhasa his capital. He built his palace, the Potala, on the site of ruins of Songtsen Gampo 7th century palace, Lhasa has remained Tibet's capital since 1642, and most of the city's historical sights date from this second stage of the city's development.
The mild and pleasant climate in central Tibet makes this area available for tourists year around. This route offers the epitome of Tibet with some of the most impressive visions: snow-capped mountains and holy lakes, splendid monasteries and palaces, original villages and unsophisticated people. With the better road conditions and accommodations along the way, it is now the most popular route.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa. The guide will meet you at Konggar Airport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1 1/2 hour-driving (100km). On the way, you will be greeted by Nie Tang Buddha - a Buddha image engraved in the mountain face. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa. The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark - Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshipers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivaled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor - Lhasa's most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the Old Town is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Lhasa. About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once largest monastery in the world, with about 10,000 monks. Sightseeing today begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambiance inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains.
Drepung is one of the two great Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa, the other is Sera. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The Buddhism Scriptures Debating in Sera is very famous. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdroktso - Gyantse. Yamdroktso(4441m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you are on the way to this lake. It is mostly mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2 hour-drive, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala (5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang(7191m).
After down from the mountain, there is about 30km road along lakeside, with barley fields on the other side of the road. A nice walk by the lakeside can be a great joy. Leaving Yamdroktso is as spectacular as arriving, since you will cross the 5045m Karola, with its awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier. With the Glacier scene still exciting you, after about 90km, you get to Gyantse. There stands the 35m-high famous Kumbum, packed with exquisite Tibetan sculpture and paintings, a stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse. Includes: (B).
Day 5: Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa. Just 4km to Gyantsse, there is the Pala Farmland which used to belong to the slave-owner family of Pala. The well-kept Farmland can bring the family luxurious life back to your eyes. This site deserves a quick visit of 30 minutes. Then you can leave the small town of Gyantse. With Gyantse just fades away from your sight. Shigatse becomes clearer cause it is just 1 1/2 hour-drive (98km).
Miles away from Shigaste, you can already see the gold tops of Tashilhunpo shinning under the sun. While Tashilhunpo magnificent outside leaves you gasp in admiration, the inside of this monastery introduces you more religious tranquility and sincerity. Just close Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse, a great place to wander around: Nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting market and bazaar give you a vivid life picture of local people. Drive back Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. Includes: (B).
Day 6: Leave Lhasa. Pack your luggage and get ready for leaving. The guide will transfer you to the airport, and help you board the plane. Say goodbye to Tibet and fly out. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner;
- Personal Guide and Driver + Private car/ van for Private Transfer and sightseeing;
- Hotels (twin share bases) as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic flights (economy class) or trains as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic airport taxes;
- Service Charge and Government Taxes;
- Luggage Transfers between airports and hotels.
Price Excludes:
- Entry or Exit China International transportation;
- Visa Fees;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Personal Expenses;
- Single Room Supplement;
- Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
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