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DISCOVER HOLY LAND (TIBET) – 11 DAYS
Day 1 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing! Your guide will greet you at the airport. You may opt to explore Beijing for a couple days or go directly to Lhasa tomorrow.
Day 2 BEIJING/LHASA
Take early morning flight to Lhasa, Tibet – City of Sun on the Rooftop of the World. For the balance of the day, we suggest you to rest for acclimatization so that your body can best adjust to high altitude- 12,000 ft above sea level. Your guide will be available to assist you shall you decide to walk around or start your journey.
Day 3 LHASA
Today, we will visit the most imposing attraction in Lhasa, Potala Palace- former residence of the Dalai Lama. Potala Palace was built in the 7th century with wood and stone. This is the most important historic and religious site in Tibet. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world with more than 1,000 rooms, shrines and statues, and is 1,300 feet in length and covers 1.4 million square feet. Later, pay a visit to Norbulingka – Summer Palace with the precious stone garden built by order of the 7th Dalai Lama in 18th Century.
Day 4 LHASA
Learning Tibetan Buddhism is essential to really understand the culture of holy land – and Jokhang Temple is Tibetan Buddhism’s holiest shrine. The golden-roofed Jokhang was built in 7th Century and is the focus of the ancient ritual of prostrations performed by devout Tibetan pilgrims. Princess Wen-Cheng of the Tang Dynasty held her wedding ceremony here with King: Song Zen Gampo. This marriage brought the Peace between Tang China and Tu-Lu-Funn (Tibet’s old name).
Afternoon is left for you to enjoy Barkhor Bazaar, a great opportunity for shopping and observation of daily life.
Day 5 LHASA
Specially arranged “make-a-friend” program is the highlight of the day — home visit with a Tibetan family for milk tea with yak butter and traditional Tibetan snacks.
Then we will proceed to Sera and Drepung Monasteries (ecclesiastical retreats with populations of over 10,000 monks, nuns and lamas). Sera Monastery is the preferred site for the “Tibetan Sky Burial”.
Day 6 LHASA/GYANTSE
All-day private escorted overland drive (150 miles ) to Gyantse. Gyantse was once the most important market town and trade center in the Himalayas. Today, it still serves as an important stop along the Friendship Road between Tibet and Nepal. Enjoy the fantastic scenery while crossing Brahmaputra River and along the shores of pristine Lake Yamdrok between the two spectacular mountain ranges. Transfer to Gyantse Guest House in the evening.
Day 7 GYANTSE/SHIGATSE
Escorted tour to Kumbum Stupa-”The Palace of Myriad Images”. This is the most magnificent stupa in Tibet and the “Staircase of Ten Thousand Buddhas”. As you can imagine, there are more than 10,000 Buddha statues inside. Continued overland drive to Shigatse (about 2 hours), Tibet’s ancient capital and former seat of the Panchen Lama, head of the “Yellow Hat” of Tibetan Buddhism. Stop at Shalu Monastery en route. Transfer to Shigatse Hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 8 SHIGATSE
The old fortress town and the monumental Tashilhunpo Monastery are the most important sites in Shigatse. Tashilhanpo Monastery is in the color of rose and is also known as “Mound of Glory”. The largest Buddha statue in Tibet- the Maitreya Buddha – sits inside the monastery. Afterward, take the southern route of Friendship Road toward Lhasa. We will overnight in Tsedang.
Day 9 LHASA/SHANGHAI
Board your flight to Shanghai (or any other destination in China of your choice). If you are a first timer, we would suggest you spending a few days in the “Paris of the East”.
Day 10 DEPART SHANGHAI
Say goodbye to China and board your flight to the next destination.