Essential Tibet Tour

This concise tour of Tibet concentrates on the places that are essential part of visiting Tibet.
After spending 3 nights in capital Lhasa, acclimatizing, and exploring the giant Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and strolling in the city’s old quarter, the Barkhor, we drive over 15,700-foot Khampa La, whirl past the blue Yamdrok Tso lake to Gyantse. Once and important trading town, Gyantse has managed to hang onto its small-town charm and laid-back atmosphere. Here we behold the magnificent giant chorten, the Kumbum and drive to Shigatse, the capital of Tsang region. We visit Shigatse’s Tashilunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen lamas, before returning to Lhasa.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (D) 
Upon arrival at Gonggar airport, meet and transfer to your hotel in Lhasa. Get settled, rest and acclimatize. Overnight and dinner in hotel.

Day 2: Lhasa (B/D) 
In the morning, visit the Tibet’s colossal Potala Palace, a striking thousand-room monument that dominates the Lhasa skyline Potala Palace. Visit the sacred Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple and join thousands of pilgrims from all over Tibet and rest of Himalayas on a stroll through Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Jokhang, lined with shops, restaurants and many tucked away temples and monasteries. This evening enjoy dinner with cultural show in a local restaurant.

Day 3: Lhasa (B/D) 
Visit the Norbulingka the official summer residence for the Dalai Lamas and their families from the mid-18th century. It is a park-like enclave surrounded by trees, ponds, and pavilions on the outskirts of Lhasa. Explore the grounds, which include gardens, fountains, and a small zoo. Afterwards, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. And then Kora (pilgrim trail circling a sacred place) that offers a panoramic one-hour walk with views of the Lhasa Valley.
Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse (B/D) (268km/5.5hrs)
From Lhasa, drive south, climb up to Kambala pass (4794m) and drive along the shores of Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest lakes in Tibet, an oasis for migrating wildlife. Islets within the lake are home to flocks migratory birds and grazing land for the nomads. Cross Karo la pass (5010m), which boast spectacular views and descend into Gyantse. In the evening wander the back streets of town, which has a mix of pilgrims, farmers, nomads, pop music, cows, motorcycles, horse carts as true a picture of contemporary Tibetan life.
Overnight in Gyantse Yeti Hotel

Day 5: Gyantse – Shigatse (B/D)
Explore magnificent gold-capped Gyantse Kumbum, a mandala-shaped monastery for a chance to see the mastery of the famed 15th century Newari artisans of Nepal. Tibet’s dry climate has helped to preserve the murals well. Then visit nearby well-preserved Pelkor Chode Monastery, founded in 1418. Later drive across the plains to Shigatse, the commercial and political center of Tsang Province. Later tour in the old Tibetan part of the town.
Overnight in Shigatse Tashi Chudar Hotel

Day 6: Shigatse – Lhasa (B/D) 
Visit Tashilhunpo monastery, one of Tibet’s most vibrant and breathtaking monasteries, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. We explore the elaborate temple and monastery complex and enjoy watching the pilgrim activity around the monastery. Time allowing, join pilgrims in the long circumambulation path around the monastery. Leaving Shigatse, we take the direct road to Lhasa, following Yarlung Tsangpo river valley. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 7: Departure (B) 
Transfer to Gonggar airport in time for your departure flight.