Tsedang Gyantse Shigatse & Lhasa

Kathmandu to Lhasa (Flight) => Lhasa to Tsedang (Surface)

Fly from Kathmandu to Gonggar airport and drive to Tsedang (100 km / 2h. 20m / 3100 m) . The Trans-Himalayan flight will enchant you with the spectacular, breathtaking view if Himalayan ranges. You will see most of the highest mountains on the earth including Mt. Everest. On arrival check into your hotel.

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*Note: we advise you to take good rest in order to give you time to acclimatize and minimize the effect of altitude sickness.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Tsedang

Morning, drive to Samye (50 km 1h 30m), visit Samye Monastery then back to Tsedang visit Yambulakhang & Tandruk Monastery 3100 m. Samye Monastery. Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist Monastery of Nginma order to be built in Tibet, probably founded during Shantarakshita, the two Indian masters the king had invited to Tibet to help consolidate the Buddhist faith. Later taken over by the Sakya tradition and more recently came under the influence of the Gelukpa after visiting the monastery return back to Tsedang, After lunch visit Yambulakhang the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan King. Yambulakhang stands on a hill on the eastern back of the Yarlung River in the Yarlung Valley. After that visit Tandruk Monastery which is believed to be the oldest monastery founded at the same time as the Jokhang and Ramoche Monastery in Lhasa.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Tsedang to Gyantse (Surface)

Morning drive 265 km 5 to 6 hour straight to Gyantse, we will drive over three spectacular high passes – the Khamba La at 5100m, Karo La at 5050m, Simi La at 5000 m and along the beautiful Lake called Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance, we can have spectacular views of Holy Nyenchen Khangsar Mountain. Once we arrive at Gyantse town we can enjoy the far view of Gyantse Fortress.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Gyantse to Shigaste (Surface)

Morning we visit Khumbum Stupa, the giant octagonal Stupa is one of the outstanding architectural achievements built and decorated by a Gyantse Prince. Rising 35 meters high, the Stupa is said to have 108 Cells in the 9 levels / floor surmounted by a golden dome, and contains 77 chapels which line its walls. Next to it is Pelkhor Chode Monastery. The monastery is located in the north of the town adjacent to the fort, containing 15 different chapels and halls belong to different orders of Tibetan Buddhism.

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After visiting Gyantse Khumbum we drive 2 hours, 95 km straight to Shigaste the second largest town in Tibet. Shigatse (95 km / 2h / 3900 M), was one of the first towns to be visited by westerners due to close distance with Indian border.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Shigaste to Lhasa (Surface - via northern route)

Morning visit the TashiLhunpo Monastery which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded in 1447 at the time of 1st Dalia Lama Gendun Drupa who is a disciple of Tsongkapa. Hence the monastery is also one of the biggest functioning monasteries of Gelugpa. The monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking tulku lineage in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

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After visiting monastery visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing then continue the journey to Lhasa via northern route (285 Km / 6H – 7H / 3600 M). This is the shortest road between Lhasa and Shigatse. The road offers spectacular views of Tibetan Plateau and drives along the famous river called “Yarlung Tsangpo”.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Lhasa

This morning, visit the Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lamas and most famous landmark in the world. Although the palace cannot be freely explored, you will experience some if its chapels including audience hall, the golden burial Chorten (Tomb) of Past Dalai Lamas, tremendous number of painting done on wall, Statue, Thangka and Mandala etc.

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Afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and important sacred site in Tibet. The Temple was founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princes Bhrikuti of Nepal, both are said to have brought important Buddhist image and statues from Nepal & China to Tibet as part of their dowries. After visiting Temple explore Barkhor surrounding, watch the pilgrims prostrating themselves near the front gate of Jokhang Temple. Take part in clockwise circuit walking round the temple, walk around narrow alley to explore old Lhasa city.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Lhasa

Morning, drive 8 km northwest of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Geluk Monasteries of Tibet, founded by Jamyang Choje in 1416. The Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and once a home of as many as 10000 monks. This winter Palace was the residence of hundreds of monks from all major Geluk monasteries for staffing individual Chapels.

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In the afternoon drive 5km away from Lhasa to Sera Monastery founded in 1419, which is another one of the “ great three” Geluk monasteries of Tibet. Monastery is well known for the monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Lhasa to kathmandu (Flight)

In time transfer to airport to board flight for Kathmandu