Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and is located at an altitude of 3,650 metres. Because of its remoteness it has long been a ‘must see’ place for adventurous travellers. It has over 1300 years of cultural and spiritual history and is a centre for Tibetan and Buddhist culture in China.
Upon arrival at Gongkar Airport you will be met by your local guide and driver. The airport is located 70 kilometres from Lhasa so you will have the opportunity to enjoy some magnificent scenery on the way to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and don’t overexert yourself. overexert yourself, including showering. Eat only a light meal and have plenty of rest. This is crucial to acclimatizing to the high altitude.
If you are arriving by train then the transfer to your hotel only takes about twenty minutes. Please read the inclusions for information about the free airport/railway transfers.

Overnight in Lhasa. (3658m)

Meals: No meals provided.

Day 2 – Lhasa

Attractions: Drepung Monastery OR Drak Yerpa, Sera Monastery(Please note that the operators retain the right to choose which attraction is visited.)

Your day’s tour will begin at Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries which at its peak was the largest monastery of any religion in the world with 7,700 monks in attendance. Dating from 1416 it was known for its high standards of academic excellence.

Alternatively you will visit the Drak Yerpa Caves which is over the Nachanla Pass (4500m). This is one of the holiest sites around Lhasa and was built by Songtsan Gampo (the first king of a united Tibet) to honour his wife in the 7th century. At one time there were 108 mediatation caves and 300 monks in the area. There is a famous Tibetan saying – “Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet and Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Not seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is like making a dress without a collar.”

Gradually small temples were built around the original caves and you can climb up the hillside to visit them. You might need to walk slowly as the altitude is higher here than in Lhasa. Besides visiting the temples you can admire the stunning view back down the valley.

Today’s tour concludes at the magnificent Sera Monastery. The main attraction here is watching the debating monks. Every weekday afternoon there is a debate about Buddhist doctrines in the shady courtyard behind the main temple. The red robed monks gather in small groups to practice their debating skills in a very dynamic and lively manner. Tourists are welcome to watch quietly and respectfully from the edges.

In the evening a welcome dinner will be provided where you will have the chance to get to know the rest of your tour group better.

NB Because of the altitude the Tibetan sunshine is very strong. Make sure that you bring plenty of sun protection including hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Overnight in Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, dinner

Day 3 – Lhasa

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
No tour to Lhasa is complete without visiting the Potala Palace and that is where your tour will begin today. The Potala Palace is one of world’s most famous buildings and it is an impressive sight as it towers above Lhasa. The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums for previous Dalai Lamas while the White Palace was the living quarters for successive Dalai Lamas and their tutors. Altogether it is a vast awe inspiring maze of corridors and rooms full of articles pertaining to Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.
The Jokhang Temple is Tibet’s spiritual centre and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. It was originally built in 647AD and has been added to over the years making it a mix of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles. You will see many pilgrims prostrating themselves at the entrance.
Finish your day with a lap around the Barkor Street ‘kora’ or pilgrim circuit. It is a photographer’s paradise with marvellous wares for sale to crowds of exotically dressed pilgrims. Spiritual souvenirs and pilgrim accessories line the circuit and you can buy anything Tibetan from yak butter to prayer flags and turquoise jewellery. It is a place you can return to again and again for continually changing experiences. Out of respect for the pilgrims you should always move in a clockwise direction.

Overnight in Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 4 – Namtso Lake

Attractions: Namtso Lake
Today you will take a long drive through the countryside to visit Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. It is about 250 kilometres from Lhasa and it takes about four hours to get there. On the way you will partly follow the route of the famous Tibet train line as well as gain a distant view of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain range. The last part of the drive climbs steeply up to the Nargen La pass at 5190 metres before descending to Namtso Lake at an altitude of 4720 metres. If you experience discomfort because of the high altitude the guide will have a container of oxygen available. Remember to drink plenty of water and not overexert yourself.

Namtso Lake is the second largest saltwater lake in China and the highest lake in the world with a surface area of more than 500 square kilometres. The water is incredible clear and the distant snow capped peaks provide an excellent backdrop for your photos.

On the way back to Lhasa as an optional extra at your own expense you can choose to visit the Yampachen Hot Springs if the whole group agrees. (Entry Fee: CNY 40/per person and Bathing Fee: about CNY 50~98/per person for different pools) The springs are located in Yangbajain, a small town about 90 kilometres north-west of Lhasa near the Nyainquentanglha Mountains. The geothermal field there produces much of Lhasa’a electricity. The hot springs are at an altitude of 4290–4500m which makes them the highest altitude set of hot springs in China, and possibly the world. Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools have been set up here, in which visitors can relax and enjoy the warm water.

Overnight in Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel