Expedition to the Top of the World
This is a join-in group tour. If you have tight budget and don't mind to share room with like-minded people, this tour will offer you the possibility of lowest price. See Tibetan Buddhism's most revered religious sites and learn about classical Tibetan architecture while soaking in traditional Tibetan culture. Climb up the Potala Palace and get a great view of Lhasa city; witness the Buddhism Scriptures Debate between monks in Sera Monastery; stroll along the special circular pilgrimage route and follow the footsteps of pilgrims to witness their devotion; choose some unique Tibetan souvenirs for your families and friends in Barhkor Street.
Best time: available all year around, but May to October is the best time.
Welcome to Tibet! Your local guide will pick you up upon your arrival at Gonggar airport or Lhasa Train Station, then escort you to your hotel in Lhasa. Enjoy the heart-stopping views along the road.
After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and acclimatize yourself to this high altitude city.
High altitude acclimatization tips: 1) Keep taking medicine for preventing high altitude sickness 2 days before going to Tibet; 2) Go for some walking to acclimate but avoid strenuous activity after arrival in Lhasa; 3) You’d better not have bath; 4) Drink more water.
After breakfast, go to visit the No.1 attraction in Tibet - Potala Palace. It is known as the highest palace in the world and one of the most famous architectural works in the world. Standing on the Red Hill of Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a treasure house of Tibetan history, religion, culture, and art. The palace is well worth visiting for its artistic value, historic purposes, and cultural awareness. Importantly Potala Palace is the winter palace of Dalai Lama. You will see many chapels in which Dalai Lama used to study, meditate, work and rest. Many famous past Dalai Lama's stupa are also housed here and decorated with golds, jades and jewels.
There are two attractions for you to visit in the afternoon. First, you’ll visit the Jokhang Temple. As the house of the Buddha, Jokhang is the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims; as the spiritual center of Tibet, Jokhang Temple is the perfect place for you to experience the devotion of Tibetans. Last activity is wandering around the bustling Barkhor Street. Whether you are there to visit the religious site, to do a bit of souvenir shopping, to taste some Tibetan or Chinese food or just for simple sightseeing, the Barkhor Street area is the right place to go.
This evening, a welcoming dinner will be held to welcome all the members in your group tour.
Tips of today: Wear hat and sunglasses to prevent ultraviolet radiation, but remember to take off when visiting in the monasteries.
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up in your hotel. Then drive about 30 minutes to visit the Drepung Monastery. This Gelug monastery has a history of more than 500 years. It used to be the largest monastery in the world with totally 10,000 monks there. Many precious stupas, sculptures, paintings, Thangka...are displayed in the hundreds of chapels. And the annual Shoton Festival is organized here.
In the afternoon, you will visit another famous Gelug monastery around Lhasa city - Sera Monastery, which is famous for its Buddhism Scriptures Debating. It is only 3km away from Lhasa city. Enjoy the debating.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Tips of today: 1) Feel free to ask tour guide questions about Buddhism or else; 2) If you have no idea where to have dinner, ask your guide for suggestions. Restaurant in your hotel is one of the choices.
Today is free for you until your driver transfer you to catch your flight (or train) leaving Tibet. Please check your luggage and make sure everything is packed, and then check out from your hotel before 12pm.
Lhasa City & Suburb
Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest
Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake / Lhasa