LHASA AND SHIGATSE TOUR

Following a hearty breakfast, embark on an exhilarating sightseeing expedition of Lhasa city. Your first destination will be the magnificent Potala Palace, perched atop the 130-meter high Marpo Ri (Red Hill) in Lhasa. This colossal palace boasts an impressive 13 stories, encompassing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and an astounding 200,000 statues. Its intricate layout features a variety of halls, chapels, and libraries, with the Great-West Hall standing out as the largest. Here, you’ll be captivated by the stunning ancient murals.

Subsequently, make your way to the heart of the old Lhasa city to visit the revered Jokhang Temple. Among the holiest temples in all of Tibet, it is perpetually abuzz with devoted local Tibetan pilgrims. The temple holds immense significance in the evolution of Buddhism in Tibet and houses a well-preserved, life-sized image of a 12-year-old Jowa Sakyamuni. Noteworthy, too, is the temple’s roof adorned with gilded bronze tiles. As you explore, you’ll encounter a diverse array of Buddha statues in various sizes and ancient murals.

Next, take a leisurely stroll along Barkhor Street, an essential pilgrimage circuit in Tibet. While it now serves as a bustling commercial street, you’ll still find numerous pilgrims turning prayer wheels and circumambulating clockwise along Barkhor Street. This presents a unique opportunity to explore the renowned old market and perhaps acquire souvenirs like Tibetan handicrafts, intricate Tibetan jewelry, and Thangka (traditional Tibetan scroll paintings).

Rest well for the night in Lhasa.

Start your day with a traditional Tibetan breakfast, and get ready for an exciting day of exploration at Drepung and Sera Monastery.

Your journey begins with a roughly 5-kilometer drive to the western side of Lhasa city, where you’ll arrive at Drepung Monastery. Once the largest monastery in the world, housing up to 10,000 monks, it boasts notable features like the expansive monastery kitchen. From the monastery’s vantage point, you’ll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of Lhasa city and the majestic Potala Palace.

Next on your itinerary is a visit to Sera Monastery, established by Tsongkapa’s disciple, Jamchen Choeje, in 1419. The monastery is renowned for the engaging Monk’s Debate, which takes place in the courtyard every afternoon (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you’ll find three intricate sand mandalas and vibrant rock paintings depicting Buddha, offering further fascinating sights.

Rise early, indulge in a hearty Tibetan breakfast, and prepare for an enchanting journey to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Following your explorations in Lhasa, this scenic drive through the Friendship Highway promises abundant encounters with the wild beauty of the Tibetan landscape.

Embark on this picturesque adventure, ascending the Kamba La Pass at an impressive 4,794 meters. From this vantage point, a captivating view of Yamdrok Lake, set against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar, unfolds before you. Renowned as one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, alongside Namsto and Manasarovar, Yamdrok’s pristine waters and awe-inspiring vistas have made it a popular destination for travelers.

Continue westward, arriving at Gyantse, home to the revered Palcho Monastery. This ancient sanctuary showcases a remarkable fusion of Tibetan, Nepalese, Han, and Indian architectural styles. Within its walls lies the renowned Gyantse Kumbum, a unique stupa adorned with a staggering 100,000 Buddhist statues, along with an array of intricate wall paintings and murals. Take in the distant views of Gyantse Dzong, one of Tibet’s most well-preserved fortresses.

Throughout the journey, be sure to capture the remarkable sights of Karola Glacier and Manak Dam Lake, both visible from the highway. Traverse the stunning Simila Pass (4,200m), adorned with a multitude of vibrant Tibetan prayer flags. Finally, after a long but incredibly scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and take the opportunity to explore the traditional Barley Mill, with its mesmerizing golden fields, particularly spectacular during the summer. A notable highlight of Shigatse is the ancient Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which serves as the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Enjoy your overnight stay in Shigatse.

Following breakfast, embark on an enriching excursion to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. This sacred site is renowned for its exquisite religious murals, which hold great significance in the monastery’s spiritual narrative. The halls’ interiors are adorned with intricate decorations, reflecting the tantric ideology. Among the monastery’s standout features are its distinctive Tibetan architectural elements, including the hanging thangka on its walls, the colossal Maitreya Buddha statue, Kelsang Temple, and the stupa-tomb of the tenth Panchen Lama.

After a rewarding time in Shigatse, commence your return journey to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway. Upon reaching your hotel, take some time to rest or explore the nearby Barkhor Square. This historic street offers an enjoyable shopping experience, with numerous stalls offering Tibetan handicrafts, silver jewelry, thangka, and more.

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Lhasa.

The Lhasa and Shigatse Tour concludes today. Your Tibetan guide will assist you in transferring from the hotel to the airport. With countless cherished memories of this journey, you’ll set off towards your next destination. Alternatively, you also have the option to extend your trip and explore other captivating cities in Lhasa, as well as neighboring Himalayan countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Safe travels!