Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and is considered one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Lhasa was known as the “Forbidden City” in the past due to the political and cultural restrictions placed on foreigners visiting the city during the rule of the Dalai Lama, and then under the rule of the Chinese Government until officially opened to international tourism in the 1980s.
In addition, Tibet is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” as it is the highest plateau on the Earth, with average elevation of over 4000m above the sea level. The region encompasses the Himalayan mountain range, including the northern part of Mount Everest (8848 m), the highest peak in the world.
Lhasa has many popular tourist attractions.
Potala Palace:
One of the main attractions in Lhasa is the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of the Dalai Lama for over 300 years. The palace, built on top of a hill, offers stunning views of the city and is a symbol of the Tibetan people's resistance to Chinese occupation. Visitors can explore the palace's many halls, chapels, and tombs, and gain insight into the daily life of the Dalai Lamas.
Jokhang Temple:
Another important site in Lhasa, a sacred temple that is considered the most important pilgrimage site in Tibet. The temple, which dates back to the 7th century, is home to a statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha, which is said to have been brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess Wencheng. Visitors can join the locals in walking around the temple in a clockwise direction, a traditional form of worship known as kora.
Norbulingka Palace:
Another must-see destination on a Lhasa tour is the Norbulingka Palace, a summer palace of the Dalai Lamas that is considered the largest man-made garden in Tibet. The palace, which is located on the outskirts of the city, features beautiful gardens, pavilions, and palaces that offer a glimpse into the life of the Dalai Lamas during the summer months.
Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery:
Both monasteries were once home to thousands of monks and are considered important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can observe the daily prayers and rituals of the monks and learn about the teachings of Buddhism.
Tsedang:
Tsedang, located in the Yarlung Valley, is known as the "cradle of Tibetan civilization" and is considered the birthplace of the Tibetan people. The city is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Yumbulagang Palace, which is said to be the first palace in Tibet, and the Samye Monastery, which is considered the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Visitors to Tsedang can also experience traditional Tibetan culture, such as visiting local markets and participating in cultural events and festivals.
Tsedang and Lhasa are two of the most significant cities in the Tibet Autonomous region of China. Both cities offer a unique blend of the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and Tibetan history, making an ideal destination for travelers to explore the magical Tibetan Plateau.
Tsedang: Tsedang, located in the Yarlung Valley, is known as the "cradle of Tibetan civilization" and is considered the birthplace of the Tibetan people. The city is home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Yumbulagang Palace, which is said to be the first palace in Tibet, and the Samye Monastery, which is considered the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Visitors to Tsedang can also experience traditional Tibetan culture, such as visiting local markets and participating in cultural events and festivals.
Lhasa: Forbidden City in Tibet: Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet autonomous Region in China, is a popular tourist destination. Lhasa is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique Tibetan architecture. The city is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of the Dalai Lama, the Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Palace, Drepung Monastery and the Sera Monastery etc.
Additionally, Lhasa is a hub for Tibetan culture and provides a chance for visitors to experience traditional Tibetan Festivals, crafts and cuisine.
Air China flies to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Nepal, an only international flight to Lhasa outside Chinese cities. If you come to Lhasa from mainland China, there is a flight or train from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Xining and Chengdu.
At your arrival to Lhasa, you will be picked by our Tibetan Tour Guide, then transfer to Tsedang city. This drive takes about 2 hours, and is a scenic drive in the Tibetan plateau. Check into a hotel in Tsedang. Evening, leisure for acclimatization. Overnight at Tsedang.
Accommodation: 3 star deluxe hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we will have a full day guided tour of Tsedang City. It is one of the most important cultural and historical centers in Tibet. Today, you visit Yumbulagang Palace, considered to be the first palace in Tibet, and now it is a museum showcasing the history and culture of Tibet. Next, you will visit Tradruk Temple, said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Tibet, and is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains. Further, we will continue the tour to Samye Monastery which is at Yarlung Zangbo River Valley in Tsedang. Built in the 8th century, Samye Monastery is believed to be the first true Buddhist Monastery built in Tibet. It is one of the most important Tibetan Monasteries in Tibet, which is famous for Tibetan architecture.
We will also visit scenic Yarlung Valley, many of its cultural and historical sites, including ancient temples and tombs. Overnight at Tsedang.
Accommodation: 3 star deluxe hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we will drive to Lhasa. It is a beautiful drive through the mythical Tibetan land, enjoying incredible mountain views and landscapes. Reaching Lhasa, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, you will stroll around Lhasa city, Tibetan market etc. Overnight at Lhasa.
Accommodation: 3 star deluxe hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will have a full day guided tour of Lhasa city. Morning breakfast at the hotel, then head off to visit cultural and historical attractions in Lhasa. First, transfer to visit Potala Palace, an incredible 13 story palace that served once as the winter residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader- Dalai Lama and now it is converted as a museum. It was listed as a world heritage site in 1994. Potala Palace is a significant religious landmark in Tibet, and has become a famous tourist attraction to explore in Lhasa.
Next, you will visit Norbulingka Palace, a summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Developed as a cultural park, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in Tibet.
From here, you will be heading toward Jokhang Temple which lies in the center of Lhasa old city, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. This temple is considered as one of the finest examples of Tibetan religious architecture. You will also explore Barkhor Street near Jokhang Temple, a major center of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. Barkhor Street is famous for its bustling street market, traditional Tibetan shops. After that, you return back to the hotel. You have a leisurely evening in Lhasa.
Accommodation: 3 star deluxe hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head off to visit Sera Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located in the northern suburbs of the Lhasa. It is one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, along with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery. Sera Monastery is famous for beautiful architecture, intricate carvings and sculptures. The Monastery is a major center of Buddhist learning, and it played an important role in the spread and preservation of Tibetan Buddhism. This Monastery is a home to a large community of resident monks. Visitors could get in and explore the main hall in Monastery, meditation halls, courtyards and residences of the resident monks.
Next, we will visit Drepung Monastery, situated at the foot of the Gambo Utse Mountain, which is known as the largest Monastery in the world with around 7000 monks. It is the most reputed center for learning, contemplating and practicing Tibetan Buddhism. Further drive to Dadong Village, one of the most beautiful ancient Tibetan villages, 18 km out of Lhasa. After enjoying time here, you will be back to the hotel in Lhasa. Evening, stroll around Lhasa city.
Accommodation: 3 star deluxe hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, your tour comes to an end. Breakfast at the hotel, then you will be transferred to the airport or to the train station for your final departure from Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast
End of the tour !
We are team of professionals who share a common devotion to the outdoors and are commited to world travel.
Mr. Pem Chhotar Sherpa was born in Solukhumbu. He lived in his village for 16 years and studied under a Lama called Tawa in local language. He used to work as a porter while in Solukhumbu. His maternal uncle has a trekking company and he w...
Born in Burlang, Gorkha District, Ishwor first came to Kathmandu in 1999 to get enrolled in a college to complete his under-graduation.
It was during the final year of his under-graduation that he got into tourism to support his financial instability. A nov...
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