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Lhasa
Kick start this discovery of Tibet and the people who call this pristine part of the world home in the capital Lhasa.
Upon arrival at the airport or train station, we transfer to the hotel to check-in, with the rest of the day free to acclimatize to the altitude.
As one of the world’s highest cities, Tibet’s capital teeters 3,656 metres above sea level and it is perched on the banks of the Kyichu River in a mountain-fringed valley. In Tibetan, Lhasa means holy land, as it is home to a vast collection of sacred sites. In the evening, we are treated to a welcome dinner at the hotel which showcases traditional local culture and architecture at its finest. The hotel is beautifully decorated with almost 100 pieces of ancient Tibetan and Chinese textile art. It is also home to an ornate Tibetan and Chinese textile boutique art garden.
Today’s schedule facilitates an easy introduction to the high altitude and stunning surroundings.
Today we get on a high and soak up a stupendous view from the world’s highest palace, the Potala Palace.
After breakfast, we explore this iconic landmark that served as the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas, ahead of it being transformed into a fascinating museum and tourist attraction. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most elevated palace in the world at 3,700 metres above sea level.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we get crafty at a thangka workshop and get an insight into painting Buddhist images onto silk.
Next, we continue to Norbulingka, a site that served as the summer palace of continuous Dalai Lamas. This sprawling site contains Tibet’s largest manmade garden. We then return to our accommodation in time to enjoy an authentic Tibetan-style dinner. Today’s tour provides another chance to discover this sacred and amazing land.
Discover your spiritual side at the region’s most treasured monasteries and pilgrim sites.
After breakfast, we set off for Jokhang Monastery, Tibet’s spiritual centre. This sprawling 7th century complex attracts scores of pilgrims and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The ornate structure is an excellent example of a blend of Han, Tibetan, Indian and Nepalese styles.
Our next stop is Barkhor Street in Lhasa Old Town. Dubbed the ‘heart of Lhasa’, this is a famous pilgrimage circuit and home to a vibrant bazaar.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant, we visit Ramoche Monastery, the sister temple to Jokhang. This site houses a small bronze statue of Buddha from when he was eight-years-old.
Dinner is at the hotel. Today’s tour provides a great immersion into Tibet’s religious roots.
Delve deeper into Tibet’s rich heritage with exploration of impressive Zhayeba Monastery.
We head to Tibet’s second-highest monastery after breakfast. This is also an important sacred site for pilgrims. Precariously perched on a cliff face, the 7th century complex comprises a series of small cave-chapels built mostly by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo who ruled from 617 A.D. to 650 A.D. Today, it stands as one of Tibet’s four most sacred spots. We have time to explore the impressive network of temples carved into the mountainside, followed by lunch.
In the afternoon, we have free time to relax in preparation for our culturally-rich evening, or there is the option to embark on some solo exploration of the area.
We then enjoy a Tibetan-style dinner accompanied by traditional musical performances. Today’s itinerary provides the perfect opportunity to discover more of the ingredients that make Tibet such a unique destination.
Bathe in a bounty of breath-taking natural beauty as we join local pilgrims at two of Tibet’s most sacred spots.
After breakfast, we hit the road and take a 50-km scenic drive to Gandan Monastery. This sprawling complex sits atop a lush valley. It is the largest of the Gelugpa sect monasteries. We will join pilgrims at this site as they follow the kora. This traditional practice involves devotees walking around the temple as they undertake meditative thoughts. From this height, we can marvel at a vista that stretches across the Lhasa River.
We enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the scenic panorama and then continue to Sera Monastery. This is another of the ‘great three’ Gelug university monasteries and it is treasured due to the key role it played in Tibet’s history and the growth of Buddhism. Be mesmerised as we watch monks debating at the monastery.
Dinner is at the hotel. Today’s excursion provides a great immersion into spiritual life.
Stand in awe of spectacular scenery at striking Yamdrok Lake.
After breakfast, we hit the road for a drive through more magnificent landscapes to this freshwater lake that sits 4,441 metres above sea level. As one of Tibet’s three largest sacred lakes, it is more than 72 km in length and flanked by snow-capped peaks and lush rolling hills that are perfectly reflected in its still turquoise waters. Believed to be guarded by the goddess Dorje Gegkyi, local pilgrims flock to its banks to circumnavigate the entire length over a seven day walk to wash away their sins.
Next, we enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking majestic landscapes before returning to Lhasa. We have time to refresh in the room before a farewell dinner at the hotel. Today’s breath-taking scenery forms a backdrop to a perfect last day of spiritual exploration.
All good things must come to an end and today sees our seven-day discovery of Tibet’s treasured culture and heritage draw to a close.
After breakfast, we may have time to relax in the room before it is time to check-out and drive to the airport for our onward flight.
As we bid a fond farewell to our guide, we can warmly recall the collection of ever-lasting memories forged during this adventure. We have delved deep into Tibet’s unique culture, visited ancient monasteries and met the pilgrims who flock to worship. We have passed through sweeping landscapes of snow-capped peaks, lush rolling hills, sprawling plains and dense forests and tasted delicious local food along the way.
We have also learned about authentic Tibetan culture and admired breath-taking natural landscapes during this trip-of-a-lifetime.
