# | Itinerary | Program |
---|---|---|
1 | Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa | Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (1 hour 35 minute). The Trans-Himalayan flight will enchant you with the spectacular, breathtaking view if Himalayan ranges. You will see the most of the highest mountains on the earth including Mt. Everest. Upon our arrival in Gonggar airport after immigration formality our guide will meet and greet you offering Khada (Tibetan scarf) and transfer you directly to your hotel in Lhasa. The drive will take about 1 hour 15 minute along the recently build highway. After arriving at hotel guide will help you with hotel check in formality. *Note: we advise you to take good rest in order to give you time to acclimatize and minimize the effect of altitude sickness. |
2 | Lhasa | This morning we visit the Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lamas and most famous landmark in the world. Although the palace cannot be freely explored, you will experience some if its chapels including audience hall, the golden burial Chorten (Tomb) of Past Dalai Lamas, tremendous number of painting done on wall, Statue, Thangka and Mandala etc. After lunch we will visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and important sacred site in Tibet. The Temple was founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princes Bhrikuti of Nepal, both are said to have brought important Buddhist image and statues from Nepal & China to Tibet as part of their dowries. After visiting Temple explore Barkhor surrounding, watch the pilgrims prostrating themselves near the front gate of Jokhang Temple. Take part in clockwise circuit walking round the temple, walk around narrow alley to explore old Lhasa city. |
3 | Lhasa | This morning we will drive 8 km northwest of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Geluk Monasteries of Tibet, founded by Jamyang Choje in 1416. The Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and once a home of as many as 10000 monks. This winter Palace was the resident of hundreds of monks from all the major Geluk monasteries for staffing individual Chapels. Later we visit to Norbulingka Palace which is also called the “Jewel Park”, is a large open area about four kilometers to the west of Lhasa, and referred to as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Since the time of the Eight Dalai Lama, the park has been used as a summer palace, retreat and recreation area for the successive Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon drive 5 km away from Lhasa to Sera Monastery founded in 1419, which is another one of the “great three” Geluk monasteries of Tibet. Monastery is well known for the monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. |
4 | Flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu | Morning drive to airport and departure from Lhasa. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Kathmandu sightseeing (+2 or more days): Before departing to Tibet, you will need to stay a couple of days in Kathmandu, since application for Tibet permit and Chinese visas takes three working days; when applied on one working day morning, submitting application before noon, the visas and permits should be ready on overmorrow, provided it is not weekend or national holidays of China or Nepal.