Zwen : Pema Lhazen : པདྨ་ལྷ་མཛེས་

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Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner inclusive

 

Day 01 - Apr. 28: Arrive at Xining

Upon your arrival at Xining airport, to be met and transferred to your hotel for a short break. Then drive about 40 minutes to visit Kumbum Monastery. The rest of time is on your own. Overnight at Xining.

 

Day 02 - Apr. 29: Qinghai lake / Train to Lhasa

Today your will be arranged to visit Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland salt water lake in China. The ellipse-shaped lake looks like a huge poplar leaf sitting on the alpine prairie. Scenery in Qinghai lake varies according to seasons. Summer and autumn are the most comfortable weather conditions and the lake's scenery is most beautiful during these seasons. You can choose to pay extra to cruise on the lake. Afterwards you will be transfer back to Xining Railway Station for the train to Lhasa. Overnight on the train.

 

Day 03 - Apr. 30: Arrive in Lhasa [3,595m]

Today you will see the beautiful Tibetan plateau with the nomads groups, Kekexili Nature Reserve, ect. Arrival at Lhasa in the late afternoon or evening, Lhasa train station picking up and transfer to your hotel in Lhasa. Have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Day 04 - May. 1: Lhasa City sightseeing: visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Sera Monastery

 
Today you will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Sera monastery is famous for its practice of debating Buddhism and philosophy, the clapping sound and the aggressive expression of the monks - all are well worth seeing. The rest of the day is for you slowly explore Lhasa old town with or without your guide. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Day 05 - May 2: Lhasa / Tsedang / Samye / Tsedang [3,515m], 290KM, about 5.5 hours' drive

Morning drive from Lhasa to Tsedang which is the capital of Shannan area, located by Yarlung Valley. Tsedang is reputed as the cradle of Tibetan Civilization, here you will visit the first monastery and first palace in Tibet. About 2 hours drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo river you will reach Tsedang, after processing your Tibet travel permit here, continue driving to Samye monastery. Samye is the first monastery in Tibet, boasting over 1200 years of history. Nestled in a scenic valley, Samye is an important pilgrimage location shaped like a mandala. Afternoon drive back to Tsedang, here you will be arranged to visit Yumbulakang Palace - the first palace in Tibet. Overnight at Tsedang.

 

Day 06 - May 3: Tsedang / Yamdrok Lake [4,441m] / Gyantse [3,980m], 300KM, 6-7 hours' drive

 
Morning drive along Yarlung Tsangpo River back to Chushul, cross Kambala Pass which is 4794m high. You will have a glimpse of Yamdrok Tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise colored Lake Yamdrok Yutso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass is wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Overnight at Gyantse.

 

Day 07 - May 4: Gyantse / Shalu Monastery / Shigatse [3,950m], 100 KM, about 2 hours' drive

 
Morning after breakfast at hotel, visit Gyantse Dzong, an old fort where you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the old Gyantse Town. Late morning drive about 1.5 hours to Shigatse. On the way you will stop at Shalu Monastery which is a perfect combination of Han and Tibet architectural styles. Upon your arrival in Shigatse, you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, which is one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monasteries and is the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage. There is a panoramic view of the whole monastery from the entrance, as well as a massive Jampa Buddha Statue. Around the monastery is the Kora path, which is a lead to a great hike behind the monastery and provides a great view of the whole city of Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.

 

Day 08 - May 5: Shigatse / Lhasa[3,595m], 300KM, 6 hours' drive

 
Morning visit the Shigatse local living market where you can get in touch with locals. Late morning drive back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way, get off the main road at Nyemo county where you may stop to visit one of local handcraft workshop for Tibetan Incense. Marvelous landscapes and sceneries along the Brahmaputra River will accompany you all the way back to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Day 09 - May 6: Lhasa / Namtso Lake [4730m] / Nomad Family visit / Lhasa, 500KM, 8hrs' drive

Today make a day tour to Namtso Lake. Driving along Northern Tibetan grassland, distance view of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges, from the Largen-la pass[5190m] you can have the first view of Namtso lake in the distance. Namtso Lake means sky lake which is one of the three most holy lakes in Tibet, also it is the highest salt water lake in the world. You can hike at the lakeside and around the Tashi Do peninsula, then drive back to Lhasa. En route you will be arranged to visit one of the nomad families. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Day 10 - May 7: Depart from Lhasa

Your guide and driver will see you off at the Lhasa airport or train station, end the trip with WindhorseTour.

 

Xining	Shenwang Grand Hotel
Lhasa	Tashi Choeta Folk Hotel Lhasa
Tsedang	Tsedang Hotel
Gyantse	Yeti Hotel
Shigatse	Tashi Choeta Hotel