7 Day Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse, Tsetang Tour

Set out early for the highlight of Lhasa, the imposing Potala Palace, the sacred, mysterious palace dating back to 7th century and the spiritual center of Tibetan people thereafter. Take your time to learn more about the former residence of Dalai Lama with is many chapels, frescoes, Buddha statues and Thangka. Then, move to the Jokhang Temple, the most divine and respected Buddhist temple among locals and pilgrims, with a history of over 1,300 years. Encircling the temple is the Barkhor Circuit, a bustling commercial area and popular bazaar into which hundreds of pilgrims are drawn daily to perform rituals and explore shops and stalls offering traditional handcrafts and cuisine. Following is the final stop, the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery built by the 7th century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo for meditation. See the resident nuns' skill and artistry as they attend to producing goods for sale, to support themselves.

Note: Taking photos and video, wearing skirts, short pants, sunglasses and hat are all prohibited inside the Potala Palace.

Meals included: Breakfast

Start today by taking in the beauty of the buildings, treasures and location of Norbulingka, the summer resort of Dalai Lama for several generations. Visitors also have an opportunity to learn how to produce Thangka, a unique Tibetan scroll painting with silk embroidery.

Drepung Monastery enjoys the highest position among Gelugpa monasteries. The large complex houses many collectibles including porcelains, Thangka, scriptures, bronze articles and Buddha statues, armor and weapons. It is a major center of learning about the civilization of Tibet and is a source of information and inspiration for locals.

On a visit to the notable Sera Monastery in the afternoon, debating amongst the monks is on the schedule. Debates provide an opportunity for monks to demonstrate their scholarship and rise through the ranks. Visitors usually are struck by the physicality of the debates, with clapping their hands and pushing their partners for an answer.

Meals included: Breakfast

Have your camera ready to capture some spectacular scenery as you set out early in the morning for a 2.5 hour drive along the old Mountain Road to Shigatse. Along the way, there are many viewing platforms from which to see Yamdrok Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, situated on an altitude of 4,440 meters and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The massive expanse of slow moving Karola Glacier is a natural wonder as it spills into two overhanging glaciers feeding into the Nianchu River.

Continuing on to Gyangtse, a stop will be made at Palcho Monastery, an exquisite structure built back in the early 15th century. Typical of Tibetan Buddhist monastic architecture the building combines pagoda and temple. Palcho Monastery is famous for its long history, complete construction, special religious value and well-preserved beautiful paintings and statues. Lastly, pass through the Gyangtse Old Street to see the lifestyle of the locals in their houses and shops.
At about 5 pm, arrive in Shigatse and check in to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, tour Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of Panchen Lamas since the 15th century. You will tour around its Tibetan monastic style halls to find incredible Buddhist relics and scriptures. Not to be missed is the gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue at 26.2m tall and the stupas topped with gold and jewels, containing the relics of past Panchen Lamas.

Then you will travel for about 6 hours towards Tsetang. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Tibet’s snow-capped mountains, mighty rivers and traditional villages along the way. Stay overnight in Tsetang today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Spend a day exploring Tsetang’s famous temples, starting at Yumbulagang Palace, the first imperial palace in Tibet, dating back to the 2nd century AD. Perched on a hilltop, its fortress-like structure and three-storied monastery create a striking skyline over the green Yarlung Valley. Trundruk Monastery nearby is one of the oldest temples in Tibet. Small though it is, there are myriad interesting yet precious relics to marvel at, especially the rare Pearl Thangka, made of 29,026 pearls and hundreds of other gems like diamonds, rubies, sapphire, turquoises and coral.

Finally visit the Samye Monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. Follow your guide into the unique mandala-shaped complex and learn about its religious importance as the first Buddhist temple built in Tibet. The murals intricately depicting splendid Tibetan history are recommended as well.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart Tsetang and be transferred to Lhasa airport or train station for the departure to your next destination. Your tour of Tibet concludes.

Meals included: Breakfast