Lhasa – Heart of Tibet

Day 01 – Arrive Lhasa
Arrival in Lhasa at airport or train station, pick-up and transfer to hotel for acclimatization, or you can have your free time hanging out at this holy city to get the first impression of Tibet. Overnight at the Lhasa.

Day 02 – Lhasa
In the morning, visit the symbol or landmark of Lhasa-Potala Palace (3,700m above sea level), the successive Dalai Lama’s winter residence. Great photographic opportunities along the way up as you will have a great view of the traditional Tibetan architecture. Hear the story of the Dalai Lamas and see chapels that the Dalai Lamas studied, rested and worked in. Pass former Dalai Lamas’ graves which are decorated with treasure beautiful treasures.

Continue your tour to Jokhang Temple, which is within walking distance from Potala Palace. It is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. You will see many pilgrims worship within or nearby the temple. Enter the first floor of the temple and absorb the religious atmosphere, you will see pilgrims are donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha. While learning about more Buddhas and Lamas than you can possibly remember you will gain a feeling for the vast history of Tibetan Buddhism. Both sites are under the list of the world cultural heritages by the UNISCO.

Finally, join locals in a traditional pilgrimage route by taking a relaxing walk in a large circular path around Jokhang Temple at Barkor Street. The street is filled with pilgrims taking part in religious activities and street venders selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods and religious items. If you like you can also ask your tour guide take you to visit a Thangka workshop to marvel at the fabulous Thangka art work. There are cafes along the street as well. You can relax and enjoy the life in Lhasa in a lazy afternoon. Overnight at the Lhasa.

Day 03 – Lhasa
In the morning, we will visit the Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience one of the most holy sites in Tibetan Buddhism while soaking up the rich history. Next, come to visit Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery housing 10,000 monks in its heyday. The monastery used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama before the 5th Dalai Lama moved his residency to the Potala Palace.

Afternoon, we will visit another influential Gelugpa Monastery-Sera Monastery, where the largest scale of scripture debating among monks is famous all across Tibet. We will watch the debate session and you may join in too with the help your guide.

In the evening, you’ll have a Tibetan-style farewell dinner in a typical Tibetan restaurant with traditional Tibetan songs and dances. Overnight at the Lhasa.

Day 04 – Depart Lhasa
Today after breakfast you will be transfer to airport or train station to connect your flight/train for onward destination.