7 DAYS, TIBET SHOTON FESTIVAL

Itinerary

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

DAY 1: ARRIVE LHASA
Upon arrival in Lhasa, be met & drive about 1.5 hours to Lhasa town. Check into Lhasa hotel. At 3500m, it is advisable to take the rest of the day easily for better acclimatization. Have a leisurely 1 hour orientation drive around Lhasa city before dinner in the old city center.
(Dinner included)

DAY 2: LHASA

This morning, we tour Potala Palace - listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. It dominates the city of Lhasa and is perhaps the most famous landmark of Tibet. Afternoon, we cover Jokhang monastery - the "central cathedral", the Nunnery, which is the only one inside Lhasa city, Barkhor - the bustling market in the heart of old Lhasa with its narrow streets; Today’s lunch and dinner will be in local style restaurant near the Barkhor street.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 3: LHASA

Today is one of the important days of the Shoton Festival. The painting of the Buddha will be revealed. Other than viewing the painting, we will also visit Drepung Monastery which used to be world’s largest monastery with a population of around 10,000 monks. In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery which is famous for its "Buddhism Scriptures Debating’.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 4: LHASA

This morning we visit the Lhasa Museum. After lunch, we will tour Norbulingka Palace - Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace; which is also the place to see the Tibet Drama held only in the Shoton Festival.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 5:  LHASA/GYANTSE

From this day, you’ll explore outside of Lhasa. In the morning, drive 110km to visit Yamdroktso - one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. It’s winding road all up to the mountain, bumpy and somewhat thrilling. After pass over the Kambala pass of 5030m, the lake finally appears. Seen from the summit of Kambala pass, the lake is a fabulous shade of the turquoise. In the afternoon, you’ll go to Gyantse, visit the Kumbum Monastery there. Check into Gyantse hotel (best available in town)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 6: GYANTSE/XIGAZE/LHASA

In the morning, you’ll continue the journey to Xigaze with about one and a half hours’ driving (95km). On the road miles away from Xigaze, you already can see the gold tops of Tashilunpo Monastery, shining in the sun. After visiting this magnificent monastery, you will go back to Lhasa along the Yarlong Tseangpo River, enjoy the great landscape en route. Upon arrival, check in Lhasa Hotel
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 7: DEPART LHASA

Free till your transfer to the airport for your flight back home via Chengdu.