A Journey Through Tibet’s Sacred Lands
Overview
Welcome to Tibet, the land of holy mountains, rich heritage, and ancient Buddhist culture. From the moment you arrive in Lhasa, the spiritual capital of Tibet, you'll be immersed in a world of breathtaking beauty and spiritual wonder. Our 7-day itinerary covers some of the most iconic landmarks and scenic destinations that showcase the essence of Tibet. We've designed each day to provide a unique experience that blends the region's natural beauty with its rich cultural heritage. Let's embark on a journey of discovering and exploring this fantastic land.
Tour Highlights
- Experience Tibet’s iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- An insight into painting Buddhist images on silk through a thangka workshop
- Discover the sacred temple of Jokhang, the center of Tibetan culture
- Follow the pilgrimage route of Barkhor Street’s followers
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking majestic Yamdrok Lake
- Take a tour of Gandan Monastery and Sera Monastery
- Visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer palace
- Learn about Tibet’s rich heritage at the impressive Zhayeba Monastery
What’s Included
- 6 nights of Superior accommodations
- 16 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
- English-speaking guide
- Transfers, sightseeing tours, and cultural performances as specified in the itinerary
- Hotel taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Gratuities, porterage at the airport and the hotels, and visa fees
- Meals, beverages, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated
- Personal insurance and SOS Evacuation is mandatory for this itinerary
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day
Itinerary
We start our Tibet discovery and the people who call this pristine part of the world home in the capital Lhasa. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, we transfer to the hotel to check in, with the rest of the day free to acclimatize to the altitude.
Situated at 11,995 feet above sea level, Lhasa is one of the world's highest cities, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains and the Kyichu River. Lhasa means "holy land" in Tibetan, home to numerous sacred sites.
Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel featuring traditional local culture and architecture. The hotel boasts a stunning collection of almost 100 ancient Tibetan and Chinese textile art pieces and an ornate boutique art garden.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
Today we get on a high and soak up a stupendous view from the world's highest palace, the Potala Palace. After breakfast, we explore this iconic landmark that served as the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas, ahead of it being transformed into a fascinating museum and tourist attraction. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most elevated palace in the world at 12,139 feet above sea level. After lunch at a local restaurant, we get crafty at a thangka workshop and get an insight into painting Buddhist images onto silk. Next, we continue to Norbulingka, a site that served as the summer palace of continuous Dalai Lamas. This sprawling site contains Tibet's largest man-made garden. We then return to our accommodation in time to enjoy an authentic Tibetan-style dinner. Today's tour provides another chance to discover this sacred and amazing land.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
Discover your spiritual side at the region's most treasured monasteries and pilgrim sites. After breakfast, we set off for Jokhang Monastery, Tibet's spiritual center. This sprawling 7th-century complex attracts scores of pilgrims, and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage Site. The ornate structure perfectly blends Han, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese styles. Our next stop is Barkhor Street in Lhasa Old Town. Dubbed the 'heart of Lhasa', this famous pilgrimage circuit is home to a vibrant bazaar.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant, we visit Ramoche Monastery, the sister temple to Jokhang. This site houses a small bronze statue of Buddha from when he was eight. Dinner is at the hotel. Today's tour provides a great immersion into Tibet's religious roots.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
Delve deeper into Tibet's rich heritage by exploring the impressive Zhayeba Monastery. We head to Tibet's second-highest monastery, an important sacred site for pilgrims. Precariously perched on a cliff face, the 7th-century complex comprises a series of small cave chapels built mainly by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo who ruled from 617 A.D. to 650 A.D. Today, it stands as one of Tibet's four most sacred spots. We have time to explore the impressive network of temples carved into the mountainside, followed by lunch. Tonight, enjoy a Tibetan-style dinner accompanied by traditional musical performances.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Tibet while immersing yourself in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Our itinerary begins with a scenic 31-mile drive to Gandan Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery nestled in a lush valley. Join local pilgrims on a meditative walk around the temple, known as the kora, and marvel at the panoramic vista stretching across the Lhasa River. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst this breathtaking scenery before we continue to Sera Monastery, one of the 'great three' Gelug university monasteries renowned for its role in Tibet's history and Buddhism's growth. Witness mesmerizing monk debates that are integral to the monastery's tradition.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
Stand in awe of the spectacular scenery at striking Yamdrok Lake. After breakfast, we hit the road for a drive through more magnificent landscapes to this freshwater lake that sits 14,570 feet above sea level. As one of Tibet's three largest sacred lakes, it is more than 45 miles long and flanked by snow-capped peaks and lush rolling hills perfectly reflected in its still turquoise waters. Believed to be guarded by the goddess Dorje Gegkyi, local pilgrims flock to its banks to circumnavigate the entire length over a seven-day walk to wash away their sins. Next, we enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking majestic landscapes before returning to Lhasa. We have time to refresh in the room before a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Superior Suite Garden View)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
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