Tibet Discovery: Lhasa, Shannan & Nyingchi

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Lhasa - Zedang, Shannan

  Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, a local guide will greet you with a white khata and accompany you to your hotel in Zedang, Shannan City. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel to acclimate to the plateau climate.

  • Zedang

• Day 2: Zedang, the Cradle of the Tibetans

  Begin your journey with the Tombs of Tibetan Kings in Qonggyai County. This largest preserved royal tomb group in the whole history of Tibet, varying in size and dating from the 7th to the 9th century, reflects the funeral system and burial level in Tibet more than 1,000 years ago. On the way back, you will explore Yumbu Lakhang, the first palace built in the 2nd century BC for the first Tibetan King, Nyatri Tsenpo. Only a few minutes away is the Tradruk Temple, housing a stunning thangka made by Princess Wencheng with thousands of pearls.

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  • Zedang

• Day 3: Zedang - Lhasa, Samye Monastery En-route

  Depart for Lhasa after breakfast. Stop along the way at the Samye Monastery, which is regarded as the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet with a mix of Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural styles. A large number of clay sculptures, stone carvings, murals and other works of art inside the monastery will give you an idea about Tibetan Buddha culture. Once arrive in Lhasa, check into your hotel and relax.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 4: Lhasa, Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

  Begin your exploration of Lhasa with the Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet. As you ascend the steps to the palace, you will appreciate splendid Tibetan artwork and numerous religious treasures. Later on, pay a visit to Jokhang Temple, which serves as an extension of the Potala Palace. In the ancient round Barkhor Street around the temple, you will see Tibetan pilgrims and shops selling a variety of Tibetan handicrafts. Finish the day with a cup of butter tea at the nearby Ani Tsankhung Nunnery.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 5: Lhasa, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery

  After breakfast, take a stroll around the Norbulingka, a typical Tibetan-style garden in the suburbs of Lhasa. Filled with roses, hollyhocks, potted herbs, and many rare plants, it was where the Dalai Lamas of all dynasties spend their summers. Then, visit Drepung Monastery at the foot of Mount Gephel. It is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries, with up to 10,000 monks at its peak. Arrive at Sera Monastery before 3 pm to see the monks debating Buddhist doctrines and teachings.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 6: Lhasa - Nyingchi

  After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Nyingchi along the New Lhasa Nyingchi Expressway. During the road, take a break at the Basomtso, which is known for its lush forests and a pool of clear water surrounded by towering mountains.

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  • Nyingchi

• Day 7: Nyingchi - Bome

  Explore Lulang Forest on the way to Bome. It is a typical plateau-mountain-meadow, with green mountains covered with dense woods on both sides and neat meadows in the middle dotted with serval Tibetan houses, forming a fairy tale world. From its observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the forest as well as the Namjagbarwa in the distance.

  Note: If you come in winter or spring and are interested to see a beautiful glacier, it is recommended to extend two nights in Bome and have a day tour to visit Rakwa Tso and Laigu Glacier.

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  • Bome County

• Day 8: Bome, Rakwa Tso & Laigu Glacier

  Take a day trip to the Rakwa Tso and Laigu Glacier. The Rakwa Tso is a pristine lake laying at the foot of the glacier group and surrounded by the Gangrigabu Mountains. The glacier, the blue sky with white clouds as well as the green forest reflected in the lakes under the glacier will form an unforgettable memory that you may keep for the whole of your life.

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  • Bome County

• Day 9: Bome - Nyingchi

  After breakfast, return to Nyingchi. Take a break at Zhaxigangcun, from whose platform you can have a chance to view the magnificent Namjagbarwa Mountain once more.

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  • Nyingchi

• Day 10: Nyingchi, Departure

  Your journey to eastern Tibet comes to an end today. Say goodbye to your local guide and board your flight to your next destination.

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