12 Days Lhasa - Nyingchi - Tsedang Cultural Tour

When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel .An route to viewing the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river.

After arrive in lhasa, you can take rest and acclimatize. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colour and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It has been used since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collection is the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After you take lunch and then head to Jokhang temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism. Around the temple Barkhor street where you can do kora (circling the Barkhor street) with pilgrims and locals and buy the souvenirs.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung monastery which was one of the “three greet” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala palace.

Afternoon, Sera Monastery---It was one of the “three great” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The Most attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today we drive along the National Highway No. 318 from Lhasa to Bayi Town (Nyingchi). On the way, we will drive over the Mila pass (5013m) and reach Kongpo Gamda town.

Then head to the Basom tso Lake which is around 360km east of Lhasa. Basom tso Lake, situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, originates from Nyching Tangha Mountain and is dozen kilometers long. Snow-covered mountains, glaciers and trees are reflected upon the lake’s rippled surface. There are small islands in the middle of the lake with Lamaist temples built upon them.

Then we continue to drive along the Nyiyang Riveren route to Bayi town.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

Today, firstly we are about to visit the Great Cypress Nature Reserve area, which is 15 kilometers southeast of the Bayi Town, The king cypress in the reserve is about 50 meters tall and is about 2,500 years old.

Then we will drive to Sekyim la Pass (4720m) and enjoy the great Mt. Namjia Bawa (7,700m) in the distance.

After that, continue to drive to the bushy Lunang Forest with an elevation of 3700m, and it is a typical highland meadow strip, and both sides of Castle Peak from low to high from the dense bushes, spruce trees and pine. The distant clouds, the snow-capped mountains, the endless pines and the quiet pastoral displayed a beautiful landscape.

Then drive back to Nyingchi.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

After breakfast, we will drive through Nang county to Gyatsa and keep traveling to Tsedang, the cultural hub of Lhoka Prefecture. Since the long ride is expected to last 8 hours, you may prepare some snacks, or download some light music in your smart phone or bring your travel pillow and eye mask, etc. to make you a comfortable ride.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tsedang

The ancient capital Tsedang is beautifully situated in the fertile Yarlung valley, which is known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization. In the morning, we are about to visit renowned Yumbulakang Palace, which is the first Tibetan Palace in Tibet. You may either enjoy walking or the horse ride to reach the Palace. The view from the top is spectacular. Later we will stop by Tradruk Temple, one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Tibet, believed to be built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The unique geometric architecture and valuable Thangka painting, made of precious pearls are some of the highlights for the visit.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tsedang

Today's visit is to Samye Monastery which is the first Buddhism monastery in Tibet built in the 7th century, and the main temple is comprised of three different styles of Tibetan, Hans and India, and fantastic views of Yarlung Tsangpo river can be enjoyed all along the road.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Tsedang.

Today, tourists can see lots of beautiful scenery on the way while we drive to Gyantse. Passing over the Gampala pass (4790 m),you have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you have spectacular views of holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .

We head westward along the lake and appreciate Karo La Glacier and later drive towards Gyantse. Gyantse was historically known as Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Gyantse.

In the morning, firstly we are going to visit the famous Pelkor Monastery(also known as Gyantse Kumbum).

After one and half hour’s driving, we will reach Shigatse. In Shigatse, you will visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo monastery where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future Buddha) in the world. This monastery is the seat of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today, we will drive back to Lhasa on the friendship Highway. The whole distance is almost 280km and it takes 6 hours along the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the LongeStay .st and largest river in Tibet).

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to next destination.

Accommodation: