Day 01: Arrive Lhasa (3656m)
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. You can see Yarlung Tsangpo River/Bhamaputra river - the Longest and largest river in Tibet and Lhasa river on your way to hotel.After arriving at hotel, you may take a rest and get acclimatized with Lhasa’s high altitude. If you wish to explore some close by then you can go to the Potala Square or close market. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Evening free.
Notes to the first time visitors: to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet it is advised to have a proper sleep in your hotel, drinks lots of water, not to rush and relax in visiting to the monuments.
Day 02: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, and Barkhor Street (B)
Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace. Potala Palace was built in 1645 and completed in 1693. It dominates the landscape in Lhasa. The palace is the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It used to be the official residence of 13 Dalai Lamas. The magnificent building has over 1000 rooms. Inside there are many chambers; you can see brilliant frescoes paintings and great view of Lhasa.
Next visit after lunch is Jokhang Temple that has valuable relics of Buddha and magnificent statues related to Tibet Buddhism. Often you come across devotees, who have come from far flung of Tibet, prostrating in and around. The sight of pilgrims prostrating themselves in front of Jhokang must be seen to be comprehended. This is something you can never see elsewhere. Jokhang temple in Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet where in the summer nomads meet other pilgrims on their way to the high pasture.
You then visit to the Barkhor Bazaar outside the Jokhang monastery. This is the bustling flea market where you can buy souvenirs and meet other tourists. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 03: Visit Drepung and Sera Monastery (B)
In the morning visit Drepung monastery which is the largest monastery in the world and once housed 10,000 monks and nuns. It was built in 1416, and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived here and were entombed. A visit to the kitchen of this monastery is a must. Look out for the washing machine in which the monks mix their butter tea.
In the Afternoon you will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction would be to see is the Monks debate which happens around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. Beside these you can visit the Tibetan religious scripture printing house, inside the monastery,see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha. It is very impressive and well preserved monastery that has white-washed walls and golden roofs.Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 04: Lhasa to Namtso Lake (250km, 5 hours ) (B)
After breakfast leave Lhasa, driving through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Rainges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your local guide.
Day 05: Namtso Lake back to Lhasa via Yampachen (230km -5 hours )
Enjoy the sunrise view of the Namtso Lake at the lake shore, you can trek along the lake shore to Tashi Dor Island to explore the meditation caves. Drive to Dumxung to have lunch.
In the afternoon, you may enjoy Yangpachen hot spring (Optional,Price $25 not included in package) and have both indoor and outdoor swimming pool filled with hot springs water. Finally, head back to Lhasa.Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 06: Departure from Lhasa (B)
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. End of tour.
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