D1. ARRIVE IN LHASA
Upon arrival to Lhasa you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and driver who will transfer to your hotel in downtown.
Transit Times:
From the airport, travel 60km to Lhasa (<1 hour on the new highway). From the train station, travel 25 km to Lhasa (30 minutes).
D2. ESCORTED TOUR OF LHASA
Attractions: Jokhang Temple, Bustling Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery
Today is your first day on the high plateau and you may experience fatigue or have a headache. These symptoms are common for high altitude travelers. Taking it easy and drinking lots of water is highly recommended.
In the morning your guide will come to meet you at the hotel for a visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of the Lhasa’s Old City. The Jokhang Temple is one of the most scared temples in all of Tibet and is always bustling with pilgrims. Next, take a walk around Lhasa’s Barkhor, both a pilgrimage route as well as Lhasa’s central market street.
End your day with a visit to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s biggest and most famous monasteries. Built in the fifteenth century by a disciple of the Buddhist reformer Tsongkapa, Sera is home to several hundred monks from different part of Tibet as well as several monastic colleges. Take a stroll on the grounds in the afternoon to see monks engaging in lively, philosophical Buddhist debate.
D3. ESCORTED TOUR OF LHASA
Attractions: Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery
Today we will visit the famous Potala Palace, Tibet’s most well-known architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed by the 33rd Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, in 7thcentury, the Potala was later rebuilt in 17th century by 5th Dalai Lama, becoming the historic seat of the Dalai Lama. Though walking the steps to the top can be quite challenging, it is well worth the effort!
In the afternoon, make a visit to the Drepung Monastery, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas and another of the world’s largest monasteries. At its peak, Drepung housed for more than 10,000 monks, and though different sections have been damaged, destroyed, and rebuilt over the years, there is still much to see when walking its numerous, narrow, and twisted lanes through the monks’ quarters.
D4. DEPARTURE
Time to say our goodbyes! Our guide and driver will send you off at either the airport or train station.
