Central Tibet tour: 08 days (fly in / fly out OR fly in / travel to China by Train)

TRIP OVERVIEW:
Entry Point: Lhasa (the flight takes 1 hour & 10 minutes to reach Lhasa from Kathmandu)
Exit Point: Lhasa (you can fly out to Kathmandu or any other Major city of Mainland China). You can also travel to Mainland China by train.
Service type: Economic with basic service arrangement OR middle class (as per your budget and requirement)
Mode of transport in Tibet: TOYOTA 4WD Land Cruiser
Accommodation: Either economic OR middle class as per your budget and requirement
Tour departure: Saturday & Tuesday (these are the regular days that have flight to Lhasa)

This tour covers all ancient cultural sites of central Tibet including Tsedang (Yarlung Tsangpo valley), Samye valley, Gyantse, Shigatse and Lhasa. In ancient time, Tsedang was the hub of Tibetan civilization. Almost 40 (there is no precise figure) Budhist Kings ruled in Tibet and during their reign, Tsedang was the capital city. Yambulakhang, the first ever built Palace of Tibet is still there. Also, we you can see some colossal tombs of Tibetan Kings situated on the southernmost corner of Valley. The tour also covers the Samye valley where Tibet’s first Monastery (Samye) is situated. After Samye, the other two cities to visit are Gyantse (ancient trading hub) and Shigatse (the second largest city of Tibet). Eventually, the tour brings you to Lhasa (the present capital of Tibet). After finishing two days sightseeing tour in Lhasa, you will fly back to Kathmandu OR you can travel to mainland China (by plane OR train).

DAY TO DAY PROGRAM

Day 01: Kathmandu to Lhasa (Gonggar airport) then drive to Tsedang
You will fly from Kathmandu to Gonggar airport, Lhasa. The flight takes about 1 hour & 10 minutes to reach Lhasa. This is probably the most beautiful flight in the World. While flying to Lhasa you can see five tallest mountains and all are 8000m+. Those mountains are Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8188m), Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Mt. Kangchenjunga (8586m). While taking boarding pass, please ask checking counter politely to allocate your seat on left hand side row.   

Our Tibetan guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to Tsedang. Afternoon, you will visit Thandruk Monastery.  Thandruk Monastery, perhaps is the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is situated on the crowded road side of the main city.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Tsedang
Visit Yambulakhang (the first Palace of Tibet) and some massive Tombs of Tibetan King. These tombs are almost 1300 years old. Nine tombs are visible now including the Tomb of King Songtsen Gampo.

After lunch, drive to Samye valley. On the way visit Mindoling Monastery. Mindoling Monastery is located east of the Dranang River of the Dranang River county. The Monastery was built at the end of 10^th century and renovated and changed its name in 1677. This is one of the three biggest Monastery of Nyingmapa sect.
After visiting Mindoling Monastery, you will visit Samye Monastery. Samye was, the first Monastery in Tibet, built by King Trisong Detsen. The Monastery put the foundation of Buddhist religion in Tibet. The Monastery is uniquely designed architectural showpiece of Tibet.

Day 03: Drive, Samye to Gyantse (3950 m.)
Immediately after leaving Samye, we have to drive through a long tunnel that goes under the mountain range between Samye and Lhasa valley. The highway then climbs steeply to the Kamba – La with its magnificent views of the turquoise lake Yamdruk Tso. Continue to Gyantse to the Kumbum, Palkor Chode Monastery and fort.

Day 04: Drive, Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m.)
An hour drive from Gyantse will take you to Shigatse, the city of Tashilumpo Monastery. En route, you will visit Shalu Monastery which is 8 KM off the main High Way. Shalu Monastery was built on 1000 AD. The Monastery has special architectural style combining Han with Tibetan and Nepali style.

After noon visit Tashilungmpu Monastery. The Tashilungpu Monastery was built in 1447 AD which is known as one of the six major Monasteries of Gelukpa Sect. This is the largest Monastery in Tsang area with a total area of 3,00,000 Square meters. The highlight of the monastery is the gilt statue of Meitreya Buddha made of copper with 22.4 meter high. It is considered to be the highest statue in the World. Tashilungpu Monastery is the seat of Panchen Lama.

Day 05: Drive, Shigatse to Lhasa (3650 m.)
Early morning after breakfast, you will set off for Lhasa via the northern High Way. The drive takes about 4 hours to reach Lhasa.

Day 06: Lhasa sightseeing tour
You will visit Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace and Barkhor Bazaar Square.

Day 07: Lhasa sightseeing
You will visit Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery today.

Day 08: Departure from Lhasa
You may take a flight back to Kathmandu from Lhasa or take a flight to mainland China (Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xining, Xian etc). Also, you travel to these cities by train from Lhasa.

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