Day01 Arrive in Tsetang
Upon arrival at the Gongga airport of Lhasa, transfer to hotel in Tsetang (90 km). Located in the southeast of Lhasa, Tsetang is 3,500 meters high. It was said the legendary ancestors of Tibetans, a monkey (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in the shape of a monkey) and his wife a Dakhini once lived on the Gongpori mountain in the east of the city. And so the city of Tsetang is regarded as the "Playground of Monkeys" and the Tibetans as the descended of the Monkey. In terms of geography, the fertile valleys of Yarlung and Chongye here are appropriate for development of Tibetan civilization; there were once numerous temples, shrines and Stupas in this area. Besides, Chonggye is the birthplace of the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682). Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now. Overnight at 3*Yulong Holiday Hotel Day02 Tsetang – Lhasa B/L
In the morning drive 40km westwards to visit Samye. Located in the north of Yarlung Tsangpo River and hold in the arms of mountains, it is the oldest monastery of Tibet (8th century). Afterwards we make a trip in the Yarlung valley to visit the Yumbulakhang, a castle built in the 7th and 8th centuries during the time of the first Tibetan kings. It is far viewed that the castle is high on the rock hills and looks brightly white. The steps up are steep but it is worthy because on the top of the hill you can far view the valley and the surrounding mountain. Drive to Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel Day03 Lhasa B/L
In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel Day04 Lhasa B/L
In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called "the court of wild rose". Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel Day05 Lhasa B/L
In the morning drive to visit Ganden Monastery, which was built by Tsongkhaba in present-day Dagaze County to the east of Lhasa in 1409 soon after the Monlam Festival was over. Ganden is one of the three main monasteries of Gelug Sect. Anyhow, different from Drepung and Sera, it once played a more prominent political role in Tibetan history. The abbot of this monastery possess of a high religious position within the system of Gelug Sect, just inferior to Dalai and Panchan. The monastery was reconstructed in 1993 and restored its original appearance. The holy stupa of Tsongkhaba is just in the monastery. On the way visit the Dark Yerpa Monastery, where you'll visit the famous ancient meditation caves in the spectacular limestone cliffs of the Yerpa Valley. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel Day06 Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse B/L
In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.950 m). Visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Overnight at 3*Manasarovar Hotel Day07 Shigatse – Sakya B/L/D
In the morning visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. In the afternoon drive to Sakya. Overnight at 2*Manasarovar Hotel Day08 Sakya – Shegar B/L/D
In the morning visit the Sakya Monastery (4.280 m), the master monastery of the Striped Sect, it is well famed with its long history, large-scale construction complex and great influence in Tibet history. Its North Monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya (meaning "gray" in Tibetan) as it was situated on a gray mountain. What we see today is the Sakya South Monastery built in 1269 by Phagpa. The outside walls of the monastery were painted with red, white and gray, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani. Then drive over Yalung La (4,520 m) and Gyathso La (5,220 m) to Shegar (new Tingri; 4.350 m; approx. 245 km). Overnight at simple Mt. Everest Hotel
Day09 Shegar – Rongbuk B/L/D
In the morning drive to Rongbuk. With an altitude of 5,030 meters it is the highest temple in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers. We walk 7 km to the Base Camp and do some sightseeing there. Walking or drive by local shuttle bus back to Rongbuk. Overnight at simple Guanjingtai Guesthouse
Day10 Rongbuk – Shegar – Shigatse B/L
In the morning walking and sightseeing around Rongbuk. Then drive back via Shegar to Shigatse, on the way visit the Phuntsoling Monastery of Jonangpa sect near Lhatse. Overnight at 3*Mansarovar Hotel Day11 Shigatse – Lhasa B/L
In the morning drive back to Lhasa. In the afternoon visit nunnery Ani Sangkhung. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel Day12 Lhasa - Nam Tso – Lhasa B/L
In the morning drive to Nam Tso Lake along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Pass by the 5,150-meter Lhachen La and reach the Nam Tso or Tengri Nor (heaven lake in Mongolian) along the newly paved way and set up camp at Tashi Dorie peninsula. Nam Tso, the biggest salty lake of Tibet, is 70 kilometers long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from north to south, covering an area of 1,920 square kilometers with an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level. It is said the holy lake and the holy mountain Nyenchentangla are a couple of lovers, who altogether guard the vast pasture and cattle. Explore the Tashi peninsula by walking around the holy hill, the cliffs of which have eroded over the centuries. On the way piles of mani stones stand. Also visit the nomads in yak hair tents who have been living on the pastures between the holy Nam Tso and Nyenchentangla. Drive back to Lhasa. Day13 Leave Tibet B
Transfer to the airport or the railway station, leave Tibet.
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Danoe is one of the best guides I ever had in the time I travelled around the world for his excellent guide, euthusiasm and passion to service delivery. He was beyond expection for caring about our health and interest. He has shown a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm.
