Lhasa & Drigung Til Monastery & Tidrum Nunnery Tour

Our staff will greet you at Lhasa Airport / Railway Station to transfer you to the hotel. From Lhasa Airport to downtown Lhasa, it usually takes about 1 hour; from Lhasa Railway Station, about 20 minutes. After you get to the hotel, for the rest of the day you will be free to wander around the city on your own but try not to overtax yourself. The first day's well-rest is crucial to acclimatize to the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat light, and not take a shower if you can help it.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

Today your Lhasa tour starts with the world heritage Potala Palace. It’s situated on the Red Hill of central Lhasa. Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 3,767.19m at the topmost point. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

In the afternoon, take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of the Lhasa old town. Jokhang temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims. After you visit the temple, you'll have time to walk around the Barkhor Street, which is one of the most devotional circuits as well as the crowded central market of Lhasa since the early days. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

You are visiting the Drepung Monastery this morning. Drepung means "piles of rice" in Tibetan, which symbolizes prosperity. It was the world's largest monastery that housed more than 10,000 monks in the past. Also, It's the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect.

After lunch, you are going to the Sera Monastery, which is renowned as the most beautiful Tibetan Monastery. To witness the debate sessions of Sera Monastery is something you cannot miss. The topic of debate involves all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. As a part of their study, lamas should participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

Drive about 50km northeast of Lhasa to Ganden Monastery in the morning. It is one of the three principles Gelugpa monasteries in the Lhasa district. Ganden is listed as one of Tibet’s cultural relics, under the special protection of the State.

After sightseeing, continue further northeast to Tidrum Nunnery via Medro Gongkar in the afternoon. Tidrum Nunnery with its medicinal hot springs has a great location in a narrow gorge at the confluence of two streams. The delightful hot springs (free of charge) are surrounded by wooden canopies. It is said to be rich in minerals, including sulfur, coal, and limestone; a mixture of properties that locals say can cure everything from rheumatism to paralysis.

Stay overnight in Tidrum

About a half-hour drive from Tidrum takes you to Drigung Til Monastery overlooking the Zhorong-chu Valley. Please, be fully aware that the formidable and mysterious sky burial site nearby, is not allowed for visit or photograph due to religious reasons. Please respect the custom of local Tibetans. 2~3 hours later, we’ll drive back to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa