Lhasa & Ganden Biking Tour

This is the first day in Tibet. Your guide will greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport/Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel. It usually takes around 1 hour to drive from Lhasa Airport to downtown Lhasa and takes about 20 minutes from Lhasa Railway Station. Tourists could have a look at the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the largest and longest river in Tibet on their way to the hotel. After check-in, you can have a good rest first. And if you feel like going out, you can wander around the city. But just remember that don't take too much stuff, try to go with a light pack. Meanwhile, drink some more water, and do not move strenuously. It’s really useful to get acclimatized to the high altitude.

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

Ganden Monastery is located on the Wangbo Ri Mountain, which looks like an elephant. Ganden Monastery stands beside the mountain, with overlapping buildings that are majestic and magnificent. It is about 55 kilometers from the city to Ganden Monastery, of which nearly 10 kilometers are winding mountain roads. This also greatly increases the difficulty of riding. This road belongs to National Highway G318 and is a must-ride route for many cyclists. Although it is only a short section from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, the scenery is equally amazing. During the ride, you will pass by the Golden Pond, and the scenery here will make people happy in spring and autumn.

Camp outside of the monastery

Biking back to Lhasa. You can arrive in Lhasa city in the early afternoon. No other tour arrangement for the rest of day. You are free to wander around Lhasa on your own, maybe some last-minute souvenir shopping at Barkhor Street, or Potala Square in the evening to see Potala Palace all lighting up.

Your tour ends today. Our guide and driver will collect you from your hotel to transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for your next destination.