Lhasa Namtso Tsetang 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

Today we'll drive from Lhasa to Damxung along the National Highway No. 109. En route, visit Tsurphu Monastery. Tsurphu Monastery is located in Gurum town of Doilungdêqên County, 70km from Lhasa. It was built in the middle of the valley facing south with high mountains surrounding the monastery complex. Yampachen is a town approximately 87km north-west of Lhasa, halfway to Damxung. The area is famous for the Yangpachen hot springs, which have been harnessed to produce much of the electricity for the capital Lhasa. Hot springs in Yampachen are of high mineral contents. Taking a bath in the hot spring, you will feel easy and relaxed. You can choose to bath in an indoor hot spring or an outdoor hot spring. Though it is very comfortable to enjoy the hot spring, you are not advised to bath too long in the hot spring.

Stay overnight in Damxung

Head to Namtso Lake from Damxung in the morning, it’ll take about 1.5 hours. Namtso Lake means 'the holy lake' in the Tibetan language. The lake covers a total area of more than 1,900 square kilometers, being the second largest salt lake in China. It is also the highest altitude salt lake in the world. After sightseeing, we’ll go to visit the Reting Monastery in Rong-chu Valley. Spend the night at the guesthouse of Tidrum Nunnery where hot springs are available.

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 continue to go to Tsetang which is the capital of Shannan prefecture and the second-largest town in the region.

Stay overnight in Tsetang

Visit the major sights of Yarlung Valley in Tsetang today, of which is considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Trandruk Monastery is situated on the southern slope of the Mt. Gangpo Ri about two kilometers from the Tsetang Town. So far, it has a history of about 1,300 years. Yumbulagang also called "palace of mother and son", is counted as the first building in Tibet, with a history of over 2,000 years. Standing on the top of the tower house, you can enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the valley, and dream of the ancient legends of this palace. Finally, we'll go to the Chongye Valley to have a look at the burial mounds. Whilst the valley is sometimes referred to as the 'Graveyard of Imperial Kings', these burial mounds contain not only the remains of Tibetan kings, but also those of their wives and officials.

Stay overnight in Tsetang

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Lhasa. On the way, we’ll go to visit the Samye Monastery which is located abt 30km from Tsetang. It is the first temple to be built in Tibet and the first complete with the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. With these unique features, this splendid temple has become an attraction for visitors from near and far. The best shooting location for Samye Monastery is on the Haiburi Holy Mountain that is ahead of Samye Township. Or you also can choose to take pictures at a pagoda of the hillside if your energy is limited.

Stay overnight in Lhasa