Lhasa Highlights Tour
Overview
Lhasa is sacred, inspirational, and the true heart of Tibet. Take ETC’s private guided 4-day Lhasa tour to see the soul of this city and its mysterious glory. Explore the religious appeals, grand Buddhist monasteries, exotic Tibetan culture, as well as its secrets and unique things with us! With our local guide, you can even take a cookery lesson to prepare Tibetan food. Beyond temples, Lhasa is teeming with highland beauty and spectacular scenery – the jewel-like lakes are sparkling under the sun.
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After breakfast, we will set out for today’s exciting tour. The tour will start from the splendid Potala Palace, which is the first must-visit attraction for every visitor to Lhasa. Standing in the center of Lhasa, Potala Palace is not only an iconic landmark of the city, but also a symbol of the snowy Tibetan Plateau and a museum of Tibetan culture. It covers an area of 360,000 square meters, with over 2,000 rooms and 34 Buddha halls. The general layout of Potala Palace includes the White Palace for the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the Red Palace for religious functions.
In the afternoon, we come to Jokhang Temple, which is 1300 years old and one of Tibet’s holiest shrines. It is Jokhang Temple that makes Lhasa the holy city. Located in the center of the old town of Lhasa, the temple was built by the contribution of the craftsmen from Tibet, Nepal and inland China, which makes the different architectural styles of the temple. Outside Jokhang Temple is the famous bazaar of Barkhor Street. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Barkhor is essentially a pilgrim circuit, which is followed clockwise round the periphery of the Jokhang.
Afterwards, learn to prepare Tibetan food at a local restaurant. Before that, our guide will escort you to a vegetable and meat market to buy some raw material. After the cooking course, enjoy Tibetan food cooked by yourselves.
Meal: B, L
After breakfast, you are going to visit the Drepung Monastery which is located in the west suburb of the city. It is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of Tibet, the other two are Ganden and Sera Monastery. Drepung Monastery is the largest one of all Tibetan Monastery. All the halls are magnificent. There are 183 pillars in the main assembly hall and the carvings on the pillars are so exquisite.
In the afternoon, visit the Sera Monastery, around 4 kilometers north of Lhasa. It is famous for the excellent Buddhist debating among lamas. The debating takes place from 3:00 pm everyday in a garden next to the central assembly in the center of the monastery. It would be a great fun to see lamas debating. After that, we will move on to visit the nearby Norbulingka Park. It used to be the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Encompassing 360,000 square meters, the pleasant park consists of small palaces, chapels and a zoo.
Meal: B, L
Today is free for your own exploration until your guide transfer you to airport or train station. If your departure time is in the late afternoon or at night, you could choose the optional tour to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
- Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is about 70 kilometers southwest of Lhasa. It is one of the “Three Holiest Lakes”, and also known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake can be seen when we get over the Gambarak Mountain Pass (4780 meters above the sea level). The magnificent lake lies between grand mountains with snow on the tops. Looking from distance, you will see yaks and sheep grazing on the grassland. If the weather permits, a picnic by the lake is a very enjoyable thing.
Meal: B, L
Service ends.
