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7-Nights Classic Tibet from $4,173
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722519
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Off the Beaten Path Ascend to the enchanting heights of Tibet on this adventure. Explore Lhasa, historic Gyantse, and Shigatse's sacred monasteries amidst stunning landscapes.
Trip Overview :
This 8-day Tibetan vacation takes you throughout this ancient land. It features first-class accommodations and is perfect for travellers who’ve already been to China but want to explore the nation’s far west.
Your trip to China and Tibet begins in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and a stunning city set against a backdrop of mountain ranges. The city has long been the centre of Tibetan Buddhism and used to be the home of the Dalai Lama prior to Chinese annexation. You’ll have the first day to explore Lhasa at leisure before spending the next day exploring significant sites of Tibetan Buddhism. Start at Potala Palace, the massive winter home of the Dalai Lama that sits atop the town and stuns anyone who sees it with its red-and-white brick façade that blends into the rock. After venturing inside the palace and seeing its exhibits, head to Jokhang Palace to see the life-sized statue of the Buddha that’s considered one of the most sacred in all of Buddhism.
From Lhasa, head to Gyantse, stopping by Yamdrok Lake to see its serene blue surrounded by barren mountains and experience its holy atmosphere. When you reach Gyantse, you’ll see its most popular sight, the marvellous Pelkor Chode Monastery, which has the Kumbun pagoda that looks like a layer cake rising above the rugged landscape. After touring the monastery, you’ll head into the Old Town and also Gyantse Dzong, a massive fortress sitting overtop the town. Like Potala Palace, Gyantse Dzong is built into the rock and remains a marvellous example of Tibetan architecture. Drive to Shigatse and tour the angular Tashilunpo Monastery, which was the seat of the Panchen Lamas in generations past.
Return to Lhasa for the rest of your Tibetan vacation. You’ll explore Drepung Monastery, which housed the Dalai Lama prior to the construction of Potala Palace, and visit Sera Monastery, with its massive hall filled with the sounds of monks chanting the sutras. On your final day, head to the summer palace of Norbulingka and visit with a local Tibetan family to get in touch with local traditions before closing out at the Tsang Khung Nunnery, a striking yellow building constructed by Songsten Gampo, the founder of the ancient Tibetan Empire. At the end of your stay, head to the airport to continue your onward journey.
Highlights:
- Arrive in Lhasa, the sacred heart of Tibet, and take time to acclimatize amid breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
- Explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, where centuries of spirituality and devotion converge.
- Journey across high mountain passes and turquoise Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse and Shigatse, discovering monasteries and ancient fortresses.
- Return to Lhasa to witness monks debating at Sera Monastery and explore the serene Drepung Monastery.
- Conclude with visits to Norbulingka Palace and a traditional Tibetan dinner with song and dance, before departing this land of faith and sky-high beauty.
Included Services:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Lhasa
- 5 nights premium accommodation in Lhasa
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Gyantse
- 1 night premium accommodation in Shigatse
- Private guided touring and transportation as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide in each city.
- Tibet Entry Permit
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
7 nights from $4,173 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Upon arrival at Lhasa, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Remainder of the day is free at leisure and adapt to the high altitude.
Hotel: Shangri La Hotel Lhasa (5 Star Rating)
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is situated amidst striking mountain landscape and is just minutes from the Norbulingka Palace and the Potala Palace, both part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located right in the centre of Lhasa city, a 10-minute drive from the Lhasa Railway Station. The hotel comprises of 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax in the comforts of traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.
Day 2: Explore Lhasa
In the morning, explore the world wonder and pilgrimage site, The Potala Palace, it has stood for centuries as a testament to the Tibetan people and their beliefs. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world come every year to pay homage to this grand estate and the symbol it stands for. This amazing palace has the honor of being the highest ancient palace in the world, with its highest point reaching 3,750 meters (12,300 feet) above sea level, towering 100 meters (300 feet) above the city of Lhasa. It was built as the center of Tibetan government by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645.
Explore the Jokhang Temple, which stores a golden statue of life-sized Sakyamuni, which was brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. This statue is considered as Sakyamuni himself, so the Jokhang Temple is the most holy temple for Buddhists. Watch religious pilgrims prostrating themselves at the front gate. Join local people's kora (circle for religion) and stroll around Barkhor Street where you may shop for Tibetan items.
The evening is free at leisure with dinner on your own.
Hotel: Shangri La Hotel Lhasa (5 Star Rating)
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is situated amidst striking mountain landscape and is just minutes from the Norbulingka Palace and the Potala Palace, both part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located right in the centre of Lhasa city, a 10-minute drive from the Lhasa Railway Station. The hotel comprises of 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax in the comforts of traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Lhasa to Gyantse
Today transfer to Gyantse, about 7 hours including the sightseeing time en route. Visit Yamdruktso Lake, one of the top four Buddhist holy lakes in Tibet. You'll also view the fabulous scenery of Karuola Glacier, one of the top three continental glaciers in Tibet.
Arrive at Gyantse in the late afternoon and check-in at your hotel.
Hotel: Yeti Hotel Gyantse (3 Star Rating)
Yeti hotel Gyantse is a charming hotel with Tibetan-style décor that brings the best of Gyangze County to your doorstep.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 4: Gyantse to Shigatse
Start the morning to visit Pelkor Chode & Kumbum, it's one of the top four Buddhist holy lakes in Tibet. The most interesting thing in this monastery is the "One Hundred Thousand Buddhas Pagoda". It has nine floors, 77 chambers, and 108 doors. Each of the chambers has a very low doorframe and people have to bow to enter.
Then head to Old Town and visit Gyantse Castle with the Dzong Fortress which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet, perched high above the town of Gyantse on a huge spur of grey brown rock.
After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Shigatse (approx. 2 hours driving). Arrive Shigatse, visit the Tashilunpo Monastery which was traditionally the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Its building style is different from the monasteries in Lhasa. This monastery has a deep breath of life. There are several small villages in this monastery -- you will see local women sitting by the roadside and chatting, children running around, and sleepy dogs and cats lying on the ground
Hotel: Hilton Shigatse (5 Star Rating)
A stylish stay steeped in Tibetan culture
Surrounded by the mountains, our hotel is in the city center of Shigatse. The famous Tashilhunpo Monastery is five minutes away, and nearby pedestrian streets feature local markets, restaurants, and shops. We are 50 minutes from the airport, and our 12,000 sq. ft. of event space features a pillarless ballroom for elegant events of all sizes.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 5: Shigatse to Lhasa
Explore this old city and feel the local's life, then drive back to Lhasa (approx. 6-7 hours driving).
Arrive Lhasa, check in at hotel.
Evening is free at leisure with dinner on own.
Hotel: Shangri La Hotel Lhasa (5 Star Rating)
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is situated amidst striking mountain landscape and is just minutes from the Norbulingka Palace and the Potala Palace, both part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located right in the centre of Lhasa city, a 10-minute drive from the Lhasa Railway Station. The hotel comprises of 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax in the comforts of traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Discover Lhasa Temples
This morning, explore Drepung Monastery. This used to be the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of Potala. The huge Shoton Festival is held here at the beginning of August every year. Return to hotel for rest and lunch on own.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, comprising a great sutra-chanting hall, a college and 32 sections. Watch the monks' debate and enjoy their special 'dance' (it's from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and not available on Sunday). Debate is a way for the monks to learn sutras and scriptures. Sera Monastery opens its debates to the public so you'll have a chance to witness how monks debate.
Evening is free at leisure with dinner on own.
Hotel: Shangri La Hotel Lhasa (5 Star Rating)
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is situated amidst striking mountain landscape and is just minutes from the Norbulingka Palace and the Potala Palace, both part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located right in the centre of Lhasa city, a 10-minute drive from the Lhasa Railway Station. The hotel comprises of 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax in the comforts of traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Experience Tibetan Culture
In the morning, visit to Norbulingka Palace, which has plenty of plants and is full of oxygen. Here you can appreciate the beautiful gardens and see some local people going about their daily lives. This was the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, and now it has become a public park. Local people love to come here to chat and stroll.
Have a chat with the locals and visit a Tibetan Family to find out more about their lives. Then continue to visit Tsang Khung Nunnery was built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used its meditation chamber. The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu in Lhasa. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns.
Enjoy a local Tibetan Dinner with evening Sing and Dance Show.
Hotel: Shangri La Hotel Lhasa (5 Star Rating)
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is situated amidst striking mountain landscape and is just minutes from the Norbulingka Palace and the Potala Palace, both part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located right in the centre of Lhasa city, a 10-minute drive from the Lhasa Railway Station. The hotel comprises of 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax in the comforts of traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Depart from Lhasa
Departure transfer for your onward flight.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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McCormick Travel
2774 Cobb Pkwy., Suite 109 #147
Kennesaw, GA 30144
USA
770.972.0875