Highlights of Tibet

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Duration: 8 Days

Trip Grade:

Join-in Departure 2022 Highlights of Tibet 8 days has been designed to allow travellers to enjoy not only the rich cultural heritage but also to see the stunning beauty of the Tibet highland landscape. It will spend a couple of nights in Lhasa visiting the main interests, traverse to the western cities of Xigatse and Gyantse passing by the beautifull Lake Yamdrok and returns to Lhasa on the highest train journey in the world.

The tour begins in Lhasa and flights are available from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa or any other city in China. Train journey to Lhasa, can be booked with journeys starting from Beijing, Chengdu or Xining.

Day 01 : Arrive Lhasa 3650m

If travelling from Nepal, transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport for flight to Lhasa. The flight has spectacular views of the mountains including Mt. Everest 8848m. Arrive and transfer along the Yarlung Tsangpo also known as Brahmaputra river. If well rested a short introductory walk to Barkhor square will be organized.

Night in Lhasa.

Day 02 : Lhasa tour

Exciting day with visit to Potala the imposing 13th storied winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas dominating the skyline of the city, Norbulingka Summer Palace, the 7th century Jokhang Temple and explore the bustling Barkhor market full of vendors and pilgrims.  

Night in Lhasa.

Day 03 :  Lhasa tour

Another day of fine touring to Drepung Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery. It has plenty of historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, arts & crafts. Transfer to Sera monastery on a slope north of the city. It is one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa city. Later walk through the older parts of Lhasa and visit Ani Sakung a nunnery always vibrant with activities.

Night in Lhasa. 

Day 04 :  Lhasa – via Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse

Today is a special day to view the beautifull Yamdrok Tso, one of three sacred freshwater lakes of Tibet. It is a pleasant drive from Lhasa through the Chusul valley with its many farming villages.  The highway gradually climbs upto Kamba La pass 4794m pass to Yamdrok with amazing views of this beautifull lake.  It's Tibetan name means turquoise, approx 72kms long and covers an area of over 638 sq kms, on its southern shores are snow capped mountains.  Enjoy a walk along its shore, the journey continues westwards enroute visit the glacier before Karo La pass 5010m. The landscape is scenic passing highland yak pastures heading towards the former trading town of Gyantse, a small but important trading outpost in earlier days.

Night in Gyantse.

Day 05 : Gyantse – Xigatse

The morning is spent visiting the beautifull Pelkor Chode with its myriads of paintings in its interiors and 108 chapels. Nepali painters were invited in decorating this splendid monastery. From the balconies of this monasery there are good views of Gyantse town and the Gyantse Fort a historical site.  Also visit the Kumbum monastery next door.

Travel west to the 2nd largest and religiously important city of Xigatse, the seat of Panchen Lamas teachers of the Dalai Lamas. Visit the sprawling and interesting Tashilumpo monastery with its many halls and prayer rooms. One of the largest statues of the Maitreya or Future Buddha adorns one of its many halls.

Night in Xigatse.

Day 06 : Xigatse – Lhasa by train

Spend a relaxed morning and transfer to the train station to experience an amazing journey on the highest railway in the world. The almost 3 hrs journey is an engineering marvel and traverses a scenic landscape of villages, farmlands and small towns. Arrive Lhasa station, transfer to hotel and have a nice last evening in this charming city.  There are many optional activities that can be organized.

Night in Lhasa.

Day 07 : Lhasa tour

The day is at a more leisurely pace; visit the Norbulingka summer palace, take a walk around the Old Lhasa city visiting Ani Gompa the only nunnery and a visit to the auspicious "flag making" factory.

Night in Lhasa.

Day 08 : Lhasa departure

It is time to bid goodbye to this enchanting destination, transfer to Gongar Lhasa airport for departure.

2022 : April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Cost per person US$ 960

Departure Terms & Conditions Apply*

2022 : January, February, March, November, December.

Cost per person US$ 830

Departure Terms & Conditions Apply*

If travelling from Nepal :

Airfare Kathmandu - Lhasa – Kathmandu US$ 690* per person.

Train fare Xigatse – Lhasa US$ 45* per person

 *Airfare and train fares are subject to change without notice as per company policy. Please check for fare at time of request.

Includes : standard tourist hotel on Bed & Breakfast on twin share plan, all tours, transfers by private vehicle, one English speaking local guide.  Supplement apply if a single room is required.

Extras visa and tour entry fees.

Options : those who do not wish to fly back to Kathmandu on Day 08 have the options to travel onward from Lhasa to other mainland China cities : Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou or Kunming. Train service is also available to these destination on one of the most amazing "highest rail journeys" in the world with unmatched views of the highland pastures, remote lakes and stunning landscape.

DEPARTURES :

2022 :  21 May - 28 May,  11 Jun – 18 Jun, 02 Jul - 09 Jul, 23 Jul – 30 Jul, 20 Aug – 27 Aug, 10 Sep – 17 Sep, 22 Oct - 29 Oct, 12 Nov - 19 Nov, 24 Dec - 31 Dec (Christmas in Lhasa).

Departure Terms & Conditions Apply* : Conditions apply with minimum guaranteed departure of 3 persons. Supplement apply if there 2 pax or 1 person in the departure.

Please enquire to set your own private departure and for trade enquiries.

Hotel - based on Standard Tourist Accommodation, upgrades available in Lhasa and where available.

Local Trip Leaders - all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Tibet Trip Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

Visa arrangements : If travelling from Nepal guest are requested to arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 days prior to departure for visa arrangements.  

Pre Tour Hotels & assistance : those who wish to tour Nepal prior to the trip departure can do so, please enquire for making these arrangements.

Book Join-in Departure Highlights of Tibet 8 Days to experience a classic trip visiting stunning landscapes, unique culture and amazing heritage!

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