Serenity Tibet Tour

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Duration: 6 Days

Trip Grade:

Serenity Tibet tour has been designed for the traveller looking to experience the tranquil meditative cave dwellings used since ancient times by practising Buddhist who have through meditation become learned teachers. Two of the chosen meditation caves are known to have hosted famed historical figures who have played great role in making Buddhism popular in the region.  

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa 3650m.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel, approximately 60km.  The drive is partly along the picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo river also known as the Brahamaputra in India.  Due to the altitude gain it is recommended to rest and acclimatize.  

A short walk to the closeby Barkhor street can be arranged.

Lhasa means holy land in Tibetan; this city is located on the northern bank of the Lhasa River a tributary of the Yarlung Tsanpo River.  This is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region and hosts many sites of cultural significance and scenic spots both in its urban areas and outskirts.  Hotel stay.

Day 2 Lhasa Tour : Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Potala Palace is the landmark dominating this ancient city's skyline.  It is an architectural gem built in the colossal monastic style of central Tibet by Gyelwa Ngapa,  the fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century, stands 300m above the valley atop the Marpo Ri Hills.  The thousand rooms in Potala date from 1645 when the fifth Dalai Lama began building a palace that would serve as a sacred and administrative center.  With increase in visitor numbers, everyone is allotted a specific time to tour inside this massive structure. 

Afternoon : Tour of Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street  

Jokhang Temple is in the heart of old Lhasa, the most sacred temple in Tibet established in 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo who propagated Buddhism in Tibet. Inside this powerful place of worship is a rare image of the young Buddha. 

Barkhor Bazaar is a fascinating market place surrounding Jokhang temple where everything is available and also a good spot for watching local worshippers.  Pilgrims from all over Tibet come here to pay homage; spin prayer wheels and shop as they circumambulate.  A great place for shopping everything from trinkets to tantaric ritual objects.  Hotel stay.

Day 3 Lhasa Tour : Pabonka, Pabongka Rizhui "meditation".

It is an early rise and breakfast at the hotel; begin with an enjoyable drive to the cliff-side Pabonka - a Tibetan palace 15km from the Lhasa;  visit the holy cave where King Songtsen Gampo the 33rd Tibetan king used to meditate.

Follow a scenic trail behind Pabonka that takes approximately 30 minutes and reach Pabongka Rizhui,  an exceedingly peaceful and remote Buddhist temple that has a commanding view of Lhasa city.  Enjoy the perfect solitude and serenity, meditate here for as long as you would like to.

Drive back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 4 Lhasa : Drak Yerpa Hermitage - Samye

Enjoy the scenic ride 32km from downtown Lhasa and arrive at the renowned Drak Yerpa hermitage one of the best off-the-beaten paths for Buddhist exploration. Ascend steps on a slow hike to the monastery; then visit the multiple meditation caves used by Guru Rinpoche and King Songtsen Gampo;  one can spend 2hrs - 3hrs meditating in the caves.  Drak Yerpa is carved out of rugged mountain and many meditation caves can still be found here.

Drive to Samye approximately 3hrs.

Day 5 Meditation Tour : Samye Monastery,  Chim-Puk Hermitage

Early morning drive to Chim-Puk, wake up to a beautifull sunrise that gives warmth and life to the hills of Chim-Puk; walk to the foothill to enjoy the Buddhist chanting by nuns;  go for a scenic hike around the hill adorned by colorful prayer flags and visit the mediation retreat for Guru Rimpoche;  the atmospheric lush hills in serene surroundings lends an air of holiness which envelope one with inner peace.

A collection of cave shrines that lies to the northeast of Samye Monastery, Chim-puk Hermitage is built around the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche who spent several years in meditating and teaching.  It is known that the Tantric practitioners of the caves were once famed for their protection of the fields and harvests from the storms of the region.  The site consists of dozens of meditation caves that dot the hillside itself overlooking the beautiful valley below.

Afternoon drive back to Samye and tour this great monastery, the first Buddhist academy in Tibet.  Look out for clay images of fierce Guardian Deities which predate the Buddhist era.  Since the layout of the monastery itself mirrors the Buddhist philosophy of the universe,  explore its unique architecture and century-old Buddhist artifacts, statues and ornaments and precious collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Day 6 Departure :

Transfer from Samye to Lhasa Airport for flight to the next destination.

Book Serenity Tibet tour and enjoy an experience of a lifetime!

Options : travel to Kathmandu or choose options to visit 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.

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 this visit can do so, please enquire to make these arrangements.

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