Memories of the Holy Land

Welcome to Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world. Our guide and driver will meet you at Lhasa airport and accompany you to the hotel. Then we would like to suggest you stay at the hotel and acclimate to the high attitude of 3.650 meters (11,975 feet).

The first site we arrange today is the Drepung Monastery, which consists of a group of old white buildings located at the shadow of the black mountain layer upon layer, looking afar like a huge pile of rice. In Tibetan, it symbolizes prosperity. 

After lunch, we will go ahead to the Sera Monastery, which contains a large deal of historic relics like Buddhist sculptures, books, Thangka scrolls, etc. However, the highlight is watching the monks debating in the courtyard. They choose one topic and put forth different views from what they have studied. It is interesting to see them debating with vigor and passion. Afterwards, we move to the Norbulingka Park. Norbulingka was the summer palace of Dalai Lama in the past and now it is designed as a beautiful and huge garden in typical Tibetan style. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

The true highlight of this private trip comes when you enter the Potala Palace, which is the largest scale of architecture complex in Tibet. It was originally built in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. The rooms, halls, paintings and statues inside have been well kept and restored, which gives a good view of bygone era. Please pay attention that there are hundreds of steps leading up to the top of Potala Palace, but you will get wonderful views of Lhasa from the higher floors. Then you will visit Tibet Museum, where more than one thousand precious exhibits like jade, ceramic, textiles, musical instruments, traditional medicine and many others are displayed, all of which show you the history and culture development of Tibet. 

In the afternoon, we first arrange the Jokhang Temple, which is regarded as the holiest in Tibet Buddhism. Every day this temple gets very busy as there are always hundreds of pilgrims prostrating themselves on the pavement out in front of the temple. Many people pray there all day long to show their devotion, truly inspiring. You can also go up to the roof area and look around you will find the Barkhor Street surrounding the temple. The street is lined with small shops selling jewellery, clothing, carpets, and other trinkets. It is a unique experience to wander through it. Today's last stop is a Nunnery. You will get to know about the Buddhist nuns.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will visit a local Tibetan family home. After lunch, you will be transferred to visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, also called turquoise lake as the water color just like the turquoise. It takes around two hours driving from Lhasa, but it is definitely worth the time as the road is really beautiful and you can take your time to stop for great photos. The magnificently holy lake lies between grand mountains with snow on the tops. The water looks dazzling under the sun. It is really a stunning view and the ambience is gorgeous. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Our guide and driver will escort you to the airport and see you off according to your flight time. Wish you a nice trip onward! 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast