8-day Central Tibet Tour
The Cultural and Historic Highlights of Central Tibet
Best Season: April-November
Tour Attractions:
- Fly from Chengdu to Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu.
- Explore the Central Tibetan Heartland.
- Visit Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsetang.
This 8-day tour takes in all the highlights of central Tibet. Following a circular route from Tsedang to Lhasa we explore the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, and then preceding on the southern route past Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise lake), to the historical towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. From Shigatse we take the Northern route through the scenic, rugged Tsangpo river valley, culminating our tour in Lhasa, the once forbidden city.
In Tsedang visit Samye the oldest Monasery in Tibet and the Yambu Lakhang, castle of the Tibetan Kings. At Shigatse visit the great Tashilungpo monastery and at Gyantse the multi-storied Kumbum Stupa. In Lhasa visit the famous Potala Palace and Norbulinkha summer palace, the great monastery of Drepung, the Jokhang Temple and walk through the bustling Barkor Bazaar. A choice of hotels are available in Lhasa and best hotels in other places. The most comprehensive tour to see all the power places of Tibet.
TOUR DEPARTURES
Any Day exit Chengdu (All year round)
TOUR COST: $1190 USD p/p
- Tour Cost is based on minimum 2 passengers.
- Tours start from Chengdu with flights Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu with airport tax.
- Participants should arrive in Chengdu at least 1 day in advance.
- Private tours are available on request.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Chengdu-Lhasa by air
Fly to LHASA from Chengdu. Drive along the Tsangpo (3400m) valley to Tsedang. Rest of the day free for rest and acclimatization.
Hotel Overnight.
Day 02:Tsedang
Guided tour of Samye, the oldest Monastery in Tibet that belongs to the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We also visit the Yambulakhang, the first castle built by the Tibetan Kings. Hotel Overnight.
Day 03:Tsedang-Gyantse
We take the scenic drive via Yamdrok (Turquoise) Lake to the old Tibetan town of Gyantse (3950m). In Gyantse we visit the beautiful multistoried Kumbum Stupa and the Pelkor Chode Monastery. Hotel Overnight.
Day 04:Gyantse-Shigatse
Drive to Shigatse (4900m) and en route visit the Shalu Monastery. At Shigatse visit the great Tashi Lungpo Monastery - seat of the Panchen Lama; the second highest-ranking leader of the Tibetan Buddhist religious order. There will also be a chance to visit the interesting Shigatse Market place. Hotel Overnight.
Day 05:Shigatse-Lhasa
Today drive along the Tsangpo valley gorge to Lhasa (3650m) the capital city of Tibet. Hotel Overnight.
Day 06:Lhasa
Today visit Tibets oldest and holiest Buddhist shrine - the Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkor market encircling the Jokhang. Later visit the Traditional Tibetan Hospital. Hotel overnight.
Day 07:Lhasa
Full day tour of the gigantic Potala Palace - home to the Dalai Lamas of Tibet and the great Buddhist Monastery of Drepung. Evening free for individual activities. Hotel overnight.
Day 08:Lhasa-Chengdu
Transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu.
End of Tibet tour.
TOUR INCLUDES
- Tibet Travel Permit, entrance fees;
- twin share accommodation in respective hotels, mostly Xiangbala Hotel;
- tours and transfers with English speaking guide;
- all land transport;
- all the meals;
- Flights Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu with airport tax;
TOUR COST EXCLUDES
- China Visa fees;
- any tips (guide, driver, etc.);
- photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites;
- extra cost for up-grading rooms at hotels if/when applicable;
- any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, delays due to landslides/ road blockage, or otherwise;
(Terms & Conditions apply)
Contact us for further information:
abacustour@vip.163.com
