6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour

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Overview

This classic 6-day tour offers to a chance to explore the central Tibet tour, taking you to the two biggest old cities: Lhasa and Shigatse. By visiting these places, you will get a complete impression of Tibet’s religion, cultural treasures, and dreamlike landscape.From the greatest Tibetan architecture Potala Palace, the bustling markets of the Barkor Street, you can watch Tibetans as they prostrate around the most sacred Jokhang Temple and monks debate in Sera monastery. A visit to Drepung Monastery, Tibet’s largest, offers insights into the daily life of Tibetan monks. Following the bustling scenes of Lhasa, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Holy Yamdrok Lake and Karo Glacier, visit a local village family and have a lunch with them.In Shigatse, delve into the cultural richness at Tashilhunpo Monastery, the residence of the Panchen Lama in Tibet. Marvel at the splendid Buddhist architecture and delve into the captivating stories surrounding the Panchen Lama. For culture enthusiasts, this tour is an unparalleled choice, promising an enriching exploration of Tibet’s profound heritage.

Your Tour Itinerary

 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

Welcome to Lhasa ! When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings. Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River. After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members. If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa

Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks. In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history. Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees. After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members. Overnight in Lhasa Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa. After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities. In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market. Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa Breakfast

Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km (B, L)

Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km (B, L)

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village. First, drive over the Gampala pass (4900m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals. Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature. Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family. After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms. Finally, we arrive in Shigatse (3900m), the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take some time to unwind and recharge. Stay overnight in Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse Breakfast | Lunch

Shigatse to Lhasa (B, D)

Shigatse to Lhasa (B, D)

Today's main attraction is a visit to Shigatse's largest monastery, the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Later, you'll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. In the morning, you will explore the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple. After lunch, you’ll visit the most distinctive Samzhubze Old Market, where you can experience the daily activities of the local residents. Then, you will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people. At the end of the day, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Option: You also have the option to take a train from Shigatse to Lhasa instead of driving. If you choose this option, please inform your travel consultant. The cost of train tickets requires an additional payment. Overnight in Lhasa Breakfast | Farewell Dinner

Depart from Lhasa (B)

Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station. Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future. Breakfast

Package Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees);
  • Local tour transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable tourist vehicle according to the group size;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the itinerary;
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group (For prices of tour guides in other languages, please inquire);
  • All hotels listed in the itinerary or equivalent three-star hotels. Upgrades are available for an additional fee. (Single room supplement required when not sharing the room);
  • Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station/Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel;
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes;
  • Arrangements including planning, handling, operational, and communication charges;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • Additional services include fine Tibetan souvenirs, a tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.

Package Excluded

  • China Visa (If you need visa assistance services, especially for Chinese Group Visa from Nepal to Tibet, feel free to contact us for more details.);
  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa (If you need us to book the domestic flight/train tickets, please contact us for the details.);
  • Single Room Supplement: Hotels default to double occupancy with twin-bedded rooms. If you prefer a single room or room sharing isn’t possible, a single room supplement is necessary. Please consult the travel consultant for specific pricing details.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tips for the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, it is suggested to tip $7 (50 RMB) per day per person to be shared between the driver and the guide;
  • Other expenses caused by force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic control, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.);
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks (please do your best to avoid alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.
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