8D Central Tibet - Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse
The Kumbum at Gyantse is a three dimensional mandala, meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos
Highlights
- Spectacular trans-Himalayan flight
- 04 nights in Lhasa staying near the city’s main attractions
- Potala Palace and the Jokhang temple
- Gyantse & Shigatse
- Inspiring landscapes, superb mountain views, rich Buddhist history and culture
If you are interested in ancient Tibetan history and culture then this is the trip for you. This tour takes you through the heartlands of the Tibetan plateau. Starting from the old Tibetan capital Lhasa you will be driven to Gyantse and Shigatse, the two most important cities after Lhasa.
As you are driven along the central Tibetan plateau, you will get to see the old forts and citadels of the Tibetan kings, great monasteries with histories as old as Tibet, caves painted with beautiful murals, which were used as retreats by Buddhist monks, and the hardy Tibetans whose faith and belief in Buddhism is woven in their daily life.
Scenic vistas like the one at the Yamdrok-tso Lake and the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m) will be a treat.
In Lhasa you will get to visit the imposing Potala Palace, the splendid Norbulingka (summer retreat of Dalai Lama), the magnificent Sera monastery, the holy Jokhang Temple and the busy Barkhor square, the nerve centre of Lhasa.
Day 01 / Singapore - Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to Chengdu city. Sightseeing of Wuhou Temple and the Culture Village. Dinner in local restaurant. (-/-/D)
Day 02 / Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters).It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. Note: There is no fixed programme arranged for today. (B/-/-)
Day 03 / Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s programme. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel. (B-/-/-)
Day 04 / Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Note: Chinese Authorities have limited the number of visitors to Potala Palace each day. So, the order of sightseeing places to be visited will be decided by your guide. (B-/-/-)
Day 05 / Free day in Lhasa
This day is for you to spend it as you wish. Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery, go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a café and watch the pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang .
There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost. (B-/-/-)
Day 06 / Lhasa - Chengdu - Singapore
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu to connect your departure flight for Singapore. (B-/-/-)
Tour Cost Per Person (private tour on Twin-sharing basis)
- SGD $3,055 for group size of 02 persons
- SGD $2,730 for group size of 03-04 persons
- SGD $ 360 for Single Supplement
Tour Cost Includes
- Return international airfare on Air China ‘Q’ Class: SIN/CTU/SIN
- Return domestic airfare on Air China: CTU/LXA/CTU
- Airport transfers
- 01 night on twin-share basis in Chengdu with breakfast
- 04 nights on twin-share basis in Hotel in Lhasa, with daily breakfast
- 01 nights on twin-share basis in Hotel in Gyantse, with daily breakfast
- 01 nights on twin-share basis in Hotel in Shigatse, with daily breakfast
- Transportation by 4WD land cruiser
- Guided sightseeing with English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Entrance fees to sights
- Tibet Travel permit
Tour Cost Excludes
- All airport taxes
- Airline high-season surcharges
- Insurance
- Lunches & dinners
- Personal clothing & equipment
- US citizens incur additional US$45 for Tibet (Chinese) Permit levied by Chinese Government
Tour Validity
- Mar 31 - Oct 31, 2008
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