Tibet Heritage Tour – 8 Days

Day 01: Arrive at Lhasa 
Altitude: 3,650 m | Overnight at a Hotel.

Welcome to Lhasa! Today upon your Lhasa arrival, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and escorted to the hotel. The rest of the day you will have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude.

Day 02: Guided City Tour of Lhasa. Overnight at a Hotel.

Today you will visit the famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street.

Potala Palace: This is known as the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the residence of the Dalai Lama lineages. Stands 13 stories high and owes over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues, the Potala Palace formed a small world in it.

Jokhang Temple: Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. The temple is a four-story timber complex with a golden top, with a combination of the Tang Dynasty, Tibetan and Nepal architectural styles. Every day, pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet worship here, make it a perfect site for photographers.

Barkhor Street: As the oldest street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street is considered as the center of the old city, and a perfect place to learn Tibetan culture, economy, religion, and arts. The street is full of handicrafts, such as ornaments, knives, tangka, religious musical instruments, gold and silverware, masks and a lot more. If you intend to buy some souvenirs for friends or family, Barkhor Street will be an ideal place.

Drepung Monastery: Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered one of the ‘Three Great Monasteries’ (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given the name ‘Drepung‘, which, in the Tibetan language, means ‘Collecting Rice.

Day 03: Drive to Tsedang
Altitude: 3,580 m | Distance: 290 km/10 hours | Overnight at a Hotel.

Today we will drive a 290 km drive to visit Samye Monastery, then drive to Tsedang, the capital of Shannan Prefecture, located in Yarlung Valley.

Samye Monastery: Located in the quiet piedmont area of the Shannan Region, the Samye Monastery is the first temple to be built in Tibet and the first complete with the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. With these unique features, this splendid temple has become an attraction for visitors from near and far.

Day 04: Guided Tour of Tsedang. Overnight at a Hotel.

Today, you will visit Yumbulangkang Palace, Trandruk Monastery.

Yumbulakang Palace: Lying 12km southwest of Tsedang Country, it is regarded as the first palace of Tibet’s history and one of the oldest buildings in Tibet. The castle is divided into front and rear precincts. The front is a 3-story building while the rear is dominated by a tall tower, like a castle, standing on the top of the Watchtower, you will get the panoramic view of the entire valley.

Trandruk Monastery: Located 5km south of Tsedang, Trandruk Monastery is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. According to legend, the monastery could only be built after Songtsen Gampo turned into a roc and conquered an evil dragon. The name “trandruk” means roc conquering a dragon.

Day 05: Drive to Gyantse
Altitude: 3,900 m | Distance: 350 km/8 hours | Overnight at a Hotel.

Today we have to drive to Gyantse. On the way, we will pass over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and tourists will have a visit to Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.

Yamdrok Lake: Which is one of the 3 most sacred lakes in Tibet. It is a lake of 72 km long, fed by numerous small streams and surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The two long arms of water, making it look like a scorpion from the sky. According to legend, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.

Karola Glacier: At 5,560m above sea level, and with an area of 9.4 sq km, this imposing glacier is visible from the highway which links Lhasa and Shigatse. The glacier has been divided into black and white layers due to smoke pollution from motor vehicles, which gives a distinctive color to this great glacier.

Day 06: Drive to Shigatse
Altitude: 3,900 m | Distance: 100 km/3 hours | Overnight at a Hotel.

Today we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery, then drive to Shigatse for overnight.

Pelkor Chode Monastery: Founded in 1418, Pelkor Chode Monastery is the main monastery in Gyantse of Tibet. The highlight inside is the Kumbum, which has 108 chapels in its four stories. As an important center of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, In 1904, the Gyangtse town and the Pelkor Chode Monastery were attacked by the British army, although most of the damage was later restored, bullet holes from this attack still remain in the monastery.

Day 07: Drive to Lhasa
Altitude: 3,650 m | Distance: 280 km/8 hours | Overnight at a Hotel.

Today we will visit Tashilumpo Monastery and then we will drive back to Lhasa.

Tashilunpo Monastery: As one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa sec, Tashilunpo Monastery is the major attraction in Shigatse and regarded as the Tibetan Buddhist center of Rear Tibet. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, the monastery was expanded by successive Panchen Lamas. Covering an area of nearly 300,000 square meters and accommodating 800 lamas, the Tashilhunpo monastery is a must-see spot for travelers and Buddhist followers and plays a very important role for Tibetan Tourism.

Day 08: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Flight Departure.

Today our guide will send you to the train station or airport for your next destination. Your lifetime Tibet tour is completed now.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle
• Tibet travel permit.
• Private transfer during sightseeing tour in Lhasa
• English speaking Tibetan local guide for sightseeing tour
• Accommodation at standard hotel on twin/double sharing room basis with breakfast
• Monuments’ fees as per our itinerary

SERVICE EXCLUDES:

• Airfare for Lhasa flight (shall arrange on request)
• VISA Fees
• Clients’ travel insurance.
• Lunch and dinner during stay in Tibet
• Personal expenses such as a drink, tips&, etc.
• Anything not mentioned in “Service Includes”

Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit

While entering Tibet, you will require a Chinese Visa. If you are planning to travel to China you’re your homeland, we suggest you obtain the Chinese Visa from the Chinese Consulate in your home country before you leave. We suggest not to mention “Explore Tibet” on your visa application form. Tibet is a politically sensitive area and mentioning your visit to Tibet as a destination on your application might reject the VISA. You can use your return flight tickets and hotel reservation in other cities of China to get the VISA.

Meantime, if you are planning to travel Tibet via Nepal, you will be required to get a VISA from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. If you already apply for an individual Chinese Visa in your country, it will automatically be cancelled. Hence, do not apply for Chinese Visa when you are traveling Tibet via Nepal. You will be required to apply for Group Tibet Visa. In order to issue Tibet Visa, we will need a copy of your passport at least 30 days prior to the commencement of your trip. Tourism regulations in Tibet are subject to change without prior notice. The details like name, name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation should be mentioned in a form. You will get two original copies of the Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at the entry and one for the exit. We can easily help you with the Tibet Group Visa application.

Accommodation

You will get the standard hotel facilities during your stay in Tibet. Lhasa offers some good star rated hotels relatively comfortable with heating system and hot water in winter. However, as you go outside the city, you will get basic accommodation and facilities. Rooms in Tingri and Rongbuk cannot be booked in advance. Your guide books them on arrival. If rooms are not available at a specified guest house, he will book a room at another similar category guest house. No private rooms are available at Rongbuk guesthouses. Only the dormitory style of accommodation is available with 6 to 7 beds in a big hall.

Health

As you are traveling to Tibet involves high altitude that can be strenuous. Try to keep healthy and not even cold before entering and while in Tibet, as illness makes any altitude sickness feel worse. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booking the trip. Very rare cases of altitude sickness have been reported. Simple headache; fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen before the acclimatization. Some advice: drink approx. 3 liters of water per day, do not strain yourself, move slowly, breathe deeply and take regular rests.

Best Season

February and March Closed
Tibet is usually getting closed for most of February and March due to some political issues as February and March is a politically sensitive time of Tibetan New Year. So, the best time to travel to Tibet from mid-April onwards.

May to October
The best time to visit Tibet is from mid-April to October when the weather is clear with a clear sky. The average temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

During the month of July to August, there can be an odd shower during the day. The nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius.

You may consider visiting Tibet in the low season to enjoy a less-crowded trip and various discounts.

Clothes:

Warm clothes, such as sweaters and fleeces are needed even in summer as the day-night temperature drop to freezing point. Even, if you are going to visit Everest, better to wear a thick down coat. If you go in the low season bring mountain winter clothes. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from strong sunlight.

Skin/Lip cream: Due to dryness, it is wise to take some moisturizing cream for your skin and lip as well.

Comfortable Shoes: For sightseeing tour, you will mostly visit monasteries in Tibet and you will need to walk on steep steps climbs. Hence, bring shoes that is comfortable for you while walking on steep climbs.

Things to know before traveling Tibet:

• Do not wear a hat inside the Jokhang, Potala or other sacred sites. Please no short pants or tank tops. When visiting shrines it is customary to leave a small money offering, especially where you do not have to buy a ticket!
• Circumambulate stupas and other sacred objects in a clockwise direction.
• Do not climb onto statues, mani stones or other sacred objects.
• Avoid eating garlic before visiting a temple. Tibetans find the garlic breath in a temple disrespectful.
• Do not smoke while visiting monasteries.
• Dress properly, not in shorts or sunglasses.
• Photography is NOT allowed inside the Potala Palace. You can take photos in the Jokhang temple. Some monasteries will allow photography upon payment of a small donation or fee. Monks begging will often allow a photograph after you make a small contribution. When in doubt, ask before snapping your camera.
• Visiting a local family: If you have a chance to visit a local family, let the oldest people go first when you walk together with them. Do not step on the threshold when entering a tent or house. Do not touch the heads of people with your hands.
• Manners: If you have a chance to have dinner with Tibetans, do not eat with your mouth overfull, and do not chew or drink noisily. When the host/hostess hands you something, for example a cup of tea, take it with both hands to show your respect and appreciation.
• Shopping: Do not buy anything made from wild animals' skin or bones, as it may cause problems when you try to leave the area.
• Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics when in Tibet. Do not try to debate with lamas about their lives and religions. Do not enter monasteries without permission.
• Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street, especially during the rush hour of pilgrimage from 9 am to 6 pm.
• During religious festivals, many pilgrims come to monasteries to pay religious homage. At some monasteries there are special passages for tourists. Do not join with the pilgrim crowds or queues.
• Beggars: It is suggested that you prepare about 20 easily accessible 1 yuan bills if you want to give to beggars when encountered.