Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa and transfer to Tsedang (3,550m/11,646ft): 95km, 1.5 hours
We arrive in Lhasa, at Gonggar Airport either from a direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If we decide to fly from Nepal, we get to enjoy around an hour long trans-Himalayan flight, considered to be one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. It takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If we choose to go to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any of the major Chinese cities or take the world's highest train route to Lhasa. Upon our arrival in Lhasa, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up either from the airport or the train station and drive us to our designated hotel in Tsedang where we are advised to take plenty of rest for proper acclimatization and the next day’s activities. Overnight in Tsedang.
Day 02: Tsedang to Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft) via Samye monastery, visit Samye monastery and Chim Phu caves: 190 km, 2 hours drive
After breakfast, we will begin our drive to Lhasa via Samye monastery. Located in the southern part of Lhasa on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Samye monastery is the first monastery of Tibet built in the 8th century by the 38th king of Tibet called Trison Detsen and Guru Rinpoche. A unique monastery amidst breathtaking scenery, Samye is a major highlight and one of the most notable and marvelous places to visit in Tibet. Next, we will drive to Chim Phu Nunnery which is the beginning of Chim Phu caves. From here, hiking to the main cave and back takes four hours. It is practically not possible to visit all the caves as they are not all in the same place; they are spread all over the upper valley. So, we will visit only a few caves and retreat back to the nunnery. Then, we will continue our drive to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital: 5-6 hours
We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 04: Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave: 5 - 6 hours
In the morning, we drive to Ganden Monastery, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3,800m) in the Lhatse County, 57km east of Lhasa. It is the oldest and one of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. Ganden Monastery has extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps a suit of armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelug Sect. During the afternoon, we drive to Drayerpa Cave located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. There are more than 30 caves for Lamas who wish to meditate in a silent environment. In the evening, we drive back to Lhasa and spend the night.
Day 05: Lhasa sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5-6 hours
After breakfast we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundreds. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 06: Final departure
Our Mystical Tour in Lhasa and Tsedang comes to an end today. There is nothing else to do but shop for souvenirs or just rest in our hotel room. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport which is approximately 1 hour away from the main city.