The Sky way tour: Xi’ning-Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse (8D7N)
Itinerary
Day.01: Arrive Xining. Fly to Xining. Overnight in Xining.
Day02: Xining- Lhasa. (about 24 hours on the train)
In the morning, go to visit Kumbum(Ta'er) Monastery, which is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is noted for its extraordinary art of yak butter sculpture, fresco and embroidery.
Return Xi’ning and take the night train to Lhasa. Over night on the train .B
Day.03: Arrive Lhasa. Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon.The guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to Lhasa city. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day04: Lhasa. The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa’s cardinal landmark – Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet – Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor – Lhasa’s most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the Old Town is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa
Day05: Lhasa.
In the morning, we will visit Drepung Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan Buddhism College with the biggest number of monks in Tibet. The monastery used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama before the 5th Dalai Lama moved his residency to the Potala Palace. And in the afternoon, we will visit another influential Gelugpa Monastery-Sera Monastery, where the largest scale of scripture debating among monks is famous all across Tibet（Monday to Friday）. We will watch the debate session and you may join in too with the help your guide.
Day06: Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Shigatse. (380km, about 7hours’ driving)
Yamdroktso(4441m), one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you’re on the way to this lake. It’s mostly mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2 hours’ driving, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala(5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang(7191m).
After down from the mountain, there’s about 30km road along lakeside, with barley fields on the other side of the road. A nice walk by the lakeside can be a great joy. Leaving Yamdroktso is as spectacular as arriving, since you’ll cross the 5045m Karola, with its awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier.
With the Glacier scene still exciting you, after about 90km, you get to Gyantse. There stands the 35m-high famous Kumbum, packed with exquisite Tibetan sculpture and paintings, a stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse (B)
Day07: Shigatse-Lhasa. (300 KM/ ABOUT 5 HOURS ON WHEEL)
While Tashilhunpo’s magnificent outside leaves you gasp in admiration, the inside of this monastery introduces you more religious tranquility and sincerity.
Just close Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse, a great place to wander around: Nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting market and bazaar give you a vivid picture of local people’s life. Afternoon drive back Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. (B)
Day.08: Lhasa-Shanghai. After breakfast pack your luggage and get ready for leaving. The guide will transfer you to the airport. Say goodbye to Tibet and fly out.
End of service.
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