Tibet is described as the roof of the world with capital city, Lhasa. Lhasa is considered the centre of the Tibetan Buddhist world for over a millennium. There are various monasteries that have been constructed in the past over several years and now mark an important place in the history of the country. The famous Potala Palace with its giant structure dominates the skyline which is the major attraction of the city. Besides, there are the temples and monasteries such as the Jokhang and the Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery where one can get adequate knowledge about the Buddhist culture. Tibet is a perfect place for short holidays an unforgettable experience.
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
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Detail Itinerary.
It takes around an hour 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 program arranged for today.
Lhasa:
Lhasa has always remained the cultural, political and economic centre of Tibet. The city of Lhasa lies on the north bank of the Lhasa river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Covering an area of 544 sq kilometers and lying at an altitude of 3660 meters, Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The city has a history of over 13 centuries and is synonymous with Tibetan culture and heritage.
The places of interest in Lhasa include the Potala palace, Norbulinka palace, Jokhang temple, Zera and Drepung monasteries etc. The Jokhang temple and Bharkhhor circumambulation circuit , innumerable shops and wayside peddlers selling everything from prayer flags to yak skulls is the most amazing of the experience of being in Tibet.
AM: Breakfast at hotel. An experienced guide will take you on a full day tour.
Potala Palace:
Potala dominates the Lhasa skyline from every corner. Originally there were buildings from 640 AD but the present Potala palace was built in 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. It has served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas .It is 117 m high, 13 storied and has 1000 rooms. Different sections of the palace houses a great wealth of cultural and art objects of Tibet. Many parts of the palace, now turned to a museum are open for the visitors. Pilgrims and tourists are mostly attracted towards the three storied building, sights of magnificent chapels, golden stupas and prayer halls.
Jokhang Temple and Bharkhor Zquare:
About 2 km east of Potala and built in 647 AD, Jokhang is the holiest and the most active of the Buddhist temples in Tibet. Jokhang was built by the greatest of the Tibetan King Zhrong Tsong Gompo to house the Buddha image brought from Nepal by his Nepalese wife BhrikutiHowever, another image, the Jowa Zakyamuni, was later moved here by the king’s other wife (the Chinese Princess Wencheng), and it is this image that gives the Jokhang both its name and spiritual potency: Jokhang means ‘chapel of the Jowo’.
Equally interesting is the Bharkhor bazzar that cirles Jokhang. The medieval atmosphere of push and shove of crowd, innumerable shops selling ritual objects, and the never ending pilgrims will take you to its spell. It is here that the heart of the Tibet throbs most.
AM: Breakfast at hotel. An experienced guide will take you on a full day tour.
Drepung Monastery:
It lies about 8 km to the west of central Lhasa. Drepung monasteries functions as one of the three pillars of Tibetan state. Drepung was once Tibet’s largest Monastery, with a population of around 7000 monks. Built in 1416 this is one of the important monasteries of the Gelupa sect. It houses different colleges for the study of Buddhist philosophy and the interesting sight is to see is the debating monks. The Ganden Palace also located in the Drepung complex, is where the Dalai Lamas used to live before the Potala was built.
Norbulinka:
Norbulinka, is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, that lies in a quiet and beautiful garden in the west part of Lhasa. The palace was completed in 1956 which contains the well preserved wall paintings, superb mandalas. One particular wall painting inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lama was living here during his last days in Tibet. The rooms have remained as they were when the Dalai Lama left in 1959. Here you can also see the cars which the Great 13th Dalai Lama imported to Tibet
Zera Monastery:
It is one of the most important Monasteries belonging to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism in Lhasa. This monastery also serves as the “University Monastery “for those interested in Buddhism. It is about five km north of central Lhasa and was built in 1419. It was the home for 5000 monks in the days of its highest glory, though the number now is reduced to few hundreds. Like Drepung it houses different colleges to teach Buddhist Philosophy. The best time to visit the monastery is in the morning when the monastery is most active, in the debating courtyard you can see the monks debating from 3 to 4 pm. (not weekends)
AM: Breakfast at hotel.
You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.
