6 Days Central Tibet Cultural Tour
Overview
The Central Tibet Cultural Tour also offers a captivating journey into the heart of Tibet, immersing travelers in its rich heritage and spiritual traditions. This extraordinary trip begins in the vibrant city of Lhasa, where ancient monasteries, such as the iconic Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, beckon with their awe-inspiring architecture and sacred atmosphere.
Exploring the bustling Barkhor Street, one can also witness the colorful tapestry of Tibetan culture through the vibrant market stalls and devout pilgrims spinning prayer wheels. As the journey continues, the Central Tibet Cultural tour ventures into the picturesque valleys and mountain passes, where serene lakes and snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking backdrop.
Amidst this natural beauty, visits to monastic retreats and remote villages provide an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of Tibetan people, as well as opportunities to engage in enlightening discussions with resident monks and nuns. Along the way, participants have the chance to witness traditional Tibetan rituals, such as butter sculpture making and cham dance performances, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ancient Buddhist traditions.
The Central Tibet Cultural Tour is an unforgettable experience that nourishes the soul, leaving travelers with a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture and spirituality.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.
After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D)
Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
Besides, We can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house; The welcome dinner will also be arranged accordingly;
Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD)
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace on a sunny morningSincere pilgrims prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple
Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Dadong Village and Sera Monastery (B, L)
In the morning, you are going to visit Dadong Village, the most beautiful village in Lhasa. Located 25 kilometers southwest of Lhasa downtown, Dadong Village is a well-protected ancient Tibetan village that surrounded by valleys. After arriving, you will visit the Nyimatang Monastery (built in the 11th century), take a light walk in the village, and see what rural life in Lhasa is like. You will also visit a local Tibetan family and enjoy the lunch offered by the family.
In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3-5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and the colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Visiting Tibetan family and enjoy the rural life in Dadong VillageMonk debate held in the courtyard of Sera Monastery
Day 4: Lhasa (3650m) to Shigatse(3900m) (B)
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .
Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.
After one and a half hours of driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Shigatse
Enjoy the stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok LakeVisit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum
Day 5: Shigatse(3900m) to Lhasa(3650m)(B)
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery; you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. The monastery itself is abiding place for the successive Penchen Lamas. Then we are expected to follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa, and the guide will get you transferred to your hotels.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Tashilunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama A bird view of Yalong Valley
Day 6: Depart from Lhasa
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as specified in the itinerary;
- Local tour Transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable Tourist Vehicle according to Group Size.;
- Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group;
- Comfortable Hotel Accommodations;
- Service Charge & Government Taxes;
The above tour price does not include single room supplement. If you are a solo traveler, you need to share one room with another tourist (same sex in most cases); if you prefer to stay in one room by yourself, you will have to pay the single room supplement. And the exact price depends on market fluctuation in high and off season of Tibet tour. For the exact price, please refer to your travel consultant. - Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
- Welcome Dinner in local restaurant when group members meet in Lhasa
- Free Airport shuttle transfer between Lhasa Gongar airport and Hotel on designated time.
- Group tours only include a welcome dinner after your arrival in Tibet.
- Tibet Handy Map
- Drinking water Provided during the trip
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
Service Excluded:
- International flight to and out of China;
- Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price, please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
- Lunches and dinners are not included, please pay on site by yourself.; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
- Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, you may consider tipping them at an amount you find it suitable.
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.