Looking for something different to do for a few days? Look no further, Tibet is calling! This mysterious culture on the roof of the world has so much to offer. From it's mystically temples to stark yet beautiful landscape, you will not be disappointed.
Day 1
Place & Transport: Beijing to Overnight train, Train No. T27 (Beijing West Railway Station - Lhasa Railway Station) Dep 21:30 - Arr 20:00
Day 2
Place & Transport: Overnight train
Detailed Itinerary:Through the roof of the world on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau railway trains, you will not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but also experience the religious atmosphere of Tibetan Culture.
Day 3
Place & Transport: Overnight train to Lhasa
Today's Activities: Train station to Hotel Transfer (Lhasa)
Day 4
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today's Activities: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Potala Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Steak House Restaurant(Lunch)
Detailed Itinerary:
Jokhang Temple: Smaller and more manageable than the Potala, this 4-storey, golden-roofed temple is at the heart of a rich and living Tibetan Buddhism. Many locals pray here regularly; the Temple is surrounded by Barkhor Street and thronged with pilgrims and visitors. Yak butter lamps burn in front of rich statuary that includes the Sakyamuni Buddha brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng in the 7th Century.
Barkhor Street: Watch the pilgrims, wearing local dress from many different parts of Tibet, as they circle clockwise around Jokhang Temple with prayer wheels, or prostrate themselves near the front gate. Join the locals and visitors to shop for local goods at the colourful stalls, or relax in a coffee shop or tea house to enjoy the passing parade.
Potala Palace: Former winter home of the Dalai Lama, a vast, awe-inspiring maze of corridors and stairs leading through countless rooms of richly decorated statues, tombs, murals and antiques. You will climb past the White Palace into the Red Palace, where the file of pilgrims offering silk scarves, coins or yak butter to burn in the shrines combine to make this an unforgettable experience. Note: you need to be fit for the long stairways.
Steak House Restaurant: Steak House is near the Potala Palace and serves mainly Western and Tibetan cuisine. Surrounded by the alluring landscape, it is a great dining experience while traveling in Tibet.
Day 5
Place & Transport: Lhasa
Today's Activities: Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
Drepung Monastery: SDrepung Monastery lies in west of Lhasa under Mt. Gambo Utse, clustered round by the black mountain, its white grand buildings shining under the sunlight. Built in 1416, it is considered as one of the largest monasteries in the six principle monasteries of Gelu Sect in China. Drepung Monastery used to be the living palace of Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of Potala palace (after the 5th Dalai Lamas was bestowed by Qing emperor Qianlong). The grand Shonton Festival is hold in the early part of August every year. That is the busiest day there with crowds of people. It is an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of this festival.
Norbulingka: Norbulingka means "Jeweled Garden". It was constructed as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama and later served the whole governmental administration.
Sera Monastery: It is known as one of the three greatest monasteries of Tibet. As one of the three main monasteries of Lhasa, it is here that the monks "famous daily debates" take place.
Day 6
Place & Transport: Lhasa to Beijing
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Lhasa)
Meals: Breakfast
Note: If you choose to stay on in Beijing for a few extra days, or arrive a few days early in Beijing, please let us know, and we'd be happy to extend your hotel bookings, or arrange additional tours for you.
* Prices are in US dollars, for one person. Prices are for references only, may vary according to different travel seasons.