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Overview The 8-days Central Tibet and Namtso Tour is an incredible journey that takes you through the heart of Tibet, allowing you to explore its rich culture, ancient monasteries, breathtaking landscapes, and the mesmerizing beauty of Lake Namtso. This trip also offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural exploration, providing a comprehensive experience of this mystical land. Your adventure begins in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, where you will also visit iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace, the spiritual Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Street. These sites offer glimpses into Tibet's profound Buddhist heritage…
The 8-days Central Tibet and Namtso Tour is an incredible journey that takes you through the heart of Tibet, allowing you to explore its rich culture, ancient monasteries, breathtaking landscapes, and the mesmerizing beauty of Lake Namtso. This trip also offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural exploration, providing a comprehensive experience of this mystical land.
Your adventure begins in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, where you will also visit iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace, the spiritual Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Street. These sites offer glimpses into Tibet’s profound Buddhist heritage and provide an opportunity to witness the daily rituals of devoted pilgrims.
Leaving Lhasa behind, you embark on a scenic drive to Gyantse, a town renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Here, you will explore the remarkable Gyantse Kumbum, a stunning multi-tiered structure adorned with exquisite murals and statues. From Gyantse, you continue your journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, where you will also visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to Lake Namtso, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this serene lake offers a tranquil retreat amidst stunning natural scenery. You will also have ample time to explore the area, walk along the lakeshore, and marvel at the ever-changing colors of the sky as the sun sets over the lake.
Throughout the trip, you will also have opportunities to interact with the friendly Tibetan people, learn about their traditions and way of life, and taste authentic Tibetan cuisine. The local guides will also provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of the places you visit, ensuring a deeper understanding of Tibet’s unique heritage.
In conclusion, the 8-days Central Tibet and Namtso Tour is a remarkable journey that combines cultural exploration with natural beauty. It allows you to immerse yourself in the spirituality and charm of Tibet, witness its architectural wonders, and be awe-inspired by the magnificence of Lake Namtso. This trip promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this enchanting land.
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 get 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 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
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
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
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
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 LamasThen. 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
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Lake Namtso, one of the four holy lakes of Tibet and also the highest saline lake in the world. On the way, you can see snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges and lots of nomads and their tent with grazing yak and sheep densely-populated on the flourishing grassland (in summer). Besides, you can enjoy the view of the Sky-Road Railway with snow mountain background; while standing at the famous Lagenla Pass(5190m), you can view the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake.
Then we can enjoy our time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. Drive back to Damxung. (For environment protection, the Lakeshore guesthouses were close by the government.)
Stay overnight in Damxung.
After breakfast, we will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery). Roam over the peaceful small nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.
Then, we can go to Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats’, the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. In the summertime (June to September), we can also go for a ‘Linka outing’ (Tibetan-style picnic) in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery.
Finally, we will drive back to Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today’s Cultural Tips: Sky burial is a funeral practice commonly seen in Tibet. The corpse will be disposed of and later devoured by vultures. In Tibetan Buddhism, sky burial is believed to represent their wishes to go to heaven. Only family members of the dead can attend the funeral.
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board
The 8-day Central Tibet and Namtso Tour is a captivating adventure that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and natural splendor of Tibet. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you on a journey through the heart of Tibet, allowing you to explore its iconic cities, ancient monasteries, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Your trip begins in Lhasa, the spiritual and administrative capital of Tibet. You will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. The palace is a breathtaking architectural marvel, offering panoramic views of the city. Next, you will explore the Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Strolling through the bustling Barkhor Street, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere and witness Tibetan religious and cultural traditions.
Continuing your journey, you will drive to Gyantse, a small town known for its historical significance. Here, you will visit the Gyantse Kumbum, an impressive multi-tiered stupa adorned with intricate murals and statues. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery, a revered Buddhist monastery in the region.
The next stop is Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Here, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. This monastery is renowned for its grand architecture, ancient artifacts, and the stunning Maitreya Buddha statue.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to Lake Namtso, often referred to as the “Heavenly Lake.” Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this sacred lake offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. You will have the chance to hike along the lakeshore, marvel at the pristine beauty of the surroundings, and witness the spectacular sunset and sunrise over the lake.
Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by experienced guides who will provide insightful commentary about the cultural and historical significance of the places you visit. You will also have the opportunity to interact with local Tibetans, learn about their unique traditions, and savor authentic Tibetan cuisine.
In conclusion, the 8-day Central Tibet and Namtso Tour is a remarkable adventure that allows you to delve into the spiritual essence of Tibet and immerse yourself in its natural wonders. From the grandeur of Lhasa’s architectural marvels to the serenity of Lake Namtso, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Tibet’s cultural and natural treasures. It is an opportunity to create cherished memories and gain a deeper understanding of this mystical land.
