Tibet Cultural Tour
The main attraction of this tour will be our visits to Tsedang and Samye, where Tibet's unique culture began. Tsedang is an ancient capital of Tibet, where Tibetan Kings used to reside and rule their country. In Tsedang we will visit Yongbulagong, the first Royal Palace of Tibet; and the famous site of the Tombs of Tibetan Kings, which is now one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism (also known as the Red Hat Sect). Founded in 1671 by Dieda Linba, the monastery has four main temples, but unfortunately all were vandalized during the Cultural Revolution. One temple continues to house a restored statue of Sakyamuni.
Next we visit Gyantse, an ancient trading hub of Tibet; and Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and the seat of Panchen Lama, the second holiest man after the Dalai Lama.
Then it is off to Lhasa where we will spend two days sightseeing, visiting Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace (the summer Palace of Dalai Lama), Jokhang temple, Barkhor Square, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and the Tibetan Medical Center.
You can join this tour from either Kathmandu or mainland China. If you are in China you can book this tour to commence on any day that is convenient for you. Due to Air China's flight schedules, if you begin this tour in Kathmandu you must schedule a Tuesday or Saturday departure.
Fly in / Fly Out
Mode of Transport : Land Cruiser
Maximum elevation : 3950 m
Sample Itinerary
Day 01 : Fly to Lhasa / Sightseeing tour in Tsedang
Day 02 : Tsedang – Samye (Mindoling Monastery) tour
Day 03 : Samye to Gyantse (3950 meters) where we visit Kumbum, Palkor Chode Monastery and Fort
Day 04 : Gyantse to Shigatse to visit the Tashilumpo Monastery (3900 meters)
Day 05 : Shigatse to Lhasa (3650 meters) with a free evening for you to explore Lhasa
Day 06 : Lhasa sightseeing including the Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
Day 07 : Lhasa sightseeing including the Drepung Monastery, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace.
Day 08 : Transported to airport for flight to onward destination
Cost includes:
All Tibet travel permits
Ground transportation in Tibet by private vehicle
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
All entrance fees on sightseeing tours
English speaking Tibetan Guide
Tibet visa
Flight ticket
Airport tax in Lhasa (while flying to Kathmandu)
All applicable taxes and service charges
Price doesn't include:
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (one meal costs approximately US$8 to US$10)
Nepal re-entry visa fee if necessary (US$25 for 15-day; US$40 for 30-day; US$100 for 90-day)
Mainland China visa if necessary
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Urgent visa fee for Tibet if necessary (only required if you do not have a week to process visa)
Tips for staff
Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances