Day 1
On arrival at Lhasa's Airport our local Tibetan staff will be waiting to meet you and escort you to your waiting transportation (4WD) for the drive to atmospheric Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. On arrival in Lhasa you will be transferred to your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay. As acclimatization to Lhasa's high altitude is so important we suggest only a gentle activity this afternoon which will be a visit to the Bharkhor District and which offers a wonderful introduction to this incredible city. The Bharkhor is one of Lhasa's three pilgrim circuits and which encircles the Jokhang temple, seen by many to be the home of Tibetan Buddhism. After a short exploration of the area and its side streets along with walking the Circuit we return to the Hotel.
Day 2 (B/L)
Today we explore two of Tibet's major Gelugpa Sect (Yellow Hat) monasteries. This morning we visit Drepung Monastery which can be translated as 'Rice Heaps' as a result of its beautiful white buildings looking like heaps of rice when set against the austere mountains behind. Drepung dates from 1416 and is one of the area's most lively and interesting monasteries and a morning visit allows one to see the Pilgrims making their rounds of the local Pilgrim Circuit. We return to the City for Lunch and this afternoon plan a visit to Pabonka Monastery chosen for its more remote location and wonderful lack of other visitors. Later we experience the great Debating Ceremony at Sera Monastery.
Day 3 (B/L)
This morning we explore the famed Potala Palace with its White and Red Palace buildings and which was the former residence of the Dalai Lama. There are numerous steps and this is a must on any visit to Lhasa. After lunch we plan visits to the Tibetan Traditional Medicine Hospital where we introduce this rather complex but fascinating set of medical beliefs and cures. Later this afternoon we visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest temple and where in the late afternoon many pilgrims gather.
Day 4 (B/L)
This morning we drive out of the City to Ganden Monastery the spiritual home of the Gelugpa Sect and set high in the mountains at an altitude of 4,500 meters. A visit to Ganden is the highlight of a visit to Tibet for many of our guests. On the return to the City we make a stop at a more traditional village and explore how many Tibetans live along with being able to observe some of their traditions and customs. After lunch the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5 (B)
Today we offer a transfer from your hotel to Lhasa's Airport for onward flights.
