D1. Hometown/China
Depart home towards China while enjoying delicious meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment during our journey.
D2. Chengdu
Upon arriving at Chengdu, we are met by our tour guide to be transferred to the Luxurious Hotel.
D3. Chengdu/Lhasa (American Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner)
Depart Chengdu for Lhasa by air. Lhasa is called ‘City of Sunshine', elevates over 12000 ft, with very thin air, take a good rest after arrival.we will take Tibetan Style dinner tonight.
D4. Lhasa (AB, L, D)
Built in the 17th century, the Potala Palace took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. It is the largest lamasery in the world. Walking along Barkhor Bazaar, we have the opportunity to experience the Tibetan culture and buy colorful ethnic handicrafts.
D5. Lhasa (AB, L, D)
We take a half day tour to the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple , where we are likely to see Buddhist pilgrims making clockwise circuits on their hands and knees in reverence to one of Tibet 's most sacred sites. Thousands of yak-butter candles flicker inside beneath the enlightened gaze of the golden Jowo Sakyamuni, the 7th-century Buddha statue that the temple was built to house. Sera Monastery features the largest Tsokchen (main assembly hall) in town, it was built to house precious gifts from the Emperor to one of Je Tsongkhapa's disciples.
D6. Lhasa/Shigatse (AB, L, D)
with an average altitude of more than 15500 feet, Shigatse is not only just a stopover to the Everest Base Camp, but also the second largest city in Tibet, full of traditional Tibetan charm and culture. The 600-year old city has historically been home to the Panchen Lama, the second most important reincarnate lineage in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. Prior to that, it was the seat of the kings of U-Tsang, the heart of Tibetan culture. Tashilhunpo Monastery is Panchen Lama's traditional residence.
D7. Shigatse/ Gyangtse (AB, L, D)
Walking along the City Market in the morning, it is surprisingly full of fruits and vegetables, meats and grains as well as fine local handicrafts and artwork. Drive to Gyangtse later on, The Palkhor Chode Monastery occupies an important place in Tibetan Buddhism history because different Buddism sects, like Gelugpa, Sakyapa, were compatible in this monastery. Kumbum is a spectacular stupa temple, whose name means ‘Place of 100 Thousand Images’, was the centerpiece of Palkhor Chode Monastery, and the pride of Gyantse. The great pagoda is consisted of 9 tiers, over 32m, has more than 77 chapels, shrines and chortens, is the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Dzong fortress lies at Dzong Hill at the center of Gyangtse, it was the last ammunitions for brave Tibetan warriors to fight against British troop’s invade in 1904.
D8. Gyangtse/ Tsetang (AB, L, D)
Drive to Tsetang today, en-route visit Yamdrok Lake, which is one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet. The dazzling Yamdroktso can be seen from the summit of the Kamba-la pass (Altitude 16500 feet), with fabulous shade of deep turquoise.
D9. Tsetang (AB, L, D)
The Yombulagang Palace is the first palace in Tibetan history. It was said that the palace was built in the second century B.C. by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsanpo, who was believed descending from the heaven. It houses the statues of the three-world Buddhas and Tsanpos of various historical stages including Nyatri Tsanpo, Lhatu Turi Niantsan, Rabajin, Songtsan Gambo and Trisong Detsen. Tradruk Temple was built in 641 A.D, contains the precious relics the Pear Tangkha, which, 6.5 feet in length, 4 feet in breadth, is made of 29026 pears and different precious stone by Naidong during the reign of Pamodrupa Kingdom. Take ferry to cross the Yarlung Tsangpo River to visit the Samye Monastery, which is the first monastery for the monks in Tibet. The magnificent and unique Central Hall is three story high. The first floor is of the Tibetan architectural style, the second the Han style and the third the Indian style. The halls in the monastery house many statues and murals. The monastery has bronze bells, carved marble lions and tablets marking the development of Buddhism. All these are valuable cultural relics.
D10. Tsetang/Lhasa/Chengdu (AB, L, SD)
Drive to Lhasa airport, take flight back to Chengdu. We visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute. The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people all over the world. Enjoy Hot Pot as dinner tonight.
D11. Chengdu/Hometown (AB)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight back home, or will begin the optional Post-Trip Extension.
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