Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Mt. Everest 8 Day Tour (Mini Group)

Detailed Itinerary:

Today your Lhasa sacred exploration will start with a visit to Barkhor Street. It is the most famous street in Tibet. The Barkhor Street was built to circle the sacred Jokhang Temple, making it one of the most sacred places in Tibet. There are pilgrims from everywhere to worship and chant in the street. Strolling along this street you will have a quick view of Tibet and Tibetan life. There are houses and buildings of Tibetan styles standing alongside the street. Along Barkhor Street there are more than 300 stores and stalls selling various kinds of commodities and you can buy various kinds of souvenirs and gifts.

Next we will move to visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located just on Barkhor Square. Jokhang Temple was constructed in the 7th century and it has a long history of more than 1,300 years. Jokhang Temple is the first Buddhist temple in Tibet and it was first built for the collection of real images of Sakyamuni brought to King Srongtsen Gampo of Tubo Kingdom by his Nepalese wife Princess Bhrikuti and Princess Wen Cheng from Tang Dynasty. The statue brought by Princess Wen Cheng was kept in this temple and it is a treasure from history. The Jokhang Temple is the religious heart for Tibetan Buddhism and there are many devout Buddhism adherents come from other places around Tibet to show their sovereign respect here by using their knees and hands pray on the floor.

The last destination for today will be Potala Palace, the landmark of Tibet. The Potala Palace is located in the northwest of Red Hill in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. It is a large-scale castle-styled building with 13 floors and 110 meters tall, 3750 meters above sea horizon. The whole building occupied over 100,000 square meters and the steps of the palace are leaned to Red Hill from foot to peak. This antique castle is not only famous of its remarkable construction, but also for its valuable cultural relics.

Afterwards, our guide will take you back to the hotel.

Detailed Itinerary: The first holy monastery to begin today's trip will be Drepung Monastery. The Drepung Monastery is one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. Located at the foot of Mount Gephel, the monastery is only 5 kilometers from western suburb of Lhasa. With an occupation of 250,000 square meters and a house of 7,700 monks, Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in the world.

Next we will proceed to visit the Ganden Monastery. The Ganden Monastery is another one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. It is built in 1409 by the founder of Gelugpa Tsongkhapa. The complex of Ganden Monastery is consisted of 50 buildings. Those exquisite frescos and carvings, and precious cultural relics make Ganden Monastery a very important monastery in Tibet. Ganden Monastery is especially popular when Shonton Festival.

Sera Monastery will be arranged as the last destination to see today. The Sera Monastery is one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. It is located at the foot of Taipu Hill at the northern suburb of Lhasa. Besides the magnificent construction, Sera Monastery has collected a large number of cultural relics like Buddha statues, Thangka, sutras, and many other religious tools. Sera Monastery is especially famous for its unique debate Buddhist doctrines. You will have chance to witness the debate.

At last, our guide will bring you back to the hotel.

Detailed Itinerary:

This morning our guide will bring you to visit Pelkhor Chode Monastery to start today’s tour. The Pelkhor Chode Monastery, also known as Palcho Monastery, lies at the foot of the Dzong Hill in Gyantse County, Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet. It is built in the beginning of the 15 century and is a monastery that blends three sects of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa. The Pelkhor Monastery is famed for its long history, exquisite architectures, unique religious value, and the numerous delicate murals and sculptures preserved there. Its architectures are specially respected as they are combinations traditional Chinese, Tibetan and Nepali styles. You will appreciate its most stunning architecture Pelkhor Chode which is also called as the “Kumbum”.

Next we will proceed to appreciate the gorgeous Yamdrok Lake. The Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, with the other two being Namtso Lake and Lake Manasarovar. It is the largest inland lake on the northern foot of Himalayas with a surface altitude of 4,441 meters. Yamdrok is reputed for its beautiful and charming scenery of pure lake, snow mountains, islands, vast pastures, hot springs, wild animals, monasteries and other landscapes. There are numerous islands around and in Yamdrok Lake, among which dwelling birds and fish.

Then we will move to enjoy the great sight of Karola Iceberg. The Karola Iceberg is located in the boarder of the Langkazi County and the Gyangze County of Shannan Prefecture of Tibet. It is about 71 kilometers (about 44 miles) from Gyangtse County and about two hours away from Yamdrok Lake. Karola Iceberg is popular for its breathtaking views. The sharp contrast between the majestic pure white glacier and the pure blue sky forms really striking scenery.

At last our guide will transfer you to the hotel.

Detailed Itinerary: After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to visit Tashilunpo Monastery.

The Tashilunpo Monastery is one of the “Great Six” Monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibet. It is situated at the foot of Drolmara in Shigatse and is the largest monastery in Shigatse. Tashilunpo Monastery was founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, nephew and disciple of Tsongkhapa. As one of the oldest and largest Gelug sect monasteries in Tibet, Tashilunpo Monastery is also the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lama. The monastery has imposing architecture complex to appreciate, among which the most outstanding ones are the Maitreya Chapel, Kelsang Temple and Thangka Wall. Besides, its historical and cultural relics including exquisite wall paintings, murals, rare sutras, Thangka and many other treasures really worth exploration.

Then our guide will transfer you to our destination Rongbuk Monastery. Prepare your camera for the exciting views along the journey. When we arrived in Rongbuk Monastery, our guide will help you check in the tent or guest house at Rongbuk Monastery area.

Detailed Itinerary:

Get up earlier this morning and we will go to enjoy the wonderful sunrise of Mount Everest. Then we will forward to Everest Base Camp for the sightseeing of the imposing Mt. Everest. You will admire the majestic Mt. Everest and take some fantastic pictures about the mount.

Mt. Everest with the altitude of 8,844.43 meters is the highest mount in the world. Its imposing mountain peaks and spectacular views have made Mt. Everest a popular tourist site and mountain-climbing destination around the world.

After a great time at Everest Base Camp, we will go back to Rongbuk Monastery for sightseeing. Rongbuk Monastery is located on the base of the north side of Mt. Everest. With an altitude of 5,100 meters, Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world. As it is only 20 kilometers away from Mt. Everest, the monastery has been a base camp for climbers to Mt. Everest. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery attracts tourists for its cultural and religious significance by its architectures and precious mural paintings, more importantly you will have the best angle to appreciate and take awesome pictures of Mt. Everest from the monastery.

Then our guide will drive you back to Shigatse and our guide will get you checked in local hotel for a good rest.

Detailed Itinerary:

Detailed Itinerary: After breakfast, our guide will bring you to the airport or train station for your departure. Have a nice trip!