Golden Triangle of Tibet

Start today with a visit to Drepung Monastery, honored as the ‘Three Great Monasteries’ of Lhasa together with Sera Monastery and Gandan Monastery. After entry, we’ll first get to the Ganden Potrang, a 3-story hall with white walls and red roofs that highlights the unique charm of Tibetan architecture. Curious about that velvet-textured ochre red decoration around the roof? This is the Bemar grass, a unique building material in Tibet, which not only beautifies the hall but also serves as a symbol of religious supremacy and social hierarchy. Then, pass through a spacious stone-paved square to reach the core sight of the temple, the Coqen Hall, which is supported by an astonishing 183 square columns painted in various bright colors. Inside, it is filled with Thangkas, murals, and Buddha statues, each of which will make you feel the solemnness and holiness of Tibetan Buddhism. After that, leave your footprints in four Zhacangs similar to academies and see how the monks study and teach Buddhism here.After lunch, make our way to Sera Monastery, which is second only to Drepung Monastery in scale. Legend has it that wild roses bloomed here before the temple was built, so it is regarded as the most romantic temple in Tibet. Apart from the exquisite structures, you’ll also be awed by tens of thousands of Kong Kim Buddha statues, most of which are made locally in Tibet, as well as myriad murals, scriptures, and colorful embroidered prayer flags. We come here mainly for the most famous debate activity on Buddhist doctrines, which starts at 15:00 from Monday to Saturday. The lamas participating in the debate sat in circles in groups of 3 to 8, enthusiastically arguing the issues in Tibetan. The questioners raise their hands high in a thunderous burst of applause every time they state an idea, while the respondents sit cross-legged and coiled the prayer beads between their fingers, calmly and forcefully giving their answers.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner that we have carefully prepared for you at a local popular restaurant, and prepare to feast your stomach with authentic Tibetan food.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, set off to explore the globally acclaimed Potala Palace, a pearl on ‘the roof of the world’. This world cultural heritage site was originally built in the 7th century by a former Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, to marry Princess Wencheng. But later, it was almost destroyed in wars with the fall of his reign, and what we see now is the result of constant restoration and expansion since the 17th century. Standing in the Potala Palace Square and looking up at the halls built layer upon layer along the mountain, which look like a ladder reaching all the way to the clouds, you will be awed by its grandeur. On their white walls, the fancy patterns revealing the ingenuity of the Tibetan people can be see everywhere, and the red roofs are covered with golden glazed tiles, making the entire palace appear to be enveloped in golden light. Wind up the steps, and you will come to the heart of the Palace, the Red Palace, a symbol of solemnity and power, where the successive Dalai Lamas handled and held major religious activities. Then pay a visit to the White Palace on both sides of it, representing peace and tranquility, and delve into more intriguing legendary stories about Potala Palace from the guide. Afterward, you’ll be taken to the nearby Zongjiao Lukang Park to experience the leisure life of locals. Often, Tibetans of all ages, dressed in traditional costumes, hold hands in a circle, reveling in their special Guozhuang dance on the large cultural square here. Just join them and sway along with simple dance moves! 

In the afternoon, follow our guide into the 1300-plus-year-old Jokhang Temple, which holds the supreme position in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the earliest wooden structure in Tibet, featuring a unique architectural style that integrates Tibetan, Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) of China, Nepalese, and Indian elements. As soon as you step into the temple, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the golden roofs sparkling in the sun, on which 12 gilded eaves are like 12 soaring birds spreading their wings and carrying Buddhist chants to the clouds. Take a more detailed look at the pillars, door frames, and lintels of each hall, you’ll find that they  are all elaborately carved with patterns of flowers, clouds, animals, figures, and geometric designs full of vitality and creativity, which makes you feel as if you have entered a paradise of woodcarving art. Moreover, the life-sized statue of 12-year-old Sakyamuni, the ‘soul’ of the temple, will also be a highlight that you cannot miss here.

Out of the temple, let’s stroll down Barkhor Street, a circular commercial street trod out by countless pilgrims around the Jokhang Temple over the years. Take your time to shuttle through the alleys interwoven with the soft sound of prayer wheels and the fragrance of Tibetan incense, and feel the bustling atmosphere of the modern market from the hawking of handmade Tibetan carpets, leather wares, or furniture. Finally, top off the day with a cup of specialty tea in a sweet tea house, which is the best venue to learn about the local daily life and social culture.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Tea break
Accommodation: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll drive westward from Lhasa to the next destination of this Tibet tour in group, Shigatse. On the way, stop to visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the Great Three Holy Lakes of Tibet. As you walk along the lakeside, you may notice that the color of the water changes with the variations of light and angle. Sometimes, it is a deep azure blue, exuding an air of mystery, and sometimes, it turns into a fresh light blue, just like a huge sapphire. When looking down from the Gampala Pass Platform, the most popular viewing deck among photographers, it is also like a blue silk ribbon winding among the undulating snow-capped mountains, so beautiful that you cannot help but press the shutter at every moment. Then, let’s go into a hospitable local family’s house, observe their folk residence, listen to them tell the legends and stories about the lake, and have a farm lunch, so as to deepen your understanding of this land.After that, continue our journey to the Karola Glacier. As it is only about 300 meters (984 feet) away from the highway, we can enjoy its full view and even the clear cracks and caves in some parts without taking a long tramp or climbing to a peak. Its ice tongue, the centerpiece of the landscape, stretches out from the front for hundreds of meters, emitting a faint blue radiance under the sun, just like a fantasy wonderland. In local legend, the glacier is regarded as a place where deities reside, so you can also worship and pray for peace and happiness here like other believers who come from afar. The stunning scene of barley farmland at the foot of the Karola Glacier is also unmissable. The vast and boundless fields are like a green ocean, with ‘waves’ rising and falling when the gentle breeze blows, which will give you a sense of serenity and vitality. After arriving in Shigatse, our guide will help you check in at a local hotel for one night stay.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Farm house lunch
Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse (3 stars) or similar

This morning, let’s walk around the Tashihunpo Monastery with local Tibetan worshippers for a pilgrimage. After more than 5 centuries of vicissitudes, this second-largest temple in Tibet, which has also been the residence of successive Panchen Lamas, still stands firmly here. Pay homage to the world’s largest 26-meter-tall (85-foot-tall) glided copper statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Maitreya Chapel, marvel at the luxury and dignity of the Stupa-tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama, which is wrapped in 614 kilograms of pure gold and embellished with over 20,000 brilliant jewels, and admire the Buddhists in red robes sitting around in the Kelsang Temple to study scriptures. Also, ascend the mountain to overlook the fascinating panoramic view of Tashilhunpo Monastery and the entire Shigatse City.

To immerse yourself in the strong Tibetan flavor, we’ll take you to the most distinguishing Samdruptse Old Market, where mellow butter tea, sweet barley wine, tender yak meat, and a variety of handicrafts will treat all your senses well. After the visit, we will drive you or arrange a train ride for you back to Lhasa. Along the way, expect to be awestruck by the magnificent canyon scenery along the world-renowned Yarlung Tsangpo River, which originates from the glaciers in the northern foothills of the world’s highest Himalayas.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar

Today is the last day of your 6 days Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse group tour, and our guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your homeward trip. Bon Voyage! If you have more vacation time to explore more of the charm of Tibet, please feel free to contact our travel consultant to extend or customize a private itinerary to your liking.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast