8-Day Tibet Discovery Tour: Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse & Tsetang

Tour Highlights
• Visit Tibet Museum with a collection of more than 520,000 artifacts on display related to the cultural & history of Tibet
• Explore Potala Palace, Tibet's defining religious landmark and the former residence of the Dalai Lama
• Admire Jokhang Monastery, the most sacred temple in Tibet & the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan pilgrims
• Wander along the Barkhor street to see prayer wheels being spun, pilgrims prostrating, and sutras being chanted
• Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet's top Gelug university monasteries
• Wander along Norbulingka, the largest man made garden in Tibet and summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas
• Witness monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's top university monasteries
• Marvel at the stunning views of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, a holy lake of clear blue surrounded by softly rolling mountains
• Explore Palkhor Monastery, home to three strands of Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug, Sakya & Bkav-gdam)
• Photo stop at Gyantse Dzong Fortress where Tibetan army fought against British invasion in 1904.
• Learn the history of Tibet feudal serf system at Pala Manor, the best-preserved manor in Tibet
• Visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a huge complex of golden-roofed white buildings being the official seat of Panchen Lama
• Visit the New Palace of Panchen Lama, the summer palace of Panchen Lamas
• Visit Nyemo Tunba, the birthplace of Tibetan Incense, hometown of Thonmi Sambhota, the creator of Tibetan Characters
• Visit Yumbulagang Palace, the first imperial palace in Tibet, dating back to the 2nd century AD
• Admire the rare Pearl Thangka, made of 29,026 pearls and hundreds of other gems like rubies at Trundruk Monastery
• Visit the Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet founded in 775 by King Trisong Detsen

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Day 1 Arrival in  Lhasa, Lhasa Airport or Train Station Pickup
• Day 2 Lhasa, Tibet Museum, Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery & Barkhor Street
• Day 3 Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka & Sera Monastery
• Day 4 Drive to Gyangtse, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Karola Glacier, Gyangtse Old Street
• Day 5 Gyangtse, Palcho Monastery, Gyantse Dzong Fortress, Pala Manor, Drive to Shigatse
• Day 6 Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery, New Palace of Panchen Lama, Nyemo Tunba, Drive to Tsetang
• Day 7 Tsetang, Yumbulagang Palace, Trundruk Monastery, Samye Monastery
• Day 8 Departure from Tsetang, Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Station

Hotels & Meals
• 4 nights of accommodations at 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at 3-star Gyangtse Hotel in Gyangtse or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at 4-star Qomo Hotel in Shigatse or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at 3-star Tsetang Hotel at Tsetang or similar
• Daily hotel breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Price Remarks
• Prices are not valid during National Day (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year, and Labor Day (May 1-5).
• Prices are based on double/twin/triple occupancy at the suggested hotels.
• A single supplement is charged for single room occupancy.

Price Inclusions
• Tibet Travel Permit
• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast.
• Professional English language speaking tour guide.
• Air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
• Admission tickets to sightseeing places.
• All government taxes

Price Exclusions
• Your personal expenses.
• Tour guide for departure transfer.
• Lunches & dinners are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• Advice on Meals: Please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on authentic local food.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Altitude Sickness
• Altitude sickness is common in Tibet's first few days due to its 4,000-meter elevation.
• It's advisable to avoid catching a cold before entering Tibet.
• Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before flying to Lhasa.
• Avoid strenuous activity during your first day in Tibet.
• Drink plenty of water while traveling in Tibet.
• In Tibet, walk slowly, take deep breaths, and allow yourself time to acclimatize.
• Ascend to higher altitudes gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you begin feeling ill.
• Prepare AMS medication as advised by your doctor.

Know Before Going to Tibet
• Independent travel is prohibited in Tibet. Foreigners must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to enter.
• The Tibet Travel Permit is only available through a travel agency via an organized group or private tour.
• The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by Tibet’s Tourism Bureau two weeks before entry.
• A valid China Visa is required for a Tibet Travel Permit—obtain it at least a month before your trip.
• GGC will secure your Tibet Travel Permit after you book a tour with us.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 31 days or more before departure will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made 22-30 days before departure will incur a 10% fee.
• Cancellations made 15-21 days before departure will incur a 30% fee.
• Cancellations made 8-14 days before departure will incur a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made 0-7 days before departure are non-refundable.
• Once the tour commences, there are no refunds for unused services or missed days.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed within 2-5 business days, with refunds issued within 14 working days.

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs
• If you've booked your own hotel, prefer a different stay, or wish to modify this itinerary, contact us via WhatsApp (+86 139 1083 0737) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), and we'll craft a personalized tour just for you.

Know Before You Go
• Keep your passport with you throughout the tour; it may be needed to buy entrance tickets.
• Meals are not included; please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
• Tour guide's name and contact information will be confirmed via WhatsApp or email.
• Your guide will greet you in the airport/train station arrival hall with a GGC pickup sign displaying your name.

Day 1 Arrival in  Lhasa, Lhasa Airport or Train Station Pickup
Meet your Guide at Lhasa airport or train station and transfer to your hotel in a private vehicle. After getting settled at the hotel, you may explore the downtown area on your own or relax during the remainder of the day to adjust your body to high elevation. You may feel the effects of high altitude therefore it is strongly recommended that you take an afternoon nap for 2-3 hours to help you acclimatize, and be sure to drink plenty of water during your time in Tibet. Meaning "Land of the Gods" in Tibetan language, Lhasa has been the capital of Tibet for over 1,300 years.

Meals Included: No meals
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 2 Lhasa, Tibet Museum, Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery & Barkhor Street
Explore Lhasa from Tibet Museum to know the history, culture and the development of Tibet. Tibet Museum houses a large amount of valuable treasures found in Tibet: ancient religious books written in gold, silver or coral powders, Buddha statues made from diverse materials, colorful Thangkas and many handicrafts with distinctive Tibetan characteristics. Next, visit the highest palace in the world, the Potala Palace. Built on the red hill in the center of Lhasa, the Potala Palace boasts more than 1000 rooms including the Red Palace where Dalai Lama once lived. Continue with a visit to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Monastery. Constructed by King Songtsen Gampo in the year 647, Jokhang Monastery is the most famous Buddhist temple in Lhasa and has remained the center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. Afterwards, follow local Tibetans for a Kora of Jokhang Monastery, walking around the Barkor Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 3 Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka & Sera Monastery
Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet's top Gelug university monasteries founded in 1416. The Ganden Phodrang in Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala. Drepung was known for the high standards of its academic study. Followed with a visit to Norbulingka, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. Constructed in the 18th century, Norbulingka comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art. Afterwards, witness monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 4 Drive to Gyangtse, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Karola Glacier, Gyangtse Old Street
Drive south of Lhasa to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (70km/44 miles, about 2 and half hours). Sitting at an altitude of 4,441 meters (14570 feet) above sea level, Yamdrok Yumtso is 130 kilometers (80 miles) in length and 70 kilometers (44 miles) in wide at its furthest spot. Reach the Kambala Pass just before arriving at the lake. Sitting above Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Kambala Pass is the best place to admire the holy lake at a distance. Drive down to the shores of the lake and walk alongside the crystal-clear water. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is one of the four largest sacred lakes of Tibet. Tibetans perform pilgrimage to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and circumambulate around the lake in seven days to wash away sins and earn merit. Continue driving to Gyangtse passing the imposing Karola Glacier towering aloft on the right side of the road. Take a stroll along the peaceful Gyangtse Old Street, where old-style houses were built with cow dung.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 3-star Gyangtse Hotel or similar

Day 5 Gyangtse, Palcho Monastery, Gyantse Dzong Fortress, Pala Manor, Drive to Shigatse
Morning visit to the Palcho Monastery where three strands of Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug, Sakya & Bkav-gdam) are practiced and coexist harmoniously. Visit Bodhi Dagoba. It is also named 'Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda' as more than ten thousand figures of Buddha are painted on the wall and one thousand statues of Buddha made of clay, copper and gold statues of Buddha are housed in the pagoda. Next, make a photo stop at Gyantse Dzong Fortress where Tibetan army fought against British invasion in 1904. It is a very impressive fortress with typical Tibetan palace architecture. Continue with a visit to Pala Manor, the best-preserved manor in Tibet. Drive to Shigatse in the afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Qomo Hotel in Shigatse or similar

Day 6 Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery, New Palace of Panchen Lama, Nyemo Tunba, Drive to Tsetang
Morning visit to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a huge complex of golden-roofed white buildings being the official seat of Panchen Lamas since the 15th century. Tour around its Tibetan monastic style halls to find incredible Buddhist relics and scriptures. Not to be missed is the gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue at 26.2m tall and the stupas topped with precious gold, pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers, containing the relics of past Panchen Lamas. Next, visit the New Palace of Panchen, which houses many precious historical items about Tibetan Buddhism. Drive along the Yaluzangbu (Brahmaputra) river to Nyemo Tunba, hometown of Tunmi Sangbuzha who invented Tibetan character as well as the famous Tibetan Incense. Continue driving to Tsetang in the afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 3-star Tsetang Hotel at Tsetang or similar

Day 7 Tsetang, Yumbulagang Palace, Trundruk Monastery, Samye Monastery
Morning visit to the Yumbulagang Palace, the first imperial palace in Tibet, dating back to the 2nd century AD. Perched on a hilltop, its fortress-like structure and three-storied monastery create a striking skyline over the green Yarlung Valley. Next, visit Trundruk Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet. Marvel at this monastery's the rare Pearl Thangka, made of 29,026 pearls and hundreds of other gems like diamonds, rubies, sapphire, turquoises and coral. Followed with a visit to Samye Monastery. Set amidst beautiful scenery, Samye Monastery is the very first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. Founded in 775 by King Trisong Detsen, Samye is famed not just for its pivotal history but for its unique mandala design: the Main Hall, known as Ütse, represents Mt Meru, the centre of the universe, while the outer temples represent the oceans, continents, subcontinents and other features of the Buddhist cosmology.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 3-star Tsetang Hotel at Tsetang or similar

Day 8 Departure from Tsetang, Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Stations
Private transfer to Lhasa airport or train station for your departure flight/train. Wish you a pleasant journey and thank you for traveling with GoGrandChina.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel