Mystery of Tibet 13 Days

Tour Code: CTS05

Day 01:      West Coast Q Beijing

Fly to Beijing, the capital city of China on deluxe wide-bodied jet plane, cross the International Date Line.

Day 02:      Arrive Beijing

Arrive Beijing late afternoon, tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 03:      Beijing Q Lhasa

Take a morning flight to Lhasa -- the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region since the 7th Century and is both political and religious heart of Tibet. Although Lhasa is famous for being one of the highest cities in the world, what really knocks you out here is the full scale impact on your senses of the breathtaking beauty, unique landscape and the holy atmosphere of this religious center.

Day 04:      Lhasa

In the morning sightsee the Potala Palace, the home of the Dalai Lamas, the traditional theological rulers and Buddhism's highest ranking priests of Tibet. It was the former political heart of Tibet and contains unimaginable treasures. Then visit the Lhasa's holiest temple -- Jokhang Temple, the religious center of Tibet. This 1300 year old temple houses a pure gold Buddha statue that was a gift from the Tang Dynasty of China. Sightseeing the Barkhor Market, which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Today it is a big free market where you can get a typical Tibetan souvenir here at a good price.

Day 05:      Lhasa v Gyantse

Take motorcoach to Gyantse in the early morning, on the way you will see the beautiful Lake Yamdrok-tso, one of the four holy lakes of the Tibetan people, together with the numerous snow-capped peaks around, the lake makes a wonderful scene. Upon arrival visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery, a huge temple with a unique history and a wealth of Buddhist art. It is famous for its Kumbum, a stupa-like structure that houses thousands of Buddha images, golden statues and colorful wall murals. The Gyantse Kumbum is one of the Tibet's most famous and impressive sights -- a gorgeous and ornate building, the art work here is studied by Tibetan art scholars across the world. It was called the "Hall of 100 thousand images". The Dzong (old fort), which towers above Gyantse, offers a fine view over the valley.

Day 06:      Gyantse v Shigatse

Motorcoach to Shigatse, visit the Shalu Monastery. The building here is a mixture of Tibetan and Han style architecture. The Tibetan style part of the building dates back to the 10th Century and the Chinese influence is evident in the inner section of the monastery and has undergone major renovations in recent years.

Day 07:      Shigatse v Lhasa

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery ¨C the official seat of Panchen Lama, the chief spiritual and temporal authority of Tsang. It is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. The most amazing image here is the statue of the giant Maitreya (Future Buddha), it is the biggest bronze statue in the world and one of the key relics to be preserved by the central government. Then take coach back to Lhasa in the afternoon.

Day 08:      Lhasa v Basum Lake v¨C Nyingchi

After breakfast take motorcoach to Nyingchi. With green mountain slopes, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear rivers, Nyingchi looks just like heaven on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Sightseeing the Basum Lake. The blue, limpid lake water and the verdant mountain around the lake combine into a charming scene that can be compared with those in Switzerland.

Day 09:      Nyingchi v Lhasa

Different from other places of Tibet, Nyingchi possesses rich soil and resources because of the warm, damp climate. Though surrounded by snow mountains, Nyingchi is a verdant world and the third largest forest zone in China. Sightseeing the Burqug Lamaling Monastery of the Red Sect. The monastery was built with wood, curving eaves and brilliantly painted beams, combining the different artistic styles of the Han and Tibetan peoples.  

Day 10:      Lhasa

Visit the Drepung Monastery in the morning, a collection of Buddhist chapels and colleges. The Norbulingka is the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas and deserves a visit both for its historical and cultural significance. More than just a simple summer retreat, this is the headquarters from which the Dalai Lamas ruled Tibet during the summer months. Then visit the Sera Monastery. It is here that the monks' famous daily debates take place.

Day 11:      Lhasa v Tsedang

Motorcoach to Tsedang after breakfast, upon arrival visit the Yumbulagang, the oldest chateau in Tibet, it remains an impressive and imposing sight overlooking the valley from the top of a steep hill. Then tour to the Tradruk Temple, one of the earliest Buddhist Temples in Tibetan history. It contains the precious relics the Pear Tangkha, which, 2 meters in length, 1.2 meters in breadth, is made of 29026 pears and different precious stone by Naidong during the reign of Pamodrupa Kingdom.

Day 12:      Tsedang v Lhasa Q Beijing

In the morning tour to the Samye Monastery -- Tibet's first monastery and is over 1200 years old. The Monastery is designed to represent the Buddhist belief of the shape of the universe. The imposing central building, a three story Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan style building represents the Buddhist center of Mt. Sumeru. The establishment of Samye Monastery marked the victory of Tibetan Buddhism over the original Bon belief. Back to Lhasa by motorcoach, and then fly back to Beijing in the afternoon.

Day 13:      Beijing Q West Coast

              Tour guide will transfer you to the airport and home your sweet home.

Extension:

Day 13:      Beijing v Chengde

Chengde retains the memories of this Qing invasion with some of the best Imperial garden architecture in China. Visit the Imperial Summer Villa.

Day 14:      Chengde v Beijing

Visit the Temple for Potarka Doctrine, which was designed in Tibetan style as a replica of Lhasa's Potala Palace. Back to Beijing in the afternoon.

Day 15:      Beijing Q West Coast

              Tour guide will transfer you to the airport and home your sweet home.