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DAY 1: ARRIVE LHASA Upon arrival in Lhasa, our representative will transfer you to your hotel for a four-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing. Lhasa is Tibet's political, religious, and cultural center; its name in Tibetan means "Place of the Gods." (D) DAY 2: LHASA Spend a full day touring the massive Gelukpa monastic complex of Sera, elaborately adorned with paintings and statuary. Founded in 1419, Sera has four main temples with numerous chapels dedicated to deities. Just above and behind the monastery are a series of rock carvings and paintings. In the afternoon, visit Norbulingkha, the Jewel Park that is now known as the People's Park. Norbulingha once served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas and is a fascinating complex of small palaces and chapels. Return to Lhasa this afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 3: LHASA A full day of Lhasa sightseeing will begin at the Potala Palace, the most famous building in Tibet. This monolithic palace rises out of the cliff face outside of town and is built of wood, earth, and stone. Containing over 1,000 rooms, temples, and courtyards, the Potala was the home of the Dalai Lama, and is now an important symbol for Tibetan independence. It is a marvel of art and architecture, and represents the zenith of Tibetan building. The frescoes inside showcase the changing styles of Tibetan art. Next, visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Often having made grueling pilgrimages across the country, pilgrims flock to the temple, the most sacred in Tibet. The Jokhang's murals and artifacts have remained comparatively unscathed over the last thirty years of upheaval in Tibet. (B,L,D) DAY 4: LHASA - SHIGATSE Drive to Shigatse, the capital of the Tsang province; the drive should take about 4 to 5 hours. The journey showcases the gorgeous landscape, and there is a good opportunity to see nomadic settlements and wild yaks. The drive also takes you over Shongu La pass, a scenic overlook. (B,L,D) DAY 5: SHIGATSE - GYANTSE In the morning, visit Tashilunpo Monastery, residence of the Panchen Lamas. Built in 1447, Tashilhunpo is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet, as well as one of the most imposing constructions. It housed more than 2,000 monks at one time. The previous Panchen Lama renovated the gilded rooftops in the late 1980's, shortly before he died. Pilgrims from all of Tibet journey to Shigatse; you will see them in the monasteries, offering hunks of oil into the tub-like butter lamps. In mid-morning, you will depart on the approximately 2-hour drive to Gyantse, the fourth largest city in Tibet. Gyantse's position on a hill rising out of a vast plateau attracted rulers and warriors who vied for control of this key strategic position. Upon arriving, you'll tour the splendors of this pastoral town. The art on display here represents the apex of Tibet's golden age. The exquisite Kumbum and the daunting dzong still bear witness to the powers that ruled around the 15th century. It became the main center for Tibet's wool trade with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim. An enormous number of images - primarily statues and murals - decorate the stupa. Also visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the market place. (B,L,D) DAY 6: GYANTSE - LHASA Return overland to Lhasa from Gyantse. The return journey (approximately 6 to 7 hours) will take you through the passes of Kampa La (15,840 ft) and Karo La (16,500 ft) and along the turquoise blue Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet. This vast lake is the home of many species of birds, and is an unspeakably beautiful sight. The Chinese are planning on destroying the lake in the process of building a massive hydroelectric plant. (B,L,D) DAY 7: LHASA Today you may choose to take a full day excursion to Ganden or Tshurpu monastery. Tshongkhapa, the founder of the Gelupga sect, founded Ganden - the name means Joyful -- in 1409. The monastery is approximately 40 km east of Lhasa, and suffered terrible devastation during the Cultural Revolution. Today, it is being rebuilt and restored, with funding and labor coming solely from voluntary labor. Many visitors find that a visit to Ganden is one of the most powerful experiences they have in Tibet, vividly illustrating the country's suffering under the Chinese, and Tibetans' determination to resurrect and protect their threatened religious and cultural heritage. Tshurpo is the headquarters of the Karma Kargyudpa tradition, once a powerful religious order of Tibet. The first Karmapa founded the monastery in 1189. The most recent reincarnation, the 17th, was recently discovered among a nomadic family in Eastern Tibet. The 9-year-old boy was officially recognized and enthroned in 1994. He has since escaped Tibet to live and practice in Dharamsala, India. Tsurphu is in relatively good condition, and is one of the most important remaining monasteries in Tibet. (B,L,D) DAY 8: DEPART LHASA This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B) |