Tibet
Follow in the footsteps of the 20th century's great explorers to discover this fascinating realm on the roof of the world, where Tibet's past majesty and mystery remain undimmed. Penetrate the inner secret of Tibet - an adventurer's paradise.

CULTURAL TOUR TO CENTRAL TIBET

Tibet is fast changing but this itinerary will help you discover the indomitable spirit of the Tibetan people and the splendour of the country's temples and palaces.

Tour Highlights Sera Monastery & Potola Palace • Jokhang Temple • Gyantse Kumbum • Tashilhunpo Monastery • Valley of Tombs

DAY 1 DEPARTURE UK - BEIJING
Depart London Heathrow. Your flight will take you to the ancient city of Beijing (Peking), which has flourished as the prosperous capital of China for 1000 years and where elaborate dynasties gave birth to a unique culture if imperial splendour and opulence.

DAY 2 BEIJING
Beijing is one of the most fascinating cities in the world and our sightseeing will start at Tian An Men Square, the largest in the world and the centre of the modern capital, together with the Gate of Heavenly Peace, very much the symbol of modern China. We will pass through the gate into the Forbidden City, the largest well-maintained ancient palace where 24 emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties lived since the 15th century. Our day will also include a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of the impressive buildings in the world, considered to be the perfection of Ming architecture. The temple was built in 1420 AD and was fully restored in 1890.

DAY 3 BEIJING
Today we continue northwards through mountain scenery, to one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders and visit the world famous Great Wall, 4000 miles long and dating back to China's first dynasty (Qin dynasty). After we return to Beijing we visit the Ming Tombs, the underground palace where 13 Chinese Emperors are buried in an exquisite valley setting. During the evening we will watch the Circus Acrobatic Performance to finish a wonderful night in Beijing.

DAY 4 FLY BEIJING TO LHASA
Morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Lhasa. The spectacular flight on China Southwest Airlines Boeing 757 crosses the main Himalayan range and the mountain views are magnificent. After arriving at Gonggar Airport in Tibet, it's a 2-hour drive to Lhasa where we will check in at the Dhood Gu Hotel. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day, due to Lhasa's high altitude.

DAY 5 LHASA
Today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa's many monasteries in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Several hundred monks live and study within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs. After lunch we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, as well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets, which is the central market of Lhasa.

DAY 6 LHASA
This morning we will visit the Potala Palace towering above the city of Lhasa. This spectacular building contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th centuries, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century. A visit to the Drepung Monastery in the afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world, housing around 10,000 monks. Nowadays the figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.

DAY 7 DRIVE LHASA - GYANTSE
Today we start our overland cultural journey to Gyantse and Shigatse. Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the spectacular Khamba La pass (4,794m) from which we’ll get stunning views of the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7,252m) looking across the waters of the Yamdrok-tso Lake. We then continue westwards over another high pass, the Karo La (5,045m), from which you can see a huge spectacular glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Our overnight accommodation is at the Gyantse Hotel.

DAY 8 DRIVE GYANTSE - SHIGATSE
Before leaving Gyantse we’ll have time to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating back to the 14th century and it offers amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Our Tibet adventure tour then continues to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city, which is about 90km away. After exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Afterwards we make our way back to Lhasa, where we will check in at the Dhood Gu Hotel.

DAY 9 DRIVE SHIGATSE - TESTHANG
Today we have long drive to Tsetang, the third largest city in central Tibet. Southeast of Tsetang we can see the mountain Gangpo Ri (4,130 metres). It has a special significance for the Tibetans as it is the legendary birthplace of its people.

DAY 10 VISIT TO THE VALLEY OF TOMBS [YARLUNG VALLEY]
Today our adventure trip will take us to the Yarlung valley, which is also known as the Valley of Tombs. Yarlung is considered the cradle of Tibetan civilisation. Creation myth locates the valley as the origin of the Tibetan people, and it was from Yarlung that the early Tibetan kings unified Tibet in the seventh century. We see the massive burial mounds of these kings in Chongye. Yumbulagang, another major attraction of the area, is perched on a crag like a medieval European castle and is considered the oldest building in Tibet. After a full day’s exploring in the Yarlung valley we return to Tsetang for the night.

DAY 11 FLY LHASA TO KATHMANDU
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Kathmandu
Afternoon free for shopping and your own activities.

DAY 12 FLY KATHMANDU TO LONDON
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.

DAY 13 LONDON
Arrive back in London

BACK