8-Day Central Tibet and Namtso Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse and Namtso Lake

Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf called "Khata." With just a one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers), the driver will take you to comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in at the hotel, take the time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,650 meters), ensuring a good and healthy start to your journey on the plateau.

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings. 
Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.
In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.
The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkor street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake. We will stop at a village by the lake, where you can walk into the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch.
After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet's most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.
Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

You will visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This is the residence of Panchen Lamas, featuring grandeur and magnificence. It houses the world's largest gilded copper statue of Maitreya Buddha, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.
In addition to exploring the monastery, your guide will accompany you in the Tashilhunpo Monastery's kora (circumambulation) activity. Together with local, you'll walk around the monastery on the hillside, reaching the highest point where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tashilhunpo Monastery and the city of Shigatse. After the monastery visit, your guide will take you to the distinctive Shigatse Samdroptse Old Market, where various traditional handicrafts from different parts of Shigatse are showcased, including jewelry, clothing, and accessories, offering a different experience from Lhasa's Barkhor Street.
Later, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley.
* Depending on the circumstances, the travel agency may arrange for the group to take a train back to Lhasa.

Departing from Lhasa and heading north, passing through the vast grasslands of Damxung, the journey to the sacred Namtso Lake is a mesmerizing experience. 
The beauty of Damxung grasslands captivates with distant views of the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha snow mountain, herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the meadows, and the smoke rising from the pastoral tents, while a winding river flows through the grassy expanse towards the distance.
Upon reaching Namtso Lake, start by marveling at the breathtaking view of the lake, resembling a blue gem set amidst the grasslands, from the 5,190 meters high Lagen La Pass. Descend to the lakeshore and ascend the scenic Tashido Island for a closer look at the expansive lake. Feel the fresh breeze on the lake, witness the colorful prayer flags fluttering along the shores, and take ample time to rest or hike along the lake. In the afternoon, return to Damxung by sightseeing vehicle.

After concluding our journey to Namtso Lake, we will return to Lhasa. On the way back to Lhasa, we will visit two more cultural landmarks nestled in the valleys.
Chimelong Monastery is the closest large nunnery to Lhasa and the only residence of female practitioners you can visit on this trip. Here, you'll not only encounter numerous practicing nuns but also enjoy the picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Tsurphu Monastery is the founding temple of the widely recognized living Buddha system in Tibet. Situated in the elongated Chupu Valley, surrounded by lush green pastures, this distinctive Kagyu sect monastery stands out in Tibet. Here, you might be fortunate enough to witness precious and rare artifacts, including the silver statue of the 8th Karmapa and the relic of the 16th Karmapa's leg bone.Around noon, we will have a farmhouse lunch on the nearby grasslands (or in the monastery's restaurant). Afterwards, we'll return to Lhasa.

Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and we will accompany you to the airport/train station. We appreciate to spend this wonderful time with us in Tibet. Wishing you a safe journey ahead!