Ganden’s Mystique: 5 Days in Lhasa’s Holy City
– Where Timeless Traditions Come Alive!
The “Holy City of Lhasa and Ganden Monastery 5-Day Group Tour” is an enriching and comprehensive experience designed for travellers eager to delve deep into Tibetan religious culture and Buddhist heritage. This specially curated journey takes you to the heart of Tibet, offering a blend of iconic attractions and spiritual exploration.
Experience Lhasa’s Wonders In Lhasa, the tour highlights include visits to the majestic Potala Palace, the spiritual epicentre of Jokhang Temple, and the vibrant Barkhor Street. These sites are not just tourist destinations; they embody Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Deep Dive into Gelug Sect’s History The tour provides a unique opportunity to understand the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll explore the Ganden Monastery, the ancestral temple of this sect. This visit offers insights into the origins and teachings of one of the most influential schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Visits to Three Major Monasteries In addition to Ganden Monastery, the tour includes visits to two other significant monasteries in Lhasa: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. These visits allow you to observe and learn about the daily lives of monks, the monastery architecture, and the religious practices central to Tibetan Buddhism.
This 5-day group tour is an immersive journey into Tibet’s religious heart, ideal for those who wish to experience this fascinating region’s profound spiritual and cultural aspects.
Detailed Itinerary for the Holy City of Lhasa and Ganden Monastery 5-Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Welcoming You to Lhasa
Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, our tour guide will greet you with a warm and friendly “Tashi Dele!” We’re mindful of the high altitude conditions in Lhasa and the potential impact on your health. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll promptly escort you to your hotel in the city.
Adjusting to the High Altitude
In Lhasa, the high altitude may be a new experience for many. We encourage you to take it easy on your first day. Rest and relax in your hotel to allow your body to gradually adapt to the plateau environment. Moving slowly, speaking at a relaxed pace, and resting is key to a comfortable adjustment.
Important Health Note
It’s normal to experience minor symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea due to the high altitude. These usually improve by the following day. However, if you experience severe symptoms, it’s crucial to inform your tour guide or hotel staff immediately for appropriate assistance.
Enjoy your first day in Lhasa as you acclimate, and get ready for the exciting days ahead exploring the spiritual and cultural treasures of this ancient city.
Day 2: Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Exploring the Wonders of Lhasa: Your second day in Lhasa is dedicated to exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Morning: Visit to Potala Palace
We begin our day with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, an ancient castle-style complex that once served as the residence of the Dalai Lama. As the highest of its kind in the world, it is a symbol of political and religious power in Tibet. The ascent to the palace involves climbing 1080 steps, a challenging yet rewarding experience that offers panoramic views of Lhasa and its picturesque surroundings.
Afternoon: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
After a morning of awe and wonder, we proceed to the sacred Jokhang Temple in the afternoon. Considered the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, this temple is a key pilgrimage site for devotees. Lama Nima Tsering famously said that a visit to Lhasa is incomplete without seeing Jokhang Temple. The temple’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Tibetan, Tang Dynasty, Nepalese, and Indian styles. Following your temple visit, you can participate in the Tibetan tradition of circumambulating the temple clockwise. Alternatively, explore the vibrant Barkhor Street, known for its handicraft market. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely Tibetan afternoon tea or soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the city.
Important Notes for the Day
- Tickets for Potala Palace: Please note that tickets for the Potala Palace are pre-purchased for specific time slots. Our itinerary will be adjusted to accommodate these visiting times.
- Security at Potala Palace: Be prepared for mandatory security checks when entering the Potala Palace. Additionally, photography inside the palace is not allowed.
This day promises a deep dive into Tibet’s cultural and religious heritage, offering an enriching experience of Lhasa’s historical and spiritual significance.
Day 3: Lhasa City Tour – Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Exploring Lhasa’s Spiritual Essence: Your third day in Lhasa continues with visits to two of the most significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism, immersing you further into the spiritual depth of the region.
Morning: Visit to Drepung Monastery
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we’ll begin our day with a visit to Drepung Monastery. Renowned as the largest temple in Lhasa and affiliated with the Gelug Sect, Drepung Monastery is a cornerstone of Tibetan religious culture. It is especially famous for hosting the annual Shoton Festival, a significant event that draws many pilgrims and tourists. The festival, held at the end of June and the beginning of July according to the Tibetan calendar, features grand Buddha exhibitions that are a spectacle of devotion and celebration.
Afternoon: Sera Monastery and the Scripture Debate
In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Sera Monastery, known for its unique and intellectually stimulating scripture debates. These debates, starting around 15:00, are a profound display of the monks’ knowledge and understanding of Buddhist philosophy. Witnessing these debates is not just an educational experience but also an insight into the depth of Tibetan Buddhism’s beliefs and scholarly traditions.
Evening: Return to Hotel for Rest
Following an enlightening day at the monasteries, you’ll have the opportunity to return to your hotel to rest and rejuvenate. Reflect on the day’s experiences, the rich cultural heritage, and the vibrant spiritual life of Lhasa.
This day promises a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and its practices, providing an enriching and spiritual continuation of your Lhasa exploration.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ganden Monastery from Lhasa
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Journey to the Ancestral Temple of the Gelug Sect
Your fourth day in Lhasa is dedicated to exploring the revered Ganden Monastery, a site of great significance in Tibetan Buddhism.
Exploring Ganden Monastery
After breakfast, we will venture to Ganden Monastery, located atop a picturesque mountain. Established in 1409, Ganden is not only a pivotal religious site but also a serene haven for contemplation and spiritual connection. As you meander through its sacred trails, you’ll likely encounter lamas deeply engaged in scripture recitation and prayer, enhancing the monastery’s spiritual atmosphere.
Experiencing the Serenity and Natural Beauty
Ganden Monastery provides a unique blend of spiritual enrichment and natural splendour. If weather permits, we encourage taking a mountain tour around the monastery. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Ganden, offering a moment of peace and an opportunity to seek blessings for yourself and your loved ones.
Return to Lhasa
After spending a fulfilling day at Ganden Monastery, we will return to Lhasa. This day promises a deeper understanding of the Gelug Sect and an appreciation for the profound spiritual traditions that are an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism.
Your evening back in Lhasa is yours to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences, absorbing the peaceful and spiritual essence of your journey so far.
Day 5: Departure from Lhasa to Airport/Railway Station
Meals Included: Breakfast (included) Accommodation: None
Farewell and Departure day
On the final day of your enriching journey through Lhasa and its spiritual sites, we begin with a farewell breakfast. After this last meal in the mystical city, it’s time to say goodbye to the land of monasteries and mountains.
Transportation to Airport or Railway Station
Our team will take care of your transportation needs to the Lhasa airport or railway station, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. We will arrange the transfer according to your flight or train schedule, making sure you reach the airport or station comfortably and on time.
End of the Tour
As this memorable tour comes to a close, we hope that the experiences, insights, and spiritual connections you’ve made in Tibet will stay with you long after you return home. Whether you are departing by plane or train, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
Thank you for choosing to explore the Holy City of Lhasa and Ganden Monastery with us. We hope these days spent in the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality have been enlightening and unforgettable. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet in the future!
Fee Description
Cost Includes:
- Required documents for Tibet tourism: Tibet entry letter, border defence permit, travel permit, military region approval, and invitation letter.
- Full accommodation throughout the tour.
- All transportation costs within Tibet, covering road and bridge tolls, fuel, and vehicle entry fees, with some free time for self-exploration.
- Accommodation, meals, and allowances for the driver and tour guide.
- Reservation fee for Potala Palace.
- A knowledgeable local tour guide and their accommodation and meal allowances.
- Travel agency service fee, including daily mineral water and a 4L oxygen cylinder in case of altitude sickness.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions in the itinerary, namely Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
- Travel agency liability insurance and personal accident insurance, covering a range of scenarios.
Cost Does Not Include:
- Meals during the tour, except for breakfast in the hotel.
- Round-trip transportation to Lhasa from your departure point (booking service is available).
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone charges, overweight luggage, and beverages during meals.
- Unforeseeable expenses resulting from natural disasters, strikes, wars, flight delays, cancellations, or visa delays.
- Suggested tipping of 20 RMB per day for the driver and 20 RMB per day for the tour guide.
Important Booking Information:
- The tour is open to residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign participants. Prices do not include taxes.
- Cancellation policy: The refund policy is as follows:
- Cancellation more than 20 days before the tour: No charge.
- Cancellation 19-4 days before the tour: 30% of the deposit paid.
- Cancellation within 3 days before the tour: 50% of the deposit paid.
- Cancellation 1 day before the tour: No refund.
- In cases of force majeure like natural disasters, airline delays, or cancellations, the company cannot be held.
