This tour will take you to “the cradle of Tibetan Civilization” Tsedang to discover the mystery of Tibetan Buddhists in Tibet’s most revered Palaces and Monasteries. Sightseeing includes Yumbulakang (Tibet’s first palace), Samye Monastery (Tibet’s first monastery), and Trandruk monastery (It has a long history, and boasts many sculptures and paintings from ancient times). In Trandruk monastery, you will see a stunning Tangkha of Pearls decorated with a total of 29,026 pearls.
Recommended Groups: Suitable for most groups, though highly recommend for seniors and students. You will see the most important religious and cultural sites in Tibet and learn about Tibetan history, culture, and religion in-depth.
Conditions: The tour pace is comfortable, with a maximum altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level. This tour starts in Lhasa. Traveling from Lhasa to Tsedang will take about 5 hours, tar road in good condition. Stay overnight in Tsedang before going back to Lhasa. Tsedang lies on the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo, and the climate there is the same as that of Lhasa. It will be fairly easy for tourists to find food and lodging in Tsedang.
Best time: any time of the year. Avoid peak season (July and August) as the price will be very high.
Historic Lhasa Tsetang Tour Itinerary.
Day 1 Lhasa Arrival
Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be pick up at the airport or train station, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city at the comfort of your own private vehicle. En route, enjoy the breathtaking view along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Tibetan features can be seen along the way, including Big Buddha engravings on the hill near the road, colorful prayer flags, and friendly Tibetan people.
After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and acclimatize yourself to this high-altitude city at the top of the world.
Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will firstly visit Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism while soaking up the rich history. Next, come to Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery housing 10,000 monks in its heyday. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks.
Your tour ends at Sera Monastery, where you will get the chance to experience “Buddhism Scriptures Debating”. These debates are unique to Sera and are quite famous. Enjoy the debates!
Day 3 Wondering Lhasa
The overwhelming Potala Palace is your first stop. As the symbol of Tibet, it was built in 641 AD and was the winter palace of Dalai Lama who is Tibet’s pope. Impressive Tibetan architecture, huge golden Buddha statues, red-robed lamas, and devoted pilgrims all make it a must-visit.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek here from long distances to worship. Finally, walk the special circular pilgrimage route as local followers always do at Barkhor Street.
Day 4 Lhasa – Tsedang
Tibet Pilgrim TourAfter breakfast today, drive to Tsedang, located by Yarlung Valley, the capital of Shannan Prefecture. It’s known as “the Cradle of Tibetan Civilization”, for two main reasons: first, its mild weather and fertile land conceived Tibet’s dynasties; second, it’s the supposed birthplace of the first Tibetans who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness. Today you will visit the Yumbulakang and Trandruk monasteries. Yumbulakang is known as Tibet’s first palace. It has a very long history and boasts many sculptures and paintings from ancient times. While visiting Trundruk monastery, you will see a stunning Tangkha of Pearls decorated with a total of 29,026 pearls.
Tips of today:
Yumbulakang monastery has a history of over 2,000 years and is just a short (10-15 minute) walk from Trandruk monastery.
Traveling from Lhasa to Tsedang will take about 5 hours, with a wide paved road in good condition.
The altitude of Tsedang is 3,580m.
Day 5 Tsedang – Lhasa
The Entrance of Samye Monastery Today’s visit is to Samye Monastery which is a 40km drive from Tsedang city. Samye is the first monastery built, with a history of over 1,000 years. Samye monastery’s buildings have three distinctive styles of architecture: Tibetan, Han, and Indian. Then drive back to Lhasa.
Tips of today: Be sure to bring a flashlight with you or ask your tour guide for one as Samye Monastery can be quite dark.
Several dogs live in the monastery, but don’t be afraid of them, they are friendly and won’t bite.
Day 6 Departure from Lhasa
Today is free for you until your tour guide transfers you to the airport in time for your flight or drops you off at Lhasa train station.
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