River Valley Tours

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 Yarlong 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.

After breakfast, you will firstly visit the Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience one of the most holy 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!

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.

After breakfast, drive about 6 hours to Bayi town, the capital of Nyingchi area. The road condition is good. On route, you will pay a visit to Ganden Monastery which is the first Gelugpa monastery, and one of the three “great” Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet (the other two being Sera and Drepung monasteries). Founded in 1409, Ganden Monastery was traditionally considered to be the seat of Geluk administrative and political power.
Upon arrival at Bayi Town, visit a huge cypress tree over a thousand years old. Take a break and take a stroll in the surprisingly modern town.

Tip of today:
The view during the drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi is great! Be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs and take pictures.

Visit Basomtso Lake and enjoy the beautiful views there in the morning. Basomtso Lake, 3,500 meters above sea level, originates from Nyaching Tanglha Mountain and is a dozen kilometers long. Snow-covered mountains, glaciers and trees are reflected upon the lake’s rippling surface. There are small islands in the middle of the lake with Buddhist temples built upon them. after sightseeing, drive back to Lhasa.

Tip of today:
While not the highest destination in Tibet, be careful not to push yourself too hard, especially if you are not used to high altitudes. Take advantage of the abundant opportunities to take great pictures!

Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.