Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa – Norbulingka Palace Visit
Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Upon arrival at Lhasa Airport, our representative will receive you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your Tibetan cultural journey with a visit to the beautiful Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
Stroll through the peaceful gardens, colorful pavilions, and scenic surroundings while enjoying the serene beauty of Lhasa. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02: Lhasa Monastery & Palace Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating sightseeing tour of Lhasa’s most revered Buddhist landmarks. Begin with a visit to the famous Sera Monastery, renowned for its lively monk debates and ancient Buddhist teachings. Continue to Chaqi Monastery and the historic Nechung Monastery, once regarded as the official oracle monastery of Tibet.
Later, visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the iconic winter residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and one of Tibet’s most treasured architectural masterpieces.
Continue your exploration with visits to the sacred Jokhang Temple, considered the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, and the historic Ramoche Temple. After a spiritually enriching day, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Lhasa.
Day 03: Celebrate Tibetan New Year – Losar Festival
Early in the morning, immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the Tibetan New Year Festival, popularly known as Losar. This grand festival marks the beginning of the Tibetan calendar year, a tradition dating back to 1027 A.D.
Witness local Tibetans gathering at the revered Jokhang Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and peace in the coming year. Experience the colorful rituals, festive atmosphere, traditional attire, and spiritual devotion that make Losar one of Tibet’s most important celebrations.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Drepung Monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks and one of the largest monasteries in the world. If fortunate, you may witness monks chanting sacred sutras or participating in traditional philosophical debates within the monastery courtyards. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Lhasa.
Day 04: Excursion to Drak Yerpa Cave Hermitage
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to the sacred Drak Yerpa Cave Hermitage, located amidst the hills near Lhasa. This spiritual retreat is famous for its more than 80 meditation caves carved into the mountainside and is considered one of the holiest cave retreat sites in Tibetan Buddhism.
The site holds immense spiritual significance as it was visited by great Buddhist masters including Songtsen Gampo, Guru Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, and Atisha. Historically, the caves served as meditation retreats for monks, nuns, and hermits seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, breathtaking mountain views, and serene atmosphere before returning to Lhasa in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Sacred Lakes Tour – Yamdrok & Samding Monastery
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a scenic excursion from Lhasa to the sacred Yamdrok Lake region. Revered by Tibetans as one of the four holy lakes of Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Continue exploring the spiritual significance of Tibetan lakes including references to Lhamo La-Tso and the sacred Manasarovar region. Visit the historic Samding Monastery situated near the lake. This unique monastery is famous for being the only Tibetan monastery traditionally headed by a female reincarnated lama.
Admire the tranquil natural beauty and spiritual ambiance of the region before returning to Lhasa for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06: Departure from Lhasa
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lhasa Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of Tibet’s rich Buddhist heritage, sacred monasteries, breathtaking landscapes, and the vibrant celebration of the Losar Festival.
