Overview
Tsedang, the capital town of Shannan (Lhoka) Prefecture, was the renowned cradle of the Tibetans. It was here that the Turpo Kingdom was first established and unified the whole Tibet. With its long-established civilizations, Tsedang played a key role in Tibetan politics and history. Therefore, Tsedang has been called “the Hub of Tibetan Civilizations” and boasts numerous “firsts” in the Tibetan history. The first king Natri Tsangpo, the first palace Yumbu Lakang Palace, the first cropland Sodang, the first scripture Panghonchaja and the first Tibetan opera Pakghapu are all associated with Tsedang. Situated to the south of Mt. Kailash and Nyainchen Tanglha ranges, Shannan region covers a vast territory along the middle and lower banks of Yarlung Tsangpo River. It connects Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse and borders to Bhutan and India for the directions. It is surrounded three of the four most important scared mountains in Tibet, they are Chowori in Gonggarchasam, Hapori in Samye and Gongpori. Here also has two sacred lakes Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and mysterious Lhamo Nhatso Lake. This tour consists of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and will focus on Tsedang as one of the trip highlights, explore its unique cultural and historical relics, and the beautiful sceneries. Besides that, you also have one day chance to do a moderate hike around Ganden Monastery from the tour.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Gongga Airport & Pick-up to Tsedang
Day 02 Yarlung Valley Sightseeing (B)
Day 03 Gyantse via Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (B)
Day 04 Shigatse & Tashilumpo Visit (B)
Day 05 Drive to Lhasa & Sighteeing (B / D)
Day 06 Lhasa Sightseeing (B)
Day 07 Moderate Hike to Ganden (B / L)
Day 08 Lhasa Departure (B)
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Gongga Airport & Pick-up to Tsedang
Upon arrived at Lhasa Gongga Airport, our local guide and driver will pick you up there and then Then drive about 150km along the east bank of Yarlung Zangpo River to Tsedang, the capital town of Shannan Prefecture. Tsedang is located at the bank of Yarlung Zangpo River with altitude of 3,500m. Rest time is free for plateau acclimation or leisure walking around in the town.
Day 02: Yarlung Valley Sightseeing (B)
Full day explore in Tsedang, the Yarlung Valley. Visit Yumbum Lakang, reputed to be the first palace in Tibet. Nearby Tibetan King Tombs, the burial sites of the Tibetan Kings. On the way to Yumbum Lakang, you can stop for visiting Chamdrok Monastery, the Tibet’s first Buddhist chapel was built here. At the last, visit Samye Monastery, the earliest temple established in Tibet, a grand constructions mixed with Tibetan, Chinese Han and Indian features.
Day 03: Gyantse via Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (B)
The trail goes westward along Yarlung Zangpo River to Gyantse via Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. At 4,990m Gangpa La Pass, the indescribably beautiful Yamdrok Yumtso Lake will come into the eyesight, the Karola Glaciers (5,030m) takes on later. Then we will arrive at Gyantse, a small and simple town with more than 600 years history.
Day 04: Shigatse & Tashilumpo Visit (B)
Morning visit Pelkhor Chode and Kumbum Pagoda, a remarkable monastery coexisting three Tibetan Buddhism sects of Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Kahdampa. After Kora around the monastery, drive about 1.5 hours to Shigatse, where we visit Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lhama. It has an impressive scale and retains the highest gilded bronze statue of Champa Buddha in the world. Explore the town and the interesting local market.
Day 05: Drive to Lhasa & Sighteeing (B / D)
After breakfast, we drive back to Lhasa via the northern route. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Monastery, which is located in the heart of Lhasa’s old section of Barkhor. Built in seventh century, Jokhang Monastery is the oldest monastery and is the earliest timber construction in Tibet. It is also the spiritual focus for the Tibetans, where you can see the most devotional pilgrims and worships from morning till dark. Encircling of the Jokhang, here is Barkhor Street, the pilgrims are walking around the temple for centuries already. Leisure walk around this crowding medieval street to witness the local lifestyle. Dinner will be served as the Tibetan food, during Tibetan singing and dancing performances.
Day 06: Lhasa Sightseeing (B)
Morning visit the Potala Palace, the world's highest construction. With the 13 stories and 119 meters in height, Potala Palace is composed by the two parts of the White Palace and the Red Palace with the different functions. The White one is used for Dalai Lamas’ living, working and studying. The Red one consists mainly of various chapels and stupas. Later visit Norbulingka, literally means “Jewel Garden”, was the summer palace for the Dalai Lamas. The palaces are shaded by the flourish and green trees, the murals on the main hall’s walls show a long history here. Then visit Sera Monastery, one of the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. Except the treasures and well-preserved original murals in the monastery, you will also have a great chance to view the heated scriptural debates of the monks.
Day 07: Moderate Hike to Ganden (B / L)
Today drive out of Lhasa for about 65km to Ganden Monastery, one of the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. Moderate hike in a very beautiful valley around Ganden Monastery for sights. Lunch will be the picnic with the packed food. In the afternoon, drive back to Lhasa. On the route, enjoy the stunning scenery of Niyang River. Rest time is free leisure.
Day 08: Lhasa Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport or the train station according to the schedule.
