8-Day Central Tibet Tour

This 8-day tour takes in all the highlights of central Tibet. Following a circular route from Tsedang to Lhasa we explore the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, and then preceding on the southern route past Turquoise lake, to the historical towns of Gyantse and Shigatse.

Day 01: (L/D) Chengdu-Lhasa by air Stay: Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa from Chengdu. Drive along the Tsangpo (3400m) valley to Tsedang. Rest of the day free for rest and acclimatization.

Day 02: (B/L/D) Tsedang Stay: Tsedang
Guided tour of Samye, the oldest Monastery in Tibet that belongs to the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We also visit the Yambulakhang, the first castle built by the Tibetan Kings.

Day 03: (B/L/D) Tsedang-Gyantse Stay: Gyangtse
We take the scenic drive via Yamdrok (Turquoise) Lake to the old Tibetan town of Gyantse (3950m). In Gyantse we visit the beautiful multistoried Kumbum Stupa and the Pelkor Chode Monastery.

Day 04: (B/L/D) Gyantse-Shigatse Stay: Shigatse
Drive to Shigatse (4900m) and en route visit the Shalu Monastery. At Shigatse visit the great Tashi Lungpo Monastery - seat of the Panchen Lama; the second highest-ranking leader of the Tibetan Buddhist religious order. There will also be a chance to visit the interesting Shigatse Market place.

Day 05: (B/L/D) Shigatse-Lhasa Stay: Lhasa
Today drive along the Tsangpo valley gorge to Lhasa (3650m) the capital city of Tibet.

Day 06: (B/L/D) Lhasa Stay: Lhasa
Today visit Tibets oldest and holiest Buddhist shrine - the Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkor market encircling the Jokhang. Later visit the Traditional Tibetan Hospital.

Day 07: (B/L/D) Lhasa Stay: Lhasa
Full day tour of the gigantic Potala Palace - home to the Dalai Lamas of Tibet and the great Buddhist Monastery of Drepung. Evening free for individual activities.

Day 08: (B) Lhasa-Chengdu Tour End
Transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu. End of Tibet tour.

TOUR INCLUDES
1. Tibet Travel Permit, entrance fees;
2. Twin share accommodation in respective hotels, mostly Xiangbala Hotel;
3. Tours and transfers with English speaking guide;
4. All land transport;
5. All meals;
6. Flights Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu with airport tax;

TOUR EXCLUDES
1. China Visa fees;
2. Any tips (guide, driver, etc.);
3. Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites;
4. Extra cost for up-grading rooms at hotels if/when applicable;
5. Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, 6. Delays due to landslides/ road blockage, or otherwise;

Special Travel Permit:
To travel to Tibet, you would need a valid Chinese visa & a special travel permit. Only those who join package tours are qualified to obtain the permit. To book the tour, you are requested to e-mail or fax us the photo page of your passport and your Chinese visa including the following messages: full names as shown in your passport, date of birth, occupation, gender and your passport number. Our fax number is 86-28-6605 0658

Note:
Tour Cost is based on minimum 2 passengers.
Tours start from Chengdu with flights Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu with airport tax.
Participants should arrive in Chengdu at least 1 day in advance.
Private tours are available on request.