Upon arriving in Lhasa, your local guide will meet you and you will be driven by private vehicle to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is for you to acclimate to the high altitude and weather of Lhasa. Avoid strenuous physical activities during this first day since that may cause high altitude sickness. If you need oxygen, your guide can help you purchase it.
Guide Tips: 1) avoid vigorous activities but do take some leisurely walks in the city to acclimatize to the air and high altitude of Lhasa city (altitude of 3600m); 2) do not drink liquor in the arrival day, instead plenty of water and fruits are recommended.
After having breakfast in your hotel, your local guide will meet you and you will be driven to the Jokhang Temple, one of the most important and beautiful Buddhist Temples in Tibet. You will then visit Barkhor Street, which is a circular street surrounding the Jokhang Temple. The street is lined with shops selling unique Tibetan items. On the street you will mingle with Buddhist pilgrims, locals, and merchants. After visiting Barkhor Street, you will visit the A’ni Cang Gu Nunnery.
Note: The first floor of the Jokhang Temple is wheelchair accessible, but not the second. If you feel up to it, you can climb to the second floor, if not, the first floor is still amazing.
In the morning, after having breakfast in your hotel, your local guide will meet you and you will be driven to the Potala Palace Square. Located in front of the Potala Palace, the square offers great photo opportunities of the Potala Palace. You will then be driven to Norbulingka, the old summer palace of the Dalai Lama. When you are finished visiting, you will then be driven to the Tibet Museum. The museum, which opened in 1999 exhibits an incredible collection of artifacts showing Tibet’s history, culture, and folk customs.
In the morning, after you have had breakfast in your hotel, your local guide will meet you and you will be driven to Yamdrok Lake. Shaped like a scorpion, the lake is one of the four holiest lakes for Tibetans and is a fabulous shade of turquoise. It is surrounded by grassland and is an extremely peaceful and beautiful place. You will then be driven to Shigatse. On the way you will stop to view the Karo-la Glacier. You will then be driven to the Gyantse Kumbum, It is a stunning stupa covered with beautiful paintings. You will then be driven to the Gyantse Dzong, one of the best preserved fortresses in Tibet. It is perched on a mountain high above Gyantse.
After having had your breakfast in your hotel, your local guide will meet you and you will be driven to Tashilhunpo Monastery. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama and rebuilt several times. Located on a hill, this impressive complex never fails to impress. After you will be driven back to Lhasa, checking your hotel for rest.
Today you could learn the process of how to make Tibetan joss stick, or Tibetan porcelain, or Tangka, etc. Or you could learn how Tibetans turn the yak dung into a good fuel, or how they gather in the harvest. You could join into them if you want. Different season, different activities until to be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to next destination.
