An Eight-day Tour to Lhasa and Shigatse by sleeper train and plane
Day1 to 3: leave Shanghai for Lhasa by train and arrive in Lhasa on the third day. The guide will pick you up at the railway station and then take you to the hotel; it’s about thirty minutes’ drive to the hotel. Then you will take a rest in the hotel to adapt to the high altitude climate. You will live in Lhasa that night
Day4: start the tour by visiting the Potala Palace, the landmark of Lhasa. The first sight of the Potala Palace in front of it will amaze you. The duration of visit: 1 hour.
Day5: To the east of Lhasa is Drepung Monastery, about 8km away. It was once the world’s largest temple, in which there were ten thousand monks. Climb the stairs of the white temple architecture and you will reach the picturesque summit, which will offer you a panoramic view of the Lhasa city. Drepung Monastery is one of the two famous Gelugpa temples in Lhasa, the other known as Sera Monastery, which is located in the north of the city, about 5km away. Sera Monastery is famous for scripture debating. You will live in Lhasa at night.
Day6: Lhasa-Yamdrok-Gyangz-Shigatse: Yamdrok, 4,441 meters above sea level, is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Start on the early morning and you will see the tortuous, steep mountain roads and even steep precipices and cliffs along the way. After an hour’s drive, you will reach the top of Gangbala Mountain that is 5,030 meters above sea level. Yamdrok Lake flows at the foot of the mountain like a sapphire jade belt, and there is snow falling in the distance. You will move forward along the lake for about 30km and see rows of highland barleys there. It’s very nice to take a walk by the lake. Then you will leave Yamdrok Lake and pass through Karuola Glacier, which is 5,045 meters above sea level. The road is dangerously steep.
Day7: The golden roof of Tashilhunpo Monastery shines in the sun, and its appearance alone will hold you in high respect. After going inside, you will feel the atmosphere of solemnness. Nearby Tashilhunpo Monastery is the old urban district of Shigatse, and it’s a fine choice to walk around there. The typical Tibetan vernacular dwellings and noisy market will show you the vivid scene of life peculiar to the local Tibetans. After that, you will return to Lhasa and live in Lhasa.