Gyantse Horse Racing Festival is one of the biggest feastival in Tibet. The festival begins with the religiours events such as Mantra reciting, dancing and displaying Thanks of Buddha and archery . Then it proceeds to horse race and other fun events like Yak and donkey race as well.
Besides the festival, you will also tour around the world famous Potala Palace and other monuments in Lhasa and other cities in Tibet.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Ovenright in Chengdu.
Transfer to airport. Flight from chengdu to lhasa.
Ypon arrival in Lhasa, you will be met and transferred to Hotel ( 70 KM). Afternoon is at leisure for acclimatization or just take an easy walk around Barkhor Bazar.
Overnight in hotel.
First on your list will be the Potala Palace in the morning, the palace of Dalai Lama,the seat of both religion and politics till 1959 in Tibet.it was built in the seventh century as a fort and laetr renovated by the fifth Dalai Lama in the seventeenth century to its present specification.
Afternoon visit Sera Monastery,which was founded in 1419.the most distingushed and most interesting here is monk’s daily debating session. Later drive to visit the Norbulinkaha palace, the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama.
Overnight Lhasa.
First drive to visit Sngyal dun Ku (thousand Buddhas’ cliff), it was built in 14th centutry by Duren pandits. It is said that the poor people in Lhasa,who ccould not afford to invite Thangkha Buddha to release the soul of dead from Purgatory, usually buy some days to re-paint the stone Buddha statue,to achieve the same effect as that of redeem Thangkha Buddha. Such custom has been passed down till today.
Later drive to visit the Drepung Monastery, which is the largest monastrey in the world and founded in 1416. After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar, the heart of the old Tibetan Town where you will enjoy fascinating combination of deep religiosity and shove market economics.
Overnight Lhasa.
Today you will drive to the city of Shigartse, (3968 m.) the capital of Tsang area, also it is the second largest town in tibet. (280km, 6-7 hours) .
Upon arrival, check in hotel, and visit tashilunphu monastery. It was built in 1447. This is the offiical seat of Panchen Lama, second in importance only to Dalai Lama.the particular interest in the monastery is the nine-foot statue of the Buddha of future. After the temple, visit the free market and overlook the Dzong Castle.
Overnight Shigatse.
Drive to the city of Gyantse, (90 km /One and half hour driving). Upon arrival at Gyantse, check in hotel.
Visit the Gyantse Kumbum Stupa and Paichu Monastery. Gyantse Kumbum was built in 13th century and is essentially a great multi-chapel stupa with an interior of amazing little shrines that you can visit.the paichu monastery is in fact the entire monastic complex at Gyantse,within which the Kumbum located. It was built during 13th century. Gyantse County is one of the few places that unaffected by current modern development.
Overnight in hotel
Full day visit the local traditional Horse Racing and other festival events.
Overnight Gyangtse.
Drive Gyantse to Tsedang, (325km, 6-7hours ). Enroute visit Karo La Glacire and Yamdruk lake, (4408 m.) Cross the Kangpa la Pass,(4700m,)
Continue drive to Tseeang along the Yalongtsanpo River.
Overnight Gyangtse.
Sightseeing in Tsedang. First visit the Samye Monastery, 50km. It was the first monastery built in Tibet and was instrumental in the estabilashment of Buddhism in Tibet. The temple was completed in 779 by the renowned Indian Buddhist scholar, Shantaraksita. He also became Samye’s first abbot.
Also visit one of local farmer’s house and get an insight into their way of life. After lunch, drive back to tsedang and visit the first Tibetan Palace, Yongbulhakang Castle,10km south of Tsedang which dating back to the first king. Archaeologists have suggested that the foundation is as old as 2000 years.
Overnight Tsetang.
Transfer to airport and fly back to Chengdu, and catch you onward flight or extend your trip to Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar.
Land Cost: US$ |
Single Supplement: US$ 520 |
Internal Air: US$ 510 |
Holiday Inn Express | |
Hotel Dhoo Gu | |
Hotel Tashi Choeta | |
Hotel Gyangtse | |
Hotel Tsetang |