Lhasa Sightseeing

Lhasa Sightseeing

In general, most of tourists would like to take a experience on Qinghai-Tibet Railway one way if they visit Tibet. Fine, it must be wonderful and unforgettable. But, pleaae pay much attention that the train tickets to Lhasa City are very difficult to purchase during the peak season of Tibet tour, even if we would very like to book it on your behalf. There would be some extra charges for booking the tickets and sometimes the addtional fees could be higher than the par value. Therefore, we usually suggest our guests to take the train out of Lhasa City, but take the flight in. It could be more reasonable and cost-effective.

Arrive in Lhasa

Arrive in Lhasa and you will be greeted by our local Tibetan guide and offered with Hada (Tibetan White Scarf) and a map of Tibet. Drive along Yarlung Zangbo River and Lhasa River for about 70km (paved road, about 1 hour's drive ) to the city, enjoy the Tibetan style villages and Nyetang Giant Buhhda, and then check in hotel in Lhasa and rest for acclimatization.

Lhasa Attractions

Tour starts from the religious Potala Palace built in the 7th century by the famous Tibetan king - Songtzen Gampo. The present one was built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. It became known as the "Winter Palace" by the 1750, when the 7th Dalai Lama built the Norbu Lingka Park as his summer residence. After lunch, you will visit Jokhang Temple, situated in the old section of Lhasa. King Songtzen Gampo built this temple in the mid-7th century A.D. Now it is the most sacred place in Tibet and it is also the center of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims come here to pay homage from all over Tibet. Then, visit Barkhore Street in the evening.

On the second day, you will have a chancce to sightseeing wonderful Sera Monastery (3 hours), located in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. It is a complex of 4 structures: the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges. It was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa. 'Sera' means wild roses and was called this because the monastery was surrounded by wild roses. One of the three main monasteries of Lhasa, it is the place where the monks' "famous daily sutra debates" take place. Tips of Sutra Debates: Every day (except Monday) at 15:00 pm, there is a debate about Buddhist doctrines among the monks at Sera Monastery. The debating is held on the grounds and is a necessary way of learning sutras and scriptures. Visitors can watch the debate, but it is advised to keep quiet.

Then take a visit to great Drepung Monastery which is the largest monastery of the Gelug Sect in Tibet. After that, you will visit beautiful Norbu Lingka Park. In 1752, the 7th Dalai Lama built the first palace here for successive Dalai Lamas to carry out their political and religious activities during the summer season. Today Norbu Lingka has become a public park for picnic, relaxing and entertainment.