Day 1. BeijingQLhasa (Dinner)

From Beijing we take flight to Lhasa. Upon arrived, we transfer to railway station for train to Lhasa. Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located at the north bank of Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650 meters above the sea level. Lhasa has history of more than 1300 years and it’s been the center of politics, economy, culture and religion in Tibet since ancient times.

Day 3. Lhasa (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast we visit Potatla Palace. The Potala Palace is regarded as the greatest construction and the landmark of Tibet. It is located in the middle of the Lhasa city.  It was originally built in the seventh century during the reign of Songtsan Gambo, the greatest Tibetan King in Tubo Kingdom. But only a few were remained because of war and the thunder. Most of constructions we see nowadays were built in the seventeenth century, It is the fifth Dalai Lama who ordered to rebuild the White Hall in 1645, After his nirvana, his regent continued to build the Red Hall. The Potala Palace consists of the Red Hall and the White Hall. The Red Hall, which was regarded as the religious center, is situated at the top of the Red Hill. There houses sacred pagodas of Dalai Lamas, lots of Buddhas’ and Dalai Lamas’ statues. The White Hall, which is on each side of the Red Hall, was regarded as the political center. Later we explore the Jikhang Temple. The Jokhang Temple is situated in the eastern part of Lhasa, which is the old part of the city. It was firstly built in the seventh century in order to store the nine-year-old statue of Sakyamuni brought by the princess of Nepal. Now inside it is the twelve-year-old image of the Buddhism founder, which is regarded as the most sacred statue in Tibetan people’s heart. The statue was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng from Tang Dynasty. There are also many other important Buddha statues in the temple. The famous Bakhur Street is around the Jokhang Temple. Every day lots of Tibetan Buddhism followers go clockwise around the street with pray wheels. After that, we visit Barhor Street. No one can claim to have really visited Lhasa until they have taken a Stroll around Barkhor Street. As the oldest street in Lhasa, Barkhor is circular and still remains quite traditional. The street is narrow and lined with stalls or shops on each side. Goods for sale are typical reflections of Tibetan culture. From morning to evening, streams of people throng in to purchase whatever they need. Barkhor is also the sacred pilgrimage site. It’s a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. Then we go on to Sera Monastery. It is one of the three great monasteries of the Yellow Sect in Lhasa. It was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, one of the eight famous disciples of Tsongkapa . Besides some big chapels, there tourists can see the monks debating about the Buddhism doctrines. It is located in the northeast of Lhasa city.

Day 5. Lhasa/Namtso Lake/Lhasa (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we drive to Namtso Lake. Namtso Lake is called “Tengali Sea” that means the heaven lake in Mongolic, 61 kilometers from the country town, the surface of the lake elevation at 4718 meters, an area 1940sq km .It is the second largest salt lake only next to Qinhai Lake in China. There are islands, with natural views such as stone forests, stone pillars and natural bridges etc. on the islands, the buildings including Gelu style temples and many caves and ancient sites. Then we drive back to Lhasa.

Day 6.  Lhasa/Tsetang (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we visit Samye Monastery. It is the first temple in Tibet ,built in the prosperous time of Tubo Kingdom with a history of 1200 years. Before Samye , there were only some temples without monks and sutras .Many important persons including the Tibetan King and Indian Buddhism master participated the construction of the monastery. The tourists have to take the ferryboat to the temple across the Yulung Tsangpo River. Then we drive to Tsetang and visit Tibet local family.

Day 7. Tsetang/Gyantse (Dinner)

After breakfast, we drive to Gyantse. And we visit Yamdrok Lake on the way. The Yamdrok Yumtso Lake has some beautiful and vivid names like Coral Lake or Green Jade Lake. The former name is derived from its irregular shape, as the lake has many short streams winding into the nearby mountains and it appears much like the coral. The latter name implies its beautiful appearance for pure clean water there is as smooth as the surface of fine jade. Lying under the sunshine, the peaceful water seems like a bright mirror. The reflection of sunshine in different depths lends the lake gorgeous and mysterious colors. Overlooked from the nearby high mountain, one could see the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, like a holy sapphire, set in the group of mountains. In the lake, are dotted several small islands. On the islands, fertile grasses and groups of wild birds betray peaceful but vigorous natural scenery. Embraced by the uninterrupted snow-capped mountains and lying under the clear blue sky, the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake appears very holy and evokes solemnity. Later we visit Nojin Kangsang Glacier. Finshed we countinue drive to Gyantse.

Day 9. Shigatse/Sakya/New Tingri (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we drive to Sakya.The town is southern of Shigatse accessed via a good dirt road through a pretty farming valley. The draw here is the Sakya Monastery, which has great appeal to the eye and the spirit. The monastery was established in 1268 and is designed defensively, with watchtowers on each of the corner of its high Walls. Then we arrive Shegar.

Day 11. New Tingri/Zhangmu/Kathmandu (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we drive to Zhangmu. On the way we stop at Lalongla pass and Shungla pass. Then we drive to the Friendship bridge and depart to Nepal. Nepal guide and driver meet the group at Tibet Nepal border (Kodari) and drive Kodari-Kathmandu (123 kms – 4 hours) by Jeep (3 persons in 1 jeep). Upon arrival,we transfer to hotel.

Day 12.  Kathmandu (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, including the Durbar Square, the Temple of Living Goddess and the Royal Palace. We will also visit Kasthamandap, a temple built from a single tree and from which the city Kathmandu derives its name. We continue for a visit to Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist shrine, said to be 2000 years old. The stupa is situated on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the city. Looking east from here one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. We travel to Patan City, an artistic and architectural jewel founded in 250 AD, and previously known as Lalitpur. Sometimes it is known as the “Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs.” Here we shall visit the Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple). We also visit a Tibetan Handicraft Centre.