Lhasa Tour

Lhasa Tour
6 Days of travel in the amazing capital of Tibet

Tibet is the land of the Dalai Lama. Once a forbidden place closed to those outside its borders, the “roof of the world” is now a wonderful place to come and visit as you see the beauty of this Himalayan land along with breathing in its rich spirituality. You can’t separate its unique form of Buddhism from the people who live here. Its culture is strongly intertwined with Mahayana Buddhism. Here we find monasteries with yak butter lamps flickering and Buddhist monks chanting.

The world’s largest palace is in Lhasa and the marketplace is alive with the sights and smells of various goods for sale. The snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas rising above the Tibetan plateau is a sight worthy to behold. The Lhasa Tour is a trip of a lifetime. Your friends at Summit International Travels & Tours has developed the perfect short tour of the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa. Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and enjoy the wonderful high alpine air of the world’s highest capital city. The mystical land of Tibet is waiting for you.

Trip itinerary:

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (elev. 1350 m/4,429 ft.)
It’s an adrenaline rush as you are filled with excitement as your plane begins its final descent into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Your Himalayan journey is about to start as you deplane and make your way through the airport. Once you’ve gotten your visa upon arrival and grabbed your luggage, you’re out the door and into the capable hands of your friends at Summit International Travels & Tours. It’s off to your hotel in a private car where you can relax from your long journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with delicious hot Nepali food and a cultural program.

DAY 2 – FLY TO LHASA (elev. 3,650 m/11,972 ft.)
You arise refreshed and return to the airport after breakfast by private vehicle. It’s a short, but amazing one hour flight as you fly over the backbone of the Himalayas. You fly near Mt. Everest along with other massive 8000+ peaks that are visible from your window.
Arrive at Gonggor Airport where you will meet your Tibetan guide and take the one hour journey by bus to your hotel in Lhasa. Today is a rest day as the high elevation of Lhasa is difficult for many people. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real illness at high altitudes like Tibet and the best way to prevent it is to simply allow your body time to adjust. Enjoy dinner at your hotel as you prepare for the night.

DAY 3 – SIGHTSEEING IN LHASA AREA
Our first day of sightseeing takes us to the old palace as well as to see some of the famed Buddhist monasteries that are here in Lhasa. The first place is Norbulinka Palace and served as the summer palace for the Dalai Lamas. Norbulinka means Jeweled Park, which is appropriately named. Sera Monastery once housed over 5000 monks before the Chinese cultural revolution. The monastery houses far less monks today, but the artwork and architecture is truly inspiring. We also visit Jokhang Monastery, the most sacred place in Tibet. It is filled with activity as Buddhist monks chant and study by the flickering light of the yak butter lamps that mystically illuminate its many halls and sanctuaries. In the evening, return to your hotel.

DAY 4 – POTALA PALACE
You’re already seen it as it is the most dominate site in the Lhasa Valley. This palace contains over 1000 rooms as its white exterior rises along the face of the cliff. This was the seat of government for the Dalai Lama before he was forced to flee to India in 1959. In the afternoon, visit Drepung Monastery. Constructed in 1416, it was once the largest Buddhist monastery in the world. It was created as a place of learning for monks, masters and lamas. There will be time to visit the local Buddhist marketplace with its amazing smells and colorful items before returning to your hotel for the night.

DAY 5 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
It’s been a wonderful tour and now its time to return to Kathmandu by the magnificently beautiful one hour flight. Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport and are taken to your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. Go exploring, check out the interesting shops or relax in a park. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends from Summit International Travels & Tours.

DAY 6 – DEPARTURE
Oh, what a wonderful six days it has been. You’ve seen the mystical land of Tibet with its spiritual glory. And you’ve spent a little time in the magical land of Nepal. You sure didn’t get to see much of Nepal, and this little country is big in wonders. Before leaving by private vehicle to go to the airport and fly to your next destination, be sure to talk to your friends at Summit International Travels & Tours about your return trip. So many visitors to Nepal return again and again to explore its natural wonders, from high mountains to incredible jungles filled with tigers and one horned rhinos. Plan to return today. Summit International Travels & Tours will help you to plan the perfect return trip.