History & Culture: 6-Day Tibet Tour

Itinerary Description

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa - Airport Pick-up at Lhasa Gonggar Airport - Shannan - Free Activities/Acclimatization to Altitude

- Distance: Approximately 100 km; Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

- Hotel Accommodation: Shannan Zedang Hotel (VIP Building); Altitude of Accommodation: Approximately 3,560 m

- Meals: Not included

Upon arriving in Shannan, your Tibet journey begins. As your flight slowly lands at Tibet Gonggar Airport, a mysterious and surprising snow-capped plateau tour kicks off. Afterwards, you will head to the urban area of Shannan. Known as the cradle of Tibetan culture, Shannan boasts a profound historical heritage. Upon arrival, you will check into the carefully arranged hotel to acclimatize to the local altitude.

Tips:

1. Avoid strenuous exercise when first arriving on the plateau; walk slowly.

2. Do not wash your hair or take a bath on the first day after arrival.

3. Maintain a light diet. You can drink sweet tea, butter tea, or sweet beverages like Coca-Cola and Sprite to alleviate mild altitude sickness.

Day 2: Shannan - Samye Monastery - Yongbulakang Palace - Zhaxi Qudeng Village (Watching Traditional Yalong Xueba Tibetan Opera Performance)

- Distance: Approximately 100 km; Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours

- Hotel Accommodation: Shannan Zedang Hotel (VIP Building); Altitude of Accommodation: Approximately 3,560 m

- Meals: Breakfast (provided by the hotel)

In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to Samye Monastery. Samye Monastery is the first monastery in Tibet's history that integrates Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. In terms of architectural style, it is unique, combining Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural art styles. Its overall layout is designed in accordance with the Buddhist concept of the universe, with exquisite interior decorations and rich murals that vividly depict Buddhist stories, historical legends, and social life scenes of that time.

In the afternoon: Visit Yongbulakang Palace, another renowned historical site in Shannan. Yongbulakang, which means "Palace on the Hind Leg of a Female Deer" in Tibetan, is the first palace in Tibet's history, built in the 2nd century BC. A highlight of the itinerary is a visit to Zhaxi Qudeng Village, known as the "First Village of Yalong Zhaxi Xueba Tibetan Opera" - a national intangible cultural heritage. Wander through the village and watch a wonderful Tibetan opera performance.

Day 3: Shannan - Qiangji Village - Qiangqin Manor - Visiting the Family of Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritors of Highland Barley Wine in Qiangji Village - Touring the Intangible Cultural Heritage Employment Workshop (Learning about and Tasting Handmade Highland Barley Wine Craftsmanship) - Tibetan LinKa Experience (Outdoor Camp Afternoon Tea + Lunch) - Lhasa

- Distance: Approximately 150 km; Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours

- Hotel Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort; Altitude of Accommodation: Approximately 3,650 m

- Meals: Breakfast (provided by the hotel)

In the morning: First, head to Qiangqin Manor. This manor has been renovated while preserving its original style, and through museum-level exhibition methods, it vividly presents its ancient history to you. It is not only a well-preserved cultural relic building but also brings cultural relics "to life" through modern display methods, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical changes and cultural inheritance of the Tibetan people.

In the afternoon: Visit the home of the inheritor of Qiangji Highland Barley Wine. At the Intangible Cultural Heritage Employment Workshop, taste authentic highland barley wine and learn about the brewing process of highland barley wine. This traditional brewing method has been passed down from generation to generation, embodying the wisdom of the Tibetan people. Then, go to the Qiangji Wild Luxury Camp to experience a comfortable Tibetan-style camping.

Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Nima Tang Monastery - Visiting Local Tibetan Families in Dadong Village - Lhasa

- Distance: Approximately 260 km; Driving Time: Approximately 4-5 hours

- Hotel Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort; Altitude of Accommodation: Approximately 3,650 m

- Meals: Breakfast (provided by the hotel)

In the morning: Visit Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok Lake, which means "Jade Lake" in Tibetan, is known as one of Tibet's three holy lakes along with Manasarovar Lake and Nam Co Lake. There are more than a dozen islands of varying sizes in the lake, with abundant vegetation on the islands, housing many bird species such as bar-headed geese and brown-headed gulls, adding vitality to this quiet lake.

In the afternoon: Head to Dadong Village in Duilong. Dadong Village still preserves the nearly 1,000-year-old ancient temple - Nima Tang Monastery. Explore the daily life of local Tibetans, experience Tibetan customs, and get a close look at the customs and traditions of Tibetan families.

Day 5: Potala Palace (VIP Chauffeur Service Direct Access) - Jokhang Temple (Gilding the Buddha Statues) - Barkhor Street Citywalk - Evening Activities

- Distance: Approximately 20 km; Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

- Hotel Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort; Altitude of Accommodation: Approximately 3,650 m

- Meals: Breakfast (provided by the hotel)

In the morning: Visit the Potala Palace. Located on Marpori Hill in the northwest of Lhasa's urban area, the Potala Palace is a magnificent building at the highest altitude in the world that integrates a palace, a fortress, and a monastery. It is also the largest and most complete ancient palace fortress complex in Tibet, as well as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architectural heritage of the Chinese nation.

In the afternoon: Visit the Jokhang Temple and experience the charm of Buddhism brought by the life-sized golden statue of Sakyamuni up close.

In the evening: Explore Barkhor Street. This ancient street, regarded as the soul of Lhasa, is like a vivid history book, engraved with the traces of time and the soul of the city. Wander along Barkhor Street, watch pilgrims prostrating themselves in long磕长头 (a traditional Tibetan Buddhist practice of full-body prostration), feel the power of faith, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

[Evening Activities] Optional:

1. Thangka Painting Experience: Thangka, also transliterated as Tangka or Tangkar in Tibetan, refers to a religious scroll painting mounted with colored satin and hung for worship.

2. Watching "Princess Wencheng" Performance: Under the night sky of Lhasa, the real-scene drama "Princess Wencheng" starts grandly, vividly recreating the legend of Princess Wencheng's marriage to Tubo.

3. Starry Sky Tibetan Medicine Bath: Experience the magical effects of Tibetan medicine and the romance of the starry sky, adding a unique and unforgettable memory to this journey.