Lhasa tour

Final Departures

Early this morning, meet your guide and visit Drepung, one of the world's largest monasteries, built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, a pupil of Tshong Khapa (the founder of the Gelugpa Sect). Drepung literally means "heaps of rice," and the fertility of its fields supported a monastic community, that before 1959, ranked as Tibet's largest monastery with 7,770 monks. For over 500 years, Drepung served as the major pillar of the theocratic state, serving as the main political headquarters for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It also served as the residence of the Dalai Lama, until the Potala Palace was constructed in 1645.

If you are picturing Tibet, chances are you picture the Potala Palace, and this morning you will visit this World Heritage site. Sacked by the Chinese during their "liberation" of Tibet, it is but a hollow shell of what it once was, yet it remains a symbol of Tibetan autonomy and seat of the government-in-exile of the Dalai Lama. Stroll through its 13 stories that house 1,000 rooms and see what remains of its antiquities.
Continue to the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of the country. Founded in the mid 7th century, today it hums with pilgrims reciting prayers and spinning wheels amid the smoke of yak butter lamps. The surrounding streets hold a current of humanity, with Tibetans making their clockwise circuit, called a kora, around the temple grounds. Some pilgrims perform chaktsal, or ritual prostration, around the entire kora circuit. Feel the electrifying sensation of immersion in the kora at the Jokhang, which touches an ancient and enduring spiritual pulse.
At the Barkhor Market that surrounds the temple, hundreds of merchants sell their wares to the innumerable pilgrims. One can buy everything from incense and prayer scarves, to yak butter and Pringles. While literally rubbing shoulders with the local Tibetans, it becomes clear why these people are renowned throughout the world for their good humor and gentle, gracious ways.
Return to the hotel this afternoon with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

If you are picturing Tibet, chances are you picture the Potala Palace, and this morning you will visit this World Heritage site. Sacked by the Chinese during their "liberation" of Tibet, it is but a hollow shell of what it once was, yet it remains a symbol of Tibetan autonomy and seat of the government-in-exile of the Dalai Lama. Stroll through its 13 stories that house 1,000 rooms and see what remains of its antiquities.
Continue to the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of the country. Founded in the mid 7th century, today it hums with pilgrims reciting prayers and spinning wheels amid the smoke of yak butter lamps. The surrounding streets hold a current of humanity, with Tibetans making their clockwise circuit, called a kora, around the temple grounds. Some pilgrims perform chaktsal, or ritual prostration, around the entire kora circuit. Feel the electrifying sensation of immersion in the kora at the Jokhang, which touches an ancient and enduring spiritual pulse.
At the Barkhor Market that surrounds the temple, hundreds of merchants sell their wares to the innumerable pilgrims. One can buy everything from incense and prayer scarves, to yak butter and Pringles. While literally rubbing shoulders with the local Tibetans, it becomes clear why these people are renowned throughout the world for their good humor and gentle, gracious ways.
Return to the hotel this afternoon with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, you will be met and transferred to Lhasa along the beautiful Kyi Chu River. The drive from the airport takes approximately 90 minutes.
In Lhasa, check into your hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax and acclimate to the high altitude. Lhasa sits over 12,000 feet in elevation and as such it is critical to keep yourself well hydrated.