Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Lhasa - Tsedang - Yarlung valley tour (6 days)

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01 :
   

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
Early morning you are transferred to the airport to board the plane for the flight over the Himalaya to Lhasa. If the weather is clear there are wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and other peaks en route. On arrival at Gonggar airport (which is 90 km. from Lhasa), you meet your vehicle and drive east along the broad Yarlung Tsangpo valley to Tsedang (3400m.). After checking in to your hotel, you drive south to see the reputed oldest building in Tibet, the Yumbu Lakhang, a beautiful castle-like dwelling and monastery, dramatically perched on a spur looking out over the fertile valley below. If time permits you may be able to visit a small monastery close to Tsedang, or an interesting carpet factory where you can see the whole process of carpet making. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 02 :
   

This day you visit Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka.

One of the highlights is the visit to the symbol of Tibet: The Potala Palace. Set high on Red Hill, it was the winter home of the Dalai Lama until 1959. The most sacred temple in Lhasa is the Lokhang, where people come from all over Tibet to visit and pray in this spiritual heart of the country. It was used as a military kitchen during the Cultural Revolution but has now been beautifully restored, with many priceless thankas and statues adorning the chapels, and magnificent gilded roofs.


In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419, and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild roses.” Today still, 200 lamas live there. Another great treasure is the Norbulingka – the old summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 03 :
   

This day you are programmed to visit Drepung Monastery, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
Drepung Monastery, one of the great monasteries of the Gelukpa (yellow hat) sect, is just outside Lhasa. There is time to explore Lhasa on your own, perhaps visiting the Tibetan Medical College or the Ramoche temple (one of the oldest religious buildings in Tibet.)


In the evening you visit Jorkhang Temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism, and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jorkhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Street which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Around the Barkhor there are numerous stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts: Brightly colored boots, fur-lined hats, silver and turquoise jewelry, rosaries, prayer flags and charms, as well as beautiful Tibetan carpets and all manner of ordinary household ware. Overnight stay at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 04 :
   

Drive from Lhasa to Tsedang (or Tsetang) (3550m) which is 183 kilometers. After spending some time in Lhasa, take a 2-hour drive along Yarlung Tsangpo river through barley and wheat fields to the third largest city in Tibet.


En route to Tsedang (or Tsetang), you stop at Nyethang (Netang Dromala Lakhang), a temple built in 10th century by Atisa, an India Buddhist. The temple contains interesting artifacts and hold significant importance in Tibetan Buddhism. Another stop before you reach Tsedang is Mindroling, 10th century monastery, rebuilt in 1676 and highly reputed for its contribution towards astronomy, astrology, medicine and calligraphy. The Murals on the wall have very special significances and show the typical Tantric arts. Overnight stay at hotel in Tsedang.

Day 05 :
   

Yarlung Valley tour. Today you will spend the day exploring the Yarlug valley, which is also known as the Valley of Tombs. Ancient Tibetan history boasts that Tibetan civilization was originated from Yarlung valley. You can spot massive burial mounds of Tibetan Kings.


Today’s sightseeing also includes Tandruk (Trandruk) Monastery, a 7th century monastery, which holds a fantastic wood-carved altar, interesting relics, and murals. Yambulakang, the castle perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley, is the oldest known dwelling in Tibet, reputedly the home of the Yarlung Kings. The view from the castle is awesome.


The tour continues to the west of Tsedang, crossing the Tsangpo River on a boat to Samye Monastery, founded in 779 AD, is in a green valley among barren mountains surrounded by a village. Samya Monastery is one of the most imposing sights of Tibet. Built between 763 and 75 AD, modeled on the University of Otantapuri in India, and planned as a representation of the universe, it has a collection of pagodas and temples.

Overnight stay at hotel in Tsedang.

Day 06 :
   

Drive from Tsedang to Lhasa, and then fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu. It is 2 hours drive to the airport and your guide will escort you to the airport with ample time to catch your flight home. The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu takes one hour, and during your flight (if the weather is clear) you can see Yarlung Tsangpo River, Yamdrok Tso (Lake), and Mount Kanchanjungha (8,586m.) Your tour ends upon arrival in Kathmandu.


Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343    
        + 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817         
             +977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855

E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com

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