4 Days to the Place Closest to the Paradise

Welcome to the roof of the world! Your guide will pick you up at the Lhasa airport upon arrival. The rest of the day is free for you to adjust to the highland.

• Hotels: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise

Potala Palace

Today starts with the most popular site in Lhasa called Potala Palace. It is a castle-like complex built in Tibetan style. There are many precious treasures in this palace including Buddhist items and historical materials written in Tibetan. The palace is representative of Tibetan architecture and has become a symbol of Tibet. After lunch in a local restaurant you will visit Barkhor Street which is a circumambulation road surrounding Jokhang Temple and an area of traditional Tibetan dwellings. Try to not be surprised when you come across the inhabitants. There are numerous stalls selling Tibetan handcrafts. Take a look and bargain for your favorites.

Jokhang Temple has a history of more than 1,300 years. The current temple was built more than 1,200 years ago. Thus, the architecture is a great historical highlight. You should pay special attention to the exquisite carvings and Buddha sculptures.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Barkhor Street

Today is your first day of exploration in the highland. We pack three attractions needing smaller physical demands. Sera Monastery is one of Lhasa’s three largest monasteries and is the place where Buddhist maters preach. There are thousands of sculptures of Buddha some of which are from India. The various murals tell a story about Tibetan Buddhism. Monks debate is a unique style of learning Buddhist knowledge. It is held every day and makes visiting the Sera Monastery interesting. Lunch is later arranged at a local fine restaurant after which a visit Norbulinka will take place. Norbulinka is a place for appreciating Tibetan-styled gardens. It has a history of more than 200 years. In present-day it is built as a botanic garden where you can see many flowers and plants that could only be found there as well as several historical architectures. Tibet Museum is located southeast of Norbulinka. There, you can learn about Tibetan history from more than one thousand historical relics, including sculptures of Buddha, Thangka, Tibetan musical instruments, and unique Tibetan handicrafts. Make sure to rest well in preparation for tomorrow’s physical activities.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

A monk painting thangka

Now that you’ve learned a lot about Tibetan Buddhism, you will be leaving Lhasa. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and see you off.

• Meals: Breakfast,

Monks debating at Sera Monastery