Day 1: Arrive Tsedang
Arrive in Gonggar Airport and drive 1.5 hours to Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. The rest of your day is free for rest and acclimatization. Overnight in Tsedang.
Day 2: Tsedang
After breakfast, begin a full day tour stopping first at Trandruk Temple, one of the first Buddhist Temples built in Tibet. In the afternoon visit the Yumbulakhang Palace – the first palace of Tibet. This castle-like building rises on the spur of a hill, commanding an impressive view of the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. Overnight in Tsedang. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3: Tsedang to Lhasa
After breakfast, drive 5 hours to Lhasa stopping to visit Samye Monastery. Located about 40km to the west of Tsedang across the Yarlung Tsangpo River, it is the very first monastery of Tibet. In the afternoon enjoy a ferry ride across the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Overnight in Lhasa. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4: Lhasa
Begin your tour of this “Sacred Place of Buddha” with the golden-roofed Jokhang Monastery – a curious mix of somber darkness, wafting incense and prostrating pilgrims. Visit the Barkhor Street, an astonishing Tibetan style stock exchange and hive of market activity. After lunch visit the Potala Palace, once the center of the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama as well as the most imposing attraction of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5: Lhasa
In the morning, visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. After lunch wander through Drepung Monastery - the largest in the world, and learn about traditional Tibetan medicine at the Tibetan hospital. Overnight in Lhasa. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: Lhasa to Shigatse
After breakfast, depart on a 6 hour drive to Shigatse. The road will be bumpy, but the view of Yamdrok Lake will be rewarding. Overnight in Shigatse. (All meals)
Day 7: Shigatse to Gyangtse
Visit the Tashilunpo Monastery – the official seat of Panchen Lama, second in importance to the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon drive 2.5 hours to Gyangtse. Overnight in Gyangtse. (All meals)
Day 8: Gyangtse to Lhasa
Visit the Phalkor Monastery that is notable for its superb Kumbum stupa. Drive 6 hours back to Lhasa in the afternoon. Overnight in Lhasa. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 9: Departure
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (Breakfast)