Lhasa and Surrounds

On this short trip to Tibet, you will visit Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and the bustling Tsedang. The trip begins in Tsedang which is considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. The first king of Tibet who is said to have descended from heaven ruled over Tibet from the Yambu Lakhang monastery. From Tsedang, you will drive to Samye the site of the Samye monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet.

You will continue to Lhasa, the forbidden city, and the site of the Potala Palace the ancient palace of the Dalai Lamas. In and surrounding Lhasa are many other important monasteries such as the Sera Monastery, the Jokhang temple and the Drepung Monastery. You will visit all these monasteries and the Ganden monastery complex which is located about 32 miles from Lhasa. The drive to Ganden monastery will give you an excellent oppurtunity to experience the barren Tibetan plateau which would otherwise only be possible by trekking.

Highlights

• Explore Tibet's treasures: monasteries and palaces that were build many centuries ago
• Join thousands of Tibetans on the kora of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
• Journey to Ganden to explore a secluded monastery complex

Day 01 - Kathmandu (4,200 ft.)/Beijing
Arrive Kathmandu or Beijing. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight Hotel. (Dinner)

Day 02 - Free day in Kathmandu (4,200 ft.)/Beijing
Free day in Kathmandu. Optional sightseeing of Pashupatinath and Bodhnath in Kathmandu or The Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Your Tibet permit will be obtained today. (Breakfast)

Day 03 - Tsedang (11,800 ft.)
Fly from Kathmandu or Beijing to Gonggar Airport (Tibet). Met on arrival and transfer to Tsedang. Day free. Overnight Hotel. (No meals)

Day 04 - Tsedang (11,800 ft.)
Visit Samye Monastery, Tibet's oldest monastery built in the 7th century under the patronage of Tibet's first king. Continue to Yambu Lakhang, the fortress of the first kings of Tibet overlooking the Yarlung valley. Return to Tsedang. Overnight Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 05 - Lhasa (11,900 ft.)
Drive to Lhasa (three hours). Visit the Jokhang temple at the Barkhor Square. The Jokhang is the most sacred temple for many Tibetans and was built by King Trsong Tsang Gampo. A not to miss experience is to circumbulate the temple along with thousands of Tibetans. Overnight Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 06 - Lhasa (11,900 ft.)
Visit Potala Palace, the official residence of the Dalai Lama until he fled to India after the Chinese invasion. The palace has over a 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. Continue to Sera Monastery, one of the three major Gelukpa temples along with Drepung monastery and Ganden monastery. A highlight is watching the monks practicing their debating skills in the monastery courtyard. Overnight Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 07 - Ganden Monastery excursion (12,450 ft.)
Drive to Ganden Monastery 29 miles outside of Lhasa city. The drive gives you a good opportunity to experience the Tibetan country-side. After visiting the main chapel, you have the option to circumambulate the entire complex. Overnight Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 08 - Kathmandu/Beijing
Transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu or Beijing. (Breakfast)

Day 09 - Final departure
Transfer to the airport for final departure. (Breakfast)

Per person price (2012)

2 or more participants:
$2,545 USD per person
Single Supplement: $400 USD

Group discounts available for 6 or more participants.

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Meeting and assistance at airports and airport transfers
• Twin sharing accommodation
• Meals as indicated on itinerary
• Tours, excursions and shows as indicated on itinerary
• Round trip airfare: Beijing/Kathmandu to Lhasa
• Tibet permit

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• China/Nepal Visa
• Meals not indicated on itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, comfort food, etc.)

Available:

Daily departures available from Beijing and Tuesday and Saturday departures avaiable from Kathmandu for private groups of 2 or more participants. Group discounts available for 6 or more participants.

Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure