The Switzerland Landscape in Tibet
Harsh high plateau full of giant snow mountains - this is the general impression on Tibet for most people. Well, it is true but not all right. Because you haven't been to Nyingchi yet which is reputed as "the Switzerland of Tibet.". Compared with other "wild" regions, Nyingchi will unfold a different kind of beauty of Tibet - morbidezza!
Highlights of this tour
Welcome to Tibet, the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism! Your tour guide will pick you up at the airport arrival hall and escort you to your downtown hotel in Lhasa while you enjoy the stunning views along the Yarlong Tsangpo River.
After check in, the rest of the day is for you to acclimate to the high altitude and weather of Lhasa. Avoid strenuous physical activities during this first day since that may cause high altitude sickness.
Orientation Tips: 1) avoid vigorous activities but do take some leisurely walks in the city to acclimatize to the air and high altitude of Lhasa city (altitude of 3,600m); 2) do not drink liquor in the arrival day, instead plenty of water and fruits are recommended.
After breakfast, start an incredible day of exploration in Lhasa city. The grandiose Potala Palace will be the first site to discover. After more than 1300 years of historical changes, this colossal palace still dominates the skyline of Lhasa city. The Palace is the political and religious center of Tibet and has served as the governance and preaching site for the Dalai Lama. Climbing up the sacred steps to the Red Palace and White Palace you will explore their marvelous interiors full of exquisite Thangkas, numerous Buddha statues, vivid wall paintings, and other works of Buddhist art.
In the afternoon, first visit the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet, Jokhang Temple, where the 12-year-old-like Shakyamuni statue is consecrated. With a history stretching over 1,300 years, this temple combines the architectural styles of Tibet, China, Nepal and India. As a spiritual center of Tibet, Jokhang Temple attracts hundreds of devoted pilgrims to worship there every day. Outside the door of Jokhang Temple is the famous pilgrimage circle, Barkhor Street, where you can join faithful Tibetans in colorful attires walking the circle around Jokhang Temple.
Tips for today: 1) wear suitable headgear and glasses to protect you from strong sunlight, but do not wear any hat while visiting inside the Tibetan monasteries; 2) photography is not allowed inside the chapels of monasteries; 3) have your passport with you all the time.
After breakfast, we will start our day with a visit to Chakpori Hill, located in south side of Potala Place. What makes it so famous is that the viewing-deck on the hillside offers a great opportunity to catch a panoramic view of magnificent Potala Palace. Many great photos are shot here. After the great view of Potala Palace, you can walk a head to the Thousand-Buddha Cliff which is engraved with various Buddhist figures. Next, go on with your trip to Dzonggyel Lokang, a local park where you can see Tibetans exercising, communicating or dancing. After that, visit summer palace of the Dalai Lamas and also the largest Tibetan garden – Norbulingka Park. The luxuriant trees and flowers, cool ponds and comfortable palaces make Norbulingka the best place for a summer retreat.
We will then visit the featured six hundred year-old Sera Monastery, famous for its grand ceremony of Buddhist debating and its beautiful temples with sensational icons, murals and history.
Tips for today: 1) please follow the Buddhist manners - talk in a low voice, always be respectful of others, reflect on the Buddha’s teachings in these holy sites, and remain quiet and respectful when visiting temples 2) be sure to carry some water with you.
Today, you are going to visit the "Switzerland of Tibet" - Nyingchi which is featured in stunning natural plateau landscape. En route, you will firstly take a visit to Ganden Monastery, one of the three greatest monasteries in Lhasa. It is also the first monastery of Gelug Sect built in 1049 by Master Tsongkhapa. You can admire the impressive red-and-white architectures as well as the awesome landscape of the surrounding valley.
Next, drive along with China’s most scenic highway - 318 National Road and take a stop in Mila Pass (altitude: 5,013 meters). At the highest point along the road, you will enjoy a majestic sight of surrounding peaks and flying multi-colored prayer flags.
Drive to Bayi Town for accommodation.
Tip of today: The view during the drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi is great! Be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs and take pictures.
After breakfast, you will drive to beautiful and bast – Lulang Forest. While driving to Lulang, you will make a short stop at Sekyim la Pass (4720m) to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Namjia Bawa (7,700m) in the distance. As a giant spear stabbing to the blue sky, Mt. Namjia Bawa is the sacred mountain of the local religion of Tibet - Bon.
After arrival at Lulang Forest, throw yourself into the wild and beautiful landscape there. Lulang means "the dragon valley" or “the place where you won’t be homesick” in Tibetan language. And yes, it is true. One can't help soaking in this stunning valley full of lofty green mountains, prosperous trees, wild flowers, winding streams, pleasant meadows, peaceful villages. Looking into distance over the valley, it's a magnificent view of enormous snow-capped mountains standing under blue sky.
After the sightseeing, drive about 53km (1 hour) to Bayi Town for accommodation.
Tip of today: The view during the drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi is great! Be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs and take pictures.
After breakfast, you will visit the famous Cypress Tree Reserve where has a more than 2,500 years old cypress which is nearly 50 meters tall.
After that, drive about 135km (2 hours) to Basomtso Lake. Basomtso Lake, 3,500 meters above sea level, originates from Nyching Tangha Mountain and is a dozen kilometers long. Snow-covered mountains, glaciers and trees are reflected upon the lake’s rippled surface. There are small islands in the middle of the lake with Lamaist temples built upon them.
Drive back to Bayi for accommodation
Today is free for you until to be transferred to Nyingchi Milin Airport in time for your flight to next destination.
Lhasa City & Suburb
Lhasa / Namtso
Lhasa / Gyangtse / Shigatse/ Everest
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