Lhasa, Nyingchi and Tsedang Overland Loop Tour

Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Afternoon have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa. 

Today is you will visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace – Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.

After breakfast, drive to Draksum Tso, en-route sightseeing at Ganden monastery, it is extremely fabulous view on the top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill with Kichu valley on the behind, then cross over Mila Pass (5100m), enjoy the scenery along the Niyang River. Afternoon reaches Draksum Tso, also known as Basum-Tso. The lake and its surrounding views are beautiful and the site is also connected to the semi-mythical ruler of the Kham region and Guru Rinpoche. The joint board floating bridge is the only way to the Tsodzong island and visit the Tsodzong Monastery amid of the trees, most probably the highest attraction of this site. 

In the morning, take a walk along the lakeshore. In the late morning, retrace the way to the Highway that joins at Pahe village and continue 79km further to Bayi, the major town of Nyinchi region, passing Shoka and Jara villages en route. Check-in hotel. In the afternoon visit the nature reserve with 2500-year old cypresses adjacent to the town, according to the Bon believers that cypress is the spiritual tree of their Buddha-Dunpa Sherab. Overnight at Bayi town. 

Drive through Nang county to Gyatsa, en route visit an ancient Nyima Monastery Lama Ling, that lies only 34km south of Bayi and 6km off from the main road. Then drive following the bank of Yarlung Tsangpo River, the forest along the road gets thinner when you drive toward Gyatsa. Today the road is in a worse condition, the twisted and dusty road climb the Podang la (5030m), the paved road will meet at the foot side of the hill. The ancient capital Tsedang is beautifully situated in the fertile Yarlung valley, this valley is the so said cradle of Tibetan civilization. Overnight at Tsedang.

Morning you will visit the 1st ever Palace Yambulakhang and Tradruk Temple in Tsedang, then move to Samye to visit Samye Monastery, which is the first Buddhism monastery in Tibet built in the 7th century, the main temple comprises three different styles of Tibetan, Hans, and India, fantastic views of Yarlung Tsangpo river can be enjoyed all along the road. Overnight at Tsedang. 

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.