Day 01: Fly to Gongkar Airport & drive to Lhasa (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1hr:

Your Tibetan guide will be waiting to welcome you at Gongkar Airport. After immigration formalities, you will drive for around 45 minutes to reach the old city, Lhasa (3660 meters). After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest, drink plenty of fluids and most importantly let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. During afternoon you can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)

Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market :

After breakfast you will be briefed about the day’s program. Then your guide will take you on a tour to Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Market respectively.

Jokhang Temple: Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal.  The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple.

Sera Monastery: This monastery is approx. 5km drive away from Lhasa. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where in the past approx. 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. Currently about 550 monks are supposed to be living there. The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories).The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of Maitraya which was erected in 1419; here one can also witness the practicing of debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other.  

Barkhor Market (Bazar): The most popular Barkhor Market (Bazaar) is a square where Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc. are all in sale for your delight. At the end of the day your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Lhasa offers variety of Restaurant for both Lunch and Dinners. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)

Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Potala Palace & Local Village Tour:

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace and the beautifully Local Village Tour.

Potala Palace: Also known as the “winter palace”. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. is a 13^th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas.

Shal Village: Shal is located approx 10 km (half an hr drive) east of Lhasa with population with aprox 150 families. Shal is an old Village town and most of the people are farmers or nomads. Village is quite popular for potato and barley farming and now interestingly, they have started involving locals, domestic clients self farming. One can go for an hour hike up the village where a holy mountain is located standing up tall overlooking the village. For those fit people can further climb the mountain, if time permits. The place offers a breathtaking view of the high mountains, fresh flowing stream and the open green pastures. The best part of this hike is the opportunity to see the nomands community, during summer time from May to October when they live in the pastures grazing their cattle. There is nunnery in the village to visit, if time permits. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)

Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.

Day 04: Fly out from Lhasa (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1hr:

After breakfast, your guide will give you a final departure transfer for your next destination.