Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. If the weather is clear, there are wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchanjunga and other peaks en route.
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel, about 60km, 1 hour drive. Independent time to rest and aclimatize to the altitude.
Lhasa- means holy land in Tibetan. Located on the northern bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of Yarlungtsanpo River, it is 3,650 meters above sea level. It is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region and is a political, economic and cultural center of the region. It boasts many historical sites and scenic spots both in its urban areas and outskirts.
This day you visit Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka. One of the highlights is the visit to the symbol of Tibet; the Potala Palace set high on Red Hill, the winter home of the Dalai Lama until 1959. In the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, an important Buddhist seminary. Another great treasure is the Norbulingka – the old summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Stay overnight at hotel in Lhasa.
This day you will visit Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
About 8km to the west of central Lhasa, Drepung, one of the world's largest monastery was built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje a pupil of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. Drepung literally means “Rice Mountain,” after the famous and very large Danayakataka Stupa in South India where Buddha originally taught the Kalachakra Tantra. Prior to 1959 Drepung ranked as Tibet's largest monastery, sometimes with a population exceeding 10,000 monks. It also served as the residence of the early Dalai Lamas, until the Potala Palace was constructed in 1645. The second and third and the fourth Dalai Lama lived and were entombed here. Suffering only minor damage during the Cultural Revolution Drepung has plenty of historical relics, Buddhist scriptures and arts. We will walk down to Nechung Monastery and drive to Lhasa for lunch.
Jokhang Temple is in the heart of old Lhasa, most sacred temples in Tibet established in 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the King who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Barkhor Street is the market place where everything is available, also good for people watching. Tibetans spin prayer wheels and shop as they circumambulate. Good for shopping everything from trinkets to tantaric ritual objects.
Early morning transfer to Gonggar airport. Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu. The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu takes one hour and during your flight, you can see Yarlung Tsangpo River, Yamdrok Tso (Lake), Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m.), Mount Makalu (8,463m.) and Mount Everest (8,848m.). But the visibility depends on the weather condition. On your arrival at Kathmandu airport our staff will transfer you to your hotel.