7 days / 6 nights

Day 1 - Arrive Lhasa
Arrive in Lhasa today, the former capital of the mountain kingdom of Tibet. Religion is a deep force in this mystical land. Perched high atop the passes between India and China, Tibet absorbed Tantric Buddhism from the south, Shamanism from the north and developed it into its own hybrid of Lamaism, which dominated all aspects of Tibetan life for over 1000 years. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is free to acclimate to the altitude.

Day 2 - Potala Palace & Jokang Monastery
This morning visit the vast Potala Palace, former seat of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political head of Tibet. Built in the 7th century, the palace is a magnificent work of architecture. Built of wood and stone with numerous gilded pinnacles, this treasure house of Tibetan art has 1000 rooms and halls, is 1300 feet in length, and covers 1.4 million square feet! Visit the striking Jokhang Temple this morning. Situated in the heart of Lhasa, it was built over 1300 years ago to house the Golden Buddha and is one of Tibet's holiest shrines. Also included today: Barkhor Bazaar for a glimpse of everyday life. (BLD)

Day 3 - Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka and Sera Monastery
Visit the massive Drepung Monastery, and tour the Norbulingka, meaning 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan, the Summer Palace for Dalai Lamas. Tour the Sera Monastery this afternoon, the most active monastery in Tibet and the preferred site of the Tibetan "sky burial," the largest of all lamaseries in Tibet. (BLD)

Day 4 – Lhasa / Gyantse
Drive today to Gyantse along the shores of Lake Yamdrok, also known as "Turquoise Lake" and located between two spectacular mountain ranges. Divided in two by a steep mountain ridge, Gyantse was once an important market town and still serves as a stop on the main friendship road between Tibet and Nepal. (BLD)

Day 5 – Gyantse / Xigatse
Morning visit to the Kumbum or "Place of Myriad Images," with the largest and most magnificent stupa in Tibet, and the "Staircase of Ten Thousand Buddhas." Continue to Xigatse today, second only to Lhasa in spiritual and commercial importance. The former seat of the Panchen Lama, Xigatse was often a rival to Lhasa. Stop at the Shalu Monastery. (BLD)

Day 6 – Xigatze / Tsedang
This morning visit the rose-colored Tashilhunpo Monastery or "Mound of Glory." Inside is the Maitreya Buddha, the largest in Tibet, containing 614 lbs. of gold. Continue to Tsedang, back near Lhasa. (BLD)

Day 7 – Depart Lhasa
This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination. (B)