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7 Days Local Tibetan Culture Tour (CTM-T-07B)

Day 1

Welcome to Tibet! Our English speaking tour guide (a Tibetan - in most cases) will meet you at the airport. Today you will go to the “hometown of Tibetan apron”. There you could learn how to make Pulu (a weaving wool fabric Tibetan cloth) by locals; you could have a try if you are interested in. And on the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages. Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.

 
a tibetan woman is weaving Pulu 

 
beautiful scenery of Tibet

Day 2

Today, you will first visit Potala, which was constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet and later reconstructed and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Then move on to the Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Lastly, walk on the Barkhor Street nearby the temple, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Jokhang Temple prayer wheel spinning

 
Barkhor Street

Day 3

Head past Muslim tea stalls and butcher shops, along part of the Lingkhor pilgrim circuit to the yellow walls of the Ani Sangkhung Nunnery. This small, friendly and active nunnery is the only one within the precincts of the old Tibetan quarter. The site of the nunnery probably dates back to the 7th century, but is housed a monastery until at least the 15th century. The principal image, upstairs on the 2nd floor, is a thousand-armed Chenresing. A small alley to the side of the main chapel heads down to the former meditation chamber of Songtsen Gampo, the 7th-century king of Tibet. The busy nuns run a great teahouse in the courtyard.

Then drive to Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there, in the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa.

Ani Sangkhung Nunnery

Debating Monks of Sera Monastery

Day 4

In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy Yamdrok Lake(4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. Then continue to Gyantse, if you are interested in, you could have a closed touch with Tibetan locals, visit their house, have a chat with them, see how they turn the yak dung into a good fuel, or how they gather in the harvest, different season different activities. You can enjoy Ningjinkangsang Snow Mountain and Karola Glacier from a distance on the way as well. Upon arrival in Gyantse, the hometown of Tibetan rug, explore its carpet. After dinner, a short hiking to Gyantse Dzong, shot the sunset there, it is worth the stiff climb to its upper limits. There is amazing views of Gyantse, the monastery compound at the end of town and the surrounding Nyang-chu Valley.

 
Yamdrok Lake

Mt.Nojin-Kangsang

Day 5

Have a tour to Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa and then head to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and also the seat of Panchen Lama. It is a good place to hang out, explore the nearby monasteries and enjoy a beer in the Tenzin Hotel while gazing across at the ruins of the Shigatse Dzong fort. Tashilumpo Monastery is also a highlight of Tibet and is Shigatse’s foremost attraction.

Pelkhor Chode Monastery

Tashilumpo Monastery 

Day 6

Drive to Nyemo County, it is a wonderful area for trekking and hiking, today we will have a Tibetan artistic tour and camping in the county yard. Nyemo is famous for its Tibetan joss stick and Tibetan porcelain, you could see how the locals make them in the traditional way.

 
making Tibetan Joss Sticks

 
drying Tibetan Joss Sticks

Day 7

Short hiking around village in early morning, and then your guide will meet and escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.