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Tibet Culture Tours

Tibetan culture developed under the influence of a number of factors. Tibet's specific geographic and climactic conditions- its altitude, short growing season, and cold weather- have encouraged reliance on pastorialism, as well as the development of a different cuisine from surrounding regions. Contact with neighboring countries and cultures- including India, China, and Mongolia- have influenced the development of Tibetan culture, but the Himalayan region's remoteness and inaccessibility have preserved distinctive local influences. Buddhism has exerted a particularly strong influence on Tibetan culture since its introduction in the 7th Century. Art, literature, and music all contain elements of Buddhist religion, and Buddhism itself has adopted a unique form in Tibet, influenced by the Bön tradition and other local beliefs.

On this tour, you visit the well known cultural capitals of tibet Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsethang.You explore the ancient Yarlung Valley, the birthplace of Tibetan civilization. In Lhasa, amidst the vibrant and friendly atmosphere, you visit old palaces and temples, ancient monastries which are important sites of Tibetan Buddhism.You travel to the other important Tibetan cities of Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsethang. Imposing fortresses and citadels of the old Yarlung Kings will give you a glimpse of the Yarlung dynasty's glorious past. As you head away to Tsethang, you get to capture awesome sight of Gangpo Ri, a mountain revered by the Tibetans. This tour holds a treasure trove of cultural delights.

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660m)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude.
Note: There is no program arranged for today.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see the best of Tibetan art. 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. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest.
Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala Palace each day, the guide will decide upon the order of sightseeing places.

Day 4 Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)/ 261 km
Traveling by jeep along the Friendship Highway you cross the Khamba La (4794m) from where you see stunning views of the Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). You continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La (5045m) where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages you arrive in the town of Gyantse.

Day 5 Drive Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m)/ 90 km
Before leaving Gyantse you will be guided to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. It is only 90kms to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet; en route you will be escorted to visit Shalu Monastery founded in 11th century and noted for its 14th century murals which fuse Chinese, Mongol and Nepalese style.

Day 6 Drive Shigatse - Tsethang
After a memorable sightseeing experience, you will head to Tsethang, the third largest city in central Tibet. On the sout-heast of Tsetang, you will get to observe mesmerizing view of mountain GANGPO RI rising upto 4,130 metres. Tibetans revere this mountain.

Day 7 Visit to the Valley of Tombs Yarlung Valley

Today will be spent exploring the Yarlung valley which is also known as the Valley of Tombs. Ancient Tibetan history boasts that Tibetan civilization originated from Yarlung valley. Here you can spot massive burial mounds of Tibetan Kings. Today’s sightseeing tour also includes a visit to, a 7th century monastery, Tandruk, which holds interesting relics and murals. Yambukalang, the castle perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley is the oldest known dwelling in Tibet, reputedly the home of the Yarlung Kings. The view from the castle is awesome. You spend the nigh in Tsethang.

Day 8 Depart Tsethang

During the Tibet tour twin-sharing accommodation on B/B basis, local English speaking guide, Tibet Permit, Monasteries entrance fees, air fare KTM/ Lhasa and land transport as per itinerary.

All kind of personal nature expenses such as liquor, laundry charges, telephone calls, tips, airport tax and any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstance. Chinese visa urgency charges, Re-entry Nepal visa charges, excess baggage charges, Meals.

How this trip makes a difference!

Every booking you make creates a donation. Ghale Treks is a proud supporter of Creative Hands (CA) a social welfare organization. We send part of your service charge to Creative Hands who support worthy causes in poorer communities. Your money will go to education, disabled or physically challenged people, street children, victims, and those living in rural and remote areas of Nepal. Read more about the great work that Creative Hands do and where your donation goes here: http://www.creativehands.org.np

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