China & Central Tibet

Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Ganden - Lhasa

Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary and discover Chengdu's ancient tea houses and explore the historic sights of central Tibet.

The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.

Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!

Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.

Enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show and join pilgrims on a kora at spectacularly situated Ganden Monastery.

Itinerary
Days 1-2 Chengdu Days 3-6 Lhasa Day 7 Gyantse Days 8-9 Shigatse Day 10 Lhasa Day 11 Ganden Day 12 Depart.

Departures
A private departure at any time using good 2-3 star accommodation. Suitable for children.
Best: April-November

Giant & Red Pandas
China's most iconic symbol are well aware of how cute they are - especially the young ones whose clumsy antics can entertain for hours.

Potala Palace
The symbol of Tibet, this awesome palace containing over 1000 rooms and 200,000 images dominates the city. The 7th century building was replaced by the current 130,000square meter structure in the 17th century.

Jokhang Temple
This 1300-year-old, golden-roofed building is the spiritual heart ofLhasa and of the Tibetan world. The courtyard in front of the entrance is almost constantly filled with prostrating pilgrims – inside the labyrinth of shrines, halls and galleries are dimly lit by butter lamps and filled with pilgrims and incense and house some of the finest treasures of Tibetan art.

Gyantse
Built at the center of the trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, by 1440 Gyantse’s most impressive architectural achievements had been completed – the Kumbum, the dzong and Pelkor Chode monastery.

Tashilumpo
Founded in 1447 the original building was built above a sacred sky-burial site, the stone slab of which can still be seen on the floor. At its peak it housed 4700 monks and is still the largest functioning monastic community in Tibet. The most amazing image is the 26m Maitreya, covered with 279 kg of gold.

Ganden
Join pilgrims on the high kora around this spectacularly situated monastery - almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, restoration is well under way.

Physical Grading: Moderate
Culture Shock Grading: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House
Transport: Private car or mini van, flight
Accompanied by: Tibetan guide
Meals: Breakfast in Lhasa (4). Tibetan buffet & cultural show (Lhasa).
Allow approx €6-8 per day for meals not included.
Included Sightseeing:
Panda Breeding Center (Chengdu), Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Ganden Monastery.

Tibetan Expeditions
100 Beijing Dong Lu, Lhasa, Tibet, PRC
Tel: +86-891-6330489
Fax: +86-891-6330482
Mobile: +86-891-6571338