Cities of Legend:Lhasa-Tsedang with Namtso Lake

Lhasa, literally meaning “Holy-Land”, is the heart and soul of Tibet, has history of more than 1,300 years. It rose to prominence as an important center of administrative power in the 7th century AD, when Songtsen Gampo, a local ruler in the Yarlung Valley, continued the task of unifying Tibet. Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa and built a palace on the site that is now occupied by the Potala.
The fifth Dalai Lama also made Lhasa his capital. He built his palace, the Potala, on the site of ruins of Songtsen Gampo’s 7th century palace, Lhasa has remained Tibet’s capital since 1642, and most of the city’s historical sights date from this second stage of the city’s development.

Tsedang, located by Yarlung Valley, is the capital of Shannan Prefecture. It’s reputed as “the cradle of Tibetan Civilization”, mainly for two reasons: First, the mild weather and fertile land in Shannan gestated the great Tibet dynasty. Second, it’s the birthplace of the first Tibetans who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness. So Tsedang literally means “monkey’s playground”.
By visiting these two legendary cities, you can not only explore Tibet’s origins, but also enjoy the spectacular landscape of Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.

Itinerary

Day01
Arrive in Lhasa.

The guide will meet you at Konggar Airport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1 hours' driving (60km). On the way, you'll get greeted by Nie Tang Budda- a Budda image engraved in the mountain face. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa

Day02
Lhasa.

The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark- Potala Palace（布达拉宫）, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels. Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet – Jokhang Temple（大昭寺）. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor（八角街）- Lhasa's most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the Old Town is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa (B)

Day 03
Lhasa.

Visit Sera（色拉寺） monestery. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The “Buddhism Scriptures Debating” in Sera is very famous. Overnight in Lhasa.(B)


Day04
Tsedang

To the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, among the open farmland, stands Tibet’s very first monastery – Samye （桑耶寺）which has a history over 1200 years. To reach Samye, you’ll take ferry to cross the Yarlung Tasangpo river, a fantastic ride. East of Samye is the Hepo Ri hill, a 30-minute climb up the side ridge takes you to an incense burner, festooned with prayer flags and offering great views of Samye below.
Then you will visit the Changzhu Monastery（昌珠寺）, which is one of the famous monasteries in Tibet. It is said that the monastery was constructed by the order of Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Princess Wencheng once lived there when she first entered Tibet. Overnight in Tsedang(B)


Day05
Tsedang-Namtso

Drive to Namco about 460Km away from Tsedang. Namco, the Sky Lake, is like a crystal gem inlaid on the vast Qiangtang Plain. The Nyaiqen Tanglha mountain range, with peaks over 7000m, towers over the lake to the south. Thawed snow from this range makes the body of the lake, so the water is a miraculous shade of turquoise blue, and there are magnificent views of the nearby mountains.
Overnight beside Namtso lake (B)


Day06
Namtso-Lhasa

Drive back to Lhasa in the morning. And visit Norbulingka（罗布林卡） right after. Norbulingka, meaning 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan, is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, at the bank of the Kyichu River, about one km (about 0.6 mile) southwest of Potala Palace. The garden covers an area of 360,000 square meters (about 430,000 square yards), with 374 rooms inside. It is the biggest man-made gardens in Tibet Autonomous Region. Overnight in Lhasa (B)


Day07
Leave Lhasa
Pack your luggage and get ready for leaving. The guide will transfer you to the airport, and help you board the plane. Say goodbye to Tibet and fly out. (B)