P002. Round-Way Trip to Nynchi
Day 1 Shanghai/Tsedang,
Tibet. From Shanghai, fly (via Chengdu) to Gongkar Airport in Tibet. Transfer to Tsedang (11,152 feet), and visit its traditional bazaar this evening. Tsedang Hotel (B)
Day 2 Yarlung Valley/Samye.
Explore the Yarlung Valley, the mythical birthplace of the Tibetan people. The Yarlung Valley was Tibet capital before Lhasa, and generations of kings are buried here. Visit Samye, Tibet first monastery, founded in A.D. 779 by Guru Rimpoche and built in three different architectural styles; and tour Trandruk Monastery, an important stop for Tibetan pilgrims. (B)
Day 3 Tsangpo/Nangxian.
Today, visit a region rarely seen by Westerners-the canyon of the south bank of the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo, one of the highest rivers in the world. Tucked deep into a hidden land of first growth trees at its "big bend," the Tsangpo wraps itself 180 degrees around Mount Namche Barwa before entering India. Driving South over the 16,700-foot Potram La (pass), then East along a series of dramatic rapids to the small town Nangxian.Langquan Guesthouse (B)
Days 4 and 5 Bayi/Lunang Valley.
Continue your journey along the dramatic Tsangpo, crossing over to its north bank at Melling and entering Bayi. The following day, explore the spectacular Lunang Valley, a pristine environment of alpine forests, clear mountain streams and lakes, and flowering meadows. Snow-capped peaks and magnificent views of Namche Barwa complete the idyllic setting. Nyingtri Hotel (B)
Day 6 Bayi/Lhasa.
An epic journey today from Bayi to Lhasa (11,970 feet) brings to mind Tibetologist Cosmo de Koros?saying that Lhasa is "the furthest goal of all travel." Journey through forested valleys, across a 16,250-foot pass, and through small villages and farming communities, making stops to photograph along the way. Scanning the vast countryside, spot the fabled Potala Palace, rising in impressive tiers above Lhasa. Upon arrival, settle into our convenient and comfortable hotel for the next four nights. Lhasa Hotel (B)
Days 7, 8, and 9 Lhasa.
Discover the grandest rooms of the Potala: jeweled burial chortens of past Dalai Lamas, chapels and shrines full of statuary and thangka paintings. At Tibet the holiest temple, the Jokhang, walk beside pilgrims to the revered statue Jo Rimpoche, the symbol of the coming of the Buddha Dharma to Tibet. Bargain and banter at the Barkhor, Lhasa, ancient market. Visit Drepung Monastery, where we may hear the booming chanting of the sutras. Below Drepung is Nechung Monastery, the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet, which historically advised the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government. Then explore Sera monastery, where we can see novice monks training in the traditional Buddhist debating style. Outside Lhasa, visit the fabled monastery of Ganden, founded in 1409. (B)
Day 10 Lhasa/Gyantse.
Travel along river valleys to a hairpin ascent across a 15,700-foot pass and down to Yamdrok Lake for a picnic lunch. Descend to the green farmland of the Nyang Chu Valley and the old-fashioned town of Gyantse (12,956 feet). Visit the Palkor Chiode, a monastery complex in which each of the four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism had temples and small monasteries. The Palkor Chiode suffered during the Cultural Revolution, but its striking centerpiece-the giant chorten Kum Bum, topped with gold and a staring set of eyes-survived. Gyantse Hotel (B)
Day 11 Gyantse/Shigatse.
Shigatse (12,792 feet) Tashilumpo Monastery is the seat of Tibet the second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama. Explore the monastery complex, a rambling warren. Visit the dark and evocative chant-ing hall, and look into an adjacent kitchen where vats bubble with yak butter tea. Shigatse Hotel (B)
Days 12 and 13 Shigatse/Lhasa.
Today, take a short hike to Ngor Monastery and the Tibetan bazaar. The following day, drive back to Lhasa. Shigatse Hotel/Lhasa Hotel (B)
Day 14 Lhasa/ Shanghai.
Drive from Lhasa to Gongkar. Then fly from Gongkar to Chengdu and connect to Shanghai, arriving in late afternoon.
