Description
To avoid the crowds on holiday during peak-season, we made this Holiday
Special – an route leading you to explore Tibet deeper: By visiting
these two legendary cities – Lhasa and Tsedang, we can not only
know more about Tibet’s origins, but also enjoy the spectacular
landscape there.
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 female devil. 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.
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Cities of Legend: Lhasa-Tsedang
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Iternery |
| Day01 |
Arrive in Lhasa. The guide will meet you at Konggar Airport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1 1/2 hours’ driving (100km). 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 |
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| Day02 |
Lhasa. The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa’s cardinal landmark – Potala Palace, 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. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor – 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 |
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| Day03 |
Lhasa.
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once world’s largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day’s sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains.
Drepung is one of Lhasa’s two great Gelugpa monasteries, the other is Sera. 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 |
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| Day04 |
Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Tsedang. Yamdroktso(4441m), one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you’re on the way to this lake. It’s mostly mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2 hours’ driving, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala(5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang(7191m).
After down from the mountain, there’s about 30km road along lakeside, with barley fields on the other side of the road. A nice walk by the lakeside can be a great joy. Then you’re going to Tsedang town by the Yarlung Valley. Overnight in Tsedang. B |
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| Day05 |
Tsedang-Samye-Tsedang. To the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, among the open farmland, stands Tibet’s very first monastery – Samye 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.
Back from Samye, you’ll make way to Yumblagang, a medieval-European-castle-like structure, reputed as Tibet’s oldest building. It doesn’t take that long to explore Yumbulagang. Perhaps the best part of the visit is the walk up along the ridge above the building. There’re fabulous views of the Yarlung valley. Overnight in Tsedang. B |
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| Day06 |
Leave. 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 |
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Notes:
- Due to the mild climate and better road conditions, this route is available year around. Since Yarlung Valley sees far fewer travelers, it’s especially recommended if you try to avoid the tourist crowds on holiday.
- If you want to explore Lhasa more, other famous attractions like Norbulingka, Ramoche Temple, Ganden Monastery, Chagpo Ri are all well worth of your time. You need 1 or 2 additional days to cover those sites
- There’re other attractions around Tsedang, such as Trandruk Monastery and Chim-puk Hermitage, you need 1 or 2 additional days for these sites.
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