Potala Palace, Lhasa
*pricing based on a min. group size of 4.
Upcoming Group Trip Dates:
Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery debates
Private vehicle
Starts and ends in Chengdu
Your tour commences with meeting your Extravagant Yak representative at Chengdu Shuangliu airport. Today you are flying to the roof of the world (3700m)! It is hard to find such a short flight anywhere else on the planet where the geography, climate, elevation, and culture changes so dramatically. After a short rest at your hotel, it is off to the heart of this ancient city for a walk through the lively Barkhor Bazaar that surrounds the venerated Jokhang Temple. It is an exotic experience to mix with nomads and religious pilgrims who have converged from all over Tibet. Heading inside the temple itself will give you a taste of what’s to come.
This morning will take you on a leisurely stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Norbulingka, meaning "Treasure Park." The central feature of this 89 acre park and gardens is Norbulingka Palace - the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. After lunch, it is a short drive to the foothills north of town where Sera Monastery sits. This includes the fascinating experience of seeing monks engage in their daily practice of religious debate. A full day already, an afternoon rest will precede a later dinner. During dinner, the enjoyment of traditional Tibetan music and dance will leave you with the sense you've passed through a time portal to an ancient past.
This morning, the crown of Lhasa awaits as you begin your tour of the 17th century Potala Palace, the former chief residence of the Dalai Lama. Containing over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues, any length of time in this historic engineering wonder is considered an abbreviated tour. A well deserved rest after lunch will be appreciated before you bid farewell to this magical land, heading to the airport for your early evening flight.
*Your tour concludes upon departure from Lhasa.