Classic Tibet: Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse

Upon arrival at Lhasa, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Remainder of the day is free at leisure and adapt to the high altitude.

In the morning explore the world wonder and pilgrimage site, The Potala Palace, it has stood for centuries as a testament to the Tibetan people and their beliefs. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world come every year to pay homage to this grand estate and the symbol it stands for. This amazing palace has the honor of being the highest ancient palace in the world, with its highest point reaching 3,750 meters (12,300 feet) above sea level, towering 100 meters (300 feet) above the city of Lhasa. It was built as the center of Tibetan government by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645.

Explore the Jokhang Temple, which stores a golden statue of life-sized Sakyamuni, which was brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. This statue is considered as Sakyamuni himself, so the Jokhang Temple is the most holy temple for Buddhists. Watch religious pilgrims prostrating themselves at the front gate. Join local people's kora (circle for religion) and stroll around Barkhor Street where you may shop for Tibetan items.

The evening is free at leisure with dinner on your own.

Today transfer to Gyantse, about 7 hours including the sightseeing time en route. Visit Yamdruktso Lake, one of the top four Buddhist holy lakes in Tibet. You'll also view the fabulous scenery of Karuola Glacier, one of the top three continental glaciers in Tibet.

Arrive at Gyantse in the late afternoon and check-in at your hotel.

Start the morning with a visit Pelkor Chode and Kumbum, it is a monastery with the characteristics of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. It enjoys a high status in Tibet Buddhism history because it houses three sects - Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa together. Palkhor also features its Bodhi Pagoda, or Kunbum in Tibetan. Deemed as the symbol of the monastery, the spectacular Stupa consists of hundreds of chapels in layers, housing about a hundred thousand images of various icons, in total there are about 3,000 statues.

Then head to Old Town and visit Gyantse Castle with the Dzong Fortress which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet, perched high above the town of Gyantse on a huge spur of grey brown rock.

After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Shigatse (approx. 2 hours driving). On arrival in Shigatse, visit the Tashilunpo Monastery which was traditionally the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Its building style is different from the monasteries in Lhasa. This monastery has a deep breath of life. There are several small villages in this monastery - you will see local women sitting by the roadside and chatting, children running around, and sleepy dogs and cats lying on the ground and enjoying the sun.

Explore this old city and feel the local's life, then drive back to Lhasa (approx. 6-7 hours driving).

Arrive Lhasa, check in at hotel. Evening is free at leisure with dinner on own.

This morning explore Drepung Monastery. This used to be the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of Potala. The huge Shoton Festival is held here at the beginning of August every year. Return to hotel for rest and lunch on own.

In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, comprising a great sutra-chanting hall, a college and 32 sections. Watch the monks' debate and enjoy their special "dance" (it's from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and not available on Sunday). Debate is a way for the monks to learn sutras and scriptures. Sera Monastery opens its debates to the public so you'll have a chance to witness how monks debate.

Evening is free at leisure with dinner on own.

In the morning visit to Norbulingka Palace, which has plenty of plants and is full of oxygen. Here you can appreciate the beautiful gardens and see some local people going about their daily lives. This was the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, and now it has become a public park. Local people love to come here to chat and stroll.

Have a chat with the locals and visit a Tibetan Family to find out more about their lives. Then continue to visit Tsang Khung Nunnery was built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used its meditation chamber.The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu in Lhasa. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns.

Enjoy a local Tibetan Dinner with evening Song and Dance Show.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.