Lhasa, Sacred City of Tibet Extension

Day 1
Lhasa, Tibet

From Kathmandu, Nepal (or Chengdu, China), transfer to the airport for a flight over the highest Himalaya to Lhasa, set on the Tibetan plateau at 11,380 feet. Arrive at Gongkar Airport and transfer the 60-mile distance (about 1.5 hours) to Lhasa. Overnight at hotel.

Days 2-4
Cultural Monuments of the Lhasa Valley

On guided excursions, explore the striking thousand-room Potala Palace and the grand Sera Monastery; stroll the park-like enclave of the Norbulingka, official summer residence for the Dalai Lamas from the mid-18th century to 1959; and visit the Jokhang, Tibet’s most sacred temple drawing pilgrims from all over the country. Nearby in the Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Jokhang and serves as Lhasa’s central bazaar, you’ll find everything from precious Kham amber to prayer flags. On one day, head to Drepung monastery to walk the kora (pilgrim trail circling a sacred place) and take in panoramic views of the Lhasa Valley. Visits to a Tibetan hospital and Buddhist nunnery are also included.

Day 5
Depart

Transfer to the airport at Gongkar and depart on a morning flight to Chengdu or Kathmandu, arriving midday.

Extension Costs

$985 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $275
Internal airfare: $820 (Kathmandu/Lhasa roundtrip) or $635 (Kathmandu/Lhasa/Chengdu) subject to change

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.