In the morning visit Potala Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. In the afternoon visit Jokhang temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Overnight in a 3 star hotel.

In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelugpa sect., which was created in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 amas live there. Overnight in a 3 star hotel.

Today is a full day picturesque drive crossing over a colorful Yamdrok Lake. Kambala Pass at 4,794 m and Karola Pass at 5,010m. In Gyantse visit the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery. Overnight in a 2 star hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang. We will visit Tashilhunpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in a 3 star hotel.

After breakfast take a 6-hour drive along the Brahmaputra River to Lhasa. Overnight in 3 star hotel)

In the early morning transfer to the airport and fly back to Chengdu/Kathmandu.