Ancient Tibet

An amazing historical journey across the roof of the world

How did Buddhism become established in Tibet? Where did the unique Tibetan traditional customs on the roof of the world come from? The story of Tibet is a surprising mix of power struggles, political intrigue, and spiritual mysticism. Early Tibet was a time of kings and sorcerers, where legend and history are interwoven. 

Our carefully planned 7 night Ancient Tibet Journey takes you under the guidance of a Tibetan history expert to the most important Tibetan traditional sites of Central Tibet including Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, and to the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, the Yarlung Valley, to tour Samye Monastery and Yumbulagang.  Get to know Tibet's rich traditions and spiritual heritage by immersing yourself in ancient monasteries. Delve into the turbulent stories that explain the rise and fall of palaces and fortresses, kings and lamas in ancient Tibet. 

Your backdrop is the stunning natural environment of turquoise lakes and snow capped mountain ranges, the stage is set with ancient Tibetan traditions and artifacts. Your guide will engage your imagination with stories and legends of old Tibet, you will meet friendly and hospitable local Tibetan people, and create memories that will last a lifetime.  

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7 night journey
DEPARTS: chengdu

Maximum elevation: 4,500 metres
Availability: Late April/May/June & September/October
Minimum group size: 2 people

Single room supplement available on request.

DAY 1

Chengdu - Lhasa - Tsedang: Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa where you drive east to the Yarlung Valley. Stroll around the town of Tsedang before dinner.    
Driving time: 2 hrs
Overnight: Tsedang
Altitude: 2,560 m  

DAY 2

Tsedang: Visit historical Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. After lunch back in Tsedang, it is a short drive to Yumbulagang Palace, the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. 
Driving time: 3 hrs, 40 mins
Overnight: Tsedang
Altitude: 2,560 m

DAY 3

Gyantse:  Drive along the Friendship Highway linking Tibet to Nepal. This scenic drive offers superb views at the mystical Yamdrok Lake. We reach the historic town of Gyantse to visit the Kumbum.
Driving time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Gyantse
Altitude: 3,977 m

DAY 4 

Shigatse: Continue to Shigatse, the traditional seat of the successive Panchen Lamas. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery.  
Driving time: 2 hrs
Overnight: Shigatse
Altitude: 3,800 m

DAY 5 

Lhasa: Travel to Lhasa beside the great Yarlung Tsangpo River and offers beautiful views of idyllic Tibetan farming villages along the way.  
Driving time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 6

Lhasa: Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Norbulingka, meaning ‘Treasure Park.’ Visit the Norbulingka Palace and Gardens, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, visit Sera Monastery in the foothills north of Lhasa. Watch the monks engage in their daily religious debate.  
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 7

Lhasa: Start the day with a tour of the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, visit Drepung Monastery, historically, the most significant monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung used to be the seat of political and religious power in Tibet and is home to over 15,000 monks. It’s one of the most prestigious Buddhist institutions in Tibet. Before dinner, there is an optional visit to a Tibetan rug factory to see how these beautiful rugs are made.  
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 8

Lhasa - Chengdu: Join pilgrims on an optional early morning walk around the Jokhang Temple. After breakfast, take your shuttle to the airport for your flight back to Chengdu and departure from the roof of the world.