Tibet Cultural Tour

Tibet Cultural Tour denotes the classic tour that has covered all cultural centers of Tibet especially Tsedang, Lhasa, Gyatse, and shigatse.This package is focused on for travelers on a limited time and Budget. Tsedang is one of the largest cities in Tibet, located southeast of Lhasa. It is 3,200 m high from the sea level and at lower elevation than Lhasa. This city is 183 km from Lhasa and 87 km from Gonggar airport.It is the capital of Shannan (Lokha) and the gateway to Yarlung, chongye and Samye. There are not more particular things to visit but it is regarded as the cradle of Tibetan Civilization. The Gongpori caves above the town are said to be the place from where the Tibetan race originated.

This is the birth place of six original Tibetan clans. The oldest monastery at samye, Yambu Lagang,and  the monkey cave on Mt. Zodang Gongpor are remarkably the oldest things here. Samye monastery is the first monastery built in 8th century which is 30 km far from Tsedang. The monastery had been built in the shape of the Universe following three distinct styles from the Han, Tibetan and the Indian but the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt after 300 years to serve as a residence of 6th Dalai Lama.

Another cultural center is Lhasa where Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square, Norbulingka, and Sera monastery offer you a unique cultural experience. The Jokhang temple was founded by Songtsen Gampo in 647. The Barkhor Square is the oldest street which displays the amazing things from Lhasa. The Norbulingka Palace is west of Lhasa and a kilometer southwest from the Potala Palace, is considered the biggest man-made garden in Tibet. Norbulingka means “Treasure Park” and it has covered 360,000 square meters. Norbulingka has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has 370 rooms inside its premises and was the summer palace for the Dalai Lamas.

The Sera Monastery is as famous as the Drepung monastery and the Ganden Monastery.This lies at the foot of Tatipu Hill, located in the northern part of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery is dedicated to Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, founded by Tsong Khapa. The monastery was built by one of the disciples of Tsongkhapa, Jamchen Chojey in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The meaning of Sera is “Wild Rose” in Tibetan language. It has occupied 28 acres of land. The monastery consists of the Cogen Hall, Zhacang (College) and Kamcun (dormitory), Scriptures written in Gold powder, fine statues etc.

The Potala Palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. This palace carries great artistic value. The intricate Tibetan murals, beautiful statues, countless scriptures show a sublime gallery of cultural relics. Drepung monastery was the home of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built in 17th century. Drepung Gompa resembles a heap of white rice from a distance. The Kumbum , gold domed stupa is fascinating. Tashilunpo at shigatse is one of the big six monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibet. This Monastery is also called “Heap of Glory”. It is situated at the foot of Drolmari (Tara’s mountain), Shigatse. This was founded bythe 1st Dalai Lama in 1447 and it has occupied 300,000 square meters. The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama’s Palace and the Kelsang Temple are the prime attractions there. This monastery is now the home for 800 monks.