Tsedang and Lhasa
Explore the historic valleys, ancient monasteries, and sacred cultural heart of Tibet.
Route
Kathmandu - Lhasa - Tsedang - Samye Monastery - Lhasa - Kathmandu
Duration
05 Nights - 06 Days
Tour Type
Adventure
Complete Tour Itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu / Lhasa / Tsedang
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to connect with your flight to Lhasa via Air China or Sichuan Airlines. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the high Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, our representative will meet and transfer you directly to your hotel in Tsedang.
On the way, enjoy the beautiful, picturesque landscapes as you drive alongside the Brahmaputra River (known locally as the Yarlung Tsangpo) toward the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
Tsedang: Located in the fertile Yarlung Valley, Tsedang is celebrated as the historic birthplace of the Tibetan people. Archaeological evidence suggests the area has been inhabited for roughly 4,000 years. Legend states that the first king of Tibet, Nyatri Tsenpo, descended from the heavens on a rope of light to rule the valley around the 2nd century BC. For more than 700 years, the early Tibetan kings ruled from this valley under a hereditary monarchy. It is here that Tibet’s very first structures were built and where many of its ancient monarchs lie in rest. The region features spectacular mountain ranges, natural springs, and peaceful river valleys.
The remainder of the day is completely free at your leisure to rest and focus on acclimatization to the high altitude.
Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 02 : Tsedang (HISTORIC VALLEY SIGHTSEEING)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then proceed for a full-day tour of the valley’s most sacred foundations: Yumbulagang, Tradruk Monastery, and the Tombs of the Tibetan Kings.
Yumbulagang: Prominently perched on a sharp hill overlooking the eastern bank of the Yarlung River, Yumbulagang is widely recognized as the first building ever constructed in Tibet. According to legend, it was established in the 2nd century BC as a palace for the first king, Nyatri Tsenpo. However, historical accounts suggest it was significantly rebuilt or expanded in the 7th century during the reign of the 33rd king, Songtsen Gampo, serving as his imperial summer palace. Following the rise of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the 5th Dalai Lama converted the structure into a monastery in the 17th century. It remains an enduring symbol of early Tibetan history and national identity.
Tradruk Monastery: This is the largest and most critical surviving royal foundation in the Yarlung Valley. It was founded in the 7th century under King Songtsen Gampo, around the same time as the Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Monastery in Lhasa. According to local lore, the monastery was built over a lake inhabited by a malevolent five-headed dragon. King Songtsen Gampo summoned a mythical falcon through deep meditation to defeat the dragon and drain the water, clearing the way for construction. The complex was significantly enlarged in the 14th century and received later imperial patronage under the 5th and 7th Dalai Lamas.
The Tombs of the Tibetan Kings: Situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters, this site serves as the burial ground for many of Tibet’s early monarchs, ministers, and concubines from the 29th Tsenpo (emperor) to the 40th. It stands as the largest ancient tumuli group on the plateau. The most remarkable tomb belongs to King Songtsen Gampo, built on Muchong Hill opposite the Yarlung River. Its orientation demonstrates an early adherence to geomantic principles (“Feng Shui”), specifically choosing a location backed by mountains and facing open water.
Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 03 : Tsedang / Samye Monastery / Lhasa
Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive toward Lhasa (135 km / approx. 3.5 hours), stopping en route to visit the legendary Samye Monastery (50 km from Tsedang / 1.5 hours).
Samye Monastery: This is the first official Tibetan Buddhist monastery ever constructed, founded in the 8th century under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen. The king invited the Indian master Shantarakshita and the great esoteric teacher Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) to consolidate Buddhism across the plateau. Architecturally unique, Samye is designed in the shape of a massive three-dimensional mandala representing the Buddhist cosmos. Its central temple famously blends three distinct architectural styles: the lower floor is built in traditional Tibetan style, the middle floor in Chinese Han style, and the upper floor in classic Indian style. Historically associated with the Nyingma and Sakya schools, it later came under Gelug influence.
After completing your tour of Samye, continue your journey along the river valleys toward Lhasa.
Lhasa: The administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region sits at an elevation of 3,656 meters (11,990 feet), surrounded by mountain peaks reaching 5,500 meters. Serving as the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet since the mid-17th century, the city owes many of its landmarks to King Songtsen Gampo, who unified the empire in the 7th century and ruled until 649 AD. Following the accession of the 5th Dalai Lama, Lhasa’s geopolitical and religious importance grew exponentially.
Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 04 : Lhasa (CITY SIGHTSEEING)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then proceed for a guided tour of Lhasa’s core historical monuments: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the surrounding Barkhor Bazaar.
Potala Palace: Dominating the city skyline from atop Marpo Ri (Red Hill), the initial fortress structure was built in 637 AD by King Songtsen Gampo. The modern palace complex was commissioned by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1645 and took 45 years to complete. The structural masterpiece is divided into the White Palace (administrative and living quarters) and the Red Palace (religious shrines, assembly halls, and tombs). It stands 13 stories tall, housing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues. It served as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas until 1959 and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Jokhang Temple: Built in 652 AD by King Songtsen Gampo, this temple was constructed to house sacred Buddhist statues brought to Tibet by his two royal wives, Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of China. The complex was expanded over nine centuries, with its final historical renovation overseen by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1610. Regarded as the spiritual heart of Tibet, it features beautiful decorative contributions made by historical Nepalese artisans. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Barkhor Market: This ancient circular street encircles the Jokhang Temple and serves as old Lhasa’s main trading and religious hub. It is an essential pilgrimage route (kora); from sunrise until late into the night, you can witness pilgrims walking clockwise or progressing via full-body prostrations along its polished paving stones. It provides an authentic window into traditional Tibetan culture, commerce, and daily life.
Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 05 : Lhasa (MONASTIC UNIVERSITIES)
Following breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring two of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries located on the outskirts of Lhasa.
Drepung Monastery: Established in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden, a prominent disciple of Je Tsongkhapa (the founder of the Gelug school). Situated on the slopes of Mount Gambo Utse, Drepung translates to “Rice Heap” due to its cascading white buildings. It historically stood as the largest and wealthiest monastery in Tibet, housing upwards of 10,000 monks and overseeing thousands of subsidiary institutions across Central Asia.
Sera Monastery: Founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey Sakya Yeshe, another close disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. At its peak, it housed over 6,000 monks and was highly regarded for its disciplined dob-dob (warrior-monks). Sera translates to “Enclosure of Roses.” The beautifully restored complex includes a massive assembly hall, three distinct colleges (Sera Mey, Sera Jey, and Ngagpa Dratsang), and 32 residential sectors. The monastery is celebrated worldwide for its lively monastic philosophical debates, which visitors can observe in the courtyard every afternoon between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 06 : Lhasa / Kathmandu / Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your morning is free for leisure, packing, or final independent exploration until you are transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport to board your return flight to Kathmandu.
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