7 Days Best Xian-Lhasa Tour by Flight

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival (no meal )

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport / train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to downtown hotel for checking-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for rest of the day.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Muslim Quarter ( B )

   AM: Your Xian exploration begins with world’s heritage Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, it was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into one of the most important attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. The museum includes Pit 1(the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and history of their owner: First Emperor of Qin who is also the first emperor of China.

   Noon: Lunch on your own.

   PM: Head back to Xian downtown area for another historical highlight- Ancient City Wall. It is the most complete preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for the military defense in the ancient time. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall ( optional).

   Next, head to Bell and Drum Tower Square, which locates in the very center of the city and is considered as the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and purchase some Terracotta Warriors imitation as souvenirs.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

3. Day 3: Xian - Lhasa Tour by Flight ( B )

   Free and easy on your own in the morning.

   In the afternoon, our driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, our local English speaking guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

4. Day 4: Lhasa
   Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street ( B )

   AM: The imposing Potala Palace is the highlight of any trip to Tibet. Today you are going to visit this majestic architectural treasure of Lhasa, over 3,700 meters above sea level. The whole architectural complex includes two parts, the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is the place where the Dalai Lamas lived and handled political affairs, while the Red Palace mainly houses the stupas of the Dalai Lamas. Your tour guide will share a wealth of information with you to help you understand its history and Tibetan Buddhism.

   Noon: Lunch on your own.

   

   PM: After that, continue to explore the holy Jokhang Temple which has a history of over 1300 years. The temple is a mixture of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles and has become an example of Tibetan religious architecture. The interior is so impressive with plenty of statues, colorful murals, and rows of butter lamps. It’s not allowed to take photos at most parts, but you will have opportunity to take some at the rooftop.

   

   After coming out of the sacred Jokhang Temple, you will follow your tour guide threading your way through the throngs of pilgrims and other travelers in the mesmerizing Barkhor Street. This old street will give you a taste of Tibetan people's life and their faith. You can casually walk around and do some shopping.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

5. Day 5: Lhasa
   Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery ( B )

   AM: Today, you will go to one of the most significant monasteries in Tibet- Drepung Monastery. You will see the place is well preserved and many devout Tibetan people come to pray here. Wandering around the monastery full of the aroma of incense and butter, you will learn something about Tibetan Buddhism from your knowledgeable tour guide and enjoy the peaceful scenery everywhere.

   Noon: Lunch on your own.

   Next, continue the Buddhism trip to Sera Monastery which is the second largest monastery in Tibet. Sera Monastery was built in the Ming Dynasty by the famous Sagya Yeshes who was one of the eight disciples of Zongkapa and given the title of the Great Mercy Dharma by Emperor Xuanzong of Ming Dynasty after he had an audience with the Emperor in 1409 and 1414. The debate about Buddhism of Sera Monastery earns its fame in the Tibetan region, which is always taken a necessary activity to see for travelers from the whole world.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

   

6. Day 6: Lhasa - Yamdroktso Lake - Lhasa by Car
   Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier ( B )

   AM: Today you’ll visit one of the most famous lakes in Tibet - Yamdroktso Lake. It is famed as “the Most Beautiful Lake in the World” with the literal meaning as “the above coral twig” and the holy moral in Tibetan’s heart as “the Scattered Kallaite Earrings of Fairy” as it couldn’t be gotten its full perspective by visitors on the ground. There are three other lakes creeping on the earth with Yamdorktso Lake, connecting each other together and consisting of an endless holy lake beyond our horizon—the beautiful body of the lake on this land is more than 130km long. When looking it from map or sky, you will be surprised to see the lake embedded in this land, glittering like an earring under the sunshine at different time.

   Noon: Lunch on your own.

   PM: After that, drive to the Karola Glacier with an elevation of 5400 meters above sea level. Getting off the car, the magnificent glacier jumps into your eyes with its shinning body soaked in the gentle sunshine. You are worry free from people or cars intruding into your shot and disturbing your selfies with the stunning sights as it’s usually off the beaten track.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

   

7. Day 7: Lhasa Departure ( B )

   Free and easy on your own until the pickup time for departure. Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to Lhasa airport / train station to see you off.

   Accommodation: N/A