How about making a meaningful trip in the western China from vibrant Chongqing to spiritual Tibet? In 6 days, you will take a meaningful journey through the bustling city of Chongqing and culminating in the spiritual heights of Tibet. Experience a delightful blend of modernity and tradition, adventure and tranquility, as you traverse this captivating region.
Begin your visit in Chongqing, a vibrant city known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, impressive skyline, and efficient transportation system. As you explore the city, don't forget to take in the breathtaking night views that make Chongqing truly unforgettable. After soaking in the urban atmosphere, take a flight from Chongqing to Lhasa for an awe-inspiring adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Nestled at an altitude of over 3,650 meters, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world and boasts a rich history steeped in spirituality. Marvel at Lhasa's most treasured religious sites, such as the iconic Potala Palace, which once served as the residence of the Dalai Lama. Continue your exploration by visiting the revered Jokhang Temple, the bustling Barkhor Street, and the historic Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
Experience the enchanting blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that awaits you in Western China! Explore with Asia Odyssey Travel now!
Chongqing (2 Days)
Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2, E’ling Park, Hongya Cave
Lhasa (4 Days)
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Ni Hao! Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Chongqing, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in Chongqing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.
Arrival Ideas: Chongqing, located in southwestern China, is well connected by air or high speed rail. Travelers can take flight to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport from Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Changsha and many international cities. In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Chongqing from Chengdu (1-2 hours), Xian (5-6 hours), Guilin (4.5-5.5 hours), Guiyang (2-2.5 hours), etc.
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to explore the main attractions of Chongqing. Your first stop is the Three Gorges Museum, where you can admire an extensive collection of over 280,000 precious historical relics. This will give you a better understanding of the great Yangtze River and the formation of the Three Gorges, as well as the gradual development of Chongqing from a thousand years ago to the 20th century. After your visit, you can take some photos in front of the People's Assembly Hall, which is located outside the museum.
Later, you will be escorted to take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through a 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains. After lunch, move to E’ling Park and catch the impressive panorama of Chongqing city which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding.
In the late afternoon, go to Hongya Cave, which is a must-see attraction that showcases the unique wooden houses of the Ba and Shu regions. These houses are layered and tilted, and they stretch up to 11 stories high, creating a glittering effect when illuminated by orange lights at night. You can even climb up to the 11th level and enjoy the stunning view of the Jialing River and nearby buildings, which are beautifully lit up with neon lights.
In the morning, you will be free on your own until your guide and driver escort you to Chongqing Liangjiang International Airport to catch a flight to Lhasa (about 2h40m). Welcome to Lhasa (altitude: 3650m), the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.
Kind Reminds:
1. It is good to avoid the highland sickness by slow down, keep warm, drink some water frequently, no shower for the first one or two days, take it easy, and sleep well.
2. You should always follow your doctor’s advice on altitude according to your health condition.
3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and good at dealing with altitude sickness.
Altitude: 3650m
Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.
Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)
In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.
Altitude: 3650m
Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.
In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)
Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.
Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive
It is time to end your 6-day Chongqing Tibet tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.
Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Shigatse, Gyantse, Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. Tell us your ideas.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Miguel San Martin
Hungary
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Jan 23, 2024
Tour Customized by: Kyle
You May be Interested in This Tour: 15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour with Lhasa Shigatse & EBC
Wanderer38148230347
Mongolia
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Jan 10, 2024
Tour Customized by: Catherine
You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Tibet Discovery Tour from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp
思谕 陈
Ecuador
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Dec 15, 2023
Tour Customized by: Cici
You May be Interested in This Tour: 9 Days Panorama Tibet Tour from Lhasa to EBC with Namtso Lake
Price: Request
(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)
Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.