9 Days Shalu Monastery to Nartang Monastery Treking tour (also including sightseeing at Lhasa and Gyantse)

Tour Code: TTR-07 Destination: This trek follows the old trade route between the Shalu and Nartang Monastery, and passes through several villages as well as uninhabited dry canyons. Tour Price: From $/ ?? p/p Availability: Daily, but early booking is highly recommended!

Mount Everest

TOUR ITINERARY

Trekking Route: Lhasa-Lake Yamdrok-Gyantse-Shalu Monastery-Upper Lungsang-Ngor Monastery-Nartang Monastery-Shigatse-Lhasa
Tour features: This trek follows the old trade route between the Shalu and Nartang Monastery, making a glorious chapter in Tibetan History and come alive for walkers nowadays. It starts at the Shalu Monastery and across west over a couple of small ranges to Ngor Monastery. From Ngor, trail turns down hill to Nartang Monastery. The route passes through several villages as well as uninhabited dry canyons.
Day 1: Arrival-Lhasa(3650m)
Lhasa airport/train station pick-up by our guide and driver, then transfer you to the hotel (3-star level), the rest of the day is free on your own.
Day 2: Full day Lhasa tour to Potala Palace , Jokhang Temple, Barkhor street (B)
Hotel pick-up in the morning, then spend the whole morning to visit the famous Potala palace and explore the mythical halls, exhibition chambers, figures of the Buddha. In the afternoon, touring to the holy temple in Tibet – the Johkang Temple, which was built during songtsen gonpo’s period by princess of wencheng in Great Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The circular pilgrim way around Jokhang temple is named barkhor and later flourished, forming the embryo of the city. The barkhor market is one of the most famous sites throughout Tibet, and it is the ideal place to buy traditional Tibetan artifacts, religious implements, antiques, books, Tibetan music instrument, Thangkas, and traditional Tibetan clothes, etc.
Day 3: Full day Lhasa tour to Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery (B)
Drepung monastery is located at the foot of a holy mountain and was established by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. It was used to the home of 10,000 monks and it was the centre government before fifth dalai lama and then, the government was moved to the famous Potala palace. later on, you can also visit the Nechung monastery which located 1km southeast of Drepung and is the abode of the protector deity pehar and the seat of the state Oracle of Tibet. In the afternoon, go on visiting to the Sera monastery which was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choeje (a follower to Songtsen Gonpo). The highlight is that the Monk debate is held there in the courtyard at around 6:00-7:30.
Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse (B)
Hotel check-out and leaving for Gyantse in the morning, today we will travel 300 km/188 miles on the expressway. While we travel on the top of Mt. Gangbala, you will see the fabulous shade of turquoise, Yamdrok lake shaped just like a coiling scorpion with deep clear water in the color of blue. After 3 hours driving, we will arrive at our destination-Gyantse, visit Kubum Monastery first, which is 35 meters high with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes. Later on, drive to the local hotel to check in.
Day 5: Gyantse to Shalu Monastery(3,980meters), upper Lungsang(4,060meters), (trekking for 5 -6 hours, 14km/9miles) (B)
Drive to Shalu Monastery from Gyantse for 49km/31miles along the asphalt road. Upon arrival, visit Shalu Monastery, which is the home of Buton Rinchendrub(1290-1346) who was the great codifier of the Tibetan translations of the Indian Buddhist canon. Then start trekking in the afternoon to Upper Lungsang (5-6 hours). Camping in Tent
Day 6: Upper Lungsang to Ngor Monastery, ( 4-hours’ trekking, 8km/5miles) (B)
Trekking through the farmlands to the Ngor village, the Ngor monastery is renowned for its Sanskrit library and Newar-style murals. There were once five assembly halls, 18 colleges and 400 monks, but there’re only 25 monks at present. Camping in Tent
Day 7: Ngor Monastery to Nartang Monastery and Shigatse, (5-hours’trekking, 18km/11miles) (B)
Trekking from Ngor to Nartang by passing several villages, saddles, and one electric utility. After arriving at Nartang Monastery, our driver will pick you up and drive to Shigatse. Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Day 8: Shigatse back to Lhasa (B)
Hotel check-out and spending for 4 hours to drive back to Lhasa from Shigatse. While on the way, we will visit the largest Monastery in western Tibet- Tashilunpo Monastery, which is the last but famous historic site for your Tibet tour. Tashilunpo Monastery is one of the six great Gelukpa institutions and was established in 1447 by a disciple of Tsongkapa, Genden drup who was the master of the first dalai lama. Jamkhang Chenmo, containing the world’s largest gilded copper figure(26meters high) of future Buddha Jampa. Drive along the Friend-ship Highway back to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa
Day 9: Lhasa airport dropping off (B)
Hotel check-out & pick-up based on your flight info, then be transferred to the airport/train station for your next destination. Lovely tour ends!

Tour includes:
1. Airport/train station – Hotel – Airport/train station Transfer in Lhasa
2. All breakfasts from day 2 to 9
3. Transportation in Tibet:
- Train station pick up and Airport drop off, Private Mini Van
- Lhasa City transportation, Private Mini Van or taxi according to group size
- Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhasa: Private Mini Van
- Luggage carrying on trekking: Yaks or Horses(2 Yaks for 2-4 people)
4. All hotel and camping accommodations:
- Comfortable Hotels or Guest House in Gyantse, Shigatse and Lhasa
- Tibetan Family Guest house or outdoor tent during trekking
5. Guide: Local Tibetan English-speaking Tour Guide
6. All sightseeing and entrance fees listed in itinerary
7. All Necessary Permits
8. Travel Insurance
9. Necessary Oxygen Supply
10. Government Tax

Tour excludes:
1. Single room supplement
2. Tips to the guide and driver
3. Any airfares and train tickets
4. other fees not mentioned in the schedle