An excellent addition to any tour of China, Lhasa is the heart of Tibet. Experience the mystery of the great Buddhist temples and monasteries. On arrival in Lhasa, rest for the afternoon to acclimatize to the thin air found at the "roof of the world". Travel to the foothills to visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery with your expert private guide. The next day, climb up to Potala Palace and explore the centuries old home of the Dalai Lama. In the center of town experience Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple, which is circled by pilgrims who round Bhakor Street in an endless stream. A enjoy mystical experience in one of the most fabled lands of the world. NOTE: Does not include airfare to/from Lhasa.

Lhasa is a fascinating city and a renowned center of Buddhism. Attractions include the Potala Palace was originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645, and became the seat of Dalai Lamas and political center of Tibet. It is a steep climb to the palace which is spectacularly sited overlooking the city. Jokhang is located in central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. In Tibetan, "Norbu Linka" means beautiful gardens. This garden covers an area of 36 hectares and it is the annual vacation home for the 7th to the 14th Dalai Lama, who would move here during the summer from the Potala Palace. Drepung Monastery is situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, this huge complex is the most important monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Sera Monastery is at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Afternoon to rest at your hotel to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

The Sheraton Points is a newer facility on the Lhasa river that is simply the nicest hotel in Lhasa.

Overnight at Sheraton Four Points (4*).

Full day private guided tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Bhakor Street with deluxe lunch. Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, Potala Palace was rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645, and became the seat of Dalai Lamas and political center of Tibet. Jokhang Temple is located in central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. Barkhor is the oldest road in Lhasa which pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. The circular road is also a marketplace for printed scriptures, cloth prayer flags and religious items.

Overnight at Sheraton Four Points (4*).

Full day private guided tour of Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery with deluxe lunch. The Drepung Monastery is the most important monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice, so it was given the name 'Drepung' which in Tibetan means Collecting-Rice. The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built, so it was named Sera which means "wild rose" in Tibetan.

Overnight at Sheraton Four Points (4*).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).