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This pilgrimage to Lhamo
Latso is richly varied and has much to offer:
high snow mountains, a magnificent monastery,
seldom visited cave hermitages, nomads and their
black-tent culture, and a sacred 'oracle lake.
Being at the radiant Oracle Lake of Lhamo Latso
is a high point of this journey. It is the
foremost 'vision' lake in Tibet and sitting
Dalai Lamas were obligated to come here at least
once in their lifetimes.
Besides the high passes,
this pilgrimage goes through areas noted for
their warm, dry climate. Rain can be expected in
July and August, less in June and September, and
virtually none during the rest of year. Heavy
snow, however, can blanket the passes from
December through February. For nine months of
the year this pilgrimage is a good bet. |
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Itinerary: |
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DAY 01 Arrival in Lhasa
by train or air |
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Once you arrive at Ghonggar
airport or Lhasa Train Station, an easy one hour
or half hour drive will take you to your final
destination of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel or
Yak Hotel or Shangbala Hotel, etc. The remainder
of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring
some of the many sights in Lhasa. |
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DAY 02 In Lhasa
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On this second day morning
we will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple.
This temple is the most revered shrine in all of
Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout
worshippers. We will also be given the
opportunity to shop in Barkhor, the crowded
central market of Lhasa. In the afternoon we
will visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth
century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed
walls. This well preserved monastery is located
just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to
several hundred monks. its famous debating
activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly
every day, so remind our guide not to miss it. |
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DAY 03 In Lhasa |
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A trip to Tibet would not
be complete without experiencing the vital
Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa's cardinal
landmark and is a wonder of Eastern
architecture. Your first site of this massive
structure will be a magical moment remembered
for years to come. It has been a palace since
the fifth or sixth century and was once home to
the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will
ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery.
Once the world's largest monastery, housing
10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in
rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly
much of the building was left untouched
throughout so many hundred of years. |
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Day 04 Drive Lhasa -
Tsetang |
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In the morning drive to
Tsetang. Located in the southeast of Lhasa. In
terms of geography, the fertile valleys of
Yarlung and Chongye here are appropriate for
development of Tibetan civilization; there were
once numerous temples, shrines and Stupas in
this area. And, Chonggye is the birthplace of
the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682). |
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Day 05 Tsetang
sightseeing |
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Visit Samye 40 km west to
Tsetang. It is the oldest monastery of Tibet
(8th century). After lunch we make a trip in the
Yarlung valley to visit the Yumbulakhang, a
castle built in the 7th and 8th centuries during
the time of the first Tibetan kings. |
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Day 06 Tsetang - Sangri
- Woka |
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In the morning drive about
40 km to Sangri via Tsetang Bridge. On the way
visit the remains of the Densatil Monastery
located on the Phagdru Mountain, which is the
ancestor temple of the Phagdru Kagyu, the most
influential one of the four main sub-branches of
the Kagyu Sect. After lunch at Sangri, drive
downhill to Woka Waterpower Station. And then
drive uphill for about 20 km and reach Woka
village (3800 m), where you can take a hot
spring bath at your own expenses. Prepare for
trekking such as hiring horse, arranging
luggage, etc. |
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Day 07 Trekking (26 km,
7-9 hours, 3800m-3900m) |
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Hike on the winding
mountain path, through small valleys. After
Qulong Temple, hike about 30 minutes, reach
Qulong village and visit Qusang Temple, where
Tsongkhapa once stayed to spreading Buddhist
teachings of Gelug Sect. |
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Day 08 Trekking (about
28 km, 8-10 hours, 3900m-4100m) |
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Get up in the early morning
to watch the sunrise appearing from the summit
of the 5400m-Gyeluo La Snow Mountain. Afterward,
begin trekking along the chattering brook.
Clumps of azalea tree grow everywhere. So quiet
the world that you feel just out of the world.
Set up camp at Nayu valley. |
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Day 09 Trekking (about
23km, 7-9 hours) |
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Start trekking from Nayu
valley, uphill first and then downhill along the
mountain ridge. The slope is somewhat gentle all
the way. Set up camp near the village in the
lower reaches of the Dagu valley. |
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Day 10 Trekking
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Trek downhill and reach the
Lhamo Latso Lake (4900 m) along the valley.
Surrounded by high mountains, the hoof-shaped
lake cavers an area of about 2 square
kilometers. Numerous believers regard it as the
treasure mirror, which is able to reveal their
fates. Highlighted with the now peaks, azaleas
and the remains of the old temple, the scenery
around the lake is very beautiful.
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Day 11 Lhamo Latso Lake
- Chorgye - Cuijiu |
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Pass by Chorgye Temple and
trek downhill about 24 km to Cuijiu (4300 m) for
8 hours. As long as reach Cuijiu, end the
trekking. |
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Day12 Cuijiu - Gyatsa -
Tsetang |
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On the way visit the relic
site of the Mansion of Lhagyari situated in
Chusum County. It was originally built in 13th
century and symbolizes the local ruling
privilege of the descends of the Tobo Kingdom
through the Sakya and Phagdru regimes. In the
late afternoon reach Tsetang (3500 m) the
"Playground of Monkeys" in legend. |
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Day13 Drive Tsetang-Airport,
depart Tibet for next destination |
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Transferred to the Ghonggar
airport (90 km) in the morning and fly out of
Tibet. |
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