17 Days Photography Tour

Attraction; Drepung Monastery , Sera Monastery. Guide will arrange your Lunch with local taste in monastery restaurant; After the breakfast our driver and guide will pick you up from hotel and drive to the monasteries. Today, you will visit Drepung and Sera monastery from morning around 9:00 to 5:00 pm. Both of monasteries offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. And will also have local food taste from the monastery restaurant. History of Drepung Gompa Drepung monastery is one of the six major monasteries of Gelukpa order. Drepung, Ganden and Sera Monastery are known as the three major and highest ranking monasteries in Lhasa. It was once one of the world’s largest monastery where in the pass day there were over 10,000 monks who studies as well as lives in there. It was a town itself at that time. Drepung is Tibetan name which means heap of rice. It is located in a valley on the southern slope of Mount Genpuwuzi, about 8 kilometers to the west of central of Lhasa city. It was founded in 1416 by the Jamgyang Choejee Tashi Paldan the disciple of the founder of the Yellow Sect, Tsongkhapa master. There are countless halls in Drepung monastery with the most famous being the "Jampa Thongdorl" hall in religious terms and the most important being the "Ganden Potang" hall in political terms. The "Jampa Thongdrol " (Maitreya Sees Liberation) Hall is located on the northwest side of the third floor of the Tsochen Hall. Although it is not large in scale, it is famous for its main statue of Maitreya at the age of eight. A continuous stream of believers came to worship. Inside the hall, there is also the precious treasure of the temple - the white conch was bless by the Budhha Shayakmuni when he was in India . When Tsongkhapa ordered Jamyang Choejee Tashi Paldan to build the Drepung Monastery, he would hand over the white seashells personally excavated by Tsongkhapa before the construction of Ganden Monastery to Tashi Paldan and wish the temple a success. This collection of seashells has always been kept in the Maitreya Hall. There are also six main scripture halls in the temple: 1. Ganden Podang Chapel 2. Tsochen Hall 3. Tantric Monastery 4. Losaling collage 5. Guomang collage 6. Deyang collage. After around 3 hour’s visiting of the Drepung Gompa will have a 1 hour lunch time for locate taste from the monastery restaurant then drive to next scenic spots. The most interesting thing in the Sera Gompa is Buddhist philosophy debate. The debate venue of Sera Monastery is part of the traditional learning method of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the debate ceremony starts at 3 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. When debating scriptures, monks usually sit on the ground while another stands across from them, exaggerating their movements to debate the scriptures. This is a discussion of Buddhist knowledge and also a way for lamas to learn. The debate ceremony of Sera Monastery is well-known in Tibetan areas and attracts many tourists to visit. Except for special holidays, the debate venue holds debate activities from Monday to Friday, giving visitors the opportunity to witness this unique form of religious learning firsthand. History of Sera Gompa Sera Monastery, also known as Sera Mahayana Monastery, is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Along with Drepung monastery and Ganden monastery, it is known as one of the three major temples in Lhasa and is the latest one built among them. Sera Monastery is a national key cultural relic protection unit, located at the foot of Sera Uzi Mountain, 3 kilometers north of central part of Lhasa city. It is surrounded by willow forests and has been a place for high monks and living Buddhas to preach since ancient times. There are many small monasteries for monks and nuns surrounding it. In the 17th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1419), Jamchen Shakya Yeshi, a disciple of Tsongkhapa master, built it, which was completed in the 9th year of the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty (1434). Later, Jamchen Shakya Yeshi was summoned to Beijing and granted the title of Great Compassionate Dharma King. After returning to Tibet, the imperial bestowed sutras and statues were preserved in the temple and still exist today. At its peak, there were over 8000 monks in the monastery, slightly smaller in scale than the Drepung Monastery. There are tens of thousands of Vajra statues in the Sera Gompa, most of which are made locally in Tibet. There are also many bronze Buddha statues brought from mainland China or India. The walls of the main hall and various Tazang scripture halls preserve a large number of original colored murals. The most famous statue is the " Protector Hayagriwa " statue in the main hall. The main buildings include Tsochen (Assembly Hall), Jee Tazang, Mai Tazang, Ngapa Tazang, and 32 Kang Tsan villages. The early buildings were centered around Mai Tazang and Ngapa Tazang , and were later expanded and renovated throughout history to have the current scale, so there was no overall plan for the layout. But the architecture of Sera Monastery is dense but not crowded, diverse but not chaotic, tailored to local conditions, with a prominent main body, reflecting the unique style of Gelugpa monasteries, and is entirely a religious city. Overnight at Lhasa hotel. Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

In the morning, your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you and the other group member at hotel lobby then start from downtown Lhasa and first visit the Potala Palace, which is not only the political, religious and cultural center of Tibet but also the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. History of Potala Palace or ancient castle The Potala Palace is located on the Maburi Mountain (Red Mountain) in the northwest of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The Potala Palace was built under the leadership of Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd Tibetan king of Tubo, in 631 AD. However, with the disintegration of the Tubo Kingdom, it suffered severe damage due to natural and man-made disasters. In 1645, the Fifth Dalai Lama rebuilt the Potala Palace to consolidate the political and religious unity of the Ganden Pohang region, and continued to expand it until it reached its current size. The Potala Palace was designed and built according to the layout of Buddhist mandalas, covering a total area of over 360000 square meters and a total construction area of over 130000 square meters. The main building is 117 meters high and has 13 floors. It is a large palace style architectural complex with 1267 rooms, including palaces, stupas, Buddhist halls, administrative offices, monk schools, and monk houses. The main works of the building have two systems: the White House and the Red Palace. The White House is the place where the Dalai Lamas of past dynasties govern and live. The Red Palace is the place for religious activities and the place where the Dalai Lamas of past dynasties worship their stupas. The building form of the White House around the Red Palace reflects the social system of the integration of politics and religion in old Tibet. After 1959, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council attached great importance to the maintenance and protection of the Potala Palace, and allocated maintenance funds throughout the year. Two phases of maintenance were carried out in 1988 and 2001. On March 4, 1961, the Potala Palace was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 1994, the Potala Palace was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Potala Palace is the winter palace of all previous Dalai Lamas, and also the ruling center of the integration of politics and religion of Tibet’s m local rulers in the past. Since the fifth Dalai Lama, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here. At the same time, it is a place to worship the spiritual tower of all previous Dalai Lamas. Afternoon we will go to Jokhang Temple to experience the strong religious atmosphere. Then we will stroll along Barkhor Street, taste authentic Tibetan cuisine, and purchase handicrafts. In the evening, you can go to see the night view of the majestic Potala Palace to enjoy the beautiful night walk. History of Jokhang temple Jokhang Temple, located in Lhasa, Tobey Autonomous Region, is a central Tibetan Buddhist temple and also a central of the universe too. It was founded in 647 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to commemorate Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet. Jokhang Temple has a long history of more than 1300 years. It is one of the most splendid existing buildings in Tibet during the Tibetan period and the earliest civil structure building in Tibet. The temple was originally called "Rasa", later evolved into "Lhasa", and eventually became the name of the city. Jokhang Temple is not only a Buddhist temple, but also a three-dimensional representation of the ideal model of the universe in Buddhism - the mandala. The architectural style of Jokhang Temple combines the characteristics of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architecture, and is a model of Tibetan religious architecture. There are statues of Shakyamuni and other figures enshrined in the temple, as well as statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Chizun, and Princess Wencheng. The temple has undergone multiple expansions and modifications, especially during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, forming its current scale. Jokhang Temple is not only a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, but also a sacred temple revered by various sects. The "Golden Urn Lottery" ceremony for the reincarnation of Gelug Living Buddhas has always been held here. ‌Breakfast Overnight at Lhasa

Today we will drive to the way back to Lhasa airport to south part of Tibet. The fist city of Xizang Tibet from ancient time and it is the 3rd largest city after the capital city move to Lhasa by 33rd King Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century. We need to apply Alien’s permit from Tsedang city with your original passport to Yumbhu Lhakhang, Traduk Lhakhang, Samgye monastery and Chimpuk Hermitage.Tsedang is a city in the Lhoka area of Xizang, located on the south bank of the middle reaches of the the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is the seat of the Lhoka District Commissioner's Administrative Office, with an altitude of 3560 meters. Tsedang is not only the political, economic and cultural center in the Lhoka region of Xizang, but also the transportation hub in southern Tibet. The city has abundant natural resources and cultural heritage, including the Yalong Scenic Area, which is a place that integrates entertainment, leisure, scientific research, and exploration. The residents of Tsedang city are mainly composed of Tibetans, but also include other ethnic groups such as Han, Hui, Uyghur, etc., demonstrating the multi-ethnic characteristics of the region. In addition, in history, Tsedang city was an important material distribution center on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, which witnessed important events and developments in Xizang's history. We need to apply Alien’s permit from Tsedang city with your original passport to Yumbhu Lhakhang, Traduk Lhakhang, Samgye monastery and Chimpuk Hermitage. Then will visit these places lead by your guide.Traduk Lhakhang is located at the southern foot of Gongburi Mountain on the east bank of the Yalong River in Lhokan, about two kilometers away from Naidong County. It is a Gelugpa temple. Built during the Songtsen Gampo period, it is said that Princess Wencheng once stopped and practiced at the temple. There is a copper bell hanging in it, Traduk Lhakhang is one of the first Buddhist temples built during the Tubo period. Its important buildings include the main gate, "Naidingxue", and the Tsochen Hall named "Naidingdang". The main hall statue is a lotus flower. The Tsochen Grand Hall is 45 meters long from east to west and 29 meters wide from north to south. It has a courtyard ceiling and 64 pillars in the scripture hall. There are three main Buddhist halls, similar in form to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. There are 12 Buddhist temples inside the hall.Yongbu Lhakhang is located on Mount Tashi Tseri, 11km away from Tsedang Street, Naidong District, Shannan City, Xizang. Yongbu "means" mother deer "and is named after the shape of Tashi Mountain, which resembles a mother deer." Lakhang "means" temple ". Yongbu Lakhang is the first palace in Xizang history. According to historical records, it was founded in the second century BC. During the Songtsen Gampo period, the palace was converted into a temple. When Princess Wencheng first came to Xizang, she would come here to live with Songzangambu every summer. To the fifth Dalai Lama, he built a four corner pyramidal roof style golden roof on the basis of the original blockhouse style building, and changed it into a Gelukpa temple. Overnight at Tsedang Hotel Breakfast

There are many monastery in the Lhokha area, and the most prestigious one is undoubtedly the Samgye monastery. The locals believe that 'if you haven't been to Samgye, you haven't been to Lhokha'. Samgye Monastery is the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in the history of Tibetan Buddhism that is fully equipped with Buddhist teachings and monks. It is also the oldest and most famous temple among Tibetan cultural relics and historical sites, and the most magnificent and magnificent building during the Tubo period. Founded in the mid-8th century AD during the reign of 38th King Trisong Detsan of the Tubo Dynasty. Before that, although Buddhism had long been introduced into Xizang, most monasteries had no monks or Buddhist rituals. We will visit the monastery then will do Chimpuk hermitage hiking for couple of hours.Chimpuk Cliff Statue is located in Chimpuk, about 13 kilometers southeast of Samgye monastery in Lhokha, Xizang. It is said that Padmasambava master, Atisha master and 38th King Trisong Detsan were once practiced and meditation here. On the stone pagoda, nunnery, and small hills in front of the temple, there are cliff statues: Buddha Shakyamuni, Maitreya Buddha, Unsupervised Buddha, Diamond Hand, Manjushiri, Tara, Padmasambava master etc., in both line carving and shallow relief. Currently there are 108 meditation caves over there Chimpuk hermitage where the people from whole part of Tibet can practice and meditation over here.Evening will have plenty of time to walking around Hepori. Overnight at Samgye monastery

Today we are leaving Lhasa to Mt. Everest base camp via Yamdrok lake, ancient town Gyantse, the highland barley seeds store room of Tibet Shigate. We need to bring all our luggage and go to discovering new experiences and wonders on the way to Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Mt.Everest base camp. It is the best choice to travelers who like to know different Tibetan cultural and take photos in Tibet. We can see an awesome landscape out side of Lhasa city around 50 Km and will reach top of the Khampala and can view the full sight of Yamdrok Lake. It is located in Nangkar tse County in the Shannan region of Tibet, less than 100 kilometers away from Lhasa and is called the three holy lakes in Tibet together with Namtso and Manasarovar. Unique location, south of the mountain; The beauty of lakes and mountains is unparalleled in southern Tibet. The Yamdrok Yongtso Lake is the sacred lake in the hearts of local Tibetans, and it is also a must see tourist landscape in Tibet. It gives people a clear and ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere. By driving along the Lake and villages we will be at our lunch place for an hour. Then keep drive to ancient city by crossing several interesting villages, high pass, Glacier, monastery, 100,000 statue of stupa, canola flowers and Over Night at Shigtse local Hotel Breakfast

Attraction; Tashi Lhunpo mastery and world highest Rongpuk monastery From Shigatse, it takes about 6 hours by car to reach the Mount Everest scenic area. The route takes us over high pass like Tsola (4500m), Gyatso La (5248m). The winding mountain road up the mountain must be slow and honked frequently. Once you enter the scenic area, you will be asked to buy a ticket (vehicle entry fee)! The scenic area is very large, so it takes more than an hour to drive to the parking lot after entering the park, and then take an eco-friendly car to the campsite at the base camp! We will pass through the Gawula Pass, where there is an observation deck that is an excellent location for filming! Can capture 5 peaks with an altitude of over 8000m. The advantage of winter is that there are fewer clouds and mist, and the visibility of the mountain formations is very high. The five highest peak of the Himalayan Ranges are; 1.Mount Makalu 8463m 2.Mount Cho Oyu 8201m 3.Mount Qomolangma 8848.86 4.Mount Luozi 8516m 5.Mount Shishabangma 8012m After we change our transportation to the Eco bus will drive us another half and hour to the local Yak hair hand made tent guesthouse. We will first check into the tent guesthouse. Please note: The local tent guesthouses are not available from late November to Early April and are sometimes. We will get time to explore and take a walk to the base camp around 2 Km for the picture and visit the highest and famous Rongbuk Monastery in the world. This is the only one monastery both monks and nuns can study Tibet Buddhist. If your are lucky enough then in the evening can take picture of the sunset Golden North Face of the Mt. Everest. (Please Note: Your guide and one of the our group member needs time to obtain the Alien's Travel Permit (ATP) from the local Public Security Bureau from Gyangtse on your arrival or Shigatse before you depart ). The ATP is a required permit that will be issued for the border check at Shegar and every check point of the Nepal border.) Overnight at the local Yak Hair tent guesthouse

Today morning we can get up early and enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at advance Everest Base Camp if the weather is good. Then drive to our next destination to Mt. Kailash. Peikutso Lake: the beautiful turquoise Peiku-tso(4590m) is one of Tibet’s magical spots with stunning views of the snow capped Shishapangma(8012m) . Overnight in Saga Hotel Breakfast

Moon Bay Desert: This is a desert landscape that adds a unique touch of scenery to the journey. Manasarovar: Located 35 kilometers east of Purang County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, to the south of Mt.Kailash Peak, it is the second largest natural freshwater lake in China with the largest water storage capacity, and also the birthplace of four major rivers in Asia. It is regarded by Buddhist believers as the holy "center of the world" and one of the three "sacred lakes" in Tibet. Lanngartso, also known as Ghost Lake, is located in Purang County, Ali Prefecture, separated from Manasarovar by a road. Despite its name Ghost Lake, it actually stands in stark contrast to Manasarovar, showcasing different natural beauty. Mt. Kailash: Located near Darchen county, it is an important holy site for Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.

egarding the rotation of Mt.Kailash Darchen is the main base for mountain rotation. Starting from Darhen, there is a gentle 7-kilometer stretch that can be reached by car or on foot. Local Eco bus cost 60 CNY per ticket for 7 kilometers will reach Sershong where the place held Darchen ceremony during the 15th Full Moon Day of Saga Dawa Festival. The Day1 route is relatively flat and easy, with no difficulty in capturing images of the Milky Way and sunset of Golden Mt.Kailash. The prayer flag square is the first parking spot on the hiking route where you can capture images of the Gang Renpoche. ② Get close to the supply point of Tamding Mingwang(4780m) Station for Lunch break, which is the second parking spot where you can capture images of the Gang Renpoche. ③ The Drirapuk monastery is the third filming spot, facing the back of the Gang Renpoche, where you can capture images of the Milky Way and Golden Mt.Kailash. Therefore, most people choose to stay at the Drirapuk monastery on the first day. Overnight at local hostel guesthouse (Dorm Beds)

Attraction; Dick La Pass(5000) - Dudue La Pass - Dolma La Pass the highest part of the trekking. We will set up 5-5:30 am alarm and leave around 6am before temperature increase. Today will be a challenge day of our trekking. Climb up over 5000m of Dick La pass and 5630 m of Dolma La pass and will short stop for the rest at the summit then keep climb down to the Lunch place(Shapje Drakdo ). There are another 4 hours walking to the Zutul Puk monastery for one night. Overnight at local guesthouse (Dorm bed)

Today is an easy day of trekking to complete one circuit. Then you will continue on the drive to Lake Manasarovar to the guesthouses near the lake. You may have a short visit to the Chiu Monastery by walking up the small hill. Stay overnight at Darchen. Overnight at Darchen local hotelBreakfast

Attraction; Manasarovar Lake Today we will drive back to Saga for a night. Breakfast

Today we will drive to Kyirong county from Saga. In the afternoon, you will visit Kyirong Valley, which is regarded as the backyard garden of the Himalayas. You will see lust forest and breath fresh air. You will be amazed by the creator's masterpiece that 4 seasons exist in such a narrow valley. Kyirong in Tibetan language, it means comfort or happiness. It's said Kyirong was named by Padma sambhava Buddha, when he entered Tibet from here in the 8th century. Overnight at Kyirong

Time goes so fast that some of our clients are leaving Tibet, guide, driver and rest of the clients after the breakfast. Well here our team wishing you all happy, healthy and prosperity in future and billions of thanks for your support and trust to us Tashi Delek and Good Luck(Send off to Kyirong China Custom - if someone interesting to go to Nepal after EBC and Mt. Kailash tour. Then take the rest tourists who want return to Lhasa. Drive along the Highway to Lhatse county and take en rout to enter Sakya county for one night. History of the Sakya monastery Sakya monastery. It is located at the foot of Benbo Mountain, Sakya County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a monastery of Tibetan Buddhism Sakya Sect and the main temple of Sakya Sect. Sakya Monastery was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 1961. Sakya "is a transliteration of Tibetan language, meaning gray or white soil. In 1073 AD (the sixth year of the Xining reign of the Northern Song Dynasty), Kun Gongqiao Gyalpo (1034-1102), a descendant of the noble Kun family in Tubo, discovered a hillside on the south side. The soil was white and shiny, and now auspicious. He invested in the construction of the Sakya monastery, gradually forming the Sakya sect. Sakya Monastery uses red, white, and blue to paint the temple walls, symbolizing Manjusri Bodhisattva, Avalokitashvara Bodhisattva, and Vajra Pani Bodhisattva. Therefore, the Sakya sect is also commonly known as the "Flower Sect". The temple houses precious relics and historical sites such as the Sutra, ancient mineral painting murals and other cultural relics and histories side. Overnight at Sakya local hotel Breakfast

Attraction; Tashi Lhunpo monastery, Shigatse family visit, Nyimo incense workshop,Brahmaputra river. Today we are going to visit the residence of every Penchen Lamas’s monastery and family visit in Shigatse city. Then drive along the Bramaputra river to Lhasa city through friendship high way the road no. 318. We will also stop at the popular home made incense factory at Nnimo town. They use primitive water-operated tools to process incense materials and each incense stick is made by hand. This may be closed during the farming season or when the villagers are busy with their own work. History of Tashilhunpo Gompa Tashilhunpo Monastery which means "Auspicious monastery which means "Auspicious gathers blessings and wins over all prefectures", is located at the foot of the Niseri Mountain in the south of Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It was built in the 12th year of the Ming Dynasty (1447), and has been expanded and repaired since then. The Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of 150,000 square meters, with 57 monk houses and a total of 3600 halls and houses. Its architecture integrates traditional Tibetan architectural features and Buddhist characteristics, as well as traditional Tibetan craftsmanship and architectural features, showcasing the Buddhist art of Tibetan Buddhism and the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the Panchen Lama Pagoda. Tashilhunpo Monastery, along with the "three major monasteries" of Gadan Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, are collectively known as the "four major monasteries" of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. On March 4, 1961, Tashilhunpo Monastery was announced by the State Council as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. On August 28, 2017, Tashilhunpo Monastery was approved as a national 5A level tourist attraction. Overnight at Lhasa Breakfast

Today is the your last day in Tibet and your tour guide and driver will come on your time to send off Lhasa train station or airport. This will end your tour services in Tibet. Thanks for your trust and support to us. Tashi Delek Breakfast