Xi'an to Tibet Tour

• Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Da Ci'en Temple--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

• 4+ star hotels

We will drive about 40 kilometers to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These Terracotta Warriors were built by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size terracotta figurines, horses and chariots were buried underground for over 2,000 years until they were discovered in 1974. 

Standing in front of these spectacular statues, you will be awed by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the skill of ancient Chinese artisans. 

Before visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will also have the opportunity to experience traditional culture by making a miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Da Ci'en Temple. This temple was a famous translation site of Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. The temple has a 64.5-meter-high pagoda, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built by the Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve the scriptures he brought back from India. If you are interested, you can climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (extra charge applies) for a great view of the city. 

As night falls, we will take you to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. It is a unique Tang Dynasty cultural theme imitation complex in China, where you can enjoy rich singing and dancing performances and charming night scenery.

• Xian Museum--Small Wild Goose Pagoda--Ancient City Wall--Flight to Tibet
  

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

  
  

In the morning we will visit Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda . Items on display at the Xi'an Museum include Shaanxi history and culture, ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and painting, and stone carvings. The most distinctive part is the Shaanxi history and culture area, which shows the historical changes and cultural inheritance of the Shaanxi region from ancient times to modern times.

Then we will go to the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You will pass through the Hanguang Gate, as if traveling back to the prosperous scenes on the ancient Silk Road. On the city wall, you can rent a bicycle (extra charge applies) for a leisurely ride and enjoy the panoramic view of modern Xi'an.

Then we will also take you to visit the bustling Muslim Quarter to taste the authentic local snacks and experience the different cultural atmosphere.
In the Afternoon, you will take a flight from Xi'an to Tibet. Your tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.

• The Potala Palace--Jokhang Temple--Barkhor Street

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to Potala Palace, the most famous landmark of Lhasa and one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Accompanied by a guide, you will visit the main hall, Buddha halls, treasure rooms, and learn about the palace’s rich history and profound cultural heritage. The architecture and murals of Potala Palace are treasures of Tibetan culture, and the visit will take approximately 2-3 hours.

After lunch, head to Jokhang Temple, one of the most historically significant temples in Tibet and a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The temple houses a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and is an important destination for Tibetan worshippers. With the guidance of your tour guide, you will explore the various Buddha halls, admire the ancient murals, statues, and religious art within the temple.

After visiting Jokhang Temple, you will walk to the nearby Barkhor Street, one of the oldest streets in Lhasa, which surrounds Jokhang Temple. It is a pilgrimage route for local Tibetan Buddhists and an ideal place for visitors to experience traditional Tibetan culture. Here, you can stroll along the ancient stone-paved streets, admire the Tibetan-style buildings lining the road, and explore shops selling Tibetan jewelry, thangka paintings, Buddha statues, and other handicrafts, immersing yourself in the authentic Tibetan atmosphere.

• Norbulingka Park--Drepung Monastery

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

  
  

In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to Norbulingka Park. This park is one of Tibet's historical sites and served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, earning the nickname "The Summer Palace of Tibet." The park is filled with lush greenery and scattered lakes, creating a tranquil paradise.

With the guidance of your tour guide, you will explore the palaces and gardens within Norbulingka, where you can admire the unique Tibetan architectural style and landscaping. The architecture here blends Han and Tibetan features, showcasing the essence of traditional Tibetan culture. Visitors can also learn about the daily life of the Dalai Lama in history and the royal history of the Tibetan court.

After lunch, head to Drepung Monastery, one of the four major monasteries of Tibet and also one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Located on the western outskirts of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of the birthplaces of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Accompanied by a guide, you will visit the monastery's main hall, the monk residences, and admire the Buddha statues and murals inside, gaining an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung Monastery has a rich history and cultural heritage, making it an ideal place to explore Tibetan religious life.

If you're interested, you can also experience the daily practices of the monks nearby and listen to explanations about Buddhist teachings.

• Lhasa--Yamdrok Lake--Yamdrok Lake Scenic Viewpoint 1 or Scenic Viewpoint 3-- Xiazhulin Temple--Lhasa

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

In the morning, depart from Lhasa and drive to Yamdrok Lake (125km, about 3 hours). Yamdrok Lake is one of the three sacred lakes of Tibet, with clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a peaceful and sacred place. During the journey, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, where distant snow peaks and grasslands blend together to create a beautiful landscape.

Upon arrival at Yamdrok Lake, you will have time to stroll along the lakeside and admire the beauty of the lake. The water of the lake changes colors with the sunlight, ranging from azure to emerald green, creating a mesmerizing scene. This is a perfect spot to capture panoramic photos and experience the tranquility and holiness of nature.

Next, head to the Yamdrok Lake Scenic Viewpoint 1 or Scenic Viewpoint 3, which offer the best vantage points for a bird’s-eye view of the entire lake. From the platforms, you can overlook the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, with expansive views that are truly spectacular. This is an ideal place for taking photos and creating lasting memories.

In the afternoon, visit Xiazhulin Temple, located 15 kilometers from Lhasa Airport at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Belonging to the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the temple offers an ideal spot for viewing the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is also renowned for housing the sacred body of the auspicious goddess, said to be the incarnation of Green Tara. After her passing, her body naturally shrank to just one cubit in height, with one eye slightly open, as if in a semi-sleeping state. The temple's serene atmosphere is complemented by friendly Lamas who are eager to answer visitors' questions and explain the murals within.

In the evening, return to Lhasa, concluding this exciting day of exploration.

Travel Tip:

As Yamdrok Lake is located at a high altitude, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing, bring sunscreen and water, and take time to acclimate to the plateau environment.