Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Ganden - Lhasa

Explore the key monasteries and temples of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa and the ruggedly beautiful surrounding countryside - a very special area of central Tibet - and in Chengdu, visit the Panda breeding center.

What you will do and see
Days 1-2: Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Panda Breeding and Research Center allows you to see the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active; on the way back you can be dropped at the Wenshu Temple with its excellent vegetarian restaurant and extensive tea-houses filled with people chatting and playing cards and Mah-Jong - a taste of old China. In the evening there is the option to discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘eating fire and changing faces’.
Days 3-6: Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3700 meters above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1300 years ago as attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th century Lhasa remains intact, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, confirming the suggestion that this palace is a true wonder of the architectural world.
During your time in the heart of Tibet, you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Prostrating pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night; some traversing the extremes of the country by foot to celebrate their beliefs. The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Afternoon debating sessions by monks of the college of philosophy are a must-see experience.
Top it off with a Tibetan Buffet dinner including Chang (Tibetan Barley Beer), Yak Butter Tea, Yak Meat, Yak cheese, Momos and a variety of vegetable and other dishes. This is followed by a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
Day 7: It is a long, yet spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4794m) the views of the turquoise lake, Yamdrok-Tso are unforgettable. The road winds down and along its shores via the small town of Nangartse before climbing again to the Karo La (5054) and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang. Gyantse was once of major importance as a trading center on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China, its imposing fort, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town.
Day 8: Gyantse is also the site of the great 15th century monastic complex - Pelkor Choede which includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. From Gyantse the Nyang-chu valley leads towards Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse.
Day 9:Shigatse is site of Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight. Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where handwoven carpets are produced using traditional designs.
Day 10: Return to Lhasa via the northern (Yangpachen) road, a much greener route than the southern route. For the last couple of hours to Lhasa the road follows the route of the new high-altitude rail line from Golmud, well on the way to completion.
Days 11-12: Ganden Monastery, only 35kms outside Lhasa, is the seat of the head of the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, it is slowly being rebuilt. Its position is a dramatic one, with fantastic views across the valley - join the pilgrims on the kora (circumambulation).
Enjoy a last night in Lhasa before an early transfer to the airport for your return flight to Chengdu.