Below is optional Beijing itinerary. Consult our Tour Costs for prices with or without Beijing.
Day
1
Arrive Beijing. Afternoon/evening to relax and recover from international flight
Day 2
Sightseeing includes a walk through the impressive Tianamen Square and the magnificent "Forbidden City" (as seen in the film "The Last Emperor") It was built between 1406-1420 and was off limits to commoners for 500 years. Also included today is a visit to the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan). Built in 1530 it is considered the most perfect example of Ming Architecture. The complex was considered sacred ground, as it was here the Emperor performed the major ceremonial rites of the year. A welcome buffet dinner is included and completes this grand day.
Day 3
An all day excursion takes us outside the city to the one and only "Great Wall" It was started some 2500 years ago as a means to protect the Dynasties from their unruly warring neighbors. After lunch at the Great Wall, we'll stop at the Ming Tombs where the Emperors were entombed for the afterlife.
Day 4
A morning excursion brings us to another of Beijing's finest sights, The Summer Palace. Set in a beautiful park around the breathtaking Lake Kunming, its many pavilions and temples will forever be remembered. In the afternoon we'll visit the Tibetan Lama Temple. It is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple (outside of Tibet of course) in China.
It's many picturesque buildings are set amongst beautiful gardens.
(days 1-4 Overnight Beijing)
Day 5
AM flight to Lhasa ( Capital Of Tibet ) Afternoon and evening at leisure to
acclimate to altitude. Relax around Barkor Market and Jokhang Temple.
Day 6-7
Lhasa sightseeing including the Potala and Norbulinka Palaces, The Drepung or Sera
Monastery ( other on return to Lhasa ), and the Jokhang Temple and more.
( days 5 - 7 Overnight Lhasa )
Day 8
Overland via Land Cruiser ( 4-W Drive ) To Gyantse via Yamdrok Tso ( Turquoise
Lake ) Afternoon sightseeing at Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery.
Overnight Gyantse
Day 9
Morning climb up Gyantse's Dzong ( Fortress ) for magnificent views. Drive to Xigatse,
Visit the fabulous Tashilhunpo Monastery. Stroll the old marketplace overlooked by the
ruins of Xigatse's Dzong Overnight Xigatse.
Day 10
Drive to Shegar. Enroute visit stunning Sakya Monastery and its beautiful surrounding village. Overnight Shegar.
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