Hike to Drak Yerpa Caves – 6 DAYS

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport (3570m), you will be met and assisted by our representative. After checking in to the hotel, rest for most of the day.

Lhasa is a city of wonders that contains many culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist religious sites and lies in a valley next to the Lhasa River.

Visit Sera and Drepung Monastery.

Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelukpa university monastery in Tibet. 5km north of Lhasa, the Sera Monastery’s setting is one of the prettiest in Lhasa. The Drepung Monastery houses many cultural relics, making it more beautiful and giving it more historical significance.

Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang, Norbulinka and Barkhor Market.

Potala Palace: Potala Palace, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7^th century has been the focus of travelers for centuries. It is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. It symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its role in the traditional administration of Tibet.

Norbulingka means ‘Treasure Park’ in Tibetan and is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, on the bank of the Kyichu River, about one kilometer southwest of the Potala Palace. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here.

Visit Barkhor Street, the oldest street in Lhasa and runs through the center of the old city. It is a circular street where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble.

A short drive to North – East of Lhasa is the Yerpa Cave, one of the holiest cave retreats. At one time the hill at the base of the Cave – dotted cliffs were home to the Yerpa Monastery. The Monastery, however, was effectively laid to waste in the Cultural Revolution and there is little to see nowadays. The site is very peaceful and offers stunning views.

It is probably not of great interest for the average traveller but, for those with an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, Yerpa is one of the holiest cave retreats ever.  The history of Dark Yerpa includes many of the great names responsible for the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. The Emperor Songtsen Gampo meditated in seclusion here: Guru Rimpoche and several of his disciples also meditated here: and here Jowo Atisha chose to preach extensively. Although the ancient Kadampa Gompa has been destroyed, the geomantic qualities that made Drak Yerpa a major power place remain and still attract hermits to its caves.

It is about a 90 minutes’ drive each way. Getting to the Yerpa Caves involves an hour and half hike with gradual ascent and 45 minutes’ walk back.

 Visit Samye Monastery and Chimpu Caves.

Situated amidst breathtaking scenery, built in the 8th century, Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery to be founded in Tibet by King Trisong Detsen. A unique monastery and village rolled into one, Samye is a highlight of a visit to Tibet.

We will also visit the Chimpu caves, which is located above the monastery. Transfer back to Lhasa after sightseeing.

You will be transferred to the international airport for your onward journey.