An amalgam of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and spiritual serenity, this itinerary invites you to embark on a journey to Phabongkha. Revered as a sacred hermitage for pilgrims, Phabongkha has been graced by the meditation of great figures such as Guru Rinpoche. As you hike to this ancient Buddhist site, you’ll uncover fascinating stories of the surrounding area and witness the famed relic carved with the sacred mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum,” a symbol of peace and compassion.
Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport you will be met by our airport representative. Drive from airport to Lhasa and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be free for acclimatization.
Visit Sera and Drepung Monastery.
Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelukpa university monasteries 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.
From the Sera Monastery we start our hike to Phabongkha. The walk beginning from the first left turn of the military hospital is straightforward. After a while, a T-junction approaches where you need to make a right turn. Perched on a granite boulder to the left you will see the Phabongkha monastery whereas on the right is the Chupsang Nunnery.
Phabongkha Monastery was built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo and it is famous because the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen, Guru Rinpoche and Tibet’s first seven monks all meditated here at various times. Further inside the monastery, you will come across holy buildings like Rigsum Gonpo Temple, Palden Lhamo Cave, Pabonka Potrang, and Jasa Podrang or temple of Princess Wencheng.
You can also make an additional visit to the Chupsang Nunnery and the Choling Hermitage which provides good views. Many pilgrims drink the holy spring water before making a kora of the hermitage.
Visit Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor and Norbulinka.
Potala Palace: Potala Palace, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century has been the focus of the 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 that runs through the center of the old city. It is a circular street where Tibetan culture, economy, religion, and arts assemble.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
This is a sample itinerary and can be modified according to the client's interests. While all information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, changes to our trips can and do occur. These changes may be due to our efforts to improve the program or for logistical reasons such as alterations in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Dharma Adventures will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any modifications made to the published itinerary.
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