This short trip to Lhasa and Gyanden monastery is only one day longer than the previous trip and starts similarly; with a Trans - Himalayan flight which, on clear days, afford breathtaking views of some of the worlds mightiest mountains. This again, is one of those trips that is designed to give you a quick but, thorough introduction to Tibet.
You will be met at the Airport by a representative in Lhasa and transferred to your hotel. Rest day to acclimatize.
It was built in the seventh century by Tsongtsen Gampo as a fort and later renovated by the fifth Dalai Lama in the seventeenth century to its present specifications. Your next stop will be Norbulingkha the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, which was built, in the eighteenth century.
This is the largest monastery in the world and once housed 10,000 monks and nuns. It was built in 1419 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. Your next stop will be the Jokhang Temple. This is the holiest shrine of Tibet and houses a golden statue of the Buddha, which was brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess "Wen Chen". You then stop off at Barkhor Bazaar outside the Jokhang monastery. This is a bustling flea market and is, generally, the place to buy souvenirs and meet other tourists.
This compact monastery was once gutted by fire but the restoration is now complete. Drive back to Lhasa in the afternoon.
