Shoton festival tour Tibet

Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet and a modern utopia. Your friendly Tibetan guide and drivers shall eagerly wait to greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival, you'll receive a traditional white Khada and a refreshing drink during a brief welcome ceremony. Relax and let our team handle your luggage as you enjoy the scenic ride to your hotel in Lhasa city. Your guide will assist with check-in and share the next day's travel plans. Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of Lhasa's luxury hotels, preparing for an exciting tour tomorrow.

In the morning, your guide and driver will greet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the iconic Potala Palace, Tibet's historic landmark. Built in the seventh century by Tibetan King Tsongtsen Gambo as his residence and government headquarters, it was later expanded in the seventeenth century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since December 1994, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan history, which your guide will expertly narrate during your comprehensive three-hour tour inside and outside the palace.

After this enriching experience, your driver will meet you at the palace exit and transport you to a nearby restaurant close to Jokhang Temple. Feeling a bit tired but rejuvenated by a glass of Ginger Lemon Tea with honey, recommended by your guide, you can relax and recharge during lunchtime. Following your break, your guide will lead you on foot to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. These locations form the cultural heart of Tibet, bustling with pilgrims from across the region, along with local markets and artisan workshops at Barkhor Ancient Street.

Today, you have a fantastic opportunity to witness the grand opening of Lhasa's most significant yearly festival, "Shoton," meaning "Yogurt Banquet" in Tibetan. The event kicks off at Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, Lhasa's largest monasteries.

Early in the morning, your guide and driver will collect you for a journey to Drepung Monastery. Among throngs of local pilgrims and tourists, you'll marvel at one of Tibet's largest embroidered Thangkas depicting Buddha. Monks carefully unfurl this masterpiece on a nearby hillside, followed by a solemn religious ceremony to inaugurate the festivities. Pilgrims from nomadic regions present fresh Yak Yogurt, and everyone receives blessings from the monastery's head monk. Later in the afternoon, you'll head to Sera Monastery, the second largest in Lhasa, to witness another breathtaking Grand Thangka and participate in more religious rituals. It promises to be a bustling yet immensely rewarding day.

Today, you're in for a treat at Norbulinka, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere. Get ready to witness the enchanting performances of traditional Tibetan opera and mingle with the warm-hearted locals who treat you like old friends. They'll generously offer you treats like cookies, Yak meat, yogurt, and their homemade barley beer, if you're up for it.

Explore the main residences of the Dalai Lamas, where you'll see their personal quarters, interview rooms, and meeting spaces. Don't miss the mesmerizing wall paintings depicting Tibet's rich history and ancient culture, alongside its unique architectural marvels and intricately carved wooden artworks. It's a day filled with cultural delights and unforgettable hospitality, promising a memorable glimpse into Tibetan traditions and heritage.

Begin your adventure by crossing the lofty Gampala pass at 4790 meters. From there, gaze upon the serene Yamdrok Lake at 4400 meters, encircled by majestic snow-capped peaks. Catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar rising to 7191 meters, the tallest peak near Lhasa. Along the lakeshore, savor different vantage points and immerse yourself in local village life, perhaps sharing a meal with a welcoming family.

Continue your journey, encountering the immense Korola Glacier, Tibet’s largest, where the glaciers icy fingers stretch up the mountainside, a testament to nature’s wonder. Heading towards Gyantse, pause at Simila Mountain Pass to hang prayer flags, offering wishes for global harmony and your loved ones' well-being. Arrive in Gyantse to capture timeless snapshots of its ancient charm. En route to Shigatse, pass through verdant Tibetan barley fields, lush in summer and golden in autumn, punctuated by countless farms. Finally, reach Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Check into your hotel, unwind, and prepare for the upcoming journey to Mount Everest, rejuvenated and ready for the next adventure.

Tomorrow morning, our first stop will be the residence of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. Here, you'll marvel at the world's largest preserved statue of Jampa, known as the Future God. This monastery has been a sacred residence for many Penchen Lamas over the years. Afterward, we'll journey through the breathtaking Yalong Valley on our way back to Lhasa. Your guide will ensure you're safely transferred back to your hotel upon our return.

Make sure to confirm your departure flight or train details with our guide beforehand. Your guide will then accompany you to the airport or train station.