8 days of Tibet in depth

Day 1 Met on arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport and transfer to Lhasa and your hotel. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to high altitude.

Day 2 Full day excursion to the imposing Potala Palace, former seat of power of the Dalai Lamas. Then visit Sera Monastery, on the outskirts of Lhasa, a large complex founded in 1419. (B + L)

Day 3 In the morning visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Buddhism's holiest shrine, and the neighbouring Barkhor street with its numerous shops and stalls and processions of pilgrims. In the afternoon visit the Norbulinka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. (B + L)

Day 4 Travel by road out of the city and alongside the Tsangpo River to Samye monastery, Tibet's oldest and one of its most atmospheric. Then visit the Yumbulakhang, the temple-fortress of Tibet's early kings. Overnight in Tsedang. (B + L)

Day 5 Travel by road on the scenic route to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake. On arrival at Gyantse visit the Pelkor Chode monastery. (B + L)

Day 6 Continue by road to Shigatze, Tibet's second city. On arrival visit the Tashilumpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Also visit Shigatze's vibrant market.(B + L)

Day 7 Return to Lhasa, stopping at local villages to see handmade incense production. (B + L)

Day 8 Transfer to airport for onward flight. (B)