5 Days Lhasa Spiritual Tour: Drak Yerpa, Meditation Caves & Zhaji Temple

Welcome to Lhasa - the Heart of Tibet! Tashi Delek! Your Tibet adventure begins upon arrival in Lhasa. Our friendly local guide and driver will greet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your downtown hotel (1.5-hour drive). Enjoy a restful night to acclimate to the high altitude (3,650m), and get ready to explore the wonders of Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Getting to Lhasa (Flight & Train Ideas):

Lhasa is easily accessible by air, train, or road. The Lhasa Gonggar Airport welcomes flights from major cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and even Kathmandu. If you prefer the scenic route, take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway from cities like Xining, Beijing, or Chengdu.

Travel Tips:

• To avoid altitude sickness, take it easy the first few days: drink plenty of water, stay warm, and get enough rest.
• Follow your doctor’s advice about altitude based on your health.
• Always inform your guide or hotel staff if you feel unwell -they’re experienced in handling altitude issues and are ready to assist you.

In this morning, start your visit to the Potala Palace. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

After descending from the palace, you can easily walk to the local Zongjiao Lukang Park. The Tibetan name "Zongjiao" means "behind the palace", while "Lukang" translates to "Dragon King's Temple," with the "Dragon King" referring to the deity of water. Hence, the lake within the park is called Dragon King Pond. Follow the locals' steps, and you will catch a glimpse of their daily lives. Stroll through the park and enjoy watching water birds freely playing and foraging in the lake. The birds on the water and their reflections, with the Potala Palace as the backdrop, form a harmonious scene.

After exploring the Potala Palace, head to the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. “Jokhang” means “House of Buddha”, and it houses the life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, a priceless treasure in the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims regard it as the holiest destination. Time seems to stand still as you watch them pray in front of the temple, day and night.

Afterward, take a stroll down the bustling Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, once a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrimage circuit) in ancient times. Today, it is a lively local market where you can enjoy a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and shop for local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 - 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.

Then, you will visit a local Tibetan family to get an intimate look at their traditional home, learn about their authentic way of life, and try traditional Tibetan cuisine (such as zaba, butter tea, and other snacks).

After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

On this day, you will begin with a morning visit to Zhaji Temple (扎基寺, 5 km, a 30-minute drive). This small yet significant Buddhist temple is known as the only Wealth God Temple in Tibet. Its spiritual and bustling atmosphere will captivate you. What makes your visit truly special is the chance to witness a unique perspective on temple holiness, as numerous devotees come here to pray for wealth. The temple remains vibrant and lively, adding a distinctive charm to your Lhasa trip.

The deity worshipped at Zhaji Temple is Zhaji Lhamo. According to legend, she was originally a Han Chinese goddess who followed a Tibetan monk to Tibet and eventually became the revered Goddess of Wealth. Marvel at her striking appearance, characterized by a black face, tongue sticking out, and chicken feet. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. You can catch the chance to offer liquor, present a traditional Hada, and pray in front of this sacred Wealth God. It's a wonderful opportunity to seek blessings of fortune, prosperity, and well-being.

After the lively temple prayer scene, drive for one hour to Drak Yerpa Temple (扎叶巴寺). You will feel a stark contrast - the atmosphere is very quiet and peaceful. Known as the "Temple on the Cliff", Drak Yerpa Temple is located at an altitude of 4,400 to 4,885 meters. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, this temple belongs to the Nyingma sect (Red Sect) and is one of the four major retreat sites in Tibet. It was originally built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as a spiritual retreat for his beloved consort, Princess Mangsa Chizun.

Upon arrival, you will need to hike slowly up the stone stairs to the temple, where you can enjoy the vibrant prayer flags and the breathtaking panoramic view of the entire valley. (Note: Pay attention to the changes in altitude and walk slowly at all times.)

Along the way, you will pass by secret meditation caves used by Atisha, Songtsen Gampo, and Guru Padmasambhava. You will also visit the Jampa Buddha Hall, which enshrines the Jampa Buddha (Maitreya Buddha), the Buddha of the Future. To the right of the King’s Meditation Cave is the "Moonlight Cave", where Guru Padmasambhava once meditated. During his time teaching and meditating at Drak Yerpa, Guru Padmasambhava established the "108 Great Adepts' Meditation Caves," turning this site into one of the most renowned centers for tantric practice in ancient Tibet.

After the tour, be transferred back to Lhasa for a good rest.

It is time to end your 5-day Lhasa Tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Shigatse, Gyantse, Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!