Arrive in Lhasa by air. Your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport with a traditional white silk scarf greeting and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude of 3,650 meters. Your guide will have a personal consultation with you to discuss the itinerary ahead and ask about your specific interests in Tibetan culture and history.

Your private guide takes you on a personalized tour of Lhasa's most iconic landmarks. Explore the Potala Palace at your own pace with in-depth commentary tailored to your interests. Visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, and walk the Barkhor kora circuit where pilgrims spin prayer wheels and prostrate themselves along the ancient pilgrimage route.

Private tour of the two great Gelugpa monasteries with your personal guide. Visit Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery with up to 10,000 monks, exploring its six colleges and the Ganden Phodrang Palace. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks debating session from 3-5 PM, where maroon-robed monks debate philosophy with animated voices and dramatic gestures.

Your private driver takes you on the spectacular scenic route south from Lhasa crossing the Karo La Pass at 5,010 meters. Stop as long as you wish at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake for photos. Continue past the massive Karola Glacier to Gyantse and visit the magnificent Kumbum Stupa, a 35-meter high chorten with nine floors and 108 chapels filled with exquisite Tibetan Buddhist murals dating back to the 15th century.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama, founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. The monastery features the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha at 26 meters tall cast from 115 tons of brass and gold. After the visit, return to Lhasa along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River valley with your private driver.

After breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. You have explored the cultural treasures of Tibet with the personalized attention of your own private guide and flexible schedule. Tashi Delek and we hope to welcome you back!