Arrive in Lhasa by air. Your guide will meet you at the airport with a traditional white silk scarf and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Rest and acclimatize to the altitude of 3,650 meters. The evening is free to take a gentle walk near your hotel and get a first taste of Lhasa's atmosphere.

Pre-festival sightseeing of Lhasa's most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the 13-story winter residence of the Dalai Lamas perched on Marpo Ri Red Hill. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet built in 647 AD, housing the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Walk the Barkhor kora circuit.

Monastery visits before the festival crowds arrive. Visit Drepung Monastery, where the main festival events will take place, with its sprawling white buildings cascading down the mountainside. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks debating session.

The highlight of the Shoton Festival! Rise early and head to Drepung Monastery for the spectacular giant thangka unveiling ceremony at sunrise. Thousands of pilgrims from across Tibet gather as the massive silk applique thangka depicting the sacred mandala of Yamantaka is unfurled on the hillside. Monks chant sacred prayers accompanied by traditional long horns and cymbals as the first rays of sun illuminate the sacred image.

Full day at Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the traditional Tibetan opera festival. Watch colorful masked dancers and singers performing ancient Buddhist stories accompanied by traditional music from Tibetan instruments including the dranyen lute and gyaling oboe.

Free day to explore the festival atmosphere around Lhasa. Visit Barkhor Street where thousands of pilgrims and monks gather during the festival period. The streets are filled with colorful prayer flags, the scent of juniper incense, and the warm glow of butter lamps in the temples.

Last day in Lhasa for souvenir shopping at Barkhor market. Visit the Tibet Museum to learn about the history, art, and culture of the Tibetan people through its excellent collection of thangkas, sculptures, and cultural artifacts.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. You have experienced the spectacular Shoton Festival, one of Tibet's most important and colorful celebrations. Tashi Delek and we hope to welcome you back!