9 Days Moscow Shanghai Lhasa Yamdrok Tour

Board the non-stop flight (China Eastern Airlines MU592) from Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The flight takes around 9h5m.

Stay overnight on the plane. 

You will be arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 09:10 as scheduled. After you land in Shanghai, our local travel expert will be expecting you at the exit gate of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and whisk you off to the hotel in downtown Shanghai.

Travel Options: After checking in at the hotel, you can roam over the Former French Concession, exotic streets lined with charming European-style buildings and large plane trees, reminding you of Shanghai's colonial past. It’s a great place to explored, with many chic restaurants, cafés, boutiques, etc. At night, enjoy the lively nightlife with bars and clubs in Xintiandi.

Stay overnight in Shanghai

• Roaming over The Bund at night is definitely an amazing experience in Shanghai.
• Never miss the chance to shop in prosperous Nangjing road

Highlights:
Appreciate the ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings in Shanghai Museum.
Enjoy a serene and classical Chinese garden with ponds, rockeries, and pavilions in Yu Garden.
Gaze at the stunning skyline of Shanghai from various observation decks on Oriental Peral TV Tower.
Stroll along the Bund at night with buildings and skyline beautifully illuminated.

Today we are about to visit some of the highlights of highlights of Shanghai Tour. Starting with fascinating Shanghai Museum, the magnificent 4-story building houses an incredible collection of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics, coins, paintings, calligraphy, costumes and other exhibits in different dynasties. It’s the perfect place for fans of Chinese history and art.

Next comes the Yu Garden. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden used to be the private residence of a senior Government administrator in the Ming Dynasty. For passionate photographer, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

In the evening, we will visit the most iconic building of Shanghai, i.e. Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can enjoy the amazing panorama of the skyline of Shanghai at night. And as you stroll along the Bund, you will get amazed at the spectacular Huangpu River and dazzling light from buildings of Pudong.

Alternatively, you can book Huangpu River Cruise program (11am–9:30pm available) and board the tourist boat at Shiliupu Wharf near the Bund for 15-30min boating to view the dazzling Bund at night.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the most iconic architecture of Shanghai.
• Enchanting ancient Yu Garden offers a respite from bustling metropolis.

Highlights:
Explore the charming ancient Zhujiajiao water town with its canals, stone bridges, and traditional buildings, and go for a relaxing boat ride, etc.
Stroll along bustling Nanjing Road, graced with international brands, local boutiques, fancy restaurants, and more.

In the morning, we are expected to visit the picturesque Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, also known as the "Venice of China". It’s about 1 hour drive from downtown Shanghai. The ancient town dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

It’s highly recommended to enjoy the boat ride from one end of the waterway to the other. Ke Zhi Garden, and multiple shops and bridges, and street vendors selling handicrafts and goldfish and turtles provide a respite from a boisterous metropolitan city.

In the afternoon, we would head to the renowned pedestrian precinct Nanjing Road to take a nice stroll. From small boutiques selling handicrafts and other souvenirs to high-end fashion shops, you can shop to your heart’s content. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the local snacks and a great number of distinctive architecture.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

• Typical rowing boat travelling in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, pretty similar to Gondola in Venice
• Peaceful Ke Zhi Garden is free from hustle and bustle, with exquisite ancient Chinese garden design.

Have an early rise and get transferred to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Board the non-stop flight (China Eastern Airlines MU 6717) from Shanghai to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The flight takes about 4h20min.

Our welcoming local Tibetan guide will be expecting you with auspicious white Hada at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and later whisk you off to the hotel in downtown Lhasa.

En route, you may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the longest and largest river in Tibet, and the Lhasa River. After check-in, have a good sleep to acclimate to the altitude and unwind in your hotel.

If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.

Stay overnight in Lhasa 

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

Highlights:
Scenic hike in the Drepung Monastery (3,800m).
Watch the fiery monk debate in Sera Monastery (3,700m).

Awake to a day of brilliant sunshine. Let’s head to Drepung Monastery for a 3km leisurely hike/kora. The Drepung Monastery is one of the great three Geluga monasteries founded by a disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Chöje.

As you follow the pilgrim route towards Loseling College, you will see the iconic huge rock paintings depicting the Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Geluga Sect, and Buddhist mantras.

You can gather junipers and burn them as an offering to Buddha, drink refreshing mountain springs, or meditate alongside the local pilgrims beneath the rock face. At the mountaintop, the sweeping view of the enchanting Lhasa Valley will take your breath away.

In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelug monastery next to Drepung. You can appreciate the exquisitely made sand Mandala and admire Buddhist paintings.

The biggest highlight is to watch the dramatic monk debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). By clapping hands, jumping, yelling, and rolling Buddhist mala, the standing monk furiously debates with the other monk sitting on the ground about Buddhist philosophy.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Highlights:
Explore the secret chambers of Dalai Lamas and tons of treasures in Potala Place(3,700m).
Worship the life-size statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in Jokhang Temple (3,650m).
Experience the holy Barkhor Kora with local pilgrims.

Start your day with a visit to the fortress-like Potala Palace, an architectural marvel, and the winter palace of Dalai Lamas.

You can explore the Dalai Lama’s living quarters, and ceremonial hall, and marvel at gilded buddhas, intricate mandalas, and jewel-encrusted tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, and enjoy the panoramic view of Lhasa city atop Red Palace.

Next, roam over the Zhongjiao Lukang Park nearby and view the Potala Palace from behind where you can take a glimpse of how locals spend their day lives, such as enjoying Guozhuang/circle dance, paddle boat in the pool, etc.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous Barkhor circuit/kora and unwind in a local teahouse to savor local obsessions,i.g. sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, Tibetan momos, Sha Phaley, or roam over the backstreet of Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

Highlights:
Admire the panoramic view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake at the Lurila viewing platform (4,960m).
Explore the Rutog Monastery (4,500m) tucked away in the middle of Yamdrok Lake.
Visit the local Tibetan family restaurant and savor the local Tibetan cuisine beside Yamdrok Lake.
View photogenic Yamdrok Lake from Gampala Pass (4,900m).

After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll experience a different side of Tibet - the peace and tranquility outside the bustling Lhasa city. The Yamdrok Lake reflects various colors in different lights. You can also see local nomads grazing their yaks on the lakeshore.

Start your Yamdrok Lake tour from Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unfold before your eyes.

Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.

For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the local dishes by the lakeside. On the platform, you can also savor a cup of coffee and relish leisure time while indulging in the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• Hanging prayer flags in Tibet

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.