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Luxury EscapadesPrivateJourneyHighlightsvisit Yongfeng Monastery and to Wenhai Lake,which is rarely visited. A simple lunch will beoffered at Wenhai Eco-Lodge before returningto your resort by road. (B, L)Day 7: To ZhongdianAfter a leisurely breakfast, drive along the Yunnan– Tibet road to Zhongdian. En route, stop atShigu Village. This ancient town is named aftera drum-shaped marble plaque. Overlooking thefirst bend of the Yangtze River, walk down tovisit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, believed to be thedeepest gorge in the world. Lunch is served at alocal restaurant. Upon arrival in Zhongdian, checkinto your hotel. The Banyan Tree Ringha (Tibetansuite) – 2 Nights (B, L)Day 8: ZhongdianThis morning, visit the Sumtseling Monastery,where more than 1,500 monks can sit to chantand meditate. The monastery holds many ancienttreasures. Afterwards, become acquainted withthe Tibetan way of life with a visit to Shangri-La’sOld Town. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant andthen continue to visit the small village of Tanweiand witness real Tibetan life. You will also visitone of the pottery making families. (B, L)Day 9: To LhasaThis morning, fly to Lhasa, the administrativecapital of the district of Tibet. The remainder ofyour day is at leisure to adjust to the altitude.Sheraton Four Points (Guest room) – 3 nights (B)Note: Flights between Zhongdian and Lhasa do notoperate daily. If a direct flight is not available, youfly via Chengdu.Day 10: LhasaSpend the day exploring fascinating Lhasa. Visitthe towering 7th century former winter residenceof the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace. A UNESCOWorld Heritage site, it is considered the greatestmonumental structure in Tibet. Tour the JokhangTemple, built in 647 A. D. This temple is thespiritual center of Tibet and the holiest shrine forTibetan pilgrims. Explore the Barkhor market anddiscover a treasure of traditional goods. (B, L)www.coxandkings.comDay 11: LhasaEmbark on a full day tour visiting Norbulingka,the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.Pavilions, gardens, a zoo, lakes and woodlandmake Norbulingka the perfect place for visitorsto relax. Continue to the stunning DrepungMonastery. It was once the largest monastery inthe world, housing over 10,000 monks and wasfounded in 1416. Visit a local Tibetan family andgain insight into their simple way of life. (B, L)Day 12: To GyantseToday you head west into the stunning Tibetancountryside towards Gyantse. Drive over theKamba-la Pass (15,728 ft) offering stunning viewsof Lake Yamdrok, Tibetan for Turquoise Lakeand one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. The lakehas nine islands and one of the islands is home tothe remote Samding Monastery, the only Tibetanmonastery to be headed by a female. Aftervisiting the monastery, continue to Gyantse.Lunch is served en route. Upon arrival, check intoyour hotel. Before dinner tonight at your hotel,enjoy a walk through the traditional Tibetan partof town, which is close to the mighty GyantseKumbum and Pelkor Chode Monastery. HotelGyantse – 1 night (B, L, D)Day 13: To ShigatseThis morning, visit the stunning Gyantse Kumbum,a magnificent structure that rises over foursymmetrical floors and is topped by a gold dome.Explore the nearby Pelkor Chode Monastery.Drive through the fertile countryside to thedelightful Shalu Monastery dating back to the11th century. Continue to Shigatse. Upon arrivalin Shigatse, check into your hotel.In the afternoon, visit Tashilumpo Monastery,former seat of the Panchen Lama (second to theDalai Lama in hierarchy). The monastery was builtin 1447 and at the peak of its activity housed over4000 monks. Shigatse Hotel – 1 night (B, L, D)Day 14: To LhasaThis morning, visit Tashilhumpo Monastery,former seat of the Panchen Lama (second to the• Discover the highlightsof Beijing• Enjoy a Kung Fu show in Beijing• Explore the Old Townin Lijiang listed as aUNESCO World CulturalHeritage Site• Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge• Visit sacred monasteriesacross ‘the roof of the world.’• Explore the crowning gloryof Lhasa and the formerhome of the Dalai Lama,Potala Palace• Visit Norbulingka, theformer summer residence ofthe Dalai Lamas• Explore 15th centurymonasteries in Gyantseand ShigatseDalai Lama in hierarchy). This famed monasterywas built in 1447 and at the peak of its activityhoused over 4000 monks. Afterwards, return toLhasa over the Friendship Highway that continueswest as far as the Nepalese border. Check intoyour hotel. Sheraton Four Points (Guest room) –1 night (B, L)Day 15: Depart LhasaToday you will be transferred to the airport foryour international flight. (B)Note:• Lijiang, Zhongdian and Tibet are at a high altitudeand anyone with a relevant medical condition, orany medical concerns, should obtain clearancefrom his or her doctor before travelling. This tourincludes some long drives, often on bumpy roads.Hotels in Tibet outside of the main cities are verybasic, offering services at best rated as two stars.• A Tibetan permit is required for entrance into Tibetand must be obtained for you prior to your arrival.Asia & Pacific 2011 I 19