Cross the Bhramaputra river (Yarlung Tsangpo) on a ferry for 40 minutes depending on the water level in the river & river condition and also the time of visit. Meet bus from the Samye monastery and then drive for 30 minutes to this exotic temple. Or drive straight to the Monastery.

Samye, in the middle of the sandy Samye valley and approached via a beautiful river crossing, has a magic about it that makes many travelers stay longer than they intend to.

Samye Monastery is designed to represent the Buddhist universe and many of the buildings in the courtyard are cosmological symbols. The square in front of the Monastery guesthouse has some interesting bits and pieces.The stubby isolated building to the north, remains of nine storey tower used to display thangkas.

The Utse, the central building of Samye comprises of a synthesis of architectural styles. The ground floor and 1st floors were originally of Tibetan in style, the 2nd floor was Chinese and the 3rd floor Indian. There is much scholarly debate on this issue and without a trained eye there is little way of telling anyway.

Drive 230 KMs back (5hrs) to Lhasa.

Also visit Sera Monastery: 5 kms (3 miles) north of Lhasa, Sera’s setting is one of Lhasa’s prettiest. Once a community of more than 5000 monks, it was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. The restored monastery sits below the brow of hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. One of the monk’s disciples began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few years later.

The monastery, one of Gelugpa’s Great six was built on a ridge called Gokpo Ri, the site, where Tsong Khapa first meditated inorder to choose a place for the main monastery of the sect. Ganden’s foundation was laid in 1409.

Later, continue on to visit the Drak Yerpa caves. Around 30 kms to the North – East of Lhasa, it is probably not of great interest for the average traveler but, for those with a particular interest in Tibetan Buddhism, Yerpa is one of the holiest cave retreats ever. At one time the hill at the base of the Cave – dotted cliffs was home to Yerpa Monastery. The Monastery, however, was effectively laid to waste in the Cultural Revolution and there is very little to see nowadays. From the ruins of the monastery, it is possible to see some of the cave retreats a couple of hundred meters away at the foot of the cliffs. The history of Drak Yerpa includes many of the great names responsible for the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. The Emperor Songtsen Gampo meditated in seclusion here; Guru Rimpoche and several of his disciples also meditated here; and here Jowo Atisha chose to preach extensively. Although the ancient Kadampa Gompa has been destroyed, the geomantic qualities that made Drak Yerpa a major power place still remain and still attract hermits to its caves. It takes about 90 minutes drive each way. Getting to the Yerpa Caves involves about 2 hours of hike with a gradual ascent and an hour to get back.

Later return to the vehicle pick up point and return to Lhasa.

In the second half of the day visit Jokhang Temple & Bakhor Market: Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shankyamuni Buddha, which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place, which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.

From Lhasa, drive to Gyantse crossing the two passes the Kamba La (4749 m) and Karo La (5010 m). In between is the famous Turquoise Lake or Yamdrok Tso in Tibetan. It is a lake of a glaring blue that radiates a near mystical charm. It is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale-less fish in its non-saline waters. It is about 124 kms from Lhasa. (Packed lunch is advisable because of the lack of fooding facilities on the way).

Gyantse: is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264 km Southwest of Lhasa (total 8 hours drive). It still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Young Husband, who led British Expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a crossroad on the principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence of its carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 Monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening vist local market and the world famouse Tibetan Carpet factory.

After breakfast visit the 14th century Gyantse Dzong, or fort. It is worth the stiff 20 minutes climb to its upper limits, though more for the amazing views of Gyantse, the monastery compound at the end of town and the surrounding Nyang Chu valley, than for what is left of the Dzong itself –not much, though renovations proceed apace. Some of the Dzong’s buildings can be entered and explored, sometimes to upper floors by means of rickety wooden ladders.

Gyantse Kumbum: Commissioned by one of the early Gyantse princes in 1440 A.D., the Gyantse Kumbum is rated by many as Gyantse’s foremost attraction. The chorten rises like a crown over four sets of eyes that gaze serenely out in the cardinal directions of the compass. There are excellent views of the Kumbum from the hills behind the monastery. A clockwise route spirals up through all six floors of the Kumbum taking in the chapels that line the walls of the chorten. There are two sets of four central chapels, which extend to the floor above from the 1st and 3rd floors, and each of these are surrounded by smaller chapels in diminishing order. The Gyantse Kumbum is a famous three-dimensional 112 room Mandala Structure and the Palkhor Chode Monastery compund. Stroll through the traditional Tibetian village of Gyantse, which is truly a photographers dream!

Also visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery. Located near the Khumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of its founding.

Gyantse/Shigatse: After the sightseeing tour return to the hotel and then drive to Shigatse (90 Kms - 1 ½ hours) in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in into the hotel. Time permitting visit the Shigatse Flea market to shop for souvenirs.

Drive to Xegar Via Sakya Monastery (Shigatse to Xegar–350 KMS -7-8 hours)

Excursion to the Everest Base Camp - the drive is a little bumpy due to the rough road surface, but the outstanding views and proximity to the highest point on earth make it well worthwhile.

Overnight: Rongbuk