CE-TB-06

In Tibetan language, Shoton (xuedun in pinyin) means 'yoghurt banquet'. So as the name suggests, the Shoton Festival is the festival for savoring various yoghurts. Normally, Tibetan people also stage grand Tibetan dramas and hold a big Buddha display ceremony to celebrate. Norbu Lingka, a garden in a western suburb of Lhasa, hosts all Shoton Festival celebrative activities.

The Shoton (Yoghurt) Festival originated 1,000 years ago and prospered in the 17th century, when nomads and farmers offered yoghurt to monks ending their annual summer meditation retreat. Traditionally, it lasts from the first of the seventh month to the fifth of the seventh month in Tibetan calendar.


Itinerary:
D1_  Arrive in Lhasa.
Arrive in Lhasa, check in the hotel.
D2 _ Potala Palace ／ Jorkang Temple / Barkor Square  ( B)
In the morning visit Potala Palce, then visit Jorkang Temple and spend sometime shopping at Barkhor Square. 
D3_Shoton Festival – Drepung Monastery   ( B)
This year’s Shoton Festival is right on this day. Get up in the very early morning, and go to the mountains where Drepung monastery is located, to occupy a good seat to watch the Sunning Buddha ceremony.  Then from here, walk 10 minute down hill to Nechung Monastery to watch the celebrations. 
D4_ Shoton Festival (Norbulingka )  ( B)
Today, observe the Tibetan opera, performed in Norbulingkha Palaces. Later, visit Sera Monastery.
D5_ Lhasa / Shigatse / Gyantse  (12,785ft, 156 miles, 6hrs)  ( B)
Drive to Shigatse via new road that runs parallel to the Yarlung Tsangbo River.  Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then continue to Gyantse.  
D6__Gyantse / Lhasa ( 4040m / 13467ft , 86km / 57miles, 2 ½ hrs)  ( B)
After breakfast, visit the Pelkor Chode & Kumbum Monastery which are the highlights of Gyantse.  Then leave Gyantse to return to Lhasa via Yamdok lake. Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon.  
D7__Lhasa ( B)
In the morning we will bid fare well and depart Tibet. END.