Lhasa Trip Overview
On this classic Tibet tour, you will witness the unforgettable ancient culture of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. It includes the World Heritage Sites – the Potala and Jokhang Temples, two of three main Gelugpa monasteries – the Drepung and Sera, the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso, Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier, the historical architectural wonder – Gyangtse Kumbum, the seat of the Panchen Lama – Tashilhunpo Monastery along with the large alive market nearby.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Lhasa, China
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Lhasa Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Lhasa, Tibet, China
On this classic Tibet tour, you will witness the unforgettable ancient culture of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. It includes the World Heritage Sites – the Potala and Jokhang Temples, two of three main Gelugpa monasteries – the Drepung and Sera, the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso, Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier, the historical architectural wonder – Gyangtse Kumbum, the seat of the Panchen Lama – Tashilhunpo Monastery along with the large alive market nearby.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lhasa (3,650m) arrival
Pass By: Lhasa, Lhasa, Tibet
Lhasa airport or train station pick-up and then transfer to the hotel in the downtown area. The rest of the day will be on your own to acclimate the high altitude.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton, a 4-star hotel
Day 2: Lhasa city sightseeing
Stop At: Potala Palace, No.35 Gongqian Alley, Beijing Middle Road Cheng Guan District, Lhasa 850000 China
Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet, it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. It’s the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China
Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa 851500 China
The 1,300-year-old circumambulation around the Jokhang Temple called Barkhor street, it is a good place to purchase souvenirs.
Duration: 40 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton, a 4-star hotel
Day 3: Lhasa outskirt exploring
Stop At: Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), Southern Slope of Genpeiwuzi Mountain, Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China
Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala Palace, it was once the world’s largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Sera Monastery, Wuze Hill , Sera Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China
Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see, monks’ debate is not available on Sundays.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton, a 4-star hotel
Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse (3,890m), 8 hours’ drive
Stop At: Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Langkazi Country, Nagarze County 851100 China
Morning drive up to Kampala pass (4794m), you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-Tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. The turquoise-coloured Lake Yamdrok Yutso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Later, descend to the lakeside for a closer view of the lake.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Karo La Glacier, Provincial Road S307, Nagarze County 851100 China
Continue driving to see the amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass. Then stop at Simila pass to see the Manla reservoir. Then proceed to Gyantse.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa, Northwest of the County, Gyangze County 857400 China
Your last site today is the famous stupa – Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet, before reaching Shigatse via the Friendship southern Hwy.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Shigatse Tashi Choten Hotel, a 4-star hotel
Day 5: Shigatse – Lhasa, 5 hours’ drive
Stop At: Tashilunpo Monastery, Jijilangka Road, Shigatse 857001 China
Morning visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, one of the main Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet, it’s the seat to the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader of Tibet. You will see this massive monastery’s chapels and its ancient artifacts. If you like hiking, then the kora around the Tashilhunpo monastery (optional, about 2 hours) should not be missed, as it provides the amazing views of Shigatse and the surrounding countryside. Spend some time around the lively market near the monastery, before heading back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton, a 4-star hotel
Day 6: Lhasa departure
Pass By: Lhasa Railway Station, Liuwu Country, Doilungdeqen County 851400 China
Lhasa airport or train station drop-off for departure.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
