Arrival in Lhasa: Airport/Train Station Pickup and Hotel Check-in

Lhasa - Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, a friendly guide and driver will warmly greet you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf known as “Khata.” A comfortable one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers) will take you to a cozy hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in, take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude (3,650 meters) for a healthy start to your journey on the plateau.

Lhasa City Tour: Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery Debating

Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si) - Situated at the base of Mount Gephel, about 8 kilometers west of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of the most significant and largest monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Its name means “Rice Heap Monastery” in Tibetan, referring to its white buildings cascading down the mountainside like a pile of rice.

Key Highlights:
Historical Significance: Founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chöje Tashi Palden, a direct disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. It was once the world’s largest monastery, housing over 10,000 monks. It served as the principal seat of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.

Sera Monastery - Today, explore two distinctive monasteries in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering unique insights into Tibetan Buddhism. Visit the Buddhist halls, colleges, and the monks’ kitchen, witnessing their special debates to study Buddhist teachings. Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks use exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.

Lhasa City Tour: Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple

Potala Palace - Today, delve into the treasures of Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world’s highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the center of Tibetan faith, are both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, explore the Dalai Lama’s former political hall, prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

Jokhang Temple - The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. Join the pilgrims to walk in Barkhor Street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Lhasa-Gyatse-Shigatse: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake - Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, visit two breathtaking natural landscapes: Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. Enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the lake. Stop at a village by the lake, where you can visit the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch.

Karola Glacier - After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet’s most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier. The enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

Shigatse-Lhasa: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse Samdroptse Market, Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tashilhunpo Monastery - Visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This is the residence of Panchen Lamas, featuring grandeur and magnificence. It houses the world’s largest gilded copper statue of Maitreya Buddha, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals. In addition to exploring the monastery, your guide will accompany you in the Tashilhunpo Monastery’s kora (circumambulation) activity. Together with locals, you’ll walk around the monastery on the hillside, reaching the highest point where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tashilhunpo Monastery and the city of Shigatse.

Day 08: Departure from Lhasa, Airport/Train Station Drop-off

Lhasa - Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and you will be accompanied to the airport/train station. We appreciate the wonderful time spent together in Tibet and wish you a safe journey ahead.

• Transportation in a comfortable tourist vehicle with attentive and reliable driver service
• Accommodation in star hotels and local guesthouses with breakfast throughout the journey
• Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China
• Shuttle service between Airport/Train station and Lhasa City
• Entrance tickets to listed attractions and activities
• Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide
• On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas
• Travel accident insurance and High altitude sickness insurance
• Oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more
• Farm house lunch, welcome dinner
• Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
• Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel map

• International and domestic Transportation to and from Tibet
• Single room supplement for solo travelers who require single room
• Some Meal expenses not included in the Tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending )
• Gratuities

In Tibet, travelers will enjoy journeys in our specially designated tourist vehicles, customized to accommodate the group size: 7 or 9-seat comfortable vans for groups of 2-5 people, and small to medium-sized comfortable buses for groups of 6-12 people. Participants will join our exclusive small group tours, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and service from both the driver and guide. Our drivers perform daily safety inspections and clean the vehicles to ensure a pleasant travel experience.

All visitors to Tibet may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness due to the rapid transition from lower elevations to Tibet’s high altitude. There’s no need to worry, as most travelers will quickly acclimate after resting in Lhasa. To ease any concerns and assist in case of discomfort, we have arranged special services to support your well-being throughout your journey.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.