For many years Tibet has been one of the remotest countries and getting into Tibet can be tricky as very few airlines operate flights to Tibet. We make this easy for you to book this trip to Tibet by arranging your flight tickets Visa and accommodation throughout this vast land mass. Explore this land of mystery and magic with locals.
Lhasa Airport
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Kathmandu-Lhasa-Potala-Kathmandu
1 to 2 Pax SUV Car | 2 to 8 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus | 8 to 16 pax: Toyota Coaster Bus.
English Speaking Guide/ language Guide upon extra payment (German/Spanish/Chinese/Italian/Japanese speaking Guide)
First day L/D and last day only breakfast before Departure
Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be picked up by a local tour guide at Lhasa airport hall or train station, and then be escorted to check in at your hotel in Lhasa city (3,650 m) in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature, and high altitude of Lhasa.
High Altitude Acclimation Tips: 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate to the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you’d better not have a bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest…
How to Get to Lhasa from other parts of China or the Outside World: There are two routes to reach Lhasa Tibet. You can either take a Train journey or fly to reach Lhasa. If you are taking flights to Lhasa from China then Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Xining, Kunming, etc. will be the best route for you, and an international flight is from Kathmandu. As for train journeys take a train from China’s other cities, like Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining, Lanzhou, etc.
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport
Today’s highlights: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery Buddhism Detabing
Today you will visit popular attractions in Lhasa city and suburbs to explore Tibetan culture. You will first go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in ancient times and now is a public park. Dotted with various kinds of precious flowers and plants, it is the genuine “Plateau Oxygen Bar”. In addition to its magnificent buildings and colorful flowers, Norbulingka also features some big Tibet event activities during big festivals, such as Tibetan shows in the annual Shoton Festival. Next, drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung, in Tibetan, means “prosperity”. Since its establishment, Drepung Monastery has always been one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. In its heyday, there were more than 10,000 monks who lived and studied in the monastery. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa from Drepung Monastery.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa – Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular “Buddhism Debating”. As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard and debate the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitate better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the “Buddhism Debating”, you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.
The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn’t wear shorts and uncovered shoulders; 2) Take off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.
Our customers from Poland visited Sera Monastery
Today’s highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Zongjiao Lukang Park
Start today’s Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark – Potala Palace which is the home to the successive Dalai Lama as well as a great masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. The whole palace is divided into the White Palace – living quarters and office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs for Dalai Lamas, and the Red Palace which houses several stupas of previous Dalai Lamas, many historical relics, and precious arts. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up for about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace, and exit from the backside. After the Potala Palace visit, go to enjoy a leisure stroll in Zongjiao Lukang Park, a lovely park with pleasant scenery built around the lake behind Potala Palace. It is a great place to experience local Tibetans’ living styles as you can see local people gathering and chatting, taking exercise, walking the kora, feeding wild birds and ducks, etc. If your day is clear, you can take some great photos of the reflection of Potala Palace on the lake in the park.
Today, you will take an exciting trip to the holy lake Namtso – Tibet’s most beautiful lake and the world’s highest saltwater lake with an altitude of 4,818 meters. The overwhelming beauty also makes it known as the Heavenly Lake and the Paradise of Photographer. It needs 5 hours to drive to Namtso Lake but you will have a good view of Mt. Nyenchen Thangla Ranges on the way.
After your arrival, take a short rest and throw yourself into the incredible landscape of Namtso Lake. It’s quite common for tourists who are awestruck at the Namtso at the first sight. With the snowy mountains in the background and the crystal-clear dazzling blue water, Namtso is stretching to the horizon. In clear days, the lake looks like a beautiful turquoise surrounded by magnificent snow-capped Tanggula Mountains, and the lakeshore is green, wide, and open, dotted with yaks and sheep of local nomads. For travelers, Namtso is the ideal place for photography and sightseeing. While for Tibetans, it is a sacred and magical lake for pilgrimage. You can see some Tibetans walk the kora around the lake with prayer wheels.
Lastly, drive back to Lhasa for accommodation.
Tips of Today: 1) the altitude of Namtso Lake region is about 5, 000 meters, so you should be fully prepared for high altitude sickness. Do remember to keep warm all the time and avoid strenuous activity; 2) it is available to ride a yak in Namtso lake but remember to ask for the owners’ permission and about the price in advance; 3) if you want to spend longer time and watch the sunset, you can also accommodate at Damxung County for a night, which is about 1.5 hours driving from Namtso Lake.
Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.
Tips of today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.
