5 Days Lhasa Essence Tour with Great Three Monasteries
Must-see & Must-do：
Highlight 1: Come to the Sunlight City to marvel at the world famous holy center – Potala Palace comprising the White and Red Palaces built on the Red Mountain;
Highlight 2: Give yourself some quiet moments to view in front of the “spiritual heart of the city” and see the numerous local Tibetan Buddhists and pilgrimages worshiping devoutly in front of Jokhang Temple;
Highlight 3: Travel outside of Lhasa city to one of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet – Sera Monastery to explore exceptional Buddhist religious complex and see the famous debate among monks on the Buddhist doctrines;
Highlight 4: Find the reasons why Barkhor Street is a true reflection of Tibetan culture and spirituality and join in the pilgrims along the lively street walking clockwise while spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras.
Highlight 5: Have a nice exploration in the first Gelugpa Monastery – Ganden Monastery founded by Tsongkhapa, with stupendous views of the surrounding Kyi-Chu Valley and fascinating kora.
Itinerary Quick Look：
Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.
Arrival Ideas: Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.
Kind Reminds:
1. It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2. You should always follow your doctor’s advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.
3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.
Today you will explore Lhasa for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and experience the daily kora life of Tibetans.
In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.
Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.
After exploring the Potala Palace Museum, move to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a world cultural heritage site. It is said that the Jokhang Monastery is built for King Songtsen Gampo’s two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal Princess Bhrikuti. “Jokhang” means “House of Buddha”, it houses the statue of the life-size 12-year-old Sakyamuni which is the treasure of the Buddhism world. That is why Buddhist pilgrims take it as the holiest destination. The time seems to stand still when you watch them pray in front of the temple during the day and night.
Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.
Today you will enjoy the culture tour of Lhasa via a visit to two of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.
In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 – 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.
After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.
In this morning, you will be driven about 55km to the Ganden Monastery. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the visionary founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden Monastery was the first monastery of the Gelug tradition. As you wind your way up the scenic road, the grand white complex of Ganden Monastery emerges into view, a dazzling sight that will leave you breathless. Take your time to fully explore the Main Prayer Hall, where you will discover a treasure trove of thousands of Buddha statues, murals, and religious artifacts. Observe the monks praying, chanting, and performing rituals. And don’t forget to marvel at the remarkable statues of Tsongkhapa, including a famous sculpture depicting him at the tender age of 8.
Optional Experience:
If physical condition permits and weather allows, hike with guide around the Ganden Kora, enjoy the view of wide Kychi valley. It is divided into high kora and low kora. The Ganden High Kora is a longer walk around the monastery area, climbing above the monastery to the Wangpori ridgeline, while the lower kora circles the complex and leads to Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave. Tell us your interests.
After the tour, drive back to Lhasa.
It is time to end your 5-day Tibet Lhasa tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.
Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Shigatse, Gyantse, Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash.
Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia.
What’s Included
- Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
- Tourist Vehicle: 7-23seats (If it’s less than 4 travelers doing Lhasa city tour, we will let tour guide to take a taxi instead. Taxi fee will be at the tour guide expense.)
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)
- Meals: Breakfasts plus featured meals - Tibetan welcome banquet in Lhasa & The world’s highest altitude hot pot experience at EBC (if you take the tour to EBC).
- Admission tickets, activities listed in the itinerary
- Tibet Permits: Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.
- Pick up and Drop off Service: Flights (Lhasa Gongga Airport): Free pick-up during 08:00-22:00; free drop-off, during 08:30-22:30. And the train (Lhasa Train Station): Free Pick-up and drop off.
- Oxygen and Water: A container of Oxygen per person for emergency use; 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day (300ml); 4L Medical oxygen cylinder with car
- Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
What’s Excluded
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Recommended optional activities
- Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Important Trip Notes for Booking a China Group Tour
Do I need to get a Tibet permit to visit Tibet? How long does it take to obtain?
All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance and send the necessary documents to us for obtaining the permits. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it may take longer to obtain the necessary permits.
How do I book a private Tibet tour?
It is very simple to book a private Tibet tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Combine Your Tibet Tour with Other Destinations in China
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
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Eric Fisher –
I can’t recommend this tour enough! The itinerary was thoughtfully crafted, allowing us to appreciate both the magnificent architecture and the serene atmosphere of Lhasa. The experience was truly unforgettable!
Anna Bailey –
What an unforgettable adventure! The insights from our guide made visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the three monasteries truly special. The flexibility of a private tour allowed us to enjoy everything at our own pace.
Larry Rivera –
I loved this customized tour! The chance to delve into the history and spirituality of each monastery was fascinating. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made every moment meaningful.
Stephen Sanders –
Absolutely amazing! The private format allowed us to connect deeply with the local culture. Each day was filled with rich experiences, from exploring ancient texts to witnessing traditional rituals.
Christine Price –
A perfect blend of history and spirituality! The visits to the Great Three Monasteries were highlights of the trip. Our guide ensured we didn’t miss any important details, making the experience even more enriching.
Ruth Torres –
This trip exceeded all my expectations! The organization was impeccable, and the personal attention we received made it feel like a unique experience. The views from the monasteries were absolutely stunning!
Justin Long –
This 5-day Lhasa tour was an incredible experience! Our private guide tailored the itinerary to suit our interests, allowing us to fully explore the Great Three Monasteries and immerse ourselves in Tibetan culture.