ABOUT
Explore Tibet's wonders with this itinerary, featuring iconic sites and cultural experiences. Witness the grandeur of Potala Palace, the sacred Yamdrok Lake, Karo Glacier.
Delve into local traditions by joining pilgrims at Jokhang Temple, dancing with locals at a local Park, and unwinding in an authentic local teahouse.
HIGHLIGHTS
Local Immersion:
We've specially arranged a selection of local activities to bring you closer to the Tibetan culture. In Lhasa and Shigatse, you can participate in local customs like dancing and praying with locals at parks/monasteries and explore traditional markets for Tibetan handcrafts.
Local Family Visit
Enjoy panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake, interact closely with the lake at viewing platforms, and visit a local Tibetan farmhouse for lunch.
Monks Debate:
Sera Monastery is famous for its daily monk debates. Every day at 15h, monks in red robes enter the debating courtyard, engaging in lively discussions on Buddhist philosophy, a fascinating and entertaining sight.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our welcoming guide and driver will greet you at the airport* with a traditional Tibetan "Khata" scarf. A swift one-hour drive (about 70 km) on the expressway will bring you to your comfortable hotel in Lhasa's downtown area.
Once you've checked in, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the local altitude of 3,650 meters, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure on the plateau.
If you feel like going out, you can walk to Potala Square and get amazing photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.
*Free airport pickup is available at 10h, 13h30, 16h and 18h30. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).**If you arrive by train, train station pickup is also included.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🍽️ Meals: /
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 2
Today's journey takes you to two remarkable monasteries in Lhasa - Drepung and Sera Monastery. These sites offer a deep dive into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll explore various aspects of monastery life, from the grand Buddhist halls and scholarly colleges to the humble monks' kitchen. Witness the unique tradition of monk debates, a dynamic and engaging method of studying Buddhist teachings.
At Sera Monastery, get ready for an energetic display of Buddhist debates. Monks here are known for their lively discussions, using vibrant body language almost like a dance, as they delve into the complexities of Buddhist philosophy.
To cap off the day, enjoy an authentic Tibetan experience with a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 3
Today, start by participating in Tibetan local folk activities in a local park. Then, let's explore the treasures of Lhasa, starting with the renowned Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama's residence and the world's highest palace. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll discover the palace's history and its impressive murals and Buddha statues, reflecting ancient Tibetan wealth and culture.
Next, we'll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to a revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni. It's considered the holiest site in Tibet, and you can experience the city's soul by joining pilgrims on Barkhor Street.
Our guide will also take you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into Tibetan social culture. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in Lhasa's vibrant traditions.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Tea at the Tibetan teahouse
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 4
Embark on a scenic drive to reach Shigatse. En route, you'll have the opportunity to explore two awe-inspiring natural wonders – Yamdrok Lake & the Karola Glacier.
The drive includes a picturesque 20-kilometer stretch along the shoreline of Yamdrok Lake. We'll make a stop at a lakeside village, providing you with the chance to step into the homes of local farmers, discover their way of life, and savor a delightful farmhouse lunch.
Afterward, continue your journey for approximately 1 hour to witness one of Tibet's most stunning sights – the Karola Glacier. This massive glacier extends right to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.
As we move past the Karola Glacier, we'll also pass by Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m / 5,030m / 3,600m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Farmhouse lunch
🚗 Drive: 360km, ∼8h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 5
Today, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in Shigatse and the traditional residence of successive Panchen Lamas. The monastery houses the world's largest gilded bronze Buddha statue, stupa tombs of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.
The guide will also accompany you to participate in the kora, a devotional circumambulation, around Tashilhunpo Monastery, located on the hillside. At the highest point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tashilhunpo Monastery and the Shigatse city area.
After visiting the monastery, the guide will take you to the unique Sangzhuzi Old Market in Tibet, which features a variety of local handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing accessories from different parts of Shigatse, offering a different experience from Barkhor Street Market in Lhasa.
Later, we will make our way back to Lhasa, following the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. (Note that depending on the circumstances, the return to Lhasa may be arranged by train.)
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 280km, ∼5h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 6
Today marks the official end of your Tibet journey, and we will be there to accompany you to the airport or train station. We're grateful for the wonderful time you've spent with us in Tibet and wish you a safe journey ahead!
*Free airport dropoff is available at 06h30, 8h and 12h. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: /
PHOTOS
Get a glimpse of the the Tour Experience!
DETAILS
Price
Jan 1 to March 31: 5410rmb
> single room: +800rmb
April 1 - June 20: 5620rmb
> single room: +850rmb
Jun 21 - Jul 9: 5960rmb
> single room: +900rmb
Jul 10 - Aug 20: 6310rmb
> single room: +950rmb
Aug 21 - Sep 19: 5960rmb
> single room: +900rmb
Sep 20 - Oct 10: 6310rmb
> single room: +950rmb
Oct 11 - Oct 31: 5620mb
> single room: +850rmb
Nov 01 - Dec 31: 5410rmb
> single room: +800rmb
Included
- Documents: Tibet travel permit
- Airport pickup and dropoff on given time (Airport Pick-up Schedule: 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:30; Airport Drop-off Schedule: 06:30, 08:00, 12:00)
- Transportation: comfortable Tourist Vehicle
- Transportation: eco-bus at the basecamp
- Guide: English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
- Accommodation x5 nights: See hotels details below. Shared room for 2 persons*
- Meals: Breakfasts x6 (day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Meals: Lunch x1 (day 4)
- Meals: Tea x1 (day 3)
- Meals: Dinner x1 (day 2)
- Entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Oxygen: Oxygen bottle provided during the tour if necessary
-Insurance: travel accident insurance
Date
Every Sunday or private trips available (contact M2adventure for quotation)
January: 7, 14, 21, 28 > 5410¥
February: 4, 11, 18, 25 > 5410¥
March: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 > 5410¥
April: 7, 14, 21, 28 > 5620¥
May: 1, 5, 12, 19, 26 > 5620¥
June: 2, 9, 16 > 5620¥
June 23, 30 >5960¥
July: 7 > 5960¥
July: 14, 21, 28 > 6310¥
August: 4, 11, 18 > 6310¥
August: 25 > 5960¥
September: 1, 8, 15 > 5960¥
September 22, 29 > 6310¥
October: 1, 6 > 6310¥
October: 13, 20, 27> 5620¥
November: 3, 10, 17, 24 > 5620¥
December: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 > 5410¥
Excluded
- Flight or train to and out of Tibet
- Meals not mentioned in included (most meals are about 30-100rmb/meal)
- Tips to tour guide and driver
- Single Room Supplement
- Personal expenses
Cancellation Fee
- Between booking and 15 days prior to departure: 250rmb
- Between 14 and 5 days prior to departure: 2000rmb
- Between 4 and 1 days prior to departure: 50% of the price
- On departure day or no-show: 100% of the price
Cancellation Policy
If the weather is terrible and represents a risk to people's safety, or if there is any government restriction we would cancel the trip and refund the deposit. Note that we are NOT responsible for flight cancellation fees. This would need to be dealt with the airline company directly.
Important Notes
If the permit is not approved or if there are some changes of regulations from the government and the trip cannot happen, the trip prepayment will be fully refunded (we do not cover flights/train ticket cancellation fees).