Glimpse of Lhasa – 7 Days Tibet Tour

Arrive in Lhasa, the cultural and spiritual centre of Tibet, situated at approximately 3,650 metres above sea level. Upon arrival by air or train, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival route, you may enjoy views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra, and the Lhasa River along the way.

After checking into your hotel, take the remainder of the day to rest and adjust to the high altitude. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and allow your body time to acclimatise before beginning the sightseeing programme.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a cultural exploration of two important monasteries near Lhasa. Your guide will introduce the day’s activities and explain the religious and historical significance of these remarkable institutions.

Drepung Monastery

Travel to Drepung Monastery, located on the western outskirts of Lhasa. Founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chöje Tashi Palden, this historic monastery became one of the most influential centres of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Explore its traditional assembly halls, chapels, and monastic courtyards while learning how generations of monks studied Buddhist philosophy, scriptures, and religious traditions here. The monastery’s hillside location also offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape.

Sera Monastery

Continue to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 near the foothills of the mountains north of Lhasa. Discover its religious buildings, Buddhist colleges, and peaceful courtyards as your guide explains its role in Tibetan monastic education.

If the schedule and monastery activities permit, observe the famous monk debates, where monks discuss Buddhist philosophy through energetic questions, answers, and gestures. This tradition provides an engaging insight into the intellectual life of Tibetan Buddhism.

After visiting both monasteries, return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin a full day of sightseeing through the historic centre of Lhasa. Today’s visits combine Tibetan architecture, religious heritage, and traditional urban life.

Potala Palace

Start with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, which dominates the Lhasa skyline from its elevated position. This architectural landmark served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and houses numerous chapels, religious artefacts, murals, statues, and historic halls.

Walk through the palace’s impressive interiors and learn about its role in Tibet’s religious and political history. The palace’s distinctive white and red buildings create one of the most memorable sights in the city.

Visitor note: Entry is controlled, and visiting times may be limited. Your guide will arrange the sightseeing order according to the confirmed admission schedule.

Jokhang Temple

Continue to Jokhang Temple, a major pilgrimage destination revered by Tibetan Buddhists. Explore its traditional architecture, prayer halls, and religious atmosphere while learning about the temple’s long history and significance in Tibetan spiritual life.

Observe pilgrims performing traditional devotional practices around the temple and discover the cultural traditions that continue to shape Lhasa.

Barkhor Bazaar

Finish the day’s exploration with a walk around Barkhor Bazaar, the historic pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple. Browse the market stalls for traditional handicrafts, prayer wheels, jewellery, textiles, and locally made souvenirs.

Take time to observe daily life, sample local Tibetan food if you wish, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Lhasa’s best-known cultural districts.

Return to your hotel after completing the day’s sightseeing.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, leave Lhasa and travel west across the Tibetan Plateau towards Shigatse, one of Tibet’s principal cultural and administrative centres. Enjoy the changing landscapes, expansive valleys, traditional settlements, and mountain scenery along the route.

Upon arrival, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, a disciple of Tsongkhapa and later recognised as the First Dalai Lama. The monastery serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and remains an important centre of Tibetan Buddhist worship.

Explore the monastery complex, admire its impressive assembly halls and golden rooftops, and learn about the Gelug tradition and the monastery’s historical importance. Its religious buildings and mountain backdrop offer a fascinating glimpse into Tibet’s spiritual heritage.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel in Shigatse and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Shigatse.

After breakfast, begin your journey towards the beautiful Yamdrok Lake region, one of Tibet’s most celebrated high-altitude landscapes.

Known for its vivid turquoise and blue-green waters, Yamdrok Lake lies amid dramatic mountains and expansive open scenery. Its distinctive colour changes with the light, creating excellent opportunities for photography and quiet moments of appreciation.

Travel along scenic mountain roads and, depending on the confirmed route, cross high passes such as Kampa La. The journey reveals sweeping views of the lake, surrounding peaks, and the rugged landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Take time at designated viewpoints to admire the scenery and capture photographs. Yamdrok Lake also holds deep spiritual significance in Tibetan culture, making it an important destination for both its natural beauty and religious associations.

After exploring the lake area, continue the drive back to Lhasa and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, leave Lhasa for a scenic excursion to Ganden Monastery, one of the most important historic monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the monastery played a central role in the development of the Gelug school.

Situated on Wangbur Mountain at approximately 4,300 metres above sea level, Ganden Monastery offers striking views across the surrounding mountain ridges and river valleys.

Explore the monastery’s religious halls, courtyards, and traditional architectural features while your guide explains its historical and spiritual importance. If conditions, time, and access allow, walk a section of the traditional kora pilgrimage route to appreciate the panoramic scenery.

The visit offers a quieter perspective on Tibetan monastic life beyond Lhasa’s busy urban attractions.

After sightseeing, return to Lhasa and enjoy your final evening in Tibet.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

Enjoy your final morning in Lhasa according to your departure schedule. After checking out of your hotel, meet your local representative for a transfer to the airport or railway station, depending on your onward travel arrangements.

Depart with lasting memories of Tibet’s sacred monasteries, historic palaces, colourful markets, and extraordinary high-altitude landscapes.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and complete the check-in process. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You may explore local markets, browse souvenir shops, or simply relax at your hotel after your Himalayan adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.