Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa
- Day 2 Lhasa
- Day 3 Lhasa
- Day 4 Lhasa to Gyantse
- Day 5 Gyantse to Shigatse
- Day 6 Shigatse to Lhasa
- Day 7 Depart Lhasa
About this Journey
A tour of Tibet can take you into its heart. But, you’ll have to look deeper to discover its soul. Linger in Lhasa, walking the pilgrimage route at Barkhor and mingling with the nuns at Chupsang. Then head into the country, driving along pristine lakes, the panoramas around you etching themselves on your memory as you head to Palkhor Monastery, its three strands of Buddhism, and thousands of artifacts. Sutras still floating like whispers in the corners of your mind, you end in a tour of Shigatse, walking the kora, and reflecting on your Tibetan discoveries.
Tour Highlights
- Witnessing the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas
- Exploring gilded Jokhang Temple, considered the most sacred temple in Tibet
- Experiencing how monks studying Tibetan Buddhism deepen their religious knowledge by engaging in lively debates in the open courtyard of Sera Monastery
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa
Arrive in Lhasa, the 3,614-meter-high capital of Tibet and center of its cultural and spiritual life • Transfer to your hotel and take time to acclimate to the altitude • If energy allows, explore Barkhor Street’s market and watch pilgrims circle Jokhang Monastery, with your guide translating and sharing local insights.
Day 2 Lhasa
Visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s oldest and holiest Buddhist site, and take in rooftop views of Potala Palace with the mountains beyond • Tour Potala Palace, a 17th-century architectural masterpiece with over 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues • Relax in a local Tibetan tea house, sipping sweet yak milk tea among locals and soaking up the city’s atmosphere • Spend the remainder of the evening as you wish.
Day 3 Lhasa
Visit Pabongka Monastery, known for its granite “tortoise” boulders and the carved mantra Om Mani Padme Hum • Hike 90 minutes to Chupzang Nunnery, home to 80 nuns of the Gelug sect in a peaceful grassy setting • Tour Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great university monasteries, and watch monks engage in lively courtyard debates on Buddhist texts.
Day 4 Lhasa to Gyantse
Visit a traditional Tibetan home to share yak butter tea, admire painted walls, and learn about local life through your guide • Drive five hours to Gyantse, stopping for a picnic on the shores of sacred Lake Yamdrok Tso, with turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks • Continue over Karo La pass to Gyantse, a historic town known for the Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Choede Monastery.
Day 5 Gyantse to Shigatse
Visit Palkhor Monastery, known for its mural-filled halls and the multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa with 108 chapels and thousands of Buddhist relics • Drive two hours to Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama • Explore Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, home to a towering 26-meter Maitreya Buddha statue, the jeweled tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama, and prayer-filled assembly halls.
Day 6 Shigatse to Lhasa
Take a three-hour high-speed train from Shigatse to Lhasa, passing mountain scenery along the way • Learn the art of Tibetan thangka painting with a master, exploring its symbolism and creating your own piece • Browse Barkhor Market’s stalls for prayer flags, jewelry, and incense while watching pilgrims circle Jokhang Monastery.
Day 7 Depart Lhasa
Your local guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your departure flight.
Hotels
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The St. Regis Lhasa Resort 5 Star Resort With unparalleled views of Potala Palace, the St. Regis is inspired by Sera Monastery and pays homage to Tibet’s culture and history.
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Gyantse Hotel 2 Star Located in the center of the ancient city, the Gyantse Hotel, a 2-star local hotel, is the best available accommodation in the city. Due to the city’s remote location, the hotel definitely leans to the simple side of things.
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Hilton Shigatse 4 Star The Hilton Shigatse is the town’s first international hotel, offering elevated comfort, sweeping mountain views, and a prime location near Tashilhunpo Monastery.
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Photos gyantse tibet-private-tours-prayer-flag-sign Jokhang Square web tibet
Details
What’s Included
- Services of English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel, health and trip cancellation insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and chauffeurs
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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