6 days
Tibet Culture
✨ Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake & Shigatse ✨
Type: Sightseeing, no hiking
Dates:
Nov 3, 10, 17
Dec 15, 29
🤩
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.
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.
Overview
🌟Day 1: Lhasa arrival
🌟Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery & monks' debate, Tibetan dinner
🌟Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple, Barkor Street, Tibetan teahouse
🌟Day 4: Lhasa > Shigatse
Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Tibetan farmhouse
🌟Day 5: Shigatse > Lhasa
Tashilunpo Monastery, Sangzhuzi Old Market
🌟Day 6: Lhasa departure
The Trip in Photos
Itinerary
Meeting Point and Drop-off Point: Lhasa, Tibet.
Day 1
Arrive in Lhasa
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
Lhasa Sightseeing
Drepung & Sera Monasteries
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
Lhasa Sightseeing
Potala palace & Jokhang temple
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
Lhasa > Shigatse
via Gyantse 370km
Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier
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
Shigatse > Lhasa 270km
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
Depart from Lhasa
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: /
Other Info
Price
Nov 01 - Dec 31: 5410rmb
> single room: +800rmb
Deposit: 2000RMB
Balance: to be paid 7 days before departure
- Accepted payment methods: Alipay, Wechat, or Bank transfer.
2024 Departure Dates
Nov 3, 10, 17
Dec 15, 29
Booking procedure
1/ Select date, transfer 2000rmb prepayment
2/ Provide all the documents (2-4 weeks before departure)
3/ M2 submit the permit application (usually takes 5-10 working days)
4/ Permit is issued (sometimes can be issued only 3-7 days before departure)
5/ Permit will be sent by Kuaidi delivery to your address if you plan to arrive to Tibet by flight.
Documents needed
1/Copy of passport
2/Copy of Visa
3/ Proof-of-stay letter (we can provide a template).
⚠️ Please note that we are currently not habilitated to apply for diplomatic and most service passports/visas.
*Tibet travel policies change often. Contact us to be updated with the latest regulations.
Including
- 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
⚠️Price is based on shared room occupancy, please let us know your sharing preferences upon signing up. If you're a solo traveler or don't have another person to share the room with, M2adventure will do its best to help find a roommate whenever possible but if no one is available to share, please note that you will have to take the single room supplement (see price below). Thank you for your understanding.< /span>
Hotels
Lhasa: Local 4*
Gangjian Hotel or similar
Shigatse: Local 4*
Shiga Grand Hotel or similar
*Photos are for reference only. The actual rooms might look slightly different.
Optional upgrade: Please ask M2 staff for the price if you want a hotel upgrade.
Lhasa: Tangka Hotel 4*
Lhasa: Atour Hotel 4*
Lhasa: Intercontinental Hotel 5*
Lhasa Shangri-la Hotel 5*
Lhasa: St. Regis Resort 5*
Shigatse: Schery Hotel 4*
Shigatse: Hilton Hotel 5*
Excluding
- 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
Other Tibet Tour You May Like
Click on the pictures below for the detailed itinerary.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fee
- Between booking and 15 days prior to departure: 300rmb
- 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).
Disclaimer
All forms of outdoor recreation (including hiking) have a higher level of risk than most ordinary activities.
By participating in M2adventure's hike, you acknowledge and accept the responsibility for making your own determinations as to the suitability of the activity and for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and agrees to participate solely at your own risk.
M2adventure, its organizer & hike leaders will not be held responsible for any loss or injury which you may sustain as a result of your participation in any of these activities. This trip is hosted and operated by Tibet Vista Tour co.,Ltd.
