5-Day Lhasa Cultural Tour with Potala Palace and Ganden Monastery

• Arrive in Lhasa either via Nepal or mainland China.

  • The Nepal route offers one of the most beautiful air journeys in the world, with sweeping views of Mt Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8536 m), and other Himalayan peaks.

  • Travelling via mainland China gives access to a range of flights and a journey on the world's highest train route. Upon arrival, meet our Tibetan guide at the airport or train station.

• After approximately 1 hour of driving, reach Lhasa. It is advisable to relax for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.

Overnight in Lhasa.

• Begin your journey with a visit to Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its priceless treasury of Buddhist artefacts and the bejewelled tombs of former Dalai Lamas. The Potala was also the tallest building in the world for 200 years following its construction in 1645.

• Walk past the gardens and sacred spaces of Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer residence.

• Visit the Jokhang Temple, followed by Barkhor Markets - a bustling road lined with vendors where you can sample the smells and sounds of Tibet. Browse thangka paintings, masks, prayer beads, and countless other treasures inherent to Tibetan custom and tradition.

• Continue to Sera Monastery, accompanied by an experienced tour guide who also serves as a translator. Sera is an exceptional space; its white-washed walls and golden roof speak of Tibetan Buddhism's ancient wisdom and tranquillity.

• Move on to Drepung Monastery, built in the 14th century and once home to over 10,000 monks. Drepung was also the educational centre for the lineage of Dalai Lamas and is famed for attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims for its Thangka festival.

• Arrive at the Tibet Museum to explore more of Tibet's history, culture, art, and architecture.

Overnight in Lhasa.

• Wake up a little early, have breakfast, and proceed to Ganden Monastery to visit one of the significant monasteries of the Gelugpa sect.

• Drive back to Lhasa, which will take about 1.5 hours.

Overnight in Lhasa.

• According to your flight schedule, proceed to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu or mainland China, or transfer to the train station for your onward journey to mainland China.