8-Day Tibet Lhasa Tour with Potala Palace and Yamdrok Lake

8 Days Round trip from Airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Acclimatize in Lhasa before exploring Tibet's spiritual and cultural capital
  • 02 Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar
  • 03 Explore Drepung Monastery and witness the famous monk debates at Sera Monastery
  • 04 Drive across the Tibetan Plateau to Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and the Kumbum Stupa
  • 05 Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama

Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet on this immersive 8-day journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with time to acclimatize at high altitude before exploring the city's most revered monasteries, temples, and pilgrim quarters. Visit iconic landmarks such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery, where living Tibetan traditions still shape daily life. Travel overland across the Tibetan Plateau to Gyantse and Shigatse, stopping at Yamdrok Lake, the Kumbum Stupa, and Tashilhunpo Monastery. Return to Lhasa for relaxed final days of strolling, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere before flying back to Kathmandu.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Acclimatize

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet, and transfer to your hotel. Because Lhasa sits at a high elevation of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), spend your first day resting and acclimatizing. Drink plenty of water, enjoy the views of the Tibetan Plateau, and take a light evening stroll or simply unwind as you adjust to the altitude and time difference.

2
Day 02

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Bazaar

Explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. Visit Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debates, and stroll through the lively city atmosphere.

Continue to the iconic Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar, where pilgrims and traders bring the city to life.

3
Day 03

Drepung Monastery and Sera Monk Debates

Explore Drepung Monastery in the morning to see its huge complex and enjoy views of Lhasa.

Head to Sera Monastery in the afternoon to watch the monks debate philosophy. Return to your hotel afterward to rest.

4
Day 04

Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake

Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake, ending with a visit to the Kumbum Stupa.

Leave Lhasa in the morning for an overland drive to Gyantse (3,950 meters).

  • Yamdrok Lake: Stop at the turquoise lake surrounded by snowy peaks.

  • Scenery: View the mountains and valleys of the Tibetan Plateau.

  • Kumbum Stupa: Explore the art and murals at this Gyantse landmark.

  • Stay: Spend the night in Gyantse.

5
Day 05

Drive to Shigatse and Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery

Travel through picturesque Tibetan villages and dramatic landscapes to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Upon arrival, explore the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, which features a spectacular massive statue of the Maitreya Buddha and stunning valley views. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel.

6
Day 06

Return to Lhasa via the Northern Friendship Highway

On the way, visit the traditional kora (circumambulation) path with devout locals and browse shops for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.

7
Day 07

Free Time in Lhasa for Shopping or Short Walks

Today is free time in Lhasa to explore around the city for shopping or short walks.

8
Day 08

Drive to the Airport for Your Flight to Kathmandu

Drive to the airport to catch your international flight to Kathmandu. Agency pick-up is arranged here, and the tour ends.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Airport 4 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Travel permits and visas: Tibet Travel Permit and necessary travel documents, and often Chinese group visa assistance.

  • Accommodation: 7 nights in standard tourist-class or 2-star hotels/guesthouses on a twin-sharing basis.

  • Meals: Daily breakfast at the hotel.

  • Transportation: Private ground transfers and vehicles for all sightseeing activities, plus airport pick-up and drop-off in Lhasa.

  • Professional tour guide: An experienced, English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the trip.

  • Sightseeing fees: Entrance tickets for monasteries, temples, and cultural sites listed in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

  • Flights and trains: International flights to and from your home country, flights or train tickets to Lhasa, and regional flights between Nepal and Tibet, if applicable.

  • Nepal entry visa fees.

  • Insurance: Travel and medical insurance covering emergency rescue, high-altitude illness evacuation, lost baggage, or trip cancellations.

  • Personal expenses: Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks), laundry, phone calls, snacks, and shopping.

  • Tipping: Tips and gratuities for your Tibetan tour guide, drivers, and local staff.

  • Unforeseen costs: Extra expenses caused by road blockages, natural disasters, political unrest, flight delays, or early departure from the group.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Airport
Tour start
Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Airport.

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