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Classic Lhasa Tour with Yamdrok Lake-5 Days

  • Destination

    Tibet

  • Region

    Tibet

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 2: Moderate

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

  • Total Distance

    2000km

  • Start / End Point

    Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • Durations

    5 Days

  • Max. Altitude

    3850 m/ 12613 ft.

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    All season

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Private Luxury Tourist Vehicles


Good Karma Trekking
Travel Route: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa
Features: World Heritages, Architectures, Religious Sites, Nature Wonders, Lakes, Mountains
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with a regular tourist vehicle
Accommodation: 4 nights at Standard Hotel

In our 5-day Classic Lhasa Tour with Yamdrok Lake, you will discover all the highlights of Lhasa. Being one of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a blend of cultural, spiritual, natural, and adventure experiences.

As the center of the Tibetan Buddhist world, Lhasa is home to some of the most significant religious sites, including the Potala Palace (a World Heritage Site), Jokhang Temple (the Spiritual Heart of Tibet), and Sera Monastery (Famous for Daily Monk Debates). Besides, This tour will also take you to one of the world’s most beautiful lakes – Yamdrok Lake (Holy Lake). Besides photographing its stunning beauty and pristine turquoise waters, you can also get a great view of the snow-capped mountains surrounding it.

With an altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level, Lhasa is relatively low compared to other high-altitude regions, such as Everest Base Camp. Most people who visit Lhasa do not experience any serious altitude sickness symptoms. So, Lhasa is suitable for almost every guest to enjoy a worry-free experience in the City of Sunlight. Join us and start your Lhasa Tour!

Good Karma Trekking

Highlights

  • A Lhasa tour highlighting Yamdrok Lake typically includes travel from Lhasa to the sacred turquoise lake, often as a day trip or a stop on an overland journey to places like Gyantse or Kathmandu. The journey offers scenic mountain passes, a chance to view the Brahmaputra River, and cultural insights into Tibet. Visitors can book these trips through a travel agency, as foreigners require permits for entry into Tibet.
  • A tour combining Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake offers historical and spiritual experiences, as Yamdrok is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, revered by Tibetans and featuring a unique scorpion shape. A typical Lhasa tour with Yamdrok Lake could include the Potala Palace and monasteries in Lhasa, then a drive to the lake via the Karo-la Pass, often continuing to Gyantse and Shigatse as part of a larger Tibet itinerary. Foreign travelers must secure a Tibet Travel Permit through an agency to visit Tibet.
  • The main highlights of Lhasa, Tibet include visiting the majestic Potala Palace, which was the spiritual and temporal seat of the Dalai Lamas, exploring the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered in Tibet, and walking the ancient Barkhor Pilgrim circuit, a vibrant market street. Other key sites are the Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, two massive monastic universities where you can witness monks debating Buddhist philosophy.
  • Potala Palace Significance: The grand historic and spiritual icon of Lhasa, once the home of the Dalai Lamas.
  • Experience: Climb to the top to see the spiritual and temporal power of the palace, and explore its intricate architecture.
  • Photography: Get iconic photos of the imposing structure from locations like Chakpori Hill or Potala Palace Square, especially at sunrise.
  • Jokhang Temple Significance: The most sacred temple in Tibet, considered a spiritual center for pilgrims.
  • Experience: Witness thousands of people praying, bowing, and performing rituals, and reach its Golden Roof for breathtaking views.
  • Barkhor Street & Kora, Significance: A vibrant market and the spiritual heart of Lhasa.
  • Experience: Walk the Barkhor Kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the Jokhang Temple, joining local Tibetans in their daily prayers and devotion.
  • Monasteries,Sera Monastery: Visit this large monastic university on the hillside north of the city, known for its traditional monk debates held in the afternoon.
  • Drepung Monastery: Explore the world's largest monastery, which once housed over 10,000 monks and offers panoramic views of the city.
  • Norbulingka Palace: Discover the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, featuring high-altitude flora. Teahouses:
  • Relax at a traditional Tibetan teahouse to experience local life, taste authentic cuisine, and drink sweet tea.
  • Nightlife: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Langma Halls, which often feature live Tibetan music and dance performances.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day1: Arrival in Lhasa | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
  • Day2: Lhasa City Tour | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery(B).
  • Day3: Lhasa Culture Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan-style Featured Dinner(B,D).
  • Day4: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Tour | Yamdrok Lake, Xiazhulin Temple(B). Altitude4440m | Distance300km, about 5 hours’ drive.
  • Day5: Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfers(B). Altitude3650m | Distance 60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive

About Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, known as the "City of Sunshine" and the "Land of Gods". It is a high-altitude city (around 3,656 meters or 11,990 ft) and a spiritual, political, and cultural center for Tibetans, home to significant Tibetan Buddhist sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. The city is a hub for both traditional Tibetan culture and modern development, with a blend of old Tibetan quarters and newer, grid-like Chinese areas


What are some interesting facts about Lhasa?

Lhasa, whose name means 'the Land of Gods' in Tibetan, is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Due to its sufficient sunshine annually, it is also famed as 'the Sunshine City'. It is the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities.


What is Lhasa known as?

Lhasa serves as the economic, political, cultural, and religious center of Tibet. In Tibetan, Lhasa means "Land of the Gods," also known as the "Holy Land." The city is also referred to as the "City of Sunshine" with up to 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.


What are some interesting facts about Tibet?

At Tibet Everest Base Camp, you can stand eye-to-eye with the majestic world's highest peak. . Buddhism forms the bedrock of Tibet's culture and daily life. There are over 7000 monasteries in Tibet. Tibet is suitable for visiting all year round. Summer in Tibet is the season for festivals.

What Clothes and Equipment Should I Bring When Travelling to Tibet?

Down jacket or warm Fleece top Thermal underwear (top and bottom) Cotton shirts (short and long-sleeved) Warm cotton trousers Polarized sunglasses Beanie or warm woolen hat and gloves Scarf (to keep out dust as well as cold) Sandals Towel Sleeping bag (for camping/trekking)

How bad is Altitude sickness in Tibet, and what can I do to avoid or treat it?

With an average altitude of 4500m, Tibet is one of the highest living places on earth. Tibet air is relatively thin, and many visitors from low-altitude areas may suffer from altitude sickness. Most people suffer minor effects like headaches, loss of appetite, and a tendency to have no energy until their bodies adjust to the high terrain. It will take a few hours or days to get acclimatized. So the traveller should pre-plan the symptoms and prevention of altitude sickness before travelling to Tibet. It is better to carry altitude sickness pills to help overcome altitude sickness. You are highly recommended to stroll and take deep breaths.


What are the dos and don’ts when visiting religious sites in Tibet?

All Tibetans are religious Buddhists, so they show respect for their beliefs. Walking clockwise in or outside would be best while visiting temples, monasteries, pagodas, and Mani stones. You cannot touch Buddhist statues or sutras or take pictures of them inside temples or monasteries. Prayer wheels must not be rotated contrarily Do not touch the head of anyone. Eating horse, dog, and donkey meat are strictly prohibited. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Why Tibet Lhasa City Tour

 1:  Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Lhasa is the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet, home to many significant religious sites and landmarks. It is the residence of the Dalai Lama and the location of the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and other monasteries. Exploring these sites offers a deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage.
 2: Potala Palace: The Potala Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a magnificent palace complex that was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace showcases stunning Tibetan architecture, intricate artwork, and valuable religious artifacts.
3:  Jokhang Temple: Located in the heart of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. It attracts pilgrims from all over Tibet and showcases a vibrant and active religious atmosphere. The temple houses numerous statues, sacred relics, and religious artifacts.
4: Barkhor Street: Surrounding the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is a bustling marketplace where visitors can experience the vibrant local culture. It is a great place to shop for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and religious items and taste local Tibetan cuisine.
5: Tibetan Traditional Medicine: Lhasa is home to the renowned Tibetan Traditional Medicine Hospital, where visitors can learn about the ancient Tibetan medical system and its practices. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Tibetan medicine, its philosophy, and herbal remedies.
6: Authentic Tibetan Experience: Lhasa provides a genuine Tibetan experience with its distinct architecture, traditional Tibetan neighborhoods, and friendly local people. Exploring the city allows travelers to immerse themselves in Tibetan culture, witness traditional ceremonies, and interact with the local community.
7: Gateway to Further Exploration: Lhasa serves as a gateway to further exploration of the stunning landscapes and other significant sites in Tibet. From Lhasa, travelers can embark on various tours to visit destinations like Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and more.

Tibet Lhasa city tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural, religious, and historical aspects of Tibet, providing an enriching and memorable travel experience.


Detail Itinerary

Day1: Arrival in Lhasa | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day. Arrival Ideas: Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities. Kind Reminds: 1. It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well. 2. You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition. 3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.
  • Altitude:3650m/11975ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day2: Lhasa City Tour | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery(B).

Today, have fun in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center for a close touch of Tibetan culture, and you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. In the morning, enjoy the experience in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, fully immerse yourself by making Tibetan incense, Tibetan calligraphy, and the secrets of block printing. Tibetan incense is typically burned as an offering during religious ceremonies and rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. The ingredients used for Tibetan incense usually include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and various medicinal herbs. Besides learning how to make Tibetan incense, you can also participate in writing your own name in the Tibetan Language with the help of a local teacher, and engraving and printing it out. Handmade Tibetan incense and printed text can be taken home as a souvenir of the Tibetan cultural experience. In the afternoon, drive approximately 7km (about 20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day3: Lhasa Culture Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan-style Featured Dinner(B,D).

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans. In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.) Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.) Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine, specially offered by Good Karma team.

Day4: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Tour | Yamdrok Lake, Xiazhulin Temple(B). Altitude4440m | Distance300km, about 5 hours’ drive.

This morning, head to Yamdrok Lake from Lhasa (125km, about 3 hours) to appreciate the amazing natural landscapes .Then pay a visit to the quiet Xiazhulin Temple on the way back to Lhasa for a panoramic view of the Yarlung Zangbo River. When reaching Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you’ll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) down below as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. You'd better have your camera ready to capture its beauty. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it’s a subsidy income for their family. Located 15km away from Lhasa Airport, Xiazhulin Temple, Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is small and quiet compared to other popular ancient temples. With an altitude of 3200m, Xiazhulin Temple is the best spot to view the Yarlung Zangbo River (the Brahmaputra River), which is one of the longest rivers in Asia, spanning about 2,900 km. Tibetans consider the Yarlung Zangbo River to be a holy river. It originates in the Himalayas of Tibet and flows through several countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Xiazhulin Temple is also famous for the body of the auspicious goddess that it enshrines. It is said that she was born a thousand years ago and was 12 years old when she passed away. After passing away, her body naturally shrunk to only one cubit high, sitting in a Tara posture, with one eye even slightly open, as if she were half asleep. Legend has it that she is the true incarnation of the auspicious goddess Green Tara, who was later enshrined in this temple. The Lamas inside the temple are kind and happy to answer questions and explain the wall paintings there. we back evening overnight in Lhasa

Day5: Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfers(B). Altitude3650m | Distance 60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive

It is time to end your 5-day Lhasa Group Tour. And your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination. Thank you for choosing Good Karma Trekking for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Most Common FAQs


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