Destination
Tibet
Region
Tibet
Trip Grade
Grade 2: Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Total Distance
2000km
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Durations
5 Days
Max. Altitude
4820m/15817ft
Meals Included
Breakfast
Group Size
above 1 pax
Best Season
All season
Activity per day
8 hr
Transportation
Private Luxury Tourist Vehicles
Trip Highlights
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is renowned for its stunning Tibetan Buddhist architecture and vibrant cultural experiences. The highlights include the majestic Potala Palace, the spiritual heart of Lhasa, and the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. Exploring Barkhor Street, a bustling pilgrimage circuit and market, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the city. Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, both large monastic universities, are also must-see attractions.
Potala Palace: The former winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, this iconic structure dominates the Lhasa skyline and is a testament to Tibetan architecture and history.
Jokhang Temple: The most sacred temple in Tibet, it houses a precious statue of Buddha and is a major pilgrimage site.
Barkhor Street: A vibrant circuit around Jokhang Temple, it's a hub of activity with shops, street vendors, and pilgrims.
Sera Monastery: Known for its daily monk debates, this monastery offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and monastic life.
Drepung Monastery: Once one of the largest monasteries in the world, it houses a vast complex and offers panoramic views of Lhasa.
Norbulingka: The Dalai Lamas' summer palace, featuring beautiful gardens and palaces.
Tibetan Teahouses: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan tea and soak in the local atmosphere.
Traditional Tibetan Clothing: Experience the local culture by trying on traditional Tibetan attire.
Nightlife in Lhasa: Explore the local bars and pubs, including the American musical bar, Ice Chili, and the
Langma Hall for traditional Tibetan music and dance.
Yamdrok Lake: A scenic turquoise lake, accessible on a day trip from Lhasa.
Trip Overview
5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World
Tour Route: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa
The 5-day journey blends the most classic Lhasa tour with a scenic ride to picture-postcard Yamdrok Lake, which is truly an icing on the cake. Without putting up with the long drive, the 5-day tour can just be a perfect choice for travelers of all ages,especially families.
Starting from Lhasa,the exploration begins with the city’s sacred landmarks, including the iconic Potala Palace and the revered Jokhang Temple. Visits to the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery provide deeper insights into Tibetan Buddhism and the daily lives of Tibetan monks, offering a glimpse into their study and monastery existence.
What sets our Yamdrok Lake tour apart is the opportunity to view the lake from four distinct platforms, capturing a panoramic perspective of this sacred waterbody. Last but certainly not least, you’ll have the chance to visit the isolated monastery on a small island in Yamdrok Lake, meeting the monk who has resided there alone for an extended period.
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Lhasa(3650m)!
When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.
Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.
After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.
In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.
In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet – Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.
Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks’ daily routines and living conditions.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 – 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.
After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.
After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.
In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion – the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
This is the day excursion to Yamdrok Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes of Tibet’.
After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll experience a different side of Tibet – the peace and tranquility outside the bustling Lhasa city. The Yamdrok Lake reflects various colors in different lights. You can also see local nomads grazing their yaks on the lakeshore.
Start your Yamdrok Lake tour from Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unfold before your eyes.
Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.
For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the local dishes by the lakeside. On the platform, you can also savor a cup of coffee and relish leisure time while indulging in the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.
Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.
Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.
Thank you for choosing Good Karma Trekking , and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.
Cost Includes
- Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees);
- Local tour transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable tourist vehicle according to the group size;
- All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
- All meals listed in the itinerary;
- Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group (For prices of tour guides in other languages, please inquire);
- All hotels listed in the itinerary or equivalent three-star hotels. Upgrades are available for an additional fee. (Single room supplement required when not sharing the room);
- Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station/Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel;
- Service Charge & Government Taxes;
- Arrangements including planning, handling, operational, and communication charges;
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
- Additional services include fine Tibetan souvenirs, a tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.
Cost Excludes
- China Visa (If you need visa assistance services, especially for Chinese Group Visa from Nepal to Tibet, feel free to contact us for more details.);
- International flight to and out of China;
- Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa (If you need us to book the domestic flight/train tickets, please contact us for the details.);
- Single Room Supplement: Hotels default to double occupancy with twin-bedded rooms. If you prefer a single room or room sharing isn't possible, a single room supplement is necessary. Please consult the travel consultant for specific pricing details.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary;
- Tips for the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service,
- Other expenses caused by force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic control, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.);
