7-Day Private Tibet Tour of Lhasa, Gyangtse, and Shigatse
Embark on a captivating 7-day private tour of Tibet, starting in the spiritual heart of Lhasa and journeying through the historically significant cities of Gyantse and Shigatse. Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the iconic landmarks of Lhasa, including the majestic Potala Palace, the serene Norbulingka Palace, and the sacred Jokhang Temple. Delve into Tibet's rich religious heritage with visits to the renowned Drepung and Sera Monasteries, where you can witness the vibrant traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Stroll through the bustling Barkhor Street, where the ancient and modern worlds converge in a lively atmosphere. This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the profound spirituality, culture, and history of Tibet.
Day 1
Lhasa Airport Pick-up
Lhasa Gonggar Airport
Your guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area at Lhasa Airport, where the altitude is almost 12,000 feet (3,650 m) above sea level. A comfortable drive will transfer you to check in your hotel. It is suggested that you have a good rest at the hotel for the remainder of the day to acclimate to the high altitude in case of acute mountain sickness.
Day 2
Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka Park
Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)
After breakfast, you are going to visit the Drepung Monastery, located in the western suburb of the city. It is one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' and the largest one in Tibetan Buddhism. Looking at it from a distance, the monastery is like a heap of rice, consisting of a group of white buildings layer upon layer.
Sera Monastery
In the afternoon, you will first visit the Sera Monastery, the second largest monastery in Tibet, which is well-known for the excellent debating of Buddhist doctrines among lamas.
Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden)
After that, you'll visit the nearby Norbulingka Park, the most beautiful and largest man-made park in Tibet. This park was built 200 years ago and used to be the Summer Palace of religious leaders of the region
Day 3
Potala Palace, Tibet Museum, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street
Potala Palace
Your impressive excursion to the splendid Potala Palace is scheduled in the morning. Originally built in the 7th century as an imperial palace, the Potala Palace has experienced a 600-year's unrest until the reconstruction in the 17th century. From then on, it has been the political, religious, cultural, and economic center of Tibet. Currently, it is the largest treasure house of this mysterious land, attracting a great number of travelers and pilgrims every day.
Tibet Museum
The next stop is the Tibet Museum, which offers visitors an opportunity to learn much about the region. A vast amount of cultural heritage is on display.
Jokhang Temple
After lunch, you will proceed to the 1370-year-old Jokhang Temple, the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. You will get close to Tibetan Buddhism here and learn about the loyal believers.
Barkhor Street
Next, you will continue to the iconic Barkhor Street, where you will find the original look of Lhasa. Strolling on the stone road, you will enjoy the quaint ancient buildings and the delicate handicrafts. Finally, you will head to a Nunnery to get close to the lifestyle of Buddhist nuns.
Day 4
Drive to Gyangtse, Visit Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Karola Glacier, and Gyangtse Old Street
Yamdrok Yumtso Lake
After breakfast, your guide will take you to Gyangtse by private vehicle. On the way, you will first stop to visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Located at an altitude of 4,441 meters, this picturesque lake features its pure water winding through mountains, which bring it some interesting names like Coral Lake and Green Jade Lake. During the drive, you will also enjoy the beautiful landscape of the snow-capped Karola Glacier.
Gyangze Old Street
On arrival in Gyangtse, you will be helped to check in your hotel and have a short rest. Then you will ramble leisurely through the Gyangtse Old Street to enjoy the different lifestyle and immerse in the peaceful ambiance.
Day 5
Palchhor Monastery, Gyangtse-Shigatse Transfer, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and New Palace of Panchen
Pelkor Chode Monastery
After breakfast, you will go to visit the Palcho Monastery first. The temple plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhism where the three sects - the Gelug Sect, the Sakya Sect and the Bkav-gdam Sect coexist with each other harmoniously. Here you will also see the world-famous pagoda, the Bodhi Dagoba. It is also named 'Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda' as more than ten thousand figures of Buddha are painted in the hall. There are also a thousand clay, copper, and gold statues of Buddha in the pagoda, which can be called the Museum of Buddha Statues. Afterward, a 1-hour drive will escort you to Shigatse.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
After the check-in at your hotel, you will proceed to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the biggest temple in Shigatse. Covering an area of 150,000 square meters, this 570-year-old monastery is not only famous for its importance in Tibetan Buddhism, but also for its splendid buildings and murals. Not far from the Tashilhunpo Monastery, you will come to the New Palace of Panchen, which houses many precious historical items about Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 6
Drive Back to Lhasa
Lhasa
Today you will be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa. Tibet is a vast land permeated with mystery and national characteristics. It takes longer to transfer from one place to another, so you will spend a lot of time on the vehicle if you explore further. But enjoy the fascinating natural scenery along the way should make for a pleasant journey.
Day 7
Departure from Lhasa, Airport See-off
Lhasa Gonggar Airport After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport on time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant journey!
- Explore Tibet on a private 7-day tour that starts in Lhasa and continues to the important cities of Gyantse and Shigatse
- Travel with an experienced guide through Lhasa to see Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Street
- Professional private guide and driver
- Group Restrictions: adult : Age 3–70
Gratuities China Visa Fee
