Lhasa Explore Tour, you have a 7-day tour package taking you through Kathmandu, Nepal, and Lhasa, China. Lhasa, the remote abode of the Dalai Lamas, the object of devout pilgrimage and the heart and soul of Tibet, is still a city of wonders, despite the large-scale encroachments of modern Chinese influence. The first hint that Lhasa is close is the Potala, a vast white-and-ochre fortress soaring over one of the world’s highest cities. It’s a sight that has heralded the marvels of the Holy City to travelers for close to four centuries and it still raises goosebumps. It is hard to imagine a thriving city at such an altitude, functioning as the religious, cultural, and economic hub of Tibet.
While the Potala dominates the skyline, the Jokhang, some 2km to the east, is the real spiritual heart of the city. An otherworldly mix of flickering butter lamps, wafting incense, and prostrating pilgrims, the Jokhang is the most sacred and alive of Tibet’s temples. It is here and the encircling Barkhor pilgrim circuit that most visitors first fall in love with Tibet.
The old Tibetan quarter makes up a small area of Lhasa these days. The modern city is a Chinese boomtown, where a new train line has fuelled massive growth in tourism changing the face of Lhasa daily. For all its modernization Lhasa remains a fantastic cultural hybrid, its streets bustling with a diverse mix of people. As the gateway to the ‘real’ Tibet, out in the countryside, Lhasa deserves at least a week to see all the sights, soak up the backstreets, and organize the adventures that beckon at the city limits.
Start and end in Kathmandu! With the in-depth cultural tour Lhasa Explore – 7 Days, you have a 7-day tour package taking you through Kathmandu, Nepal, and Lhasa, China. Lhasa Explore – 7 Days includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport, and more.
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city.
Accommodation:- Hotel
Meal:- Welcome Dinner
From Kathmandu International Airport we have 1 hour 10 minutes, Trans Himalayan Flight to Gonggar airport, considered one of the most beautiful flights in the world that takes us over Everest (8848m) and Kanchenjunga (8536m). Those who wish to join in Lhasa can arrive in Lhasa on the date mentioned. We will be meeting at Gonggar Airport with our Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, we take a 1.5-hour drive along a 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude.
Accommodation:- Hotel (Twin- sharing basis)
Meal:- Breakfast
Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to SERA MONASTERY. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. The equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring NORBULINGKA, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. JOKHANG TEMPLE is another important sacred site that unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit BARKHOR MARKETS can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibitions of Tibetan culture, customs, and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as we return to the comforts of our hotel.
Accommodation:- Hotel (Twin- sharing basis)
Meal:- Breakfast
Like the previous day, we experience invaluable insights during our visits to POTALA PALACE and DREPUNG MONASTERY. This 17th-century POTALA PALACE offers an awesome view of the entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand staterooms, and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in the 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.
Accommodation:- Hotel (Twin- sharing basis)
Meal:- Breakfast
Drive to GANDEN MONASTERY which has extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps an armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa. Afternoon we drive to DRAYERPA CAVE to visit the local Lama in caves. Drayer Pa cave is 35kms far from Lhasa city and there are more than 30 caves for silence thinker lama for religious, we need 1.5 hours to visit some of them, and we need to give little money for their wild cave life. It lies in a valley with a beautiful view around and evening back to Lhasa.
Accommodation:- Hotel (Twin- sharing basis)
Meal:- Breakfast
We take a last memorable look at the Potala Palace before being transported to the airport for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Accommodation:- Hotel
Meal:- Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, India or Bhutan tours, etc.
Meals: Breakfast
***Flights are not included in this tour
NOTE: All of the trekking hours and distances mentioned above are estimates and should only be used as a general guideline.
Be mindful of the high altitude in Lhasa, which stands at approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). It’s recommended to acclimatize gradually to prevent altitude-related issues. Adequate rest and hydration are crucial during the initial days.
Ensure you have the necessary travel permits for Tibet. Foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, and additional permits may be required for specific regions or attractions. It’s advisable to coordinate with a reputable tour operator like Overland Trek Nepal to handle the permit application process.
Tibet experiences diverse climatic conditions. While Lhasa has a semi-arid climate, temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Pack accordingly, including layers for varying temperatures and comfortable walking shoes.
Tibet has a deeply rooted Buddhist culture. Show respect for local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. It’s customary to walk clockwise around sacred sites, known as kora, and to refrain from photography in certain areas.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available in Lhasa, but they may have limited services, so plan accordingly.
Respect photography guidelines, especially in religious sites. Some monasteries may have restrictions on photography inside prayer halls or specific areas. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
Explore Tibetan cuisine, characterized by hearty and flavorful dishes. Try traditional staples like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and yak-based dishes. It’s also recommended to try Tibetan butter tea, a unique local beverage.
Public transportation options in Lhasa include taxis and buses. For tours to more remote areas, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour. Pre-arrange transportation for ease of travel which will be arranged by Overland Trek Nepal.
Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling to Tibet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Carry essential medications, and be mindful of maintaining good health practices in the high-altitude environment.
While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, many Tibetans speak Tibetan. Learning a few basic Tibetan phrases can enhance your travel experience and foster positive interactions with locals even, you will have a guide with you if you need any help.
The Overland Trek Nepal Team will be providing a Duffel Bag and a Down Jacket (on a refundable basis), upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
This journey encompasses urban, rural, and remote areas in Nepal and Tibet, resulting in varying accommodations and amenities. Whether it’s five-star hotels and guest houses or camping in the breathtaking Himalayan regions under the care of our staff, you can be confident that we will consistently offer the best possible facilities in every instance.
All Travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of tour completion.
