Glimpse of Tibet Tour
Duration:
5 Days
Max Altitude:
3800m
Country:
Tibet
Activity:
Culture Tour
Best Season:
Sept-Nov-March-May
Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
- Suitable for beginners with no prior trekking experience.
- Well-maintained trails, no technical skills required.
- Altitude up to 3,000 meters.
- Walking time up to 5 hours per day.
Explore the spiritual heart of the Himalayas with our Glimpse of Tibet Tour. Discover Lhasa’s sacred sites like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar while soaking in breathtaking mountain views and timeless Tibetan culture. This journey unveils Tibet’s rich heritage, resilient spirit, and awe-inspiring beauty—offering a rare and unforgettable experience on the peaceful “roof of the world.”
Trip Highlight
- Visit Lhasa, the mystical capital of Tibet
- Explore the iconic Potala Palace – former residence of the Dalai Lama
- Walk the pilgrimage route at Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine
- Discover Norbulinka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama
- Shop at Barkhor Bazaar, Lhasa’s vibrant traditional market
- Experience the spiritual essence and resilience of Tibetan people
- Enjoy a scenic flight over the Himalayas returning to Kathmandu
- Immerse in Tibetan culture, art, and history despite past oppression
- Witness some of the world’s most stunning landscapes
Guidelines Itinerary
Suggested itinerary: If itinerary is not suitable to your needs then no problems, we can tailor any of our itineraries or build a trip from scratch to meet your needs and preferences.
Day 1 - Arrival in Lhasa
- 3,650m/11,972ft
We arrive in Lhasa either from a direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If we decide to fly from Nepal, then we get to enjoy a beautiful hour-long trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If we choose to go to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any of the major Chinese cities or take the world’s highest train route to Lhasa. Upon our arrival in Lhasa, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up either from the airport or the train station for about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa. We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2 - Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital
- 1,350m/4,429ft
- Duration: 7-8 hrs
We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built-in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3 - Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave
- 3,800m
- Duration: 5-6 Hours
In the morning, we drive to Ganden Monastery, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3,800m) in Lhatse County, 57km east of Lhasa. It is the oldest and one of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. Ganden Monastery has extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps a suit of armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelug Sect. During the afternoon, we drive to Drayerpa Cave located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. There are more than 30 caves for Lamas who wish to meditate in a silent environment. In the evening, we drive back to Lhasa and spend the night.
Day 4 - Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
- 2,380m/7,809ft
- Duration: 6 hrs
After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now, there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site that unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve center of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 5 - Final departure
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
Our tour in the beautiful Lhasa City comes to an end today. There is nothing else to do but stroll around the Lhasa streets, shop for souvenirs or just rest in our hotel room. A representative will take us to the Lhasa airport for our onward journey.
Costs Included in Your Package
- All airport pick-ups and drop-offs by tourist vehicle
- Hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, with breakfast and taxes)
- Hotel in Lhasa (twin-sharing, with breakfast and taxes)
- All ground transportation in a private tourist vehicle (as per the itinerary)
- Tibet visa, permits, and entrance fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and sites in Tibet
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide for both Nepal and Tibet
- Required number of ground staff/helpers throughout the tour
- Ground staff's food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medical care
- All government taxes and official expenses
Costs Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner throughout the trip
- Nepal entry visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- Travel insurance (medical, emergency, cancellations, baggage loss, etc.)
- Personal expenses (e.g., bottled drinks, alcohol, beverages, etc.)
- Tips for tour leader, Tibetan guide, and drivers
- Extra costs due to flight delays, early returns, or changes caused by permit or visa issues from the Chinese government
- Additional expenses from natural disasters, rescues, political unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances
How Your Adventure Makes a Difference
Climate Action in the Himalayas:
Supporting tree planting and carbon offsetting initiatives to reduce our environmental impact.
Expanding Education Access
Providing textbooks, stationery, and learning resources to rural schools in Nepal.
School Renovation
Rebuilding and improving schools to create safe, supportive learning environments for vulnerable children in rural Nepal
Community Empowerment
Equipping communities with vocational training in sustainable agriculture and tourism, fostering economic independence
Transparent Giving
100% of our trip-based commissions go to FourPOSE Charity, driving real and lasting social change.
Start Planning Our Trip
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Read firsthand accounts of people’s experiences with us
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