6-Day Private Tibet Tour: Lhasa, Gyangtse, and Shigatse, Lhasa

About this activity

Isolated among the highest lands on earth, Tibet is one of the most mystical and spiritual holy places in the world. On this charming trip, you will get to fully appreciate Tibetan natural beauty, diversity, Buddhist culture and rich history. The trip begins from Lhasa, then to Gyangtse to witness the beauty of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. Finally drive to Shigatse to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which earned a reputation for the splendid Tibetan Buddhist culture.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Travel China Guide

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Adults (12–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
Included: Professional private guide and driver
Included: Lunch
Included: Tibet travel permit
Included: Breakfast
Included: 5 nights of accommodations based on twin-sharing room
Included: Two bottled waters per person, per day

Not included

Not included: China Visa Fee
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Not suitable for people over 80 years old

Itinerary

Day 1 · Lhasa Airport Pick-up

Stop 1

one hour

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.

Tangka Hotel (4 stars)

Day 2 · Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka Park

Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)

3 hours Admission included

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.
Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden)

one hour Admission included

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.
Sera Monastery

2 hours Admission included

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.

Tangka Hotel (4 stars)

Day 3 · Potala Palace, Tibet Museum, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street

Potala Palace

2 hours Admission included

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.
Jokhang Temple

2 hours Admission included

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

2 hours

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.

Tangka Hotel (4 stars)

Day 4 · Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

3 hours Admission included

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Gyangtse by private vehicle. On the way, you will first stop to pay a visit to a local family, and you can have a deep understanding of the life of local Tibetan people by talking with them.

Continue the trip to 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

one hour

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.
Stop 3

one hour Admission included

After that, you will be accompanied to visit the Palcho Monastery, which is famous for being the Tibetan Buddhism center. Another highlight is Kumbum Stupa, which collects numerous delicate Buddha murals and various clay, copper and gold statues. You can even climb up inside the stupa to appreciate the impressive artistry.
Pala Manor

one hour Admission included

Drive to Shigatse. Drop by the Pala Manor, the main estate of the Pala family, one of the three well-preserved great manors of Tibetan aristocrats. Here offers an insight into the past luxury life of Tibetan old nobilities. Now it preserves 57 rooms with exquisite murals and some of the furniture also remains.
Shigatse

one hour

Continue driving you to Shigatse and check in at the local hotel.

Gasar Hotel (4 stars)- VIP Building

Day 5 · Shigatse - Lhasa

Stop 1

2 hours Admission included

After breakfast, we will visit the largest temple in Shigatse area, the 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.
Lhasa

5 hours

Drive you back to Lhasa and transfer you to the hotel there. Tibet is a vast land permeated with mystery and national characteristics. During the long drive, you can enjoy the fascinating natural scenery along the way.

Tangka Hotel (4 stars)

Day 6 · Departure from Lhasa, Airport See-off

Stop 1

one hour

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport on time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant journey!

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Lhasa Airport

Using your ticket

You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
High altitude. Consult with your doctor if it is suitable for your physical condition.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
On the first day of your arrival, avoid vigorous activities such as walking fast, running and swimming. Bathing and smoking are also not recommended.
Tibet tours must be booked at least 30 days in advance; upon booking, clear copies of all travelers' passports and Chinese visas must immediately be sent to the local tour operator in order to apply for and obtain your Tibet travel permit in time for your tour
Please note that if your Chinese visa is not an 'L' tourist visa, then you need to provide supplementary letters from your sponsored organization; please contact the local operator for more details
If you're flying into Tibet from mainland China: You need the original copy of the Tibet travel permit that the local tour operator will send to your hotel in mainland China. Therefore, please provide your hotel details (name, address and contact numbers) and your hotel reservation number. If you are not staying at a hotel and have a connection flight to Tibet from mainland China, please provide detailed flight information so the local operator can arrange someone from the tour company to deliver your permit to you at the airport in China when you arrive
If you're taking a train to Tibet from mainland China: You will only need a printed copy of the Tibet permit, which you will receive from the local operator via email
If you fly into Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal: You don’t need to have a Chinese visa, but you do need a Tibet Group Visa (same as a Chinese visa) from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. When you send the copy of your passport to the local tour operator after booking, the staff will help you to get the Tibet Group Visa. The Tibet Group Visa fee is not included in the tour price, so you will be asked to pay at the embassy. Please keep in mind that even if you have a Chinese visa, if you enter Tibet from Nepal, it is required that you have the Tibet Group Visa. Please be advised that when you apply for the Tibet Group Visa, the Chinese Embassy will cancel your current visa. You can only apply for the Tibet Group Visa through a local Nepalese agent, so this tour operator's local agent in Nepal will help you obtain it