Extend your tour in Lhasa with a trip to the holy lake Namtso! Take in the stunning views of the crystal-clear lake, surrounded by the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. Visit the Holy Elephant Gate, one of the most iconic sights along the lakeshore, where a naturally shaped rock resembling an elephant reaches into the water. As night falls, watch the stars twinkle above the tranquil lake—an unforgettable experience at the heavenly Namtso Lake.
Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Start your amazing trip as you land in Lhasa, Tibet's heart. You'll be warmly welcomed at the airport or train station by our local guide who'll present you with a Hada, a traditional scarf that's a sign of good luck for your journey.
On your way to the hotel in downtown Lhasa, enjoy the beautiful sights of the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa Rivers, and see quaint Tibetan villages.
Once you get to your hotel, take it easy to get used to the high altitude. Rest up, move around at your own pace, and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust the high altitude.
Later in the day, your guide will give you some cool Tibetan gifts and useful tips for your trip. You'll also meet the rest of the people in your tour group.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Note:
If you need any help or have special needs, our service center at the Gangjian Hotel is here for you.
Day 2: Exploring Lhasa - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)
After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.
Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.
In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.
End your day with a welcome dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3: Exploring Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (B)
After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.
In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.
Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 4: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Holy Elephant Gate (B)
Start your day after breakfast, enjoying the morning warmth. Today's journey takes you to the beautiful Namtso Lake, known as one of Tibet's 'Three Holy Lakes.' Get ready to be amazed by the peaceful lake and the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Heading north, you'll travel through the vast Damxung Grassland, a pastoral area filled with herds of cattle and sheep, closest to Lhasa. As you go up the 5,190-meter-high Lagenla Pass, you'll see a breathtaking view of Namtso Lake, like an emerald jewel in the northern Tibetan landscape.
Descending from the pass, you'll reach Namtso Lake, covering 1,920 square kilometers and considered one of Tibet's sacred lakes. Follow your guide to the lakeshore and take a trek to Tashi Dor Island for a close-up view. The scenery here is like a vast blue ocean, with cattle and sheep grazing peacefully under the warm sun. The Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains calmly oversee the northern Tibetan grasslands, creating a serene view. Sometimes, passing trains add liveliness to the pure plateau.
After that, your guide will lead you on a hike along the lakeside, showing you mystical stone columns, peaks, meditation caves, and Buddhist sacred sites. Take your time to enjoy Namtso Lake.
At the end of the day, your guide will transfer you to the Holy Elephant Gate for an overnight stay.
Stay overnight in Holy Elephant Gate.
Day 5: Namtso Holy Elephant Gate – Lhasa (B, L)
After breakfast, you'll continue your journey with a ride in an off-road vehicle and a tourist shuttle bus to reach the Holy Elephant Gate, one of the most awe-inspiring sights along the northern shore of Namtso Lake. This scenic spot lies about 50 kilometers from your accommodation and offers some of the most iconic views of the lake region.
The Holy Elephant Gate is a striking natural rock formation that resembles a massive stone elephant, with its long trunk gracefully dipping into the crystal-clear waters of the lake—almost as if it’s pausing to drink. Beneath the endless blue sky, the snow-capped mountains are mirrored perfectly in the still surface of the lake. White clouds drift lazily above, and prayer flags flutter gently in the breeze, while sunlight dances on the water like scattered golden light, lending the scene an almost otherworldly calm.
As you take in this serene beauty, you may also witness local Tibetans on pilgrimage, offering prayers and chanting by the lakeside. The sacred atmosphere, combined with the shimmering waves and peaceful surroundings, creates a profound sense of tranquility and reverence.
After fully exploring the Holy Elephant Gate and soaking in the views, you'll begin your return journey to Lhasa in the afternoon. The drive back follows a mostly well-paved highway, with a stop for lunch along the way. Enjoy the changing scenery as you gradually descend from the high plateau back to the vibrant city of Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 6: Finish Your Memorable Journey and Depart from Lhasa (B)
Today, your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide.
The tour ends.
Dates & Cost
Class/Price for Per Person | Nov.1 to Next Feb.28 | Mar.1 to May.31 | Jun.1 to Jul.9 | Jul.10 to Aug.20 | Aug.21 to Sep.19 | Sep.20 to Oct.10 | Oct.11 to Oct.31 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Economic Class (3-Star Hotels) | 779 US$ | 809 US$ | 889 US$ | 899 US$ | 889 US$ | 899 US$ | 809 US$ |

JUNE 2025
S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 |
08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 |
JULY 2025
S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | ||
06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Please Note:
The Tibet train ticket is not included in this group tour package. Please feel free to tell us your preferred train route and departure date, we will help you get the Tibet train ticket.
Service Inclusion
- Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permit to Tibet
- All lodging listed in the itinerary. If you travel individually, you will need to share one room with another tourist. If you prefer to stay in one room by yourself, you will have to pay the single room supplement
- Meals listed in itinerary
- Entrance fees of all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Local Tour Transfers according to group size
- Local Tibetan English-speaking guide
- One shared big Oxygen tank in the car
Service Exclusion
- Chinese visa
- International flight to and out of China
- Domestic train/flight out of Tibet.(We offer domestic train/flight ticket booking service, please contact our travel experts for the details.)
- Meals not specified the itinerary
- Tips and gratitude to tour guide and drive
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.
Book Tibet train ticket together with your Tibet tour package!
All train tickets are not included in our package, which offer you more flexibility to choose your favorite train to Tibet. Just tell us your preferred route to/from Lhasa and the ticket class you want when you enquire the tour.
Enquire Now6 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour with Holy Lake Namtso
From USD 779p.p
You May Also Like
-
HOT
-
8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour with Tibet Train Experience
Tibet train (from Xining) - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Kathmandu
From USD1055 p.p.
HOT -
8 Days Tibet Everest Small Group Tour
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp – Lhasa
From USD949 p.p.
HOT -
15 Days Tibet and Mount Kailash Small Group Tour
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Mt. Everest - Mt. Kailash - Lhasa
From USD2069 p.p.
HOT
Contact Us for Your Dream Tour Now
Your are enquiring for