6 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour with Holy Lake Namtso

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.