5 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour with Three Major Monasteries

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.

Today, we’ll visit Drak Yerpa Monastery, located 30 kilometers from Lhasa. Nestled in steep mountains, this sacred site has been a retreat for meditating saints like Padma Sambhava and King Srongtsen Gampo.

Surrounded by singing birds, fragrant flowers, and monks in crimson robes, the monastery feels like a paradise. The vast scenery and deep spiritual atmosphere are truly moving.

We’ll find a quiet cave to sit and meditate, connecting with the wisdom of ancient sages. A simple lunch will be provided due to the remote location.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a drive to the Ganden Monastery, located approximately 60 kilometers east of Lhasa. This monastery, one of the "Great Three" Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet, was established by the Great Tsongkhapa in 1409.

Once there, you will have the opportunity to explore the chapels of Ganden Monastery and pay homage to the tomb of Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelugpa sect. If your physical condition allows and the weather is favorable, you can opt to join a guided hike around the Ganden Kora, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the expansive Kyichu valley.

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.