Arrival in Lhasa

Lhasa River Marsh - Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport or Railway Station, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The journey from Lhasa Airport to downtown typically takes about 1.5 hours, while from Lhasa Railway Station, it takes approximately 20 minutes. After checking in at the hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. However, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Resting well on the first day is essential for acclimatizing to the high altitude. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat lightly, and avoid showering if possible.

Lhasa Suburb (B)

Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si) - In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery, which translates to Monastery of Rice Heap in Tibetan. The monastery is expansive, with white buildings that cluster and cover the hillsides. Drepung Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, once housing over 10,000 monks. The first to fifth Dalai Lamas held their enthronement ceremonies here, and all Dalai Lamas regard Drepung Monastery as their “mother temple,” making it the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect.

Sera Monastery - After approximately three hours at Drepung Gompa, you will enjoy a one-hour lunch at the monastery restaurant before heading to the next scenic spot. The highlight at Sera Gompa is the Buddhist philosophy debate. The debate venue at Sera Monastery is part of the traditional learning method of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, with debates held from 3 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. During these debates, monks typically sit on the ground while another stands opposite, using exaggerated gestures to discuss scriptures. This is both a discussion of Buddhist knowledge and a learning method for lamas. The debate ceremony at Sera Monastery is renowned in Tibetan areas and draws many tourists. Except for special holidays, debates are held from Monday to Friday, offering visitors a chance to witness this unique form of religious learning firsthand.

Lhasa City (B)

Jokhang Temple - At noon, the tour guide will take you to a nice restaurant for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, you will visit Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa’s old town. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and is always bustling with devoted local pilgrims from early morning.

Barkhor Street - Following this, you will stroll around Barkhor Street, one of the most devotional circuits and a bustling central market in Lhasa. Barkhor Street is an ancient circular street surrounding Jokhang Temple, and the locals take great pride in it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is a must-see destination for visitors.

Lhasa > Airport/Railway (B)

Lhasa - Today marks the end of your 4-day Lhasa City Essential Group Tour. After breakfast, you will have the morning free. Our staff will pick you up from your hotel around noon to transfer you to Lhasa Airport. For those traveling by Lhasa Railway, we will arrange complimentary individual transport. End of tour!

• Travel Agency Liability insurance
• 3 Breakfasts & 1 Welcome Dinner, 1 Lunch at Drepung monastery restaurant
• Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB)
• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day
• 3 Nights, twin room en suite in 3★/4★
• Oxygen tank for emergency use
• Licensed vehicle according to group size & season as itinerary needed
• Government Tax
• All entrance fee mentioned in itinerary

• Private Lhasa Airport transfers if your flight isn’t within our free service time.
• *Private Lhasa train station transfers if your train isn’t our group date. USD30 per transfer.
• Personal expenses
• Anything not listed in INCLUSIONS

Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, boasts a rich and distinctive cultural heritage. Located on the Tibetan Plateau, it is famously known as the “City of Sunlight” due to its plentiful sunshine year-round. At an elevation of over 3,600 meters, Lhasa provides stunning views of snow-capped mountains, expansive grasslands, and clear blue skies.

The residents of Lhasa are known for their friendliness and warmth. Tibetan culture is deeply embedded in their everyday lives, from traditional festivals like the Shoton Festival to their unique customs and languages. Lhasa serves not only as a city but also as a gateway to experiencing the profound and enigmatic Tibetan culture.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.