Overview

Embark on a 5-day tour from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most beautiful and sacred lakes. This journey combines cultural immersion in Lhasa with the natural beauty of Yamdrok Lake, offering a perfect blend of spiritual and scenic experiences. Explore the heart of Tibetan culture, visit iconic monasteries, and marvel at the stunning turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake.

Highlights

Marvel at the iconic Potala Palace and the revered Jokhang Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich with history and culture.
Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, to uncover the peaceful routines and spiritual practices of Tibetan monks.
Experience the lively monk debates at Sera Monastery, a unique glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Wander through the vibrant Barkhor Street, soaking in the atmosphere of Lhasa’s ancient charm and spiritual energy.
Breathtaking Yamdrok Lake: Marvel at one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
Scenic countryside drive: Enjoy picturesque landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and serene valleys during your journey to and from Yamdrok Lake.
Connect with the local culture by exploring traditional homes, bustling teahouses, and joining Tibetans in their devotional activities such as the kora around Jokhang Temple.

Itinerary

Your Tibetan adventure begins with a warm greeting from your local guide, who will welcome you in traditional Tibetan style by presenting you with a Hada (a ceremonial Tibetan scarf).

You’ll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa in the comfort of a private vehicle. Along the way, follow the serene Kyichu River, where you’ll pass Tibetan homes adorned with trapezoid-shaped windows and fluttering prayer flags. Locals in their distinctive traditional attire can often be seen walking along the roadside.

Take a short stop near Nietang Buddha, an impressive centuries-old Buddha statue carved into a stone cliff face. As you approach Lhasa, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Potala Palace, perched majestically on a hill and dominating the cityscape.

After arriving at your hotel, rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude. Take it easy on your first day, stay hydrated, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Optional: Depending on your flight time or your acclimatization, this evening, you can take a peaceful stroll around the tranquil Dragon King Pond Park, a hidden gem near the Potala Palace. It’s a serene place where locals come to relax, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and birds circling overhead. The pond offers a unique vantage point to photograph the Potala Palace from a different angle, bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

Tips: When you first arrive in Lhasa, we kindly suggest skipping the shower if you can, and taking it easy. During the whole trip, always walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and keep a calm and positive mindset. Remember to respect local customs and soak in the incredible beauty of this sacred plateau. Doing so will make your journey in Tibet feel even more comfortable, special and memorable.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa

This morning, we’ll start our exploration of Lhasa from the iconic Potala Palace, often called the “golden crown of the Roof of the World.” Visible from afar, its golden roofs shimmer in the sunlight. Spend about an hour exploring its grand interior, including the Dalai Lama’s former chambers and an impressive array of Buddhist relics and artifacts.

In the afternoon, tour the sacred Jokhang Temple, a spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. This architectural masterpiece houses numerous chapels dedicated to enlightened beings, protectors, and high lamas. The temple walls and ceilings are adorned with vibrant paintings, intricate patterns, and silk banners, creating a kaleidoscope of color. At its center stands a stunning 30-foot gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Then continue your exploration by a clockwise kora around the temple on the historic Barkhor Street, filled with the scent of yak butter and incense. Afterward, enjoy the Tibetan sweet tea at a cozy local tea house. The warm atmosphere, decorated with traditional Tibetan decor, invites you to unwind and soak in the local culture.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, housing over 10,000 monks. From a distance, its grand white buildings resemble a heap of rice, which inspired its name, meaning “Monastery of Collecting Rice” in Tibetan. Explore its fascinating history and gain insight into the lives of Tibetan monks.

In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 and renowned as an important Buddhist seminary. The monastery’s gardens are filled with wild roses, earning it the nickname “Court of Wild Rose.” Enjoy a scenic hike in the surrounding valley before witnessing the famous monks’ debate (held daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM). This spirited exchange of Buddhist philosophy is a highlight of the visit.

We’ll end the day with a visit to a Tibetan family, sharing stories, exploring local customs, and embracing a unique culture.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

Today, you will leave Lhasa and embark on a journey to one of Tibet’s “Three Holy Lakes” — the stunning Yamdrok Lake, where you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine waters.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you on a scenic drive, crossing the 4,990-meter-high Gambala Pass to reach the sacred Yamdrok Lake. From the Gambala Pass platform, you can witness Yamdrok Lake stretching like a sapphire ribbon, reaching toward the towering Noijin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters) — an unforgettable sight of natural beauty.

The lake, with its jade-like color, is framed by snow-covered peaks and lush green meadows where livestock graze peacefully. It’s a tranquil setting where herders tend to their animals, monks meditate on small islands, and the calm waters provide endless breathtaking views, far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Following your guide’s lead, you will ascend to the Lurila Platform, offering a panoramic view of the shimmering Yamdrok Lake and the towering, snow-capped Gulha Kangri peaks. Next, visit the Rutok Temple, where solitary monks practice their spiritual rituals in this ancient temple, and enjoy an expansive view of the lake and its islands.

For lunch, you can enjoy local Tibetan cuisine at a charming lakeside restaurant, where a local family will serve you regional delicacies. Afterward, take a moment to relax at the scenic platform, sipping coffee while soaking in the awe-inspiring vista of the beautiful Yamdrok Lake.

After fully enjoy the beauty of the holy lake, you’ll return to Lhasa and spend the night.[Breakfast]

Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and assist you with boarding.

As your journey comes to an end, Tibet bids you farewell, and its timeless beauty welcomes you back anytime. [B]

Price Details

For a private tour, you can travel on any dates that work best for you — unlike the fixed departures of group tours. Our private tour price varies depending on group size, travel season etc. For reference, the $699/person rate is based on 4 travelers in low season. For other group sizes or season dates, please contact us for a custom quote👉

Include:

Accommodation at 3-star* standard hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse, guesthouse or tent near Mt. Everest Base Camp
Breakfasts included in hotels
One private vehicle and one experienced driver throughout the tour
A Professional Tibetan English-speaking tour guide
All necessary Tibet travel permits
Entrance tickets to all listed attractions
Tourist accident / casualty insurance
Service charge and government tax
Oxygen for emergency use
Bottled mineral water

*We offer a free upgrade to 4-star hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse when available.

Not Include:

International and domestic flights / trains
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, drinks etc.
Other expenses not mentioned in the above including list.

Our Services Guarantee:

We pride ourselves on transparency. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges during your trip.

If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, we offer a full refund if the cancellation is made at least 3 months before the departure date.

As a trusted and experienced travel company, we have no difficulty in obtaining all the necessary Tibet travel permits for you. We guarantee that there will be no failure in securing your permits due to any fault on our part. Rest assured, you won’t need to worry about any documentation from our side.

Whenever possible, we strive to offer complimentary hotel upgrades to enhance your comfort and overall experience.

We ensure that all transportation, accommodations, and activities meet the highest safety and health standards in Tibet, including measures for altitude sickness prevention.

Your tour guide and driver will be available 24/7 for support and assistance during the whole trip.

Travel Notes and Tips

The ideal time to visit Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake is between April and October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing. From May to September, the grasslands surrounding Yamdrok Lake turn vibrant green, enhancing the lake’s stunning beauty.
Although winter (November to March) is colder, Yamdrok Lake takes on a unique charm, with its serene waters set against a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes, offering a different but equally captivating experience.

The following documents are required for foreign tourists to travel to Tibet Everest Base Camp: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit (also called Tibet Entry Permit, which will be required for boarding the train / flight to Lhasa), and Alien’s Travel Permit (which is usually handled after you arrive in Tibet with your original passport).

Note: Tourists from HongKong, Macau and Taiwan needs different travel documentation. Please feel free to contact us for more info.

It is necessary to provide photos or photocopies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. Those on a working visa need to include a work certificate, while student visa holders must provide student documentation. Taiwanese tourists only need photos or photocopies of their Mainland Travel Permit. The permit processing generally takes 7-14 working days, and once approved, we’ll send it to your address in mainland China (such as your hotel address) 3-5 days before your trip. You’ll need to show this permit for boarding the flight / train to Lhasa.

Yamdrok Lake sits at an elevation of 4,441 meters, slightly higher than Lhasa, which is at 3,650 meters above sea level. For first-time visitors to high-altitude areas, there is a chance of experiencing altitude sickness, especially if not properly acclimated.
To minimize this risk, our 5-day itinerary to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake is carefully designed. The first three days are spent in Lhasa, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the altitude. On the fourth day, after acclimatizing, you’ll visit Yamdrok Lake, greatly reducing the likelihood of altitude sickness during your trip.

The distance from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake is approximately 100 kilometers, with well-maintained roads making it a comfortable 2-hour drive each way. A day trip provides 3-5 hours at the lake for sightseeing and photographt, making it an unhurried and enjoyable experience.
However, be aware that after leaving Highway 318 near Dagaxiang in Qushui County, the route includes winding mountain roads. These may cause motion sickness for some travelers, so bringing motion sickness pills is advisable if you’re prone to it.

You’ll explore Yamdrok Lake through four scenic viewing points, giving you ample time to admire the breathtaking views, capture stunning photographs, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the plateau.
Our Tibetan guides ensure the tour schedule is carefully managed, allowing you to fully enjoy and document the beauty of Yamdrok Lake. This thoughtful planning ensures your visit will be a cherished and unforgettable part of your journey.

Clothing: Bring thermal underwear, warm sweaters or fleece, and a thick down jacket. Windproof pants and thermal leggings are advisable. Sturdy hiking boots, scarves, gloves, and hats are essential for layering.
Personal Items: Include skincare products (cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen), hygiene essentials (toothpaste, toothbrush, towel), and sunglasses for sun protection. A U-shaped pillow can add comfort during long travels, along with a thermal flask for hot water.
Common Medications: Pack band-aids, motion sickness tablets, cold remedies, gastrointestinal aids, altitude sickness medication, and any personal prescriptions.
Electronics: Bring chargers, power banks, cameras, and earphones as needed.
Cash and Cards: While mobile payments are growing, having some cash and a bank card is wise for purchases in more remote areas.