Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet. This tour offers a perfect blend of ancient Tibetan history, sacred monasteries, and stunning natural beauty. Experience the vibrant city of Lhasa, visit iconic landmarks, and explore the spiritual serenity of Ganden Monastery.

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.
Explore Drak Yerpa Monastery, the sacred site where historic Tibetan saints practiced meditation, experiencing the profound tranquility of the place.
Visit Ganden Monastery, one of Tibet’s “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries founded by Tsongkhapa. Trek around the monastery and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
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 [Breakfast]

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 [Brealfast]

Today, we will first travel to Drak Yerpa Monastery, located approximately 30 kilometers from Lhasa. Nestled on a steep mountain, this sacred site has been a place of meditation for many renowned figures in Tibetan history, including Padma Sambhava, Master Tsongkhapa, and King Songtsen Gampo.

As we ascend the mountain, the air is filled with the sounds of joyful birds, the fragrance of wildflowers, and the sight of monks in crimson robes, resembling spirits of the forest. Upon entering the main gate of Drak Yerpa Monastery, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the valley and snow-capped peaks. The serenity of the surroundings feels like stepping into a realm of paradise, offering a deeply moving experience that connects you with the vast, inclusive nature of Buddhism.

We will find a peaceful cave on the mountain, where you can sit in quiet contemplation and savor the stillness of the moment. Here, your mind can join with the ancient sages, allowing your thoughts to flow and merge with the practice of meditation—this is the gift of today’s spiritual journey.

As dining options in the mountains are limited, you’ll have a simple lunch during the visit.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Ganden Monastery, one of Tibet’s “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries, founded by the esteemed Tsongkhapa in 1409. The monastery is home to Tsongkhapa’s tomb. You can walk around the monastery (called Lingkor or circumambulation), visiting Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and various religious statues while enjoying panoramic views of the Lhasa valley.

After exploring Ganden, we will return to Lhasa city.

[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 optimal time to visit Lhasa, Drak Yerpa and Ganden Monastery is between April and October. During this period, the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures and abundant oxygen, making it the most ideal for travel. Specifically, April to May and September to October are considered the best months for a visit.

Although July and August are the rainy season, it’s also the peak tourist period. Rain typically occurs late in the evening or overnight, and does not usually interfere with daytime activities.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the winter months (November to March). While temperatures can be lower, days are mostly sunny, with temperatures above 10°C, and although it may freeze at night, you’ll be back in the warmth of your hotel. Winter offers the added advantage of lower travel costs, with discounts on flights and hotels, and many scenic spots offering free admission. Plus, fewer tourists mean you can enjoy a more peaceful experience without the crowds.

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.

Drak Yerpa Monastery is located at an altitude of approximately 4,400 meters, slightly higher than Lhasa (3,658 meters) and Ganden Monastery (3,800 meters). For first-time visitors to high-altitude areas, there is a possibility of experiencing altitude sickness, especially if they are not yet acclimatized.

However, there’s no need to be concerned. Our thoughtfully designed 5-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, with the first 3 days spent exploring Lhasa at a lower altitude. This approach helps your body adjust to the higher elevations before visiting Drak Yerpa on day four. As a result, the risk of altitude sickness is significantly reduced.

A trip to Lhasa wouldn’t be complete without sampling some traditional Tibetan cuisine. The city offers a wide variety of unique and flavorful dishes, including Tibetan sweet tea, butter tea, barley wine, tsampa (roasted barley flour), yogurt, fried potatoes, potato dumplings, and yak meat buns.
Not only do these dishes provide a treat for your taste buds, but they also offer a taste of Tibetan culture. It’s said that eating local food helps visitors adapt to the high-altitude environment in Lhasa.
Be sure to try these traditional Tibetan dishes during your visit. After taking in the breathtaking views, indulging in these local flavors will surely enrich your experience in Tibet.

The best time for a Tibetan costume photoshoot is in the afternoon or early evening, after the third day of your sightseeing itinerary. Lhasa has long daylight hours, with the sun setting around 9 PM, which provides ample natural light for taking beautiful photos from different angles. If you have time, you can also consider nighttime photography, especially in places like Barkhor Street, to capture the vibrant atmosphere of Lhasa’s nightlife.

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.