My wish list
You are here: HomeTibet Tours6 Days Tibetan Featured Monasteries Tour

6 Days Tibetan Featured Monasteries Tour
Price from $639 per person

Price notes:

  • 1. based on double occupancy
  • 2. 3 star accommodation level in low season
  • 3. international airfare is not included
  • 4. price is subjected to change according to group size and payment methods

  • Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
  • Tour type: Private escorted tour with Tibetan tour guide and private vehicle with experienced driver
  • Departure: Flexible
  • Tour code: TD-CT-06

Is this trip for you?

  • Physical Demands

    Physical Requirements

    • Capable of walking short to medium distances by oneself in high altitudes. Must be capable of minor ascents and descents.
    • Capable of light walking and hiking in high altitudes. Suitable for most fitness levels.
    • Average fitness level. High altitude hiking for several hours.
    • Possibly includes high altitude hiking of up to 6 hours per day or activities of a similar nature. Requires an elevated level of fitness.
    • Features demanding high altitude treks or cycling. Only suitable for those with a high level of physical fitness and endurance.

    Note: If you have any questions concerning the requirements or the unique demands for your particular tour package, please feel free to contact one of our helpful Travel Consultants for further information.

    It's advisable to have a body check-up or have your doctor's advice before visiting Tibet. Visitors with a record of heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems must seek medical advice before making the decision to go to Tibet Also, people with any of the following problems should not go to Tibet.

    • Have already caught a cold
    • Have severe anemia
    • Have high blood pressure or severe heart disease
    • Have pneumonia, tuberculosis, tracheitis, or bronchitis
  • Tour Pace
    Comfortable

    Tour Pace

    • Leisure: enjoy your tour in a slow pace, allowing plenty of time for photography, you will see the most famous attractions, and spend plenty amount of time in each destination.
    • Comfortable: enjoy your tour in a comfortable pace, you will see most popular attractions, and spend reasonable amount of time in each attraction.
    • Tight: enjoy your tour at a tight pace, as you will be able to see as many tour attractions as possible in the available amount of time.
  • Max Altitude
    3,650m

    Altitude

    High Altitude Sickness is one of the biggest challenges when travelling in Tibet. According to our experience, most people will be fine up to 3500m above sea level, as the altitude go higher up to 4500m, mild symptoms as shortness of breath, headache might occur. Adverse reactions may vary from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and will subside in several hours to several days as the body acclimatizes.

    Mild Symptoms of AMS include:

    • Headache
    • Shortness of breath with exertion
    • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue
    • Loss of appetite
    • Poor sleeping
    • Dizziness or light-headedness
    Definition of High Altitude
  • Journey at a Glance
  • Day 1: Lhasa arrival
  • Day 2-3: Lhasa tour
  • Day 4: Lhasa to Tsedang
  • Day 5: Tsedang to Lhasa
  • Day 6: Lhasa departure

Itinerary Details - Day by Day

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

No documents found.

Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be picked up by local tour guide at the airport hall or train station, and then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle.

After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.

High Altitude Acclimation Tips: 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you’d better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.

Day 2 Lhasa ( B )
Jokhang Temple

Start today’s Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is regarded as one of the most beautiful architectural building in the world. You will climb up the palace along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the top of the palace where you can not only appreciate the exotic Tibetan-style architecture, but also get a great view of Lhasa’s urban areas, then walk into the inner space of Potala Palace to explore the stately chapels and learn about the history of the palace. 

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Each day, there are thousands of pilgrims coming from different places in Tibet to the temple to worship to the Buddha. This temple is also known as the “house of Buddha” because it keeps the precious Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. The last site for today’s exploration is the famous Barkhor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple. The local people like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. The street also has many shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts. 

Tips of Today: 1) there are 1,080 steps up to climb to the top of Potala Palace, so don’t walk in a rush, which may cause high altitude sickness; 2) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 3) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

Day 3 Lhasa ( B )
Sera Monastery

After breakfast, you will firstly go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in the ancient time, and now is a public park. It is famous for its Potrang, the private palaces of former Dalai lamas with grandiose Tibetan architecture style. Next, drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung, in Tibetan, means “prosperity”. Since its establishment, Drepung Monastery has always been one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. In its heyday, there were more than 10,000 monks lived and studied in the monastery. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”.

In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa - Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular “Buddhism Debating”. As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn’t wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.

Day 4 Lhasa - Tsedang ( B )
Yumbulakang Monastery

After breakfast today, you will drive about 3 hours to Tsedang Town, the political and transportation center of Shannan Prefecture. This region is the birthplace of Tibetan Civilization, as well has played an important role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. Today, you will go to visit three most famous attractions in Tsetang.

In the afternoon, there are two historical and influential sites are waiting for your visit - Yumbulakang and Trundruk monastery. Yumbulakang is known as Tibet's first palace. It has a very long history of over 2,000 years, and boasts many rare sculptures and paintings from ancient times. While visiting Trundruk monastery, you will see a stunning Tangkha of Pearls decorated with a total of 29,026 pearls.

Day 5 Tsedang - Lhasa ( B )
Samye Monastery

In the morning of today, you will explore the famous Samye Monastery which was believed to be the first official Buddhist monastery in Tibet with the basic terms of Buddhism – Buddha, scriptures and monks. For over 1,200 years of history, it is one of most influential monastery in Tibet. In this monastery, there was a famous debating about Buddhism between the ancient Indian Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism. Samye Monastery was built according to the description of universe in Buddhism scriptures, combined features of Tibetan, Chinese and Indian, symbolizing the center of the universe.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Lhasa. Have a good rest.

Day 6 Lhasa Departure ( B )

No documents found.

Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.

Tips of Today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) If your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.

click to enlarge the map

"Our Expert Says"

This tour will take you to the Cradle of Tibetan Civilization - Tsedang to discover the mystery of Tibetan Buddhist in Tibet’s most revered Palaces and Monasteries. Sightseeing including: Tibet's first palace: Yumbulakang, Tibet's first temple: Samye Monastery, and Trundruk monastery (It has a long history, and boasts many sculptures and paintings from ancient times). In Trundruk monastery, you will see a stunning Tangkha of Pearls decorated with a total of 29,026 pearls.

  • Recommended Groups: Suitable for most groups, though highly recommend for seniors and students. You will see the most important religious and cultural sites in Tibet and learn about Tibetan history, culture and religion in-depth.
  • Conditions: The tour pace is comfortable, with a maximum altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level. This tour starts in Lhasa. Traveling from Lhasa to Tsedang will take about 5 hours, tar road in good condition. Stay overnight in Tsedang before going back to Lhasa. Tsedang lies on the south bank of the Yarlung Zangbo, and the climate there is the same as that of Lhasa. It will be fairly easy for tourists to find food and lodging in Tsedang.
  • Best time: Anytime of the year. Avoid peak season (July and August) as the price will be very high.

Tailoring your trip

This itinerary can be designed to give you a flavour of what is possible.

  • We can change the tour paces to meet your travel style: leisure, comfortable, or tight.
  • We can tailor this trip to suit your specific requirements.
  • Itinerary can be altered, from daily activities to accommodation.
  • You can either shorten this tour to meet your planning travel time, or extent the journey to other Chinese cities.

Price & Service Guide

What's included in this price?

  • Private professional English-speaking tour guide.
  • Private vehicle and Luggage Transfers.
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits.
  • All accommodations, based on double-occupancy. Medium standard accommodation with attached bathroom on twin sharing basis. Guesthouse or tent in remote areas.
  • Meals noted in the itinerary as "B, L, D".
  • Admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary.
  • Service Charge (the planning, handling, operational and communication charges) & government taxes.

What's excluded in this price?

  • China visa, all air tickets and train tickets to and from Tibet.
  • Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
  • Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
  • Additional tour service and/or activities.

Value for money:

While the trip of a lifetime is priceless, we know value is a vital aspect for those deciding which tour to choose.

When comparing tour prices, be sure to compare like to like. Our tours are designed to ensure that our customers experience all the culture, history, and beauty that Tibet has to offer, and at a reasonable price.

A great way to enjoy the lowest possible price is to invite more people to join your trip to share the travel experience as well as the tour expense. The more people in a group, the lower the price per person. (We recommend you join our group tour if you are traveling alone. Please contact our travel consultant for more information)

Booking early is also an easy way to ensure the best rate! We highly recommend you contact us at least 1 month before your planned departure date.

FAQs of This Trip

  1. Service Information- What is a private Tibet tour package?

    Private Tibet Tour Package means you will have your own private local tour guide, private vehicle and private driver for your group. You don't have to share the vehicle with others. You tour guide will take care of only your group. With the help of your private tour guide, you will see more in Tibet, communicating with locals to learn about Tibetan lifestyle and culture.

    You have the flexibility to arrange the group activities accorddingly, such as changing the visiting order of attractions or extending the visiting time of certain place. You can also stop on the road as you need.

    If you are traveling with your family or a group of friends, a private tour for your group is ideal. As you have more people in the group, the price won't be much higher than a join-in group tour. It is a good way to save money and enjoy ultimate service.

  2. Accommodation Information

    In Tibet, the overall accommodation situation is not as good as many other parts of China. There are only a few star hotels available in Tibet. In remote areas like Mt. Everest base camp, Mt. Kailash, only guesthouse or tents are available for travelers.

    We hand-picked the hotels in each city and areas for you to ensure you have reasonable places to stay while traveling in Tibet. They are in convenient locations and are as comfortable as the local can provide. We also tend to use hotels with unique Tibetan features.

    In 3- or 4-star hotels in cities and towns like Lhasa, Tsetang, Shigatse and Gyangtse, you do not need to worry about sanitation. Though, it is a fact that traveling in Tibet is a bit hard. If you are going to remote areas like Mt. Everest or stay near the lakes, it is best to bring a sleeping bag to ensure that you have a nice sleep en route. 

    For trekking and cycling tours:

    1, Stay in local hotel or guesthouse.
    2, Stay in tent. (Camping facilities will be provided)
    3, Stay in local Tibetan’s family

  3. Meal Information

    Breakfast: If you are staying in a star hotel, breakfast is usually included. If you are staying in a guesthouse or tent, breakfast is not included.

    Lunch and Dinner:
    We don’t usually include lunch and dinner in our tour itinerary. We do arrange lunch or dinner for you at your request though. However, we prefer to give you the freedom to choose the food you want and pay on the spot. From our previous customers' responses, we find that most of our clients prefer to leave the dinners open on their own so that they can enjoy some time to themselves. They can choose either to go to a local restaurant for a little adventure or to have a simple dinner in the hotel where they stay. They may also prefer to choose a restaurant which appeals to their own unique tastes.

    We have created a list of our favorite restaurants in Tibet and hand-picked some local restaurants to recommend to our customers. In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, Western food, Tibetan food as well as Nepalese food and Indian food. In "off-the-beaten-road" destinations, choices are limited. Our tour guide will be more than happy to recommend good restaurants for you and take you to the restaurants available according to your tastes and preferred style of dishes. Soon you’ll develop your favorite Tibetan dishes!

    Meals arrangement in trekking and cycling tours:

    Service one: (recommended if you only have 1-2 people in your group and the trekking day is less than 3 days)
    Our tour guide will take you to a local supermarket to buy the food you need for the trekking. You will need to bring some cash with you. We recommend energy bars, chocolate, water, fruit, and cookies. If the trekking length is less than 3 days, bringing food along can be a good way to lower the costs.

    Service two:
    Some of our tour guides are able to cook for customers for a little bit extra service charge. You can contact our travel consultants to see if it is possible to arrange this service for you. It can be difficult to arrange this service for you in peak season, so we can’t guarantee this service at the moment; however, we will try our best to provide this service for you.

    Service three: (recommended if you have 5-6 people in your group)
    We highly recommend you hire a cook for the trekking tour. As you will trek for average 5-6 hours per day which requires lots of energy, it is important to have proper meal during the trekking section. If you like, we will hire a chef to follow your tour and cook for you during the trekking. They can make sure you have hot food during trekking. They will carry all necessary cooking items and equipment including stove and utensils with them. Some cooks will teach you how to cook as well and make cakes with the group on the last day.

    You can communicate with your cook and let them know what kind of meal you prefer. You may prescribe the menu for cooking and tell the cook whatever requirements you have.

    Daily meal arrangement for your reference:

    Breakfast: coffee, milk, eggs, bread
    Lunch: rice and vegetables
    Dinner: noodles or Spaghetti with vegetables

     

  4. Our Tour Guide and Driver Information

    Local Tour Guides
    Our tour guides are born and raised in the regions we visit so they know all the potential difficulties and how to avoid them. They are highly trained, speak excellent English and know the local myths, traditions and history which they will share with you. Wherever you travel, our guides are the key that unlocks each destination and make the trip memorable and unique.

    Private Driver and Vehicles
    Our drivers have many years of driving experience in the areas and are very reliable. With Tibet Discovery, you can rest assured that we only use the highest quality vehicles available. We use mainly private vehicles, to ensure we get to our destinations as swiftly and smoothly as possible, as well as allowing the freedom and flexibility to stop and look around or stretch your legs.

    If the tour is mainly around Lhasa, we usually choose to use a minivan as the road condition around Lhasa is pretty good, and the minivan costs less as well. If the tour is covering places with poor road conditions or the distances are quite far, we also offer 4WD off road vehicles.

    Notes: Tipping is not traditional in China and was actually illegal until the 1980s. While Chinese do not expect tips from other Chinese, they have come to expect tips from Western travelers. Due to this, it is highly recommended that you tip your tour guides and drivers as they are aware that it is a “Western custom” and may worry that you were not happy with their service if they do not receive a tip.

     i

  5. Packing List: What should I bring along with me on the tour?

    For clothing, we suggest casual style and layered clothing because temperatures in Tibet vary greatly during a day. Down coat is necessary if you go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, e.g. the Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash. Sun glasses, sun block,moisture cream are necessary too.

    For food, 2L of water each day, and some snacks. We also find the energy drink Red Bull is a great energy boost while traveling in Tibet.

    For medicines, we suggest that you take some pain-killer pills with you and enough medicine for colds, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment andthroat-moistening pills will be of great help for those who are sensitive tochilly weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel toTibet. Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet.

    Note: You don't have to worry about your luggage in trekking tours as we could hire abelly boy and Yak and Yak man to carry your luggage for you during the trekking section of the tour. It is an optional service. 

  6. High Altitude Sickness Information: How can I prepare for high altitude adjustment?

    Anxiety is the common cause of mountain sickness. Our customers age range from 20 years old to 70 years old, there is no evidence that suggests that age has anything to do with the occurrence of mountain sickness.

    Taking a Tibet tour with Tibet Discovery, our tour guide will take care of you and give advice on how to avoid high altitude sickness on arrival. A bottle of oxygen will be prepared for each person for emergency use when the tour includes visiting places like Mt. Everest, Lake Namtso, Mt. Kailash and activities like trekking and biking. Always remember that if you have any problems or feel uncomfortable, please tell your guide immediately or contact our travel consultant.

  7. Tibet Travel Permits and China Visa

    All foreign tourists and Taiwan tourists must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) for entry to Lhasa or any other parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

    We will take care of all necessary Tibet permits in all of our Tibet tours. It is included in the price quotation and it is part of our tour services. It's advisable to apply for your travel permits at least 20 days prior to your entry date. The earlier, the easier for us to get a permit for you.

    Please tell us your real occupation when applying a tibet travel permit. Journalists and people involved with political matters (such asdiplomats and government officials) require more complicated procedures to beissued a permit.

    A valid passport and a valid China visa is needed when applying a Tibet travel permit. The cost of a Chinese Visa is not included in our tour, so you have to apply for your China Visa in your country by yourself. If you have any question in terms of applying a China visa and filling out the application form, feel free to contact our Travel Consultant.

  8. Questions About Attractions and Tour Activities

    Acclimatize: We suggest that you take it easy for your first few days in Tibet. Don't push yourself physically since your body will require some time to get used to the high altitude.

    Photography: When photographing Tibetans, please be sure to get their permission first. Also, when inside the religious sites, please be aware that if photography is permitted. It is not allowed to take pictures while inside the halls of Potala Palace and JokhangTemple.  Make sure you bring a flashlight if you want to see the inside of the monastery, though please ask for permission when taking pictures in the monastery. Some Monastery might charge visitors a 10-30RMB fee for taking pictures. Please ask your tour guide if you are not sure.

    Free time: During the free time of your trip, like the rest of the first day and the last day before departure, you can walk around on your own and do some shopping if you wish.

  9. Best time to visit Tibet

    Best time to go:

    Peak Season: June, July, August, September (June to October 15th )
    In July and August, the crowds will be considerably larger and the costs for vehicle, food, accommodation, and tour guides are higher. June-August generally has great weather, though during July and August, Tibet tends to be extremely crowded as many Chinese travel there for their summer vacation. As July and August is the peak season to travel to Tibet. We highly recommend you avoid those two months to reduce the costs.

    Best Value: April, May, and Late October to November (April 16th to May 31st)
    Late April to Early June, late October to November is the best value time to go, as the weather still nice and the cost is considerably less. The tour costs between this time is usually a few hundred dollars cheaper than peak season.

    Shoulder Season: Late November December, January, February, early April (Nov 16th to April 15th)
    December-February tends to be a slow period for travel to Tibet. The weather is generally quite cold, though there will be no crowds like there are during the peak season. Another benefit to traveling during the shoulder season is that prices are considerably lower. The view might not be as vivid but you can enjoy another side of Tibet.

    Note: Above information applies to most Tibet tours. For specific best travel time, please contact our travel consultant.

Reviews of This Trip

Still not sure if this trip suits you? Read what other travelers think about this Tibet trip . We only accept reviews from confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.

Write a review
Thank you Wonder,

A wonderful trip, giving me a great impression of Chengdu and Chongqing, thanks to the professional guide by Ellen and David.

Jesús

 February 18, 2024
Thank you very much Mr Leo Li,

we were pleasantly satisfied with the service provided by you.

Pablo was very empathetic and adjusted to our needs, particularly in the speed at which we could walk. His Spanish very good. The van and driver also ok.

The sites visited were wounderful and the time spent in them was well balance.

EVERYTHING OK, thank you and greetings from Mexico.

Jesús

 December 20, 2023
Hi Tracy,

We had a great holiday. Thanks for organizing it. Tashi was an excellent guide and took good care of us. Here is the feedback form.

Akhilesh

 November 28, 2023

You Might Be Also Interested in ...

Booking with Tibetdiscovery is as Simple as 1..2..3..

  • Send an Enquiry
  • Get a Quote within 24 hours
  • Amend your tour for FREE
  • Confirm & Pay Deposit of 30-50%
  • Make Reservation
  • Final Payment & Enjoy your tour

You are inquiring about the "6 Days Tibetan Featured Monasteries Tour".

Please tell us more about your travel plans within just a few simple steps. We'll get back to you with a quotation in 0.5~23.5hrs.

Tell us about yourself
Tell more about your Trip Ideas

Price from $639 per person

(Absolutely no hidden charges)

Private travel consultant High quality travel service Value guarantee

Price notes:

  • 1. based on double occupancy
  • 2. 3 star accommodation level in low season
  • 3. international airfare is not included
  • 4. price is subjected to change according to group size and payment methods