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5 Days Holy Lake  Namtso Tour
5 Days Holy Lake  Namtso Tour
5 Days Holy Lake Namtso Tour

4 Days Best of Holy City Lhasa Group Tour from $477

This a budget and small-sized (less than 12pax) group tour which has covered the very essences of Lhasa City. It is specially designed for those who have limited time to visit Tibet but want to experience its soul. You will visit the best-known landmark sites after your arrival, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street firstly. You will also go to visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three greatest monasteries in Lhasa, to learn about authentic Tibetan Buddhism culture.

The departure of CD-HA-103988 has been confirmed. Its travel dates are from August 20 to August 23. Join them »

Highlights of this tour:

  • Lhasa airport/train station pick up and drop off;
  • Climb up the grandiose Potala Palace to admire its featured architecture and beautiful murals, Buddhist statues and other collections;
  • Experience the authentic Tibetan culture and devoted pilgrimage by joining the worshipers in Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple;

Tour Brief Information

  • Tour code: TD-JT-04
  • Tour Type: Join-in Small Group Tour
  • Destination: Lhasa
  • Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
  • Departure: Fixed departure
  • Travel Theme: CulturePhotographyArchitectureFamily
  • Best Time: SpringSummerAutumnWinter
  • Physical Level
  • Tour Pace
  • Max Altitude
    3,700m
  • Itinerary Details
  • Departure & price
  • Included Services & Fees
  • Trip FAQs
  • Reviews
  • Make an Enquiry

Your tour - at a glance

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

The Day 1 is your arrival day. There will be no activities arranged. You can take a good rest or go for a leisure walking around to acclimatize yourself to the local air and temperatures.

Day 2~3 Lhasa City Tour

You will go to visit the most classic attractions in Lhasa on Day 2 and Day 3, including the grandiose Potala Palace, holy Buddhist sites Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, also the exotic Barkhor Street and quiet Norbulingka.

Day 4 Lhasa Departure

Today is free for you to leave Lhasa City.

Itinerary Details - Day by Day

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Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

Tashi Delek! Welcome to the holy land Tibet. Upon arriving at Lhasa train station/airport, you will be picked up by your local tour guide and escorted to your pre-booked hotel in Lhasa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and acclimate yourself to the high altitude and weather of Lhasa. A welcoming dinner will be held to welcome all the members in group tour in the evening of today or tomorrow.

Tips for high altitude acclimatization: 1. Go for some walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activities; 2. You’d better not have bath; 3. Drink more water.

  • Our guide met our customer Bob in Lhasa Railway Station Our guide met our customer Bob in Lhasa Railway Station

Day 2 Lhasa Culture Tour (B, D)

Today is your second day in Lhasa. You will visit Drepung Monastery, Tibet Museum and Norbulingka to help you acclimatize yourself to Lhasa’s high altitudes and prepare for tomorrow’s Potala Palace visit.

Your tour guide will pick you up in your hotel, then drive about 30 minutes to visit the Drepung Monastery first. Known as the “mother school ” of Dalai Lamas, this Gelug monastery has a history of more than 500 years. It used to be the largest monastery in the world with totally 10,000 monks there. Many precious stupas, sculptures, paintings, Thangka...are displayed in the hundreds of chapels. And the annual Shoton Festival is organized here.

In the afternoon, take a captivating journey through Tibetan culture with a visit to the Tibet Museum. This enriching experience begins on the first floor, where compelling exhibits showcase the daily life of Tibetans. From traditional dietary practices to transportation, agricultural traditions to intricate handcraft techniques, and vibrant celebrations of Tibetan culture, immerse yourself in the unique customs that define this region. On the second floor, delve into Tibet's rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to contemporary urban development.

Following this museum visit, go to the beautiful Norbulingka, once the exclusive summer retreat for Dalai Lamas and now a breathtaking public garden. Adorned with precious flowers and plants, the garden offers a tranquil escape amidst the backdrop of traditional Tibetan architecture. Revel in the beauty of Norbulingka as you explore its grounds, connecting with the essence of Tibetan heritage.

1) You are not allowed to take photos inside the chapels of the monasteries, but photography of the architecture is allowed; 2) You should take off your hat and sunglasses to show respect when you entering a monastery. Wearing shorts and exposing shoulders are disrespectful; 3) Try to walk and talk quietly to not disturb the living and study of the monks in the monasteries.

  • Enviado's family with group with Tibet Discovery Enviado's family with group with Tibet Discovery
  • Norbulingka Summer Palace Pay a visit to the Dalai's Summer Palace - Norbulingka
  • Exquisit Exhibits in Tibet Museum Exquisit Exhibits in Tibet Museum

Day 3 Lhasa (B)

After two days' acclimatization, you should be ready physical to defeat the uprising steps to reach the top of the Potala Palace. You will be picked up by your tour guide at your hotel, then go to explore Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet, in the less-crowded morning. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Potala Palace is the highest (in altitude: 3,700 m) palace in the world. Because of its spectacular architecture style and magnificent Tibetan cultural value, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, and honored as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world. Originally built in the 7th century, Potala Palace is divided into two main parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. After entering the gate, you will take about 30 mins to walk up along the stone steps to reach the White Palace, which is challenging for most of the tourists as the increasing of altitudes. You are advised to ascend slowly and make some stops to take rest and take photos of the grandiose architecture and panoramic scene of Lhasa city. The White Palace was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs. Visit from the White Palace to the Red Palace where many historical relics and important stupas are housed, then exit Potala Palace from its back side.

After lunch, you'll visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek here from long distances to worship the Jowo Rinpoche (or Jowo Shakyamuni), a life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) statue of the Shakyamuni of age 12 which is one of the most important treasure of entire Buddhist world. Lastly, walk the special circular pilgrimage route as local followers always do at Barkhor Street. You will have chance to get close to appreciate how the artists draw Thangkas at the Thangka workroom at Barkhor Street.

Tips for today: 1. Wear hat and sun glasses to prevent ultraviolet radiation, but remember to take off when visiting in Potala Palace. 2. Remember to bring your passport which is needed to showcase when check in Potala Palace.

  • Potala Palace Potala Palace - Masterpiece of Tibetan Architecture
  • Prayers at Jokhang Temple Prayers at Jokhang Temple
  • Local House by Barkhor Street Local House by Barkhor Street

Day 4 Lhasa Departure (B)

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. Tour ends. Thanks for traveling with Tibet Discovery!

Tips for 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 departs in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.

Useful Trip Notes

  • 1. What Are the Features of Our Group Tours
    Our Group Tours are budget tour packages with great service which have covered the most popular destinations in Tibet with reasonable trip lengths. Joining in our group tours, you will choose your travel dates from our fixed departures and travel in a small group with maximum members of 12 people.
  • 2. Tibet Permits Guaranteed
    To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies dlke Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your fdlght/train to Tibet. Travedlng with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the compdlcated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit appdlcation. All you have to do is to confirm a tour package with us and send us your passport and Chinese visa copies at least 15~20 days in advance before your tour, then we will take care of all the rest things. Once the permit is issued, we will dedlver to your address in China's other regions, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
  • 3. Available Months to Visit Tibet
    Generally speaking, you can travel to Lhasa all year around. But months from April to October are more recommended. If you want to extend your trip to other regions, such as Shigatse, Mount Everest, Namtso, Ngari, etc., you are suggested to visit during April to October. Other months are usually very cold, and possible have heavy snow, especially in regions dlke Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Namtso Lake, etc.
  • 4. High Altitude Sickness
    The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be accdlmatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival in Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
  • 5. How to Go to Tibet
    Basically you have two options – fdlght and train. Currently, you can take a fdlght to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kunming(3hrs), Kathmandu (1.5hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent fdlghts to Lhasa.If you prefer a train travel, you can take a train to Tibet from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).
  • 6. Packing and Wearing Ideas
    Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs dlke sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, dlp balm, sun block are recommended.As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.

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