With the reopening of the Gyirong Port for international tourists, the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa has become accessible once again. Join our 8-day group tour, featuring fixed departures and a budget-friendly price, as you take on a memorable adventure.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, a popular gateway city to Tibet, where you will be transferred to the Gyirong Port at the border. From there, you will travel to Lhasa, passing through awe-inspiring destinations like Mount Everest, Shigatse, and Gyantse. Prepare to be enchanted by the remarkable attractions and breathtaking high plateau landscapes along the way, including the Tashilhunpo Monastery, Palcho Monastery, the enchanting Yamdrok Lake, etc. Once in Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to delve into the rich Tibetan culture and delve into the fascinating history of the region.
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.
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:
In the morning, our local team will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and begin our driving journey to Syabrubesi Village, situated near the border of Nepal and Tibet. Please be aware the road conditions is not good and can make the journey relatively long. However, fret not, as the picturesque landscapes you will encounter along the way will make the drive worthwhile. Prepare to be enchanted by the lush green hills, deep valleys, and the serene beauty of the Trisuli River.
Stay overnight at your guesthouse in Syabrubesi Village.
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Today, you will be accompanied to the border and then cross the port on yourself. Once you finish your immigration formalities, our local Tibetan guide and drive will meet your at Gyirong Port, and then drive to Gyirong Town. Gyirong Town is home to many Buddhist temples, and you will have the opportunity to visit Paba Temple, a remarkable Nepali-style temple believed to have been constructed by Songtsan Gambo, a renowned Tibetan king, when he married the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings.
Accommodate at your guesthouse in Gyirong Twon.
After breakfast, you will have a long drive to Mount Everest. The views along the road are stupendous. The beautiful Pekutso Lake can be seen from the road either in clear day. When you get to Gawula Pass (5,250 m), you can get off the car to marvel at the spectacular scenery of five glorious peaks over 8,000 meters, Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Lotse (8,516m), Mt Everest (8,844 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and Mt. Shishapama (8,020 m) dominating on Himalaya Ranges from left to right. Keep driving about 2 hours from Gawula, you will reach Mount Everest Scenic Area Parking Lot where you will shift on to an eco-bus to Rongbuk Monastery (altitude: 5,100m), the highest monastery in the world as well as the best photography location to take photos of the intoxicating view of Mt. Everest, and spend some time exploring the Everest Base Camp.
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Accommodation: if you visit Mount Everest during off season (November to April), you will accommodate at Rongbuk Guest House near the Rongbuk Monastery; if you visit Mount Everest during the peak season (May to October), you will accommodate at the Tibetan Tents Camp which is only run between May and October by local Tibetans. It is near Rongbuk Monastery as well. The accommodation at both places is very simple and basic, only dorm beds with communal squat toilets are available. Duvets, heated blankets and hot water will be provided, and you are suggested to bring your own sleeping bag and toilet paper. There is no running water, sinks or showers. The dining room just offers basic breakfast and dinner without menu.
Tips for today: 1) Remember to dress warmly all the time; 2) avoid strenuous activity to prevent from high altitude sickness.
After sightseeing, drive to Tingri for accommodation
In the morning, you will drive 4.5 hour to Shigatse. After arriving at Shigatse, you will go to visit the landmark of Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery. Tashilhunpo Monastery is famous as the seat of successive Panchen Lama who is another leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is an interesting sprawling amalgam of traditional Tibetan monastic style halls, chapels and other structures connected by precipitous steps and narrow cobblestone alleys.
Have a good sleep in Shigatse.
Today, you will leave Shigatse for Lhasa. First, drive about 2 hours to Shigatse's sister city - Gyantse. Enjoy the fascinating sky and mountain views along the road. After arrival, pay a visit to the characteristic Palcho Monastery. Found in 1436, this monastery is famous for its Kumbum, a magnificent stupa and symbol of the monastery. And the Myriad Buddha Stupa there, consists of hundreds of chapels arranged in layers, housing some 100,000 images of Buddhas.
Continue your trip from Gyantse to the holy lake - Yamdrok. En route, you will pass by the imposing Karola Glacier. Yamdrok Lake is known as one of "Three Holy Lakes" but featured in the clearest lake views. The water is as clean as crystal, and the glimmering water will shock you in sunshine. With it being branded as the crystal holy lake, one will always carry a sense of worship when standing beside the lake.
Leaving Yamdrok Lake, drive ahead to Lhasa.
Tips of today: 1. Wear warm clothes to prevent from cold and wild; 2. Prepare some food and drinks in advance because you will spend much time on the road.
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.
Today is your second day in Lhasa. You will visit two important Tibetan monasteries in the suburb of Lhasa, which is also helpful to 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, you will visit another famous Gelug monastery around Lhasa city - Sera Monastery, which is famous for its “Buddhism Scriptures Debating”. Unlike common debates you’ve seen, the Buddhism Debating in Sera Monastery is a wonderful experience that it's really an eye-opener. The monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures like dancing. In Tibetan Buddhism, the tradition of Buddhism debating is believed to be helpful to facilitate better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy and 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 relax.
Buddhist temple visiting manners:
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.
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.
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We provide complimentary transfers between hotels and the airport or train station, subject to availability and if your flight or train schedule aligns with our designated times. This service is exclusively offered to guests who have booked their accommodations in Lhasa through us.
Free Airport Transfer to Hotel in Lhasa
- Around 09:30 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 09:30 AM
- Around 13:00 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 13:00 PM
- Around 16:00 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 16:00 PM
Free Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Lhasa
- Around 06:00 pick up travelers who depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport between 08:00 ~ 10:30 AM
- Around 08:30 pick up travelers who depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport between 10:30 AM ~ 14:30 PM
- Around 12:30 pick up travelers who depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport after 14:30 PM
1. We arrange shuttle buses to conveniently transport travelers to and from the airport, ensuring a collective transfer experience. 2. Please note that if you arrive at the airport significantly earlier than the designated time, you may need to wait for other travelers to join the shuttle bus. 3. In the event of a flight delay causing you to miss our designated airport pick-up time or if you prefer a private transfer, an additional fee will apply for the alternative arrangement.
We offer free pick-up and drop-off services at Lhasa Train Station on the fixed arrival and departure days for all train schedules.
We understand that value is an important factor when choosing a tour, even though the experience itself is priceless. Here are a few reasons why our tours offer great value for money:
Comprehensive Experience: Our tours are carefully designed to provide you with a complete immersion in Tibetan culture, history, and natural beauty. We ensure that you get the most out of your trip and create lasting memories.
Reasonable Pricing: When comparing tour prices, it's essential to compare like-to-like. Our tours are competitively priced to offer a balance between quality and affordability. We strive to provide excellent value for the experiences we offer.
Group Discounts: Inviting more people to join your trip is a fantastic way to enjoy the lowest possible price. As the group size increases, the cost per person decreases. If you are traveling alone, we recommend joining our group tour where you can share the travel experience and expenses with like-minded travelers. Feel free to contact our travel consultant for more information.
Early Booking Benefits: Booking your tour in advance is another way to secure the best rates. We highly recommend contacting us at least one month before your planned departure date to ensure availability and take advantage of any early booking offers.
By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can make the most of your budget while enjoying an enriching and fulfilling journey through Tibet.
Save money, make lifetime friends on the way!
Getting more people in the group is a great way to save money. Our group tour is very suitable for solo travelers and students. When inquiring, please ask our travel consultants if there are other people also travel alone and indicate if you would mind to travel with like-minded people.
Our group tour is a join-in tour. You will travel with other visitors from all over the world. You will share the costs of hiring vehicle, guides and accommodation with other visitors.
Our group size is from 2-20 people. To make sure the tour guide is able to take good care of everyone in the tour, there will be less than 8 people for most of our group tours. We had handled tours only had 3-4 peoples, which is like a private 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.
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 10 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.
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!
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.
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.
Tibet Discovery’s Service and
Value:
Travel Insurance: We provide a limited
Accident/Casualty Insurance in Tibet through China Life Tourist
Accident/Casualty Insurance which only covers accidents that occur within
Tibet. This policy’s indemnity is relatively low, so if you would like a
more inclusive plan, then it is best to purchase one in your home country
before your departure.
Refund Policy: Cancellations made…
30 or more days
prior to departure result in a 90% refund
29-15 days prior to departure result
in an 80% refund
14-7 days prior to departure result in a 70% refund
6-2 days
prior to departure result in a 50% refund
Less than 2 days prior to departure
or a no show result in no refund.
Note: Additional cancellation fees, if
applicable, imposed by the service providers other than Tibet Discovery tours
(i.e. flight ticket booking, train ticket booking, hotels reservation, etc.)
will be deducted from the money refunded. While this is the official policy, in
cases where our customers face unexpected and unavoidable problems, we can
sometimes offer a more generous refund.
Before the trip: Before your trip, feel free to
contact our Travel Consultants for any further information you need. All
of our tours are fully customizable, so if you are not satisfied with any
part of a tour pakage, just let us know and our expert Travel Consultants
will do their best to design the perfect tour for you.
During the trip: If you have any questions or
concerns during your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your
Travel Consultant will do his or her best to resolve any problems you have
and ensure that your trip runs as smoothly as possible.
After the trip: Once you have returned home and
have had a chance to settle back in, we’d love to hear from you. We
welcome your comments, suggestions, pictures, and whatever else you want
to share with us about your trip. We are always striving to improve our
customers’ experiences, and also love to hear about their adventures!
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.
our Tibet trip was very good. Thank you.
Gerry
Yes, we arrived home on Friday night. It was a long trip Lhasa-Xi'an-Katmandhu-Doha-London.
The only problem with the return was in Xi'an. Because we had no internet (SIM card) we could not download the health declaration when we left, so it took 1.5 hours to check in and get some help. I would recommend that anyone going to Tibet/China is advised to get a SIM card, or to download the health declaration when they are in the hotel.
Apart from that, everything went very smoothly. Guide and driver were good and we had an amazing time. Hotels were all very good, but we struggled some evenings to work out where or what to eat.
No issues with the Mt Kailash kora and we were lucky with good weather.
We are very grateful for you helping plan an excellent and unforgettable trip and we are very happy to recommend you and Tibet Discovery to other people. if you would like me to write a short testimonial for your website, please let me know.
We are starting to think about next year..... Mongolia is one of the options. Do you plan trips there?
Thanks again for perfect planning and a great holiday.
Regards,
Paul
It was incredible! Thanks for another amazing trip! I loved the driver I was so impressed with his skills and kindness. Driving on those mountain roads is not easy. Pur bu the guide was such a great guide. He was so knowledgeable, and I learned so much from him. His knowledge of Tibetan culture and history was amazing. I loved all the activities and things I got to see. Tibet is such a unique and incredible place I felt so lucky and blessed to be there and to have those two help me guide through it. I have no complaints and leave very happy and blessed to have had this experience. I still think about northern xinjiang and I have some friends who might come to China from America so I’ll keep in touch and let you know. I always try to share your contact with others too. You have been such a great help to me and thanks for everything.
Megan
Megan's great time in Potala Palce, Namtso Lake, Mount Everest, etc. in July 2023, tour tailormade by Leo
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Note: The above departure dates are subject to change, you'd better contact us to confirm the final departure before your booking.
Please Note:
Please Notice that the tour itinerary is taken as a guideline only, but also is an indication of what the tour should accomplish. The sequence of your sightseeing may be adjusted when something specific requires, such as the weather, the reservation of visiting Potala Palace, and something necessary for better operation. And in case of possible heavy snowy weather or seasonal maintaining, Mt. Everest might be closed for visiting in Winter. Tibet Discovery will help you customize an alternative itinerary according to your requirements.
(1) The above group departure is subject to change. Please make inquiry or contact us to confirm availability. If you couldn’t find an available departure suits your travel plan, please contact our travel experts to tailor-make a tour of your own or let us try to set another departure if possible. (2) Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The USD quote is based on current exchange rate, it may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will remain the same.
Escorted by a skilled driver and companied by a professional local tour guide to organize all the activities, all you have to do is to enjoy your fantastic Tibet journey.Following are some other recommended Tibet group tour packages that you may be interested in. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want..
Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest / Lhasa
Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, Everest Base Camp
$854 / DetailsLhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Gyirong / Kathmandu
Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake Palkor Monastery, Mount Everest
$966 / DetailsPlease 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.
Private travel consultant High quality travel service Value guarantee
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.