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6 Days Shannan Highlights Tour $795

The Cradle of Tibetan Civilization

Shannan is a less known destination among travelers, but it holds significant position in Tibet's history in that many of Tibet's firsts were found here, including the first palace, first monastery, first Buddhist scripture, first village, first farmland, etc.

This 6 days tour will bring you a great experience of Shannan's highlights, including its time-honored palace, sacred lake, Buddhist spiritual monasteries as well as the featured valleys with typical Tibetan villages. All of them show the charm of modest but connotative Shannan. After the visual-feasting and mind-purifying experience in Shannan, you will turn to holy city Lhasa to have to appreciate the charm of Tibet's symbolic Potala Palace and other important monasteries.

Highlights of this tour:

  • Explore the first place and first Tibetan monastery in Tibet's history - Yumbulakang and Samye Monastery, appreciate their unique architecture style;
  • Get an awe-inspiring view of curving Yamdrok Lake – one of Tibet's most sacred lakes, and its attractive surrounding scenery from Kumbala Pass;
  • Climb up the grandiose Potala Palace and visit Tibet's most sacred Buddhist temples and monasteries in Lhasa, such as Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Tour Brief Information

  • Tour price: $795

    1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

    2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

    3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

    4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

  • Tour code: TD-TLT-06B
  • Tour type: Private Customizable Tour Package
  • Destination: Tsetang / Lhasa
  • Duration: 6 days & 5 nights
  • Departure: Flexible
  • Travel Theme: CulturePhotographyArchitectureFamily
  • Best Time: SpringSummerAutumn
  • Physical Level
  • Tour Pace
    Medium
  • Max Altitude
    5,030m

Itinerary Details - Day by Day

  Expand all

Day 1 Lhasa Airport Arrival - Tsetang

Lhasa Airport / Train Station Pick Up

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 Tsetang town 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.

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.

  • Lhasa Gonggar International Airport Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Day 2 Tsetang Tour (B)

Today's Highlights: Yumbulakang, Trundruk Monastery, Samye Monastery

Tsetang Town is 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 morning, 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, and boasts many 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. (Yumbulakang is now closed for maintenance. Tourists cannot climb up and visit sites inside, but still can enjoy its magnificent appearance at the foot of the hill.)

In the afternoon, you will visit 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.

Accommodate at Tsetang Town.

  • Samye Monastery Visit the first monastery in Tibet
  • Be shocked by the incredible scenery of Yumbulagang Palace
  • Yumbulagang Inner Hall Yumbulagang Inner Hall

Day 3 Tsetang - Yamdrok - Lhasa (B)

Today's Highlights: Yamdrok Lake

After breakfast, you will leave Tsetang Town for Yamdrok Lake. The distance from Tsetang to Yamdrok Lake is about 165km. Enjoy the stunning high plateau landscape along the Yarlung Zangbo River.

Yamdrok Lake, about 4441meters above sea level, is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, together with Namtso Lake and Lake Manasarovar. It is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. Without an outlet, it seems like a natural reservoir with a perfect balance between the melted snow water and the evaporated lake water. By standing the hilltop around, you can have a far view of the fresh water under the sunshine reflected different colors of blue and the diverse lakeside grass and plants with yaks and birds dotted with.

Leave Yamdrok, and drive about 105km to Lhasa city for accommodation.

  • Yamdrok Lake Yamdrok Lake is as beautiful as a sapphire

Day 4 Lhasa Potala Palace Tour (B)

Today's Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Start today's Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is the home to the successive Dalai Lama as well as a great masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. The whole palace is divided into the White Palace - living quarters and office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs for Dalai Lamas, and the Red Palace where houses several stupas of previous Dalai Lamas, many historical relics and precious arts. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace, and exit from the back side. After Potala Palace visit, go to enjoy a leisure stroll in Zongjiao Lukang Park, a lovely park with pleasant scenery built around the lake behind Potala Palace. It is a great place to experience local Tibetans' living styles as you can see local people gathering and chatting, taking exercise, walking the kora, feeding wild birds and ducks, etc. If your day is clear, you can take some great photos of the reflection of Potala Palace on the lake in the park.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual center of Lhasa and the most revered religious structure of Tibet. In front of Jokhang Temple, you can see crowds of pilgrims polishing the flagstones with their prostration, which is truly a heart-touching scene you will ever see. 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. Rise to the top floor of this temple, you can see savor the beautiful golden roof and the view of Potala Palace afar. 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.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, take a short climb to the viewing-deck of Chakpori Hill to take a panoramic photo of Potala Palace after your Potala Palace visit.

Tips of today: 1) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 2) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

  • Potala Palace of Tibet Visit the Potala Palace - the treasure of Tibet
  • Jokhang Temple Entrance of Jokhang Temple with Pilgrims Praying
  • Local House by Barkhor Street Local House by Barkhor Street

Day 5 Lhasa City Tour (B)

Today's Highlights: Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Today you will visit popular attractions in Lhasa city and suburb to explore Tibetan culture. 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. Dotted with various kinds of precious flowers and plants, it is the genuine "Plateau Oxygen Bar". In addition to its magnificent buildings and colorful flowers, Norbulingka also features some big Tibet event activities during big festivals, like Tibetan shows in annual Shoton Festival. 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". You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa from Drepung Monastery.

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.

  • Enjoy the scripture debate in the Sera Monastery Enjoy the scripture debate in the Sera Monastery
  • Entrance of Drepung Monastery Monks Gathered at the Entrance of Drepung Monastery
  • Norbulingka Summer Palace Pay a visit to the Dalai's Summer Palace - Norbulingka

Day 6 Lhasa Departure (B)

Lhasa Airport or Train Station Dropped Off

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.

Price & Service Guide

The quotation for this trip is $795 per person

1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

What's included in this price?

  • Private professional English-speaking local tour guide.
  • A comfortable vehicle with a private driver.
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits, including Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit.
  • All accommodations listed in the itinerary, based on double-occupancy. Comfortable class hotels in Lhasa, guest house in Tsetang.
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary.
  • 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 (all lunches and dinners).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
  • Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.

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.

Reviews of Our Customers

Still not know us well? Read what other travelers are sharing about their Tibet trip with Tibet Discovery (We only accept reviews from confirmed travelers who took our tours / activities, so you can surely rely on the reviews)

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
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Useful Trip Notes

  • 1. 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 like 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 flight/train to Tibet. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the complicated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit application. 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 deliver to your address in China, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
  • 2. Available Months to Visit Tibet
    Generally speaking, April to October is the best time. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It is usually snowy and cold in winter, which is not suitable for visit Mount Everest, Namtso and Mount Kailash regions. While other places such as Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around. The temperatures in daytime and night differs a lot, usually 5~15℃ in the daytime and -5~0℃ in the night, so please wear accordingly.
  • 3. 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 acclimatized 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.
  • 4. How to Go to Tibet
    Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight 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 flights 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).
  • 5. 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 like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip 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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  • TD-TLT-06B
  • 6 Days Shannan Highlights Tour
  • Tsetang / Lhasa
  • from $795
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