4 Days Lhasa Impression Tour
Tour Type: Private/ Small Group
Utilize 5 days to experience the most essential Tibetan culture and explore the plateau scenery. You will visit the highlights of Lhasa’s attractions and have a lakeside picnic near the Tibetan holy lake – Lake Yamdrok.
- Count the steps up to the Potala Palace – the holy palace of Tibetan Buddhism
- Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims at the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
- Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery
- Enjoy a picnic at Lake Yamdrok
- Stay in a heritage hotel in Lhasa’s old town
Inclusions
- Our 1-to-1 expert China consultancy with unlimited itinerary changes
- Booking of China internal flights, trains, and cruises, per your preferences
- Your own China-Highlights-trained, versatile and knowledgeable tour guide
- Your own chauffeured and comfortable vehicle, chosen for ample space
- Hand-picking of hotels for your requirements
- Hotel breakfasts arranged, and local restaurant lunches ordered, to suit you
- Entry to all attractions on your itinerary, with queues avoided wherever possible
- Our 24-7 helpline for while you are travelling
1. Tibet Travel Permit
You will need a Tibet Entry Permit. Its cost is included in the tour quotation. Send your passport and China visa copies to us 20 days in advance, and we will apply for your permit once you book a Tibetan tour with us.
In our experience, we can virtually guarantee to get your permit during times when Tibet is open to foreign travelers.
2. Altitude Sickness
Before your trip, ask your doctor for any suggestions in relation to altitude sickness and take some medicine with you, just in case. The most popular altitude medicine among foreigners is Acetazolamide/Diamox.
We recommend that during the first 2 days after arriving in Tibet, you should keep warm, avoid taking a bath, and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.
Drink plenty of water (more than 4 liters per day) before you go out and when you have reached a higher altitude, and eat lots of vegetables and carbohydrates. Slow down, even if you feel energetic. Moving slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness.
If you don’t feel well after entering Tibet, go and see a doctor as soon as possible. There are doctors in major hotels in Lhasa, and you can call your tour guide for help at any time. We offer a free oxygen bag in the car.
Guiding
Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. They are trained to offer a Western standard of service.
Customizing the Tour — According to Your Needs
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extending or shortening it to suit your price, interests, and schedule.
Day 1 - Arrive in Lhasa (elevation 3,650 m)
Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Lhasa. Sit back in a comfortable vehicle, leave the hassles to your guide, and enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel.
Good to know
It’s better to arrive in Lhasa in the morning. Then you will have more time to acclimatize to the altitude and preempt altitude sickness.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel with special oxygen supplies, Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa (with a luxury oxygen spa) or InterContinental Lhasa Paradise (with oxygen supplied directly to the rooms each day from 10pm–6am) is recommended.
Day 2 - Lhasa: Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Enjoy an unhurried Western breakfast, such as bread, hot coffee, and salad. In the morning, you will visit Norbulingka, stroll in the park, and get used to the altitude.
Later, you will be driven for about 15 minutes to Drepung Monastery where you will climb the stairs up to the hill and visit the delicate temples. If you are lucky, you will hear the monks chanting together, which sounds just like singing.
Have lunch in a local restaurant and choose Tibetan food, Western food, or even spicy Sichuan food. Your tour guide will help you to order.
In the afternoon, you’ll watch monks debating over age-old scripts in a courtyard of Sera Monastery. When debating, the monks will do a lot of gesturing. Enjoy their “dance” and guess what it means.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Note: Cameras are not allowed in the temples or in the debate field(? – hall?), but taking photos with a cell phone is ok.
When entering a temple, please take off your hat and sunglasses to show respect, your shoulders should be covered, and you should not wear shorts. Walk clockwise when visiting Barkhor Street.
Day 3 - Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Visit the Jokhang Temple in the morning. You will find a lot of devoted pilgrims prostrating themselves near the front gate. The Jokhang Temple Square is also an interesting place. You can write down your wish and hang your prayer flags on the tall praying pillar.
Barkhor Street is like a backstreet around the Jokhang Temple. Walk clockwise and join the local people’s kora (circle for religion). There are many interesting shops in the street.
The Potala Palace is built on a mountain and before entering the palace you will need to climb about 360 steps. This is your third day in Tibet so you should be ready to do it.
Once you get into the palace, you will be surprised by the exquisite wall paintings and glorious chambers. Listen carefully as your guide is going to explain a lot of Buddhist culture.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 - Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake (elevation 4,500 m)
After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours to reach the holy lake, Lake Yamdrok. If the weather permits, we will prepare a picnic by the lakeside and you will have sandwiches, vegetables, and fruit.
The lake is decorated by many islands and natural resources. As a major waterbird habitat in Tibet, it’s also a great place to see hundreds of swans and gulls in summer.
Day 5 - Leave Lhasa
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Prices Start From
Service Includes
- 1-1 consultancy from an experienced travel expert
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling