Tibet Discovery: A Tibetan Cultural Journey
A Tibetan cultural journey through sacred sites, highland life, and living traditions
Overview
Trip Highlights
The Snow Mountains and Prayer Flags of Tibet · Drepung Monastery · Sera Monastery · Potala Palace · Longwangtan Park · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street · Yamdrok Lake · Karola Glacier · Gawula Pass · Everest Base Camp · Rongbuk Monastery and Mount Everest · Tashilhunpo Monastery · Yarlung Tsangpo River · The Majestic Potala Palace
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Lhasa
Welcome to Lhasa. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your guide will meet you here. You will then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa.
After check-in, take time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.
Note: Lhasa is located at a high altitude. After arrival, please rest well and avoid any strenuous activities. If you feel unwell at any time, please contact your guide or hotel staff immediately. They are experienced and will provide timely assistance.
Lhasa Monastery Tour
Today you will explore two major monasteries in Lhasa.
In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks. Walk through the main halls and learn about Tibetan Buddhism and monastic life.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, known for its famous monks’ debate, which takes place in the courtyard (15:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday). Your guide will explain the meaning behind this tradition.
After the tour, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
Visit the Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet. Explore the White and Red Palaces and learn about its history and religious significance.
Afterwards, visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the palace for a different view and local daily life activities.
In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. See pilgrims praying outside the temple, then walk through Barkhor Street with locals and pilgrims.
Later, visit a traditional Tibetan tea house and experience local life with sweet tea and conversation.
Lhasa To Shigatse Via Gyantse
Begin the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse.
CrossGampala Pass and stop for a view of Yamdrok Lake, surrounded by snow mountains and open landscapes. Continue along the lakeshore and visit a local village.
Pass Karola Glacier, the largest glacier in Tibet, and continue through Gyantse with views of barley fields and rural life.
Arrive in Shigatse and check into your hotel. Rest for the next day.
Shigatse To Everest Base Camp
Travel toward Mount Everest.
Stop at Gyatsola Pass for your first distant view of Everest. Continue into Everest National Nature Reserve and stop at Gawula Pass for a wide view of the Himalayan range, including multiple peaks over 8,000 meters.
Arrive near Everest Base Camp and stay overnight in the region.
Note: At EBC, facilities are limited and rooms are shared with others. Please bring warm clothing for your personal use, as well as any daily essentials you may need. Especially in winter, temperatures here can be extremely low.
If you require any assistance, please feel free to contact your guide or the accommodation staff.
EBC And Return To Shigatse
After breakfast, we will come to Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Everest near the terminus of the Rongbuk Glacier. It is one of the best viewpoints for taking in the full panorama of Everest’s north face.
Stand in front of Mount Everest and observe its massive north face under changing light.
After the visit, return to Shigatse via the same route, passing high mountain landscapes.
Shigatse To Lhasa
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in Shigatse and home to the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
After the visit, drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
Depart From Lhasa
Today marks the end of your Tibet journey.
Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure.
What's Included & Excluded
- Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service（Other languages available upon request）
- Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers（Due to high altitude conditions, some vehicles may not be equipped with air conditioning.）
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Free airport transfer (pricing varies depending on time; typically available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- meals listed in the itinerary
- Tibet Travel Permit and all required travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees)
- Additional services include portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Chinese Visa
- Optional Activities
- Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
- Payment processing fees
Hotels
Choose Your Hotel Style
We book accommodation tailored to your preferences and budget:
- Comfort (3-star) — Well-located, great-value hotels
- Premium (4-star) — Spacious rooms with quality amenities
- Luxury (5-star, local brands) — Top Chinese hospitality with distinctive character
- Luxury (5-star, international) — Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La and other global names
Due to limited conditions in the Mount Everest region, we may not be able to provide excellent accommodations; only guesthouses are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Customize This Private Tour
This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.
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