Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]

Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Lhasa

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front to the Jowo Buddha statue inside the monastery. Afterwards, walk through the Barkhor, a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Spend some time drinking sweet tea in a traditional tea house located on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.

Day 3: Lhasa

Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to as many as 10,000 monks, the enormous monastic complex is the site of many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is the Nechung temple, the former home of the state oracle. Afterwards, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, walk the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.

Day 4: Lhasa – Yangpachen – Namtso Lake – Lhasa [4700m], 500km, 8 hours

Drive past Yangpachen natural hot springs and continue on to Namtso. Namtso, known as the “Heavenly Lake,” is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. Located high in the mountains, it is situated at the edge of the severely-weathered Changthang Plateau to the north of Lhasa. It is surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains. At Namtso, try riding a yak, climb up a rocky hill for a great view of the lake, and drink tea in a nomad tent. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon. 

Day 5: Depart from Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Want some more ideas about places to visit in Lhasa? Check out our blog posts on Lhasa Day Trips, Famous Monasteries in Lhasa, and Lhasa Highlights for interesting things to do around the city.

View Taste of Lhasa Tour in a larger map