The itinerary for short stay in Lhasa includes the highlights for visitors: the most important historical and religious sites and splendid viewpoints. Depending on the time of your arrival and departure, you will also have some free time.
6 Days Central Tibet Highlights
Prices from $1075
KEY FACTS
Main Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, Barkhor Street, Yamdrok Lake, Kumbum Stupa, Tashi Lumpo Monastery.
Duration: 6 days
Maximum Elevation: Karola pass. 5,045 m/ 16,550 ft
You arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station. The airport is 62 km/ 39 miles away from the city, and it takes approximately one hour to get to the hotel from there. On the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy beautiful views of mountains. The train station is located in Lhasa, and you will only need a short transfer to the hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa. Remember, that Lhasa is located at 3,650 meters/ 12,000 ft above sea level and you will need some time to acclimatize.
After you check in the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city, visit nearby temples, do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurants, or just take a rest.
Walking around Bakhor Street can be an excellent choice for your first day in Lhasa. You can join crowds of pilgrims, local Tibetans, and monks circumambulating the Jokhang Temple.
Most importantly, on your first day in Tibet, be sure to relax, enjoy your day and allow some time for acclimatizing.
Barkhor Square in front of the Jokhang Temple in TibetTibetans walking on the Barkhor Street in LhasaBarkhor Street
Day 2 – Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple (Walking Tour)
This tour visits the two most important religious sites in Tibet.
The Potala Palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. We will go inside and spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours there. While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
There will be free time for lunch after visiting the Potala Palace.
Time permitting, you can walk around the Potala Palace and join many of the local Tibetans.
Next, we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue – the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Bakhor Street.
Potala Palace seen from the Chak Pori HillThe view on the Living Quarters of the Dalai Lama in the Jokhang TempleView on Potala Palace from Jokhang TempleView on the Potala Palace from the inside of the complexEntrance to the Potala Palace
Day 3 – Lhasa city tour: Drepung and Sera Monasteries
We are visiting two most important monasteries in the capital.
First, we will visit Drepung monastery which once was the biggest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks living there. It was the residence of Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.
We have lunch after the visit.
In the afternoon we are visiting Sera Monastery. It was founded by Tsongkhapa’s disciple in the 15th century. Nowadays it is famous for monks debate that you can witness. Debates are a very important part of learning and understanding Buddhism. Monks gather in the courtyard in the shade of trees to refine their knowledge.
Drepung Monastery in LhasaMonks walking to the Sera monastery in TibetMonk’s debates at Sera monasteryDrepung Monastery
Day 4 – Driving to Shigatse: Yamdrok Lake and Glaciers
Today we will travel on some of the most beautiful roads in Tibet on our drive to Shigatse.
Be prepared to take photos of the breathtaking views as we go up to the highest point of the day – Kamba La Pass (almost 4,800 meters / 15,750 ft).
Our next stop will be at the Yamdrok Lake. It is one of the holy lakes in Tibet, and it is famous for its turquoise colored water.
After that, we will head towards Gyantse. On the way there, we will make a stop to see the spectacular glaciers.
In Gyantse, we will visit the monastery and the biggest stupa.
Finally, we will reach Shigatse late in the evening and stay there overnight.
Yamdrok LakeStupa in front of Glaciers in TibetKumbum Stupa in Gyantse, TibetInside of the Gyantse monastery
Day 5 – Shigatse to Lhasa
In the morning we will visit Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lamas. This monastery was founded by the first Dalai Lama, and it is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. You can take photos in some of the chapels for an additional fee.
We will take the Friendship Highway on the way back to Lhasa. It is the most direct route and usually takes around six hours to reach the capital. We will make several stops on the way in order to enjoy the views of the Brahmaputra River. In the afternoon, you might have some free time to prepare for your departure the next day.
Brahmaputra River in TibetTibetan MonasteryTashilhunpo Monastery in ShigatseKelsang Temple in Tashi Lhunpo
Day 6 – Lhasa to Airport/Train station
Please prepare in advance for your departure. It takes approximately one hour to drive to the airport and around thirty minutes to reach the train station. We will arrive at the airport three hours before your departure flight if you are traveling to Nepal and two hours before any domestic flight.
PACKING FOR THE TRIP
Small first aid kit and medications
Camera with spare memory card and battery
Power bank
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Wide brim or baseball hat for sun protection
Personal toiletries, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.
Binoculars
Money: Chinese Yuan or USD that you can exchange in one of the Lhasa banks or debit card to withdraw cash from one of the ATMs
Personal Journal for making notes and writing the diary
Umbrella
WHAT IS INCLUDED
INCLUDED
All necessary Travel Permits to travel in Tibet
All accommodations based on double occupancy
Breakfast in hotel
Assistance with your Chinese visa application
Airport pick up and drop off
Ground transportation in a clean and comfortable vehicle or taxi
English speaking Tibetan guide
All entrance fees, tickets to the attraction sites and monasteries outlined in the itinerary
EXCLUDED
Passport and Chinese visa fees
International airfare to and from China or Nepal
Photography fees inside monasteries
Flight or train tickets to Tibet
Lunch and dinner
Travel insurance
Medical expenses
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal expenses: laundry, shopping, phone calls, etc.
OUR CLIENTS ABOUT US
A wonderful introduction to Tibet
I’ve always wanted to visit the places where the great Tibetan gurus Rinpoche and Milarepa lived and meditated. I wanted to see the ancient monasteries and do the Kora around Kailash. Thanks to our experienced guide Tashi and Wonders of Tibet for everything I planned worked out. It was an incredible experience of communicating, learning… Read more “A wonderful introduction to Tibet”
Alexander
6 jours excellents au Tibet
Déjà, leur excellent site web est excellent, plein d’informations judicieuses. Nous avons pris le programme de 6 jours. GYALTSEN, le boss, est gentil et compétent. CHILE, notre driver, est trés bon ( ce qui est rare ici !) dans une voiture formidablement confortable. TASHI est un très bon guide, réactif, toujours à l’heure. Le programme… Read more “6 jours excellents au Tibet”
MOISSON
Самое главное СОБЫТИЕ в Жизни
В этот особенный год Огненной Лошади агентство “Чудеса Тибета” приложило все усилия, чтобы Тибет, Кайлас стали для нас стимулом самосовершенствования, позитивного развития (тур Сага Дава 24.05.- 07.06.2026, кора вокруг Кайласа, базовый лагерь у Эвереста). В этом огромную роль сыграли менеджеры Галсан Гьянцен, Галина, водитель автобуса Лубсан и наш гид Дорджи.Дорджи это не только профессиональный гид,… Read more “Самое главное СОБЫТИЕ в Жизни”
Батожаргал и Наталья
Just came back from an unforgettable 9-day journey in Tibet
Stunning landscapes, deeply spiritual culture, and the kindest people I’ve ever met. From the turquoise Yamdrok Lake to snow-capped peaks and pine forests — every day felt like a postcard. Special thanks to Tashi from Wonders of Tibet – our amazing local guide who made the whole trip smooth, insightful, and full of heart. Highly… Read more “Just came back from an unforgettable 9-day journey in Tibet”
Ngoc Minh
A wonderful journey
Our trip was nothing short of magical — breathtaking landscapes, deeply spiritual monasteries, and the warmest, kindest people I’ve ever met. From the turquoise beauty of Yamdrok Lake to the sacred peaks and peaceful valleys, every day was filled with awe and meaning. A heartfelt thank you to Tashi, our outstanding guide. His deep knowledge… Read more “A wonderful journey”
Jan
Незабываемое путешествие по Тибету
Только вернулись из путешествия по Тибету, было невероятно! Огромная благодарность организатору поездки Гяльтсену, и нашему гиду Дорджи. Настолько внимательные к деталям и заботливые люди! В таком непростом путешествии, как Тибет и Эверест, очень важно быть именно с местной компанией, которые в момент решают все вопросы. Начиная от получения оригинала разрешения на посещение Тибета (получали в… Read more “Незабываемое путешествие по Тибету”
Olga
Excellent!
I would like to say thank you to the agency and our tour guide Dorrji. Everything was great from the beginning to the end. The agency went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable, helped us create good itinerary and provided with all the instructions during the trip. Agency also provided oxygen and local… Read more “Excellent!”
Kristina
Excellent experience!
I would like to say thank you to the agency and our tour guide Dorrji. Everything was great from the beginning to the end. The agency went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable, helped us create good itinerary and provided with all the instructions during the trip. Agency also provided oxygen and local… Read more “Excellent experience!”
Kristina
A fantastic satisfying experience
We travelled on the 15 day Mt Everest Base Camp and Mt Kailash trip from 1-15 May 2024. We are 77 and 72. The trip was so well organised, thank you so much to Gyaltsen for his excellent communication before the trip, and going out of his way to get our Tibetan Permits, considering we… Read more “A fantastic satisfying experience”
Glenda and Hamid
local Tibetan owned business
We are very glad to travelled with Wonders of Tibet company. They are local Tibetan owned business with very honest service and most importantly they serve you as a family.
Marry C
An unforgettable private tour through Tibet
‘Wonders of Tibet’ is a family-run business and when you travel with them, you become part of an extended family that offers a very personal, accommodating and flexible service throughout. I travelled to Tibet by myself in September 2019 but managed to arrange to be part of a larger trekking group for a few days… Read more “An unforgettable private tour through Tibet”
Natascha Slasten
The best guide, we have ever met – thank you Gyaltsen very much!!!
August 2018 – It was wonderful trip to Tibet. Our friendly guide, Gyaltsen, has told us a lot about religion and culture of this amazing country! He has also made our journey very comfortable, since everything was very well planned. He told us about Tibetan traditional medicine preventing altitude sickness – we could sleep well… Read more “The best guide, we have ever met – thank you Gyaltsen very much!!!”
Kozyra Agnieszka
Exceptional guide: Gyaltsen
I had the chance to take a 2 weeks trip around western Tibet (Lhasa – Shigatse – Mt Kailash – Manasarovar- EBC) with Gyaltsen as a guide. I have no word to express how grateful I was to have him as a guide. He not only is the most experimented and reliable guide but he… Read more “Exceptional guide: Gyaltsen”
Remy
Perfectly organized trekking tour
I did a trekking tour with Kalsang in August, we went from Ganden to Samye. It is a very beautiful trek and we enjoyed the scenery around us every day. The trek was a little difficult, but Kalsang was encouraging me and helping when it was necessary. I am happy I did it. Great memories… Read more “Perfectly organized trekking tour”
Kelly
Private 16-Day Trip in Tibet
I had a fulfilling & satisfying 16-day trip in Tibet with my ever so attentive tour guide & driver. My fears and uncertainties were allayed as I began my travels with them. It had been such an enjoyable pilgrimage that I looked forward to travel with them soon; real soon. Terry Singapore
Terry
Great experience
My guide was wonderful, he arranged everything and I only had to buy tickets to get to Tibet. I am vegetarian and every time we went to restaurant or tea house, he made an extra effort to arrange a vegetarian meal for me. I had an amazing time in Tibet!
Maria
Tibet travel with the best tour guide Gyaltsen!
Our group of 4 had Gyaltsen’s superb guidance for 5 days, traveling thru Lhasa and a few other places in the vicinity in the summer of 2015. Gyaltsen is knowledgeable, resourceful, friendly, honest and I wholeheartedly recommend Gyaltsen’s service to anyone looking for a safe traveling to Tibet. I, in fact did recommend his service… Read more “Tibet travel with the best tour guide Gyaltsen!”
T. Nguyen
Trip of a lifetime in Tibet
Our party of three joined several others from all parts of the world for an 8 day adventure to EBC. Upon meeting Gaps at the airport, he ensured we were all taken care of and settled in before our tour started the next day. Gaps was always very friendly and accommodating for our group. He… Read more “Trip of a lifetime in Tibet”
Lacey
Great travel
Hello everyone ! I’m was in Tibet in 2014, the group was led by Gyaltsen. It was thanks to him that the trip turned out to be well planned, comfortable and very informative. Gyaltsen is a very competent guide, who loves his work and is able to show and explain everything, while creating a maximum… Read more “Great travel”
Jonni (Yevgeniy) , Kazakhstan
Best travel ever.
I travelled a lot and they are one of the best travel agent I have come across. They try their very best to countermeasure any unforeseen event. Make changes to make sure all their customers enjoy their trip and not being interrupt by anything. Way to go and keep up the good job!
Elaine soong
The best way to discover Tibet
I travelled to Tibet in 2013 together with two friends. We were lucky enough to have the best tour guide ever, Gyaltsen, who showed us (a small part of) his homeland and answered all our questions. He’s extremely nice and helpful and speaks a perfect English. We had a private tour, which we planned in… Read more “The best way to discover Tibet”
Valeria
A perfect trip
Our trip to Tibet in April 2015 exceeded our expectations on every level, the whole experience was nothing short of magical. In April 2015 we joined a 7 day tour in Tibet. Far and away, the highlight of our trip was our local guide, Gyaltsen.So fantastic that we felt like he became part of our… Read more “A perfect trip”
carla
excellence experience and a trip in a life time
I and my family had a 7 day trip to Tibet in 2015. Gap was our tour guide. He is very knowledgeable, and very friendly. He has arranged very well our whole trip, from where to stay, what food to try, the beautiful views and rich culture! We especially value his deep knowledge and his… Read more “excellence experience and a trip in a life time”
Liang Shi
Simply otherworldly
Few places in the world have ever made such a lasting impression on us as Tibet did. The magnificent views, otherworldly and everchanging landscapes and the deep spiritual devotion of the tibetan population are, among other things, what made this 8day trip from the former forbidden city of Lhasa to the recently re-opened Nepali border… Read more “Simply otherworldly”
Nicolas and Liesbeth
An experience for life in Tibet thanks to guide Gyaltsen
It is my pleasure to write this review about our trip with guide Gyaltsen in Tibet. It was our second trip to this fascinating country and culture. We – my wife, daughter and me – were interested in the history, culture and religion of Tibet and in its amazing landscape and nature. During 10 days… Read more “An experience for life in Tibet thanks to guide Gyaltsen”
Dr. Werner Nader
Awesome adventure in Tibet
I went to Tibet with my ex girlfriend in the summer and Gaps was amazing. What started off as a trek to base camp ended in a complete emersion into Tibet. From experiencing the cuisine and host family stays to sightseeing and the insightful discussions with Gaps, the trip to base camp was amazing don’t… Read more “Awesome adventure in Tibet”
Chris
A must visit
It was with great experienced having the private tour with Mr.Gaps. Realizing the much differences between Tibetan and others. So much mysteries to know about. We were having a birthday party too! It is a peaceful and tranquil place everyone dreams of. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities, people go round chasing something… Read more “A must visit”
Marcus Sae Yen Hong
Great experience
I went to Tibet with my friend in spring of 2016. We joined a group of 10+ people from all over the world for the 8-day EBC trip and had Gaps as our tour guide. The whole process prior to the trip was very smooth and they provided us with tips on planning on our… Read more “Great experience”
Mengqi Wan
Fantastic trip – best of my life!
We did the 8 day Lhasa – Mount everest tour with a small group and I absolutely loved every moment from this trip. Gaps was a great and fun guide and very aknowledged about Tibetan Buddhism and culture. I highly recommend him as your guide so you can get the full Tibet experience. It was… Read more “Fantastic trip – best of my life!”
Jessica from the Netherlands!
Tibet travel
Gyaltsen is very experienced guide and his knowledge about Tibetan Buddhism, culture and places is amazing. I did a 8 days EBC trip and everything was great. He was always able to provide assistance and information for all our needs including helping me to find some of the local homemade barley beer and Tibetan medicines… Read more “Tibet travel”
Nikolay Hasekiev
Trip of a lifetime
Our party of three joined several others from all parts of the world for an 8 day adventure to EBC. Upon meeting Gaps at the airport, he ensured we were all taken care of and settled in before our tour started the next day. Gaps was always very friendly and accommodating for our group. He… Read more “Trip of a lifetime”
Lacey
Glorious Tibet
I would like to highly recommend Gyaltsen as your tour guide he drew us into a new and different world full of Tibetan culture and wonder. We found him very knowledgeable and informative with a great sense of adventure and humour. Nothing was ever too much trouble I would highly recommend him truly the trip… Read more “Glorious Tibet”
Peta Duncalf
Rongbuk Temple Meditation Liberation
Gaps is very humble and helpful, thoughtful and insightful, and able to flavour a tour in quite a unique manner, catering even to spiritual desire. It was Gaps that introduced me to Lama Acu Sangye at the foot of Mount Everest. And I have him to thank for such an enlightening experience. The meeting of… Read more “Rongbuk Temple Meditation Liberation”
Jim
Excellent information and services
I went to Lhasa with my twin brother and grand parents for 4 days. My grand mother was worried about the trip because she doesn’t travel much, but it turned out to be so easy to coordinate everything with our tour guide. Tickets, travel permits and practical information was sorted out in no time. We… Read more “Excellent information and services”
Stefan Riis Jensen
TOUR INQUIRY
Leave us a message, and our guides will respond within 12 hours
Planning your next adventure? China’s expansion of visa-free policy makes it easier than ever to explore Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travelers from many European, Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern countries can now enjoy up to 30 days of visa-free travel, opening the door to incredible experiences like traveling to Everest, joining a pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, or immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of Lhasa.
The stars are aligning for what may be the most spiritually significant journey to Mount Kailash in six decades. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition and Hindu belief systems, Mount Kailash holds cosmic significance every day of the year. But during the Horse Year, something remarkable happens: the spiritual merit of a single circumambulation around the mountain...
Mount Kailash isn’t the tallest or the toughest mountain, but it might be the most mysterious. This pyramid-shaped mountain, sacred to four major religions, has turned away explorers and elite climbers for centuries despite being technically less challenging than many conquered Himalayan giants. Join us as we explore what’s stopping adventurers from scaling the world’s...
Plan your 2025 adventure to Tibet with our ultimate guide to train travel. Learn about updated booking rules, breathtaking routes, packing tips, and permits. Contact us to make your dream journey hassle-free!
West Air's new Lhasa-Chongqing-Singapore route opens the door to breathtaking Tibetan landscapes. With seamless connections, special launch fares, and a 30-day visa-free policy for Singaporeans, your adventure awaits!
PREPARE FOR MOUNT KAILASH TOUR In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to prepare for the Mount Kailash trek, known as kora in Buddhism and yatra/parikrama in Hinduism. You will find information about required documents, when is the best time to visit, how to travel to Mount Kailash from Tibet, Nepal,...
Looking at your homepage, I’m interested in Tibet tour and thinking to visit there with my friend.
We’re in a group of 2 and prefer to go around in a private tour just for us. 6 days would be preferable and I’d like to know the cost of the tour if we take a private tour.
Of course we manage our trip to Lhasa by ourselves.
Thank you for contacting us! We will be happy to arrange your unforgettable journey in Tibet! Our guide will be in touch with you with detailed information about your upcoming tour.
I’m Kats from Japan.
Looking at your homepage, I’m interested in Tibet tour and thinking to visit there with my friend.
We’re in a group of 2 and prefer to go around in a private tour just for us.
6 days would be preferable and I’d like to know the cost of the tour if we take a private tour.
Of course we manage our trip to Lhasa by ourselves.
I’d appreciate your response.
Regards,
Kats
Dear Kats,
Thank you for contacting us!
We will be happy to arrange your unforgettable journey in Tibet! Our guide will be in touch with you with detailed information about your upcoming tour.