China7 days
Tibet: Lhasa, Monasteries & High Passes — 7 Days
Central Tibet's monasteries, Potala Palace, and the high-altitude route through Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse and Shigatse
This seven-day itinerary traverses the core of central Tibet, moving between Lhasa's major monasteries and religious sites and the high-altitude passes and glaciers that define the region's geography. You'll visit Drepung and Sera monasteries north of Lhasa, stand before the Potala Palace and circumambulate the Jokhang Temple, then drive south through two of Tibet's highest passes—Khamba La at 4,750 meters and Karo La at 5,045 meters—to reach the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. The route follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River on the return to Lhasa. Throughout, an English-speaking guide accompanies all visits, and the itinerary accounts for acclimatization to the starting altitude of 3,685 meters.
Highlights
- Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416, once housed 10,000 monks and retains an active assembly hall where chanting still occurs
- Sera Monastery's afternoon philosophical debates among monks (except Sundays)
- Potala Palace, the 130-meter-high former seat of the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, divided into the secular White Palace and religious Red Palace
- Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred temple, with its central golden Buddha and the circumambulation route along Barkhor Street
- Yamdrok Tso, a turquoise alpine lake viewed from Khamba La pass
- Nojin Gangzang Glacier, seen from Karo La at 5,045 meters
- Gyantse Dzong (fort) overlooking the town and surrounding valleys
- Gyantse Kumbum, an eight-story structure within Pelkhor Choede Monastery containing hundreds of small chapels filled with Buddhist imagery
- Tashilumpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lamas, with intricate decorations and religious iconography throughout its buildings
Day by day
1Arrival in Lhasa at 3,685 MetersLhasa · Shang Bala Hotel or similar
You arrive in Lhasa, where your guide presents a white katak (prayer scarf) in greeting. The station sits on the city's outskirts; the airport lies 100 kilometers away in the adjacent valley. The day is unscheduled—rest, drink water steadily, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel or similar.
2Drepung and Sera Monasteries: North of LhasaDrepung · Sera · Nechung
Visit Drepung and Sera, the two largest university monasteries in Tibet, both situated on the lower slopes of hills north of Lhasa. Drepung, founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, once held up to 10,000 monks; its main assembly hall remains remarkable and you may hear monks chanting there. Nearby stands Nechung, the Oracle Temple, adviser to the Dalai Lamas and historically a powerful force in Tibet's governance. In the afternoon, visit Sera, where monks engage in lively philosophical debating (except on Sundays). Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel or similar.
3Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in LhasaPotala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street · Shang Bala Hotel
The Potala Palace, perched 130 meters above the city, served as both the seat of Tibetan government and the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas. It divides into two sections: the White Palace, housing secular administration, and the Red Palace, containing chapels, shrines, and the tombs of Dalai Lamas. Your guide remains with you throughout the visit. Later, visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred site and a World Heritage listing, perpetually attended by pilgrims. Legend holds the temple was built over a lake after repeated construction failures elsewhere. A golden Buddha stands at its center. Afterward, join pilgrims on a clockwise circuit around Barkhor Street, considered a sacred kora by Tibetans. Note: Potala entrance times are assigned at ticket booking; the visit sequence may reverse depending on your assigned time slot. Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel or similar.
4High Passes and Alpine Lakes: Khamba La, Yamdrok Tso, and Karo La to GyantseYamdrok Tso · Karo La · Gyantse · Khamba La pass · Dzong (fort) · Gyantse Hotel
Drive toward Gyantse, stopping frequently for views. From Khamba La pass at 4,750 meters, the turquoise expanse of Yamdrok Tso opens below. Descend to skirt the lake's edge, then climb again to Karo La at 5,045 meters for a close view of Nojin Gangzang Glacier. Arriving in Gyantse, walk through the town and hike to the Dzong (fort), from which panoramic views extend across the settlement and surrounding countryside. Overnight at Gyantse Hotel or similar.
5Pelkhor Choede, Gyantse Kumbum, and Shigatse's Tashilumpo MonasteryGyantse Kumbum · Tashilumpo Monastery · Pelkhor Choede Monastery · small villages · local market · Tangka Hotel Shigatse
Visit Pelkhor Choede Monastery, founded by Gyantse's king in the 15th century and notable for its non-affiliation with any single Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Though reduced from its original scale, it remains active. The complex houses Gyantse Kumbum, an eight-story structure whose interior contains what its name suggests—a seeming infinity of tiny chapels packed with Buddhist imagery: Buddhas, protective deities, demons, and saints. Drive through small villages to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Upon arrival, visit Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Tour the buildings, each adorned with intricate decorations, religious legends, and iconography. Afterward, you may choose to walk a kora circuit around the monastery or visit the local market. Overnight at Tangka Hotel Shigatse or similar.
6Return to Lhasa Along the Yarlung Tsangpo RiverLhasa · local teahouse · Barkhor around the Jokhang · Shang Bala Hotel
The drive back to Lhasa takes approximately six hours, following the Yarlung Tsangpo River southward. The remainder of the day is free. Visit a local teahouse, visit shops, or walk with pilgrims circuiting Barkhor around the Jokhang. Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel or similar.
7Departure from Lhasaairport
The day is free. A transfer to the airport is included for your departure.
Where you go
- 1Lhasa
- 2Potala Palace
- 3Jokhang Temple
- 4Barkhor Street
- 5Lhasa
Included
- Included:
- 6 nights' hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned car in Tibet
- English speaking guide service throughout the trip
- Sightseeing tours with entrance fee as specified
- Tibet permit
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China visa
- Lunch & dinner