Discover Lhasa
This tour will give you a good glimpse of Tibet’s capital, Lhasa. We will have guided Tours to Lhasa’s most fabulous attractions, including Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. Discover the beauty of Lhasa in 4 days.
Country
Tibet
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Tour
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Best Season
Mar-Dec
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge with twin sharing bed basis during the trip
Meals
Full board Meals ( Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trip.
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Highlights & Overview
Scenic Himalayan flight between Kathmandu and LhasaVisit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrineExplore Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteWitness monk debates at Sera MonasteryDiscover Tibetan culture at Barkhor BazaarGuided sightseeing with local Tibetan experts
The 4-day Lhasa Cultural Tour is an ideal introduction to Tibet’s ancient civilization, spiritual heritage, and high-altitude landscapes. Designed for travelers with limited time, this tour covers Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung Monasteries, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tibetan Plateau. With proper acclimatization time and expert local guidance, the journey offers a comfortable and insightful experience into Tibetan Buddhism, architecture, and daily life. Perfect as a standalone cultural tour or as a pre-extension to longer Tibet trekking and pilgrimage journeys, this trip delivers a meaningful encounter with the spiritual heart of the Himalayas.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Hotel Transfer
- Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
- Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
- Day 4: Departure – Fly Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Kathmandu or Onward Destination
Price Includes
Tour/trekking GuideTibet PermitsRoad permitsAccommodation on Bed and Breakfast Basis,Transportation during the tripPrice Doesn't Include
FlightsGuide TipsDriver and helpersChina VisaAdditional Services if requirePersonal EquipmentsOther services if requireDiscover Lhasa Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Hotel Transfer
In the morning, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. As the aircraft crosses the towering peaks of the Himalayas, you enjoy breathtaking aerial views before landing at Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan representative will warmly welcome you and assist with arrival formalities. You then begin a scenic drive of approximately two hours through dramatic river valleys and barren Tibetan landscapes to reach Lhasa city. After check-in at your hotel, the remainder of the day is kept free for rest and acclimatization, allowing your body to gradually adapt to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
Today you explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. The morning begins with a visit to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great monastic universities, famous for its lively monk debates held in the courtyard. You then proceed to the revered Jokhang Temple, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where pilgrims from across the plateau come to offer prayers. Later, enjoy a walk around Barkhor Bazaar, a bustling pilgrimage circuit filled with traditional shops, prayer wheels, incense, and local life. This immersive sightseeing day offers deep insight into Tibetan religion, history, and daily culture. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
This day is dedicated to exploring two of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a powerful symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and political history. Rising dramatically above Lhasa city, the palace offers spectacular views and houses sacred chapels, ancient scriptures, and royal chambers. In the afternoon, continue to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and an important center of Buddhist learning. Set on the hillside, Drepung provides a serene atmosphere and panoramic views over the Lhasa Valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Departure – Fly Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Kathmandu or Onward Destination
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Gonggar Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu or onward destination. As you depart Tibet, take with you unforgettable memories of sacred monasteries, ancient culture, and the unique landscapes of the Roof of the World.
Max Altitude
1300m/4264ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Heavy down jacket for extreme coldInsulated mid-layer and fleeceWaterproof shell jacket and pantsThermal base layersTrekking pants and shirtsWarm hat, sun hat, neck gaiterInsulated gloves and liner glovesWool trekking socksGears
High-quality trekking bootsCamp shoes or sandalsTrekking polesDaypack with rain coverCold-rated sleeping bagPersonal Items
Sunglasses with high UV protectionSunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balmPersonal medications and altitude medicineToiletries and quick-dry towelOther Items You Can Bring
Passport and Tibet permitsHeadlamp with spare batteriesCamera and power bankRefillable water bottles or purifierEnergy snacks and electrolytes