Heart of Tibet Tours & Sightseeing (5 days)
Our Heart of Tibet tour brings you the real heart of Tibet: Lhasa. Like our “Discover Lhasa” tour, we will visit all the main attraction of Tibet and you will also have plenty of free time to stroll through this beautiful city at your own pace.
Country
Tibet
Duration
5 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 Buddhist shrineExplore Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteWitness monk debates at Sera MonasteryDiscover Tibetan royal life at Norbulingka PalaceLearn about ancient Tibetan medicine traditionsGuided cultural immersion in the heart of Tibet
The 5-day Lhasa Cultural and Heritage Tour offers an immersive introduction to Tibet’s spiritual traditions, royal history, and living culture. Centered in the ancient city of Lhasa, this journey explores UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace, along with major monastic universities like Sera and Drepung. Travelers also gain insight into traditional Tibetan medicine, a holistic healing system practiced for centuries. Designed with ample acclimatization time and expert local guidance, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful cultural experience on the Tibetan Plateau. It works perfectly as a standalone cultural tour or as an extension to longer Tibet trekking and pilgrimage programs.
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: Lhasa Sightseeing, Norbulingka Palace and Tibetan Medical Centre 3600m/11811ft
- Day 5: 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 requireHeart of Tibet Tours & Sightseeing (5 days) Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Hotel Transfer
You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan range before landing at Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival, our Tibetan representative will welcome you and assist with arrival formalities. You then enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through river valleys and traditional Tibetan landscapes to reach Lhasa city. After check-in at your hotel, the remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude, allowing your body to adjust gradually. 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 spiritual heart of Tibet with guided sightseeing in Lhasa. Begin with Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great monastic universities, famous for its animated monk debate sessions held in the courtyard. Continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered Buddhist shrine in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where pilgrims perform devotional circuits and prayers. Later, walk through Barkhor Bazaar, the vibrant pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, filled with prayer wheels, incense, traditional shops, and daily Tibetan life. 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 two of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the majestic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising above Lhasa city, the palace houses sacred chapels, ancient scriptures, royal chambers, and offers panoramic views of the valley. In the afternoon, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and an important center of Tibetan Buddhist learning. Set against the hillside, Drepung provides a peaceful atmosphere and sweeping views over Lhasa. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Lhasa Sightseeing, Norbulingka Palace and Tibetan Medical Centre 3600m/11811ft
Today you explore the softer cultural and healing aspects of Tibetan civilization. Visit Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set within beautiful gardens and parklands. This UNESCO-listed site reflects traditional Tibetan architecture and royal leisure life. Continue to the Tibetan Medical Centre, where you gain insight into traditional Tibetan medicine, herbal remedies, diagnostic techniques, and centuries-old healing practices still used today. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or personal exploration in Lhasa. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: 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, you carry lasting memories of sacred monasteries, ancient culture, and the unique high-altitude 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