The Hub of Tibetan Civilization
An overland tour through the heart of Tibetan with many cultural excursions and guided Tours. The Hub of Tibetan Civilization brings you to the cradle of its existence, giving you enough free time to absorb and think about all the beautiful encounters you will witness.
Country
Tibet
Duration
12 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Tour
Max Altitude
3800m/12467ft
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 Kathmandu–LhasaExplore Tsedang, the birthplace of Tibetan civilizationVisit Samye, Tibet’s first monasteryDiscover UNESCO-listed Potala PalaceWalk the Barkhor pilgrimage circuitWitness sacred Yamdrok LakeExplore Gyantse’s Kumbum StupaVisit Tashi Lunpo Monastery in ShigatseExperience dramatic landscape change from plateau to border
This Grand Central Tibet Cultural Journey offers an in-depth exploration of Tibet’s historical, spiritual, and cultural heartlands. Beginning in Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, the journey follows the Yarlung Valley to Samye Monastery, the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. The tour continues through Lhasa’s iconic landmarks, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, before venturing west to Gyantse, Shigatse, and Sakya. Sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, bustling markets, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes combine to create an unforgettable travel experience ideal for culture seekers, history enthusiasts, and spiritual travelers.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Drive to Tsedang 3100m/10170ft
- Day 2: Tsedang Sightseeing – Yumbulakang Palace 3100m/10170ft and Changdu Monastery
- Day 3: Drive Tsedang 3100m/10170ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft via Samye Monastery
- Day 4: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace 3750m/12303ft, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
- Day 5: Lhasa Sightseeing – Drepung Monastery 3800m/12467ft, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka Palace
- Day 6: Leisure Day in Lhasa 3600m/11811ft or Optional Excursions
- Day 7: Drive Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
- Day 8: Gyantse Sightseeing 3950m/12959ft and Drive to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft
- Day 9: Day 9: Shigatse Sightseeing – Tashi Lunpo Monastery 3840m/12598ft
- Day 10: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft via Sakya Monastery
- Day 11: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft
- Day 12: Drive Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Friendship Bridge and Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
- Day 14:
Price Includes
Tour/trekking GuideTibet PermitsRoad permitsAccommodation on Bed and Breakfast BasisTransportation during the tripPrice Doesn't Include
FlightsGuide TipsDriver and helpersChina VisaAdditional Services if requirePersonal EquipmentsOther services if requireThe Hub of Tibetan Civilization Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Drive to Tsedang 3100m/10170ft
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your spectacular Himalayan flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet our Tibetan representatives and begin a scenic drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Tsedang (Tsethang), regarded as the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Enjoy your first views of rural Tibet before checking into your hotel for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Tsedang Sightseeing – Yumbulakang Palace 3100m/10170ft and Changdu Monastery
Explore the ancient heritage of Tsedang today. Visit Yumbulakang Palace, the oldest building in Tibet and legendary first palace of the Tibetan kings. Continue to Changdu Monastery, followed by an afternoon visit to the Tombs of Tibetan Kings, an important archaeological site reflecting early Tibetan royal history. Overnight stay at hotel in Tsedang.
Max Altitude
3100m/10170ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Drive Tsedang 3100m/10170ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft via Samye Monastery
Drive toward Lhasa with a meaningful stop at Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet and designed in a mandala layout. Set in the fertile Yarlung Valley, Samye represents the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue onward to Lhasa for overnight stay at hotel.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace 3750m/12303ft, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
Begin exploring the spiritual heart of Tibet. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Dalai Lama. Continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered pilgrimage site in Tibet, and walk around Barkhor Bazaar, observing pilgrims performing devotional circuits amid bustling traditional markets. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Lhasa Sightseeing – Drepung Monastery 3800m/12467ft, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka Palace
Today you explore major monastic centers of Lhasa. Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, followed by Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debate sessions. Later, tour Norbulingka Summer Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3800m/12467ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Leisure Day in Lhasa 3600m/11811ft or Optional Excursions
Enjoy a free day in Lhasa for personal exploration, shopping, photography, or rest. Optional excursions may include visits to nearby monasteries, local villages, or meditation retreats, allowing you to experience daily Tibetan life at a relaxed pace. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Drive Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
Drive westward across the Tibetan Plateau with a highlight stop at Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred and visually stunning turquoise lakes. Enjoy panoramic mountain views before continuing to the historic town of Gyantse. Overnight stay at hotel in Gyantse.
Max Altitude
4441m/14570ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Gyantse Sightseeing 3950m/12959ft and Drive to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft
Visit Gyantse’s cultural landmarks including the magnificent Kumbum Stupa and Palchor Chode Monastery, renowned for their unique architectural style. After sightseeing, drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Overnight stay at hotel in Shigatse.
Max Altitude
3950m/12959ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Day 9: Shigatse Sightseeing – Tashi Lunpo Monastery 3840m/12598ft
Drive toward Xegar (Shegar) with a cultural stop at Sakya Monastery, famous for its distinctive gray, red, and white architecture and its rich collection of ancient scriptures. Continue across the high Tibetan plateau to Xegar for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
3840m/12598ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft via Sakya Monastery
Drive toward Xegar (Shegar) with a cultural stop at Sakya Monastery, famous for its distinctive gray, red, and white architecture and its rich collection of ancient scriptures. Continue across the high Tibetan plateau to Xegar for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
4300m/14107ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft
Descend dramatically from the arid Tibetan Plateau into greener landscapes as you drive toward Zhangmu, near the Nepal–Tibet border. The changing scenery offers a striking contrast to the high plateau environment. Overnight stay at hotel or guesthouse in Zhangmu.
Max Altitude
4300m/14107ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Drive Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Friendship Bridge and Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Drive to the Friendship Bridge, marking the Nepal–Tibet border. After completing immigration formalities, continue driving through the Himalayan foothills back to Kathmandu, concluding your remarkable Tibetan journey.
Max Altitude
2300m/7546ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14:
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Meals
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