Tibet Culture Tour (fly-in, fly-out)
The Tibet Culture Tour brings you back to the cradle of Tibetan Civilization and gives you a chance to visit the many old buildings and Monasteries throughout the country as well as the capital of Tibet, Lhasa.
Country
Tibet
Duration
8 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Tour
Max Altitude
4441m/14570ft
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 ancient Tsedang, Tibet’s first capitalVisit Samye Monastery, the first monastery in TibetStop at sacred Yamdrok LakeDiscover Gyantse’s Kumbum StupaVisit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in ShigatseExplore UNESCO-listed Potala PalaceWalk the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit
The Central Tibet Cultural Tour via Tsedang and Gyantse offers a deep exploration of Tibetan history, spirituality, and landscapes. Beginning with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the journey travels through Tsedang and the Yarlung Valley, regarded as the birthplace of Tibetan civilization. Highlights include visits to Samye Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, the architectural wonders of Gyantse, and the spiritual centers of Shigatse and Lhasa. The tour concludes with in-depth sightseeing of Tibet’s most sacred monasteries and palaces, making it an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking authentic Tibetan culture combined with breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Drive to Tsedang 3100m/10170ft
- Day 2: Samye Monastery and Yarlung Valley Exploration 3200m/10498ft
- Day 3: Drive Tsedang 3100m/10170ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
- Day 4: Drive Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft via Shalu Monastery
- Day 5: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Visit Norbulingka Palace
- Day 6: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
- Day 7: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
- Day 8: Departure – Fly Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Price Includes
Price Doesn't Include
Tibet Culture Tour (fly-in, fly-out) Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Drive to Tsedang 3100m/10170ft
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet our Tibetan representatives and continue driving south along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Tsedang (Tsethang), the historical heartland of Tibetan civilization. In the afternoon, visit Yumbu Lhakhang, the oldest building in Tibet, and Chakduk Monastery, offering insight into early Tibetan culture. Overnight stay at hotel in Tsedang.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Samye Monastery and Yarlung Valley Exploration 3200m/10498ft
Today you explore the legendary Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery ever built in Tibet and a cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism. Set in the fertile Yarlung Valley, known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization, this area offers deep historical and spiritual significance. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and ancient architecture before returning to Tsedang for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
3200m/10498ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Drive Tsedang 3100m/10170ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
Drive westward across the Tibetan Plateau, stopping at the spectacular Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes, famous for its vivid turquoise color. Continue to the historic town of Gyantse and visit the impressive Kumbum Stupa and Palchor Chode Monastery, outstanding examples of Tibetan religious architecture. Overnight stay at hotel in Gyantse.
Max Altitude
4441m/14570ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Drive Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft via Shalu Monastery
Depart Gyantse and drive toward Shigatse, stopping at Shalu Monastery, renowned for its unique blend of Tibetan and Han Chinese architectural styles. Upon arrival in Shigatse, visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, followed by time to explore the vibrant local market. Overnight stay at hotel in Shigatse.
Max Altitude
3950m/12959ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Visit Norbulingka Palace
Travel back to Lhasa via the northern highway, enjoying expansive views of the Tibetan Plateau. Upon arrival, visit Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set amidst beautiful gardens. Overnight stay at hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3840m/12598ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
Explore Lhasa’s spiritual and cultural highlights. Visit Sera Monastery, famous for its animated monk debate sessions. Continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered pilgrimage site in Tibet, and stroll through Barkhor Bazaar, where pilgrims perform devotional circuits amid bustling traditional markets. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
Begin the day with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibetan identity. Later, explore Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight stay at hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Departure – Fly Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Transfer to Gonggar Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu or onward destination, concluding your unforgettable journey through central Tibet.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
