The Holy City of Lhasa and Ganden Monastery 5-day group tour offers a classic and immersive journey to explore the rich tapestry of Tibetan religious culture. Tailored for travellers with a profound interest in Tibetan Buddhist heritage, this tour takes you through the heart of Tibet, allowing you to visit not only the iconic attractions of Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street but also provides an opportunity to delve into the cultural history of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Furthermore, the tour includes visits to the three major temples in Lhasa: the ancestral temple of the Gelug Sect – Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Lhasa
Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, our tour guide will extend a warm welcome, mindful of the high altitude conditions. In this new environment, it is crucial to adjust your pace and relax. We will escort you to your hotel to allow your body to gradually adapt to the plateau. Tashi Dele!
Important Note: As you step onto the high plateau, remember to move slowly, speak at a relaxed pace, and allow your body to adjust. Minor symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea are normal and tend to improve the following day. In case of severe symptoms, please promptly inform your tour guide or staff.
Day 2: Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch (at your own expense), Dinner (at your own expense) Accommodation: Lhasa
Today, you will embark on a captivating exploration of Lhasa. In the morning, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the highest ancient castle-style building complex in the world. This historical residence of the Dalai Lama stands as the epicentre of political and religious power in Tibet. The journey to Potala Palace involves climbing 1080 steps, a strenuous task that rewards you with breathtaking views of Lhasa city and its stunning surroundings.
In the afternoon, we’ll take you to the sacred Jokhang Temple, a place deeply revered by Tibetan Buddhist devotees. Lama Nima Tsering aptly stated that a trip to Lhasa without visiting Jokhang Temple is incomplete. The temple is a testament to Tibetan religious architecture, combining styles from Tibet, the Tang Dynasty, Nepal, and India. Following your visit to the temple, you can circumambulate Jokhang Temple clockwise, partaking in a tradition shared by Tibetans. Alternatively, you can explore Barkhor Street’s handicraft market, enjoy leisurely Tibetan afternoon tea, or immerse yourself in the city’s serenity and contentment.
Note: Tickets for the Potala Palace are pre-purchased with specific visiting time slots. Our itinerary may be adjusted accordingly. Security checks are mandatory upon entering the Potala Palace, and photography is prohibited inside.
Day 3: Lhasa City Tour – Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch (at your own expense), Dinner (at your own expense) Accommodation: Lhasa
Following breakfast, we will visit Drepung Monastery, the largest temple in Lhasa, affiliated with the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery hosts the annual Shoton Festival at the end of June and the beginning of July in the Tibetan calendar, a time when many pilgrims and tourists flock to witness grand Buddha exhibitions.
In the afternoon, we head to Sera Monastery to witness its famous scripture debate, commencing around 15:00. This intellectual sparring showcases the profound belief and power of Tibetan Buddhism. After the visit, you can return to the hotel to rest and rejuvenate.
Day 4: Lhasa – Ganden Monastery – Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch (at your own expense), Dinner (at your own expense) Accommodation: Lhasa
Today, we will explore Ganden Monastery, the ancestral temple of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed in 1409 and situated atop a magnificent mountain, this temple is not only a significant religious site but also a serene place for introspection. As you walk through its trails, you’ll often encounter lamas silently reciting scriptures and offering devout prayers, creating a profoundly spiritual ambience. If the weather is favourable, you can take a mountain tour to appreciate the natural beauty and seek blessings for your loved ones.
Day 5: Lhasa to Airport/Railway Station
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch (at your own expense), Dinner (at your own expense) Accommodation: None
After breakfast, we conclude the tour, and you can opt to return home by plane or train. Our team will arrange transportation to the airport or train station in accordance with your departure schedule.
Fee Description
Cost Includes:
- Required documents for Tibet tourism: Tibet entry letter, border defence permit, travel permit, military region approval, and invitation letter.
- Full accommodation throughout the tour.
- All transportation costs within Tibet, covering road and bridge tolls, fuel, and vehicle entry fees, with some free time for self-exploration.
- Accommodation, meals, and allowances for the driver and tour guide.
- Reservation fee for Potala Palace.
- A knowledgeable local tour guide and their accommodation and meal allowances.
- Travel agency service fee, including daily mineral water and a 4L oxygen cylinder in case of altitude sickness.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions in the itinerary, namely Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
- Travel agency liability insurance and personal accident insurance, covering a range of scenarios.
Cost Does Not Include:
- Meals during the tour, except for breakfast in the hotel.
- Round-trip transportation to Lhasa from your departure point (booking service is available).
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone charges, overweight luggage, and beverages during meals.
- Unforeseeable expenses resulting from natural disasters, strikes, wars, flight delays, cancellations, or visa delays.
- Suggested tipping of 20 RMB per day for the driver and 20 RMB per day for the tour guide.
Important Booking Information:
- The tour is open to residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign participants. Prices do not include taxes.
- Cancellation policy: The refund policy is as follows:
- Cancellation more than 20 days before the tour: No charge.
- Cancellation 19-4 days before the tour: 30% of the deposit paid.
- Cancellation within 3 days before the tour: 50% of the deposit paid.
- Cancellation 1 day before the tour: No refund.
- In cases of force majeure like natural disasters, airline delays, or cancellations, the company cannot be held.
