+977-9741470101
info@nepalchallenge.com
The 4-day Lhasa Small Group Tour offers an enchanting journey through the heart of Tibet. It immerses travelers in its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully crafted adventure designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Lhasa, the spiritual and political capital of Tibet. Upon arrival in Lhasa, visitors are immediately captivated by the city's unique charm. The tour also begins with explorations of iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as an architectural marvel. The former residence of the Dalai Lama. Its grandeur and historical significance make it…
The 4-day Lhasa Small Group Tour offers an enchanting journey through the heart of Tibet. It immerses travelers in its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully crafted adventure designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Lhasa, the spiritual and political capital of Tibet.
Upon arrival in Lhasa, visitors are immediately captivated by the city’s unique charm. The tour also begins with explorations of iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as an architectural marvel. The former residence of the Dalai Lama. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction.
The tour also continues with visits to the Jokhang Temple. It is another significant spiritual site that holds great reverence among Tibetan Buddhists. The temple’s vibrant atmosphere, intricate architecture, and devotional activities provide an immersive glimpse into the local religious practices.
Travelers also have the opportunity to stroll through Barkhor Street, a bustling market that radiates with traditional Tibetan flavors. Here, one can browse through an array of shops. It sells local handicrafts, religious artifacts, and colorful Tibetan clothing. It also witnesses the daily lives of the locals.
Throughout the tour, participants will delve into the fascinating history and culture of Tibet. It also visits the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, both renowned centers of learning and spiritual enlightenment. The serene courtyards, prayer halls, and chanting debates of the monks create an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection.
Furthermore, the tour offers moments of natural beauty, as participants venture to the outskirts of Lhasa to explore the picturesque Namtso Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the crystal-clear waters of the lake provide a serene setting for relaxation and reflection.
As the journey comes to an end, travelers leave Lhasa with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Tibet’s spiritual legacy, its unique cultural tapestry, and the warmth of its people. The 4-day Lhasa Small Group Tour is a remarkable adventure that leaves an indelible impression on all who embark on it, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the heart and soul of Tibet.
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, be greeted by our local guide at airport or train station and be presented with traditional Tibetan White Scarf to wish you good luck!
After group photo at airport, you will board on the coach and transfer to your hotel. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages on the way.
Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Start the morning from the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world. It was put into use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, you will head to the Jokhang Temple. It is the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers, where innumerable pilgrims come for worship every day. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, which is the most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism.
After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you can explore the bustling markets of the Barkhor Street and watch the locals as the prostrate around the Jokhang Temple. You can also do kora with local pilgrims or buy some souvenirs there.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today, we firstly go to Dadong Village, which is known as the most beautiful village in Lhasa. It is only around 25 kilometers away from Lhasa city center. Here we will first visit the Nyimatang Monastery. Then go for a leisure trek to visit the local Tibetan family. You can experience the country life of local Tibetans, and enjoy authentic Tibetan food here at lunch.
After lunch, drive to the edge of the town to visit Sera Monastery, which is another one of the ‘Great Three’ Gelug monasteries. The famous debate sessions of the monks in Sera monastery was created in 1419 and has been an important Buddhist seminary. Nowadays, the Monks debate is held at around 3-5 in the afternoon.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Our guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
You’ll also visit the Jokhang Temple, which is considered one of the most sacred temples in Tibet and attracts many pilgrims. On the third day, you’ll visit the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, two of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. Here you’ll witness monks in their daily life and debates, learning about Tibetan Buddhism and its rituals. On the final day, you can enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure, or join an optional excursion to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Overall, this 4-day Lhasa small group tour is a great way to experience the essence of Tibet in a short amount of time, with the company of other like-minded travelers and the guidance of a knowledgeable local tour guide.
1. Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for Tibet tour. Its cost is included in the tour quotation. Send your passport and China visa copies to us 20 days in advance, and we will apply for the permit after you book a Tibetan tour with us. Shortly after we get your permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau, we will inform you and mail it to your hotel in China via express.
In some extreme cases, our staff will hand it over to you at the airport or railway station. In our experience, we can virtually guarantee to get your permit during times when Tibet is open to foreign travelers.
2. Accommodation
Tibet is never known for its 5-star luxury resorts, though you can find some like Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, St.Regis Lhasa Resort, Sheraton hotel, etc in Lhasa. Overall, the accommodation facilities and services are not as good as those in coastal and central parts of China. However, from cheap and clean youth hotel, to distinct Tibetan style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotel, you will find one that suits your interest and pocket in Lhasa.
We’ve handpicked cozy and safe hotels in the central area of Lhasa, where you will find Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are just steps away from you. You can easily experience more of the local life and culture. Normally, as you travel to remote areas in some parts of Shigatse like Tingri, or EBC, Ngari, Nagqu, etc. the accommodation would be much poorer. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel;others may only have electric blanket in the guesthouses. And the food is also very basic.
3.Guiding and Tipping
Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will minor your health and provide prompt help to you. If you run into any trouble, please do not hesitate to reach them or our customer service manager.
Travelers’s tipping to Tibetan guide and driver is taken as an extra gratitude to their good service, just like what you do in the west. Normally, a tipping of 7 USD/day is acceptable. The basic rule is good service for good pay.
4.Shuttle Bus Service between Your Hotel and Airport/Train Station
The distance between Lhasa Gonggar airport and downtown Lhasa is 70km.
We can only offer free shuttle service to pick up/drop off tourists between hotels and Gongga airport twice a day at a designated time.
Some of the tourists may have to wait for others for a longtime beyond our designated time, and we advise our clients could book the flights to match our shuttle service time.
The free airport pick-up time is as follows on the day the itinerary begins (From airport to hotel, Fixed departure):
Pick up tourists at 09:30 am; 13:30 pm; 16:30 pm
The free airport drop time is as follows on the day the itinerary closes (From hotel to airport, Fixed departure):
Pick up tourists at 06:30 am; 08:30 am; 12:30 pm
All the shuttle service from/to the train station on the date of tourists’ arrival and departure would be free.
Exception:
If tourists’ picking-up/dropping-off time is beyond our fixed schedule, they are required to pay private transfer from 60USD/car.
If passengers are less than 3 per transfer, we may use publish transportation like public airport bus or Taxi instead of using our shuttle service.
5. Toilet
Admittedly, to many western tourists, using toilets in Tibet is the most dreadful experience. So, please down play your expectation. If you take Tibet train to Lhasa, both western toilet and squat toilet are available in the train. If you stay in hotel above 3-star hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. you will have no complaining using standard western flash toilet.
However, if you visit some of the attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso, EBC outdoor, mostly you will see the smelly and filthy pit toilet.It’s better to carry enough toilet paper.
6. Tibet Weather
One of the biggest features of weather on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the dramatic temperature change between day and night. The annual temperature in Lhasa is -2℃– 12℃(spring), 9℃– 22℃(summer), 7℃– 19℃(fall), -7℃– 9℃(winter). Do wear clothes properly such as thermal tops, fleece jacket, breathable underwear, down jacket, jeans, beanie, etc.
Of course, sun screen, lip balm, sun glasses are essential to shield you from powerful blinding sunlight on the plateau. Do drink more water and eat more vegetable as you travel in Tibet. It can prevent you from dehydration.
7. Acclimatization to the High Altitude
For the first timer to Tibet, either by flight or train, a good rest is a must for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Never rush to tour the street or attractions on your own. Walk slower and do not exert yourself like running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa is a good way to get acclimatized before heading to Shigatse or Namtso. If you have any discomfort, do tell it to your guide,and he will help you out.
8. Other Dos and Don’ts
Normally, taking photos is forbidden in the monastery. If you want to take photos of Tibetan pilgrims, a gentle ask of permission would be appreciated or you can do it from a long distance. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in holy lakes in Tibet; Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics; International tourists are not allowed to travel alone in Tibet according to the policy; Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street; Never venture into the unknown trails; do as much as you can to protect the fragile eco-system in Tibet, etc.
As Tibetan Buddhism is deeply-rooted in every facet of Tibetans’ life, always follow and respect the unique customs in Tibet. If you are uncertain about something, it’s advisable to ask your guide before you do it at will.
