Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or railway station, meet your local Tibetan guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and acclimatize to Lhasa’s high altitude.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Lhasa Shoton Festival Tour (2027)
- Lhasa
Tour facts
- Trip code
- TFT-03
- Duration
- 5 days
- Type
- Private
- Altitude
- 3,658m
- Theme
- Culture and Heritage, Festival
Tour overview
Experience Tibet’s Shoton Festival, starting August 31, 2027, on this 5-day private Lhasa tour. Witness the grand Buddha Thangka unveiling at Drepung Monastery, enjoy traditional Tibetan opera at Norbulingka, and join locals in celebrating this important festival. Alongside the festivities, explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Lhasa’s Buddhist heritage.
- Giant Buddha Thangka Unveiling — Witness the grand display at Drepung Monastery among thousands of pilgrims.
- Traditional Tibetan Opera — Enjoy colorful performances at Norbulingka during the Shoton Festival.
- Horse & Yak Races — Experience the excitement of traditional Tibetan racing in Lhasa.
- Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple — Explore Tibet's iconic palace and holiest temple.
- Sera Monastery Monk Debates — Watch monks engage in lively Buddhist philosophical debates.
From USD 824 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
- Private Tour at Your Own Pace
- Tibet Travel Permit Included
- Local Tibetan Guide
- Private Vehicle & Driver
Itinerary
Start your Lhasa sightseeing with Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, followed by Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest temple. Walk along Barkhor Street, where pilgrims circle Jokhang Temple, turning prayer wheels and offering prayers. If time allows, enjoy Tibetan sweet tea at a local teahouse.
The day is paced comfortably to allow continued acclimatization.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Rise early to join thousands of pilgrims at Drepung Monastery for the Shoton Festival’s spectacular giant Buddha Thangka unveiling. Watch as monks unfurl the enormous sacred image on the hillside while pilgrims gather to pray and make offerings.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, known for its lively Buddhist monk debates. Special religious activities may also take place during the festival.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Continue the festival celebrations with a morning visit to Lhasa Racecourse for traditional horse and yak races, subject to the confirmed festival program.
In the afternoon, head to Norbulingka, the Dalai Lamas’ former summer palace, to enjoy Tibetan opera performances featuring colorful costumes, masks, and traditional storytelling. Afterwards, visit the Tibet Museum to learn more about Tibetan history and culture.
Overnight in Lhasa.
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Lhasa airport or railway station for your onward journey.
What’s included
Tour notes
- Please note prices are based in CNY.
- Price is per person, based on 2 travelers sharing one room in low season. Lower rates apply for groups of 4 or more.
- All tours can be customized to suit your interests and budget.
General inclusions
- All required government taxes and fees.
- 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day.
- All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.
- Admission tickets for all attractions included in the itinerary.
- Comfortable 4-star hotels throughout the trip, based on double occupancy. Upgrades or downgrades available on request.
- Comfortable private transportation: sedan for 2 travelers in Lhasa; 9-seat minivan for longer excursions or groups of 3–6; minibus or coach for larger groups. No private vehicle is arranged on walking-tour days.
- Licensed local Tibetan English-speaking guide. Other languages available on request.
General exclusions
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
- Tips for your guide and driver.
- International travel insurance.
- Flight or train tickets to and from Lhasa (ticket booking service upon request).
- Cultural shows at each place (optional).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
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Ask a question
Questions from other travelers
1 question
Hi again. I’m Olga from Spain. I would like to ask you if it is possible to start tour 5 days before to see other things like:
YAMDROK lake
GYANTSE MONASTERy
Tashi LHUNPO MONASTERY
NAMTSO LAKE or nomad people. Thanks a lot. I wait for your answer
Hi Olga,
Thank you for your message, it’s great to hear from you again!
Yes, it is absolutely possible to start your tour 5 days earlier and include the additional places you mentioned. We’ve customized an itinerary and sent it to your email, please take a look at the details. We’d be very happy to hear your thoughts and feedback!
Looking forward to helping you plan a wonderful journey through Tibet!
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Lhasa Shoton Festival Tour (2027)
Lhasa
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