6 days Lhasa and Namtso Lake Group Tour

You will be greeted by your Tibetan guide upon your arrival at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the Lhasa railway station. From the airport to your hotel in Lhasa city is approximately 68 km (42 mi), around an hour drive. From the train station into the city is only 15 km (9 mi) and takes a brief 20 minutes.

During the drive, you will have time to enjoy the spectacular scenery Tibetan plateau and glimpses of scattered Tibetan villages. Once you arrive at your hotel and check in, the rest of the day will be free in order to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. 

Today is your first sightseeing day in Lhasa, you will be arranged to visit two renowned monasteries: Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon.

Drepung Monastery was once the world's largest and the governmental seat before the Potala Palace, historically housed up to 10,000 monks. It's renowned for its significant role in Tibetan culture, religion, and education.

Sera Monastery is another the great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. Renowned for its lively monk debates between 3 pm to 5 pm (daily except on Sunday) on Buddhist philosophy, the monastery is an important center for learning and culture.Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of how Tibetan monks participate in debates to acquire knowledge and progress in their academic studies.

You will have a welcome dinner with your fellow group members tonight.

In the morning start your Lhasa city highlight tour to visit Potala Palace. It is most renowned as the residence of the lineage of Dalai Lamas (Avalokiteshvara), though the massive structure contains a small world within itself. It was first built by 33rd ruler of his dynasty, King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, but still is in surprisingly good repair because of continual rejuvenation projects.

Then proceed to visit Jokhang temple, it is the most scared building in Tibetan Buddhism, located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the most sought after pilgrimage destination for all Tibetans.
The Barkhor Street, a renowned Kora (holy walking path) encircling the Jokhang Temple, is constantly bustling with Tibetan faithful. Visitors will discover the unique experience of mingling with local pilgrims along Barkhor Street. It also serves as a vibrant shopping district, offering the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones.

Following your sightseeing adventures, join your guide at one of Lhasa's most vibrant Tibetan sweet tea houses. Here, you can enjoy sipping traditional Tibetan sweet tea while sitting among local Tibetans. Your guide will provide valuable insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life, offering a deeper understanding of the culture.

Today, your journey takes you northward to the enchanting Namtso Lake, traversing the Northern Tibetan grasslands. In the summertime, these grasslands are alive with sprawling herds of yaks and sheep, beautifully contrasted against the imposing Nyenchen Thanglha snow-capped mountains.

As you approach Damxung, you'll ascend the Nagen-la pass at 5,190 meters, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Namtso Lake. This lake is not only one of Tibet's three sacred lakes but also holds the distinction of being the world's highest salt-water lake. Your descent will lead you to Tashi Dor Island, offering a chance to wander along its shores or climb to its summit for a sweeping panoramic view of Namtso Lake, encircled by majestic snow-covered mountains. This serene island is also a site of spiritual significance, dotted with meditation caves and sacred Buddhist sites, which you can explore under the guidance of your Tibetan guide.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to Damxung to spend the night. However, if your group expresses a keen interest in experiencing the awe-inspiring sunset at Namtso Lake, this can be arranged. While awaiting the sunset, you'll be offered hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea for your enjoyment.

After breakfast, your first destination will be Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Wander through the serene nunnery grounds and gain insights into the various Buddhist studies practiced in Tibet.

Next, proceed to Tsurphu Monastery, the most ancient monastery in Tibet. This monastery serves as the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is renowned as the origin of the reincarnated living Buddhas system in Tibet. Here, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the Karma Kagyupa school, often referred to as the 'Black Hats', of Tibetan Buddhism.

During the summer months, from June to September, you may opt for a 'Linka outing' (a Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in a quaint village at the base of Tsurphu Monastery's hill. Alternatively, lunch at the monastery's restaurant is also an option.

Upon returning to Lhasa and check-in at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day exploring Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a great place to wander for last-minute shopping before you leave Tibet.

Your guide and driver will ensure you safely reach the Lhasa Airport or train station, which concludes the tour. Thank you for choosing to travel with WindhorseTour.