6 days Lhasa City plus Namtso Lake 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. 

(B=breakfast)

Start your tour by visiting Potala Palace, it is the most well known known icon of Tibet. The massive complex is a small world within itself and is generally renowned as residence of the Dalai Lamas (Avalokiteshvara). It was first built by the 33rd ruler of his dynasty, King Songtsen Gangpo, in 7th century, but continual restoration efforts keep it looking majestic.

Then proceed to visit Jokhang temple, it's the most scared shrine in Tibet, located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the most popular pilgrimage destination of all Tibetans.

Barkhor Street is a popular Kora (religious walking circuit) which surrounds Jokhang Temple, and mingling with pilgrims around the Barkhor Street is a truly authentic experience. It is also a main shopping district where you can buy gifts for your family or friends.

Lhasa Old Town gives a glimpse into the daily life of Lhasa Tibetans. You can visit the Tibetan market stalls on the street and step into specialty stores selling hand-made bags, carpets, etc.

In the morning, you will visit Drepung monastery, it was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet.

Sera monastery's famous monks debate between 3 pm to 5pm (not available on Sunday), an exhibition certainly worth seeing.

Optional program:At night, your guide can take you to enjoy a local Tibetan show (price is not included).

Today make your first day excursion to Namtso Lake, the driving is along the Northern Tibetan grassland, you can get a distant view of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges, and cross over the Nargen-la pass [5,190 m].

Namtso Lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, and also the highest salt-water lake in the world. Visitors can do a bit trekking around the shore of the lake. Stay overnight at the lakeside.

Get up early to view the beautiful sunrise at Namtso Lake. You can trek along the lake shore to Tashi Dor Island to explore the meditation caves. Then head back to Lhasa, happy nomads family dwelled their cozy yak wool tent on the grassy pastures. On the way return to Lhasa from Namtso, we will pass a famous hotspring — the Yampanchen. If some tourists are interested in it, we can stop over for a while and have a bath. (Hot spring cost is on travelers)

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.