5 days Lhasa Highlights Tour with Namtso Lake

Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide, from airport to Lhasa city is 68km, around an hour drive will take you to the holy city Lhasa. Driving along the Brahmaputra river and Lhasa river, you will not only amazed by the spectacular plateau scenery but also have a chance to see flocks of black-necked crane, wild duck and many other kind of wild birds, if you are not tired, stop at Nethang Giant Buhhda caving on the way. If you take the train to Lhasa, normally you will arrive in the late afternoon or evening, 20 minutes drive will take you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Check into hotel, have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only Drepung monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon.  Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery 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 is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice(Not available on Sunday), the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Overnight at Lhasa.

After one and half day day acclimatization of the high altitude in Lhasa city,  today you will be arranged to visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is Tibet's most scared shrine built in 7th century, located at the heart of old town of Lhasa and the circuit around it called Barkhor street. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. After the sightseeing your guide will take you to drink the Tibetan sweet tea at once sweet tea shop near Barkhor, afterwards you can freely walk around the Barkhor street. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today make a day tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake, one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. As you journey through the Northern Tibetan grassland, you'll be treated to the stunning Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges as a majestic backdrop. Upon reaching the Largen-la pass [5190m], you'll catch your first glimpse of Namtso Lake, known as the "sky lake" and recognized as the highest saltwater lake in the world. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring views and embrace the serene atmosphere as you hike along the lakeside and explore the Tashi Do peninsula with its unique rock formations. Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch amidst this breathtaking natural setting. Before returning to Lhasa, seize the opportunity to visit a nomad family (available in summer) and gain insights into their traditional way of life. 

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.