4 days Lhasa City Tour

Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, your Tibetan guide will warmly greet you. The distance from the airport to Lhasa city is approximately 68km, which takes around an hour by car. As you travel along the Brahmaputra river and Lhasa river, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking plateau scenery. Keep an eye out for flocks of black-necked cranes, wild ducks, and other fascinating bird species. If you're feeling up to it, you can make a stop at the Nethang Giant Buddha carving along the way.

If you arrive in Lhasa by train, you can expect to reach in the late afternoon or evening. A short 20-minute drive will then take you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Once you check-in, take the opportunity to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. It's important to allow your body time to adjust. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Lhasa.

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau. We have intentionally planned a visit to Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon. Both monasteries belong to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect and serve as monastic colleges.

Drepung Monastery, once the seat of the Tibetan government before the Potala Palace, holds great historical significance. It was renowned as the largest monastery in the world, housing 10,000 monks from various Tibetan monasteries.

In the afternoon, we will explore Sera Monastery, famous for its Buddhism philosophical debates (unavailable on Sundays). Witnessing the passionate debates and the energetic expressions of the monks is truly captivating.

After acclimatizing to the high altitude for a day and a half in Lhasa city, you will be ready to embark on a climb to visit the magnificent Potala Palace.Today's itinerary includes visits to Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century, is Tibet's most sacred shrine. Located at the heart of Lhasa's old town, it is surrounded by the famous Barkhor street. The Potala Palace, an iconic landmark known worldwide, is an immense structure that houses a world of its own. It holds great significance as the historical residence of the Dalai Lama lineages, particularly Avalokiteshvara.

Both Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace attract pilgrims from all corners of the Tibetan world, who express their deep devotion through circumambulation and prostration. Following the sightseeing, your guide will accompany you to a nearby sweet tea shop near Barkhor or the cave sweet tea shop near Potala Palace, where you can savor traditional Tibetan sweet tea. Afterward, you have the freedom to explore and stroll along Barkhor street at your leisure.

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