This short private Lhasa and Samye Cultural Tour explores Tibet’s Buddhist heritage, from Lhasa’s famous palaces and monasteries to the Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Spend three nights in Lhasa to acclimatize before visiting Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, and Yumbulakang Palace, traditionally considered Tibet’s first palace.
From USD 913 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or railway station, your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting and adjusting to Lhasa’s high altitude. Your guide will share some useful tips for acclimatization and introduce you to local Tibetan customs.
Overnight in Lhasa.
In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once Tibet’s largest monastery and an important center of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore its historic chapels and courtyards, where thousands of monks once studied and lived.
In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates. Watch monks challenge each other on Buddhist philosophy through animated gestures and loud clapping, if debates are taking place that day.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Start the day at Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of Tibet’s most recognizable landmarks. Explore its chapels and prayer halls, which hold centuries of Tibetan Buddhist art and history.
Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest temple, home to the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Afterwards, walk along Barkhor Street, following Tibetan pilgrims as they circle the temple clockwise, turning prayer wheels and offering prayers. If time allows, stop at a local teahouse to enjoy Tibetan sweet tea.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Leave Lhasa in the morning and drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to visit Samye Monastery, regarded as Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, founded in the 8th century. Explore its main temple and surrounding chapels, arranged in a layout representing the Buddhist universe.
Continue to Yumbulakang Palace, traditionally considered Tibet’s first palace. Located on a hillside overlooking the Yarlung Valley, it is closely associated with Tibet’s early kings. Walk up to the palace and enjoy views of the valley, farmland, and surrounding mountains before continuing to Tsedang.
Overnight in Tsedang.
After breakfast, your Tibetan guide and driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey. The transfer will be arranged according to your departure schedule.
End of tour.
3 questions
From which airport it is easy to get flight to Lhasa ? Do you need heavy clothing?
Dear Josa,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for your inquiry!
Generally, many cities in mainland China, such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, Lanzhou, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai, have flights to Lhasa. However, cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Xining have the most flights to Lhasa.
Regarding clothing for your Tibet tour, it depends on when you are going to travel in Tibet. However, in general, if it is sunny, the weather, even in winter, is quite warm in the daytime, but the weather at night could be very cold. There are significant temperature differences between day and night in Tibet.
Sincerely yours,
Victoria
We would like a quote for flights to Lhasa to Chengdu for two people on 4th April 2016 afternoon flights (we arrive on the BA flight arriving at 10.45), then to pick up your five day tour llhasa samye. We would depart Lhasa on 8th on the train to Xining. We would require soft sleeper tickets.
Thank you
Colin Robinson
I am currently in Beijing until the 5th of Janiari and plans dated 5 January – 11 January in Lhasa to join the tour, can I make it happen? I had to return to Beijing on 11 January 2013 for January 12, 2013 to return to Indonesia
thank you
Hi Ritchie, Thanks for your comments! I just sent you an email with some advice about your trip, please check it and let me know if you need any further asssistance from us! Best Regards, Murphy
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Lhasa & Samye Cultural Tour
Lhasa → Tsedang
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