4 day Overview Tour of Tibet

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa – Warm Welcome & Altitude Acclimatization

• Experience: Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, our friendly guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in comfort. After checking into the hotel, we recommend taking the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude (around 3,650 meters above sea level). Avoid strenuous activities, stay hydrated, and let your body adjust gradually to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey ahead.
• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Included (either The Tibet Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel or Himalayan Hotel – both carefully selected for comfort and convenient location)

Day 2: Lhasa’s Iconic Trio – Palaces & Monasteries

1. Potala Palace

• Duration: 2 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Embark on a guided tour of the world-famous Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibet. Perched atop Red Hill, this majestic complex blends Tibetan and Han architectural styles, housing countless precious Buddhist relics, gold-plated stupas, and intricate murals. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its history as the former residence of the Dalai Lamas and its significance in Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Jokhang Temple

• Duration: 60 minutes | Admission Included
• Highlights: Visit Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. Step into its golden-roofed courtyards and marvel at the revered Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha statue (believed to be over 1,300 years old). Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you watch devout pilgrims performing prostrations and spinning prayer wheels.

3. Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)

• Duration: 2 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Explore one of Tibet’s largest and most influential monasteries, once home to tens of thousands of monks. Wander through its grand assembly halls, serene cloisters, and sacred chapels adorned with thangkas and statues. Learn about its role as a center of Buddhist learning and admire the panoramic views of Lhasa Valley from the monastery grounds.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) & Lunch (authentic Tibetan or Chinese cuisine)
• Accommodation: Included (same as Day 1)

Day 3: Spiritual Traditions & Royal Gardens

1. Sera Monastery

• Duration: 2 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Witness the famous “Monk Debates” (typically held in the afternoon, weather permitting) – a lively and rhythmic exchange of Buddhist philosophy where monks use hand gestures and chants to defend their arguments. Explore the monastery’s ancient scriptures, peaceful gardens, and the stunning Main Assembly Hall, gaining insights into Tibetan monastic life.

2. Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden)

• Duration: 2 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Tour the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful gardens and ornate palaces. Stroll through lush lawns, beside serene ponds, and past colorful flower beds, while visiting palaces like the Golden Linka and Takten Migyur Phodrang. Learn about the royal family’s summer lifestyle and admire the blend of Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian architectural influences.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) & Lunch
• Accommodation: Included (same as previous days)

Day 4: Farewell to Lhasa

• Experience: After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport in good time for your departure flight. Take with you cherished memories of Lhasa’s breathtaking landscapes, profound spiritual heritage, and warm hospitality. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Not included