Adventure Friendship

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, you will be warmly welcomed by your private Tibetan guide with a traditional white Hada, symbolizing blessings and goodwill.

You will then be transferred in a private luxury vehicle to your hotel in Lhasa. Your guide will provide a personalized tour briefing and essential altitude-acclimatization advice to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and adapting to the altitude.

Overnight: Lhasa

Luxury Accommodation Options:

• Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Super 5-Star)
• The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-Star)
• Shangri-La Lhasa (5-Star)

Dining Experience:
High-quality local, Chinese, or Western restaurants selected according to your preferences.

After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet and home to over 10,000 monks at its peak. Explore the Coqen Hall and learn about Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, monastic education, and history.

Continue to Loseling College (or equivalent) for insight into monks’ daily study and living environment.

Lunch can be enjoyed at the monastery dining hall for an authentic experience or at a carefully selected local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous Tibetan Monks’ Debate (15:00–17:00, Monday–Saturday). Your guide will explain the symbolic gestures and philosophical arguments behind this unique tradition.

End the day with a welcome dinner featuring Tibetan cuisine, cultural performances, and traditional music.

Overnight: Lhasa

Today begins with a guided visit to the Potala Palace, Tibet’s most iconic landmark and former residence of the Dalai Lamas. Discover priceless murals, sacred chapels, golden burial stupas, and ancient meditation caves.

Afterwards, stroll through Zongjiao Lukang Park for panoramic views of the Potala Palace and an opportunity to join locals in traditional Guozhuang dancing.

In the afternoon, explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the revered statue of 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni, followed by a kora walk along Barkhor Street, the spiritual and cultural heart of Lhasa.

Conclude the day at a traditional Tibetan tea house, enjoying sweet tea with locals while learning about Tibetan social life.

Overnight: Lhasa

Depart Lhasa for a scenic overland journey to Shigatse.

Drive over Gampala Pass (4,790m) for stunning views of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, with Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) rising in the distance.

Visit a local Tibetan family near the lake for a home-cooked lunch and firsthand experience of plateau hospitality.

Continue to the dramatic Karola Glacier, where massive ice formations descend almost to the roadside. Stop at Simila Mountain Pass to hang prayer flags before passing through the historic town of Gyantse.

Arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Overnight: Shigatse

Luxury Accommodation Options:

• Hilton Shigatse (5-Star)
• Qomo Langzong Hotel (5-Star)

After breakfast, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama and spiritual center of Shigatse. Admire the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha and observe monks in their daily rituals.

After lunch, explore Samzhubze Old Market, a lively hub offering insight into local Tibetan life.

Return to Lhasa following the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River, the cradle of Tibetan civilization.

Enjoy a free evening in Lhasa for shopping, dining, or relaxation.

Overnight: Lhasa

Your private guide will escort you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station according to your departure schedule.

Thank you for choosing Adventure Friendship. We look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet.