Tibet Cultural Discovery Tour

Upon arrival at Gongkar Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tibetan guide. After completing immigration and permit formalities, you will drive for approximately 45 minutes to reach Lhasa, the historic capital of Tibet.

After checking in at your hotel, it is highly recommended to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and allow your body to gradually acclimatize to the high altitude. In the afternoon, you may enjoy a short and gentle walk around the hotel area for light sightseeing.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Bed & Breakfast (BB)

After breakfast, your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the day’s program and answer any questions. You will then proceed for a full-day guided sightseeing tour.

Jokhang Temple:
Located in the heart of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred and revered temple in Tibet, dating back to the 7th century. Founded by Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess and consort of King Songtsen Gampo, the temple’s main entrance faces west toward Nepal in her honor. Jokhang is regarded as a powerful spiritual center, and its many surrounding chapels and ancient architecture are deeply impressive.

Barkhor Market (Bazaar):
Encircling Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market is a vibrant traditional marketplace where you can observe pilgrims performing kora (ritual circumambulation). The bazaar offers a variety of Tibetan handicrafts, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings, prayer items, and souvenirs.

Sera Monastery:
Located about 5 km north of Lhasa, Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 and is set against the scenic slopes of Mount Purbuchok. Once home to over 5,000 monks, it now accommodates around 550 monks. Key structures include the Coqen Hall (main assembly hall), three Dratsangs (monastic colleges), and 29 Khangtsens (monk dormitories).
One of the highlights is the famous monk debate session, where monks engage in lively philosophical discussions. The monastery also houses a remarkable nine-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, erected in 1419.

After sightseeing, you will return to your hotel. Lhasa offers a wide selection of restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Bed & Breakfast (BB)

After breakfast, your guide will brief you on the day’s activities before visiting the iconic Potala Palace.

Potala Palace:
Known as the “Winter Palace” of the Dalai Lamas, Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece dominating Lhasa’s skyline. Rising 117 meters high, this 13-story complex contains approximately 1,000 rooms, over 10,000 shrines, and more than 200,000 images. Inside, you will admire exquisite Tibetan murals, statues, and sacred relics, including the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas.
Please note: Due to visitor regulations, the visit duration inside the palace is limited to one hour.

After the visit, drive westward to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Overnight: Hotel in Shigatse
Meals: Bed & Breakfast (BB)

After breakfast, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. The monastery complex contains 39 chapels, including the magnificent gold-covered Maitreya Buddha Chapel, renowned for its craftsmanship and spiritual significance.

Afterward, drive to Gyantse to explore:

Pelkhor Chöde Monastery:
Built in the early 15th century, Pelkhor Chöde—meaning “Auspicious Monastery”—is unique for housing multiple Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including Sakyapa, Kadampa, and Gelukpa, within a single complex. Its architecture reflects a blend of monastery and stupa styles from the 13th–15th centuries.

Kumbum Stupa (Gyantse Kumbum):
Constructed in 1427, this spectacular 35-meter-high stupa is known as the “Ten Thousand Buddha Stupa.” It features nine levels, 108 cells, and 75 chapels, adorned with ancient murals and statues. Upper terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of Gyantse town and surrounding landscapes.

After sightseeing, drive back to Lhasa, crossing two dramatic high passes—Kampa La (4,750m) and Karo La (5,010m)—and skirting the stunning Yamdrok Lake, also known as the Turquoise Lake. Photo opportunities with yaks and Tibetan mastiffs are available for a small local fee.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Bed & Breakfast (BB)

Cultural Note:
You may offer Lungta (prayer flags) with your Tibetan guide at high mountain passes or temples. This traditional practice is believed to promote peace, good health, happiness, and long life.

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Gongkar Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Tibet experience.