Expedition · 4 Days
Short on time? This compact Lhasa tour covers all the essential highlights including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the famous Sera Monastery monks' debate. Perfect for business travelers or those combining Tibet with a larger China trip.
Welcome to Lhasa! Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Railway Station, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. Lhasa is known as the City of Sunlight with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day. Your guide will brief you on the tour ahead.
Morning visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the iconic winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Explore the Red Palace with its ancient chapels and the White Palace with its administrative halls. After lunch, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. Walk the Barkhor Kora circuit following pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, and browse the market selling Tibetan crafts, thangkas, and incense.
Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world housing up to 10,000 monks. Explore the whitewashed buildings and the impressive Ganden Palace. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks' debating session (3-5 PM), where monks engage in lively philosophical debates with dramatic hand gestures. Time permitting, visit Norbulingka Summer Palace.
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey. End of services. Tashi Delek! We hope your brief but enriching visit to Tibet has left a lasting impression.