Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa
- Day 2 Lhasa
- Day 3 Lhasa
- Day 4 Lhasa
- Day 5 Depart from Lhasa
Lhasa’s name means “Place of the Gods.” As you tour the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple under a sky so big and so close it feels like you could turn and walk straight up into it, you’ll understand both the name and what has kept travelers coming back for centuries.
About this Journey
An image of Lhasa lives in the imagination. Of imposing, white palace walls, endless blue skies, and spinning prayer wheels; of an ancient capital city in the clouds. A city to more than tour – one to absorb, to cherish. Lhasa is truly that city – where you will witness a traditional debate between monks, picnic on the shores of Yamdrok Tso Lake, hills rolling into panoramas on the far shore, and meander the stalls and stores at Barkhor, touring a world of silver and silks. Escape to the capital in the clouds, the Place of the Gods. Escape to Lhasa.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoying a picnic lunch on the banks of holy Yamdrok Tso Lake while surrounded by softly sloping mountains
- Exploring gilded Jokhang Temple, considered the most sacred temple in Tibet
- Crafting your own Tibetan thangka painting, depicting profound Buddhist narratives under the personal tutelage of a master.
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
- 1LhasaDirections to Jokhang Temple
- 2Jokhang TempleDirections to Potala Palace
- 3Potala PalaceDirections to Pabongka Monastery
- 4Pabongka MonasteryDirections to Chupsang Nunnery
- 5Chupsang NunneryDirections to Sera Monastery
- 6Sera MonasteryDirections to Yamdrok Lake
- 7Yamdrok LakeDirections to Ganden Monastery
- 8Ganden MonasteryDirections to Lhasa
- 9Lhasa
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa
Your China Adventure Club journey begins as you arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s high-altitude capital, where your local guide will greet you, help you check in to your hotel and let you acclimate to the altitude • Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure resting up for your journey ahead.
Day 2 Lhasa
Begin the day visiting the oldest and holiest Tibetan Buddhist site, Jokhang Temple, where you have the opportunity to join the morning pilgrims in the traditional kora • Afterward, take to Potala Palace, perched atop Lhasa’s Red Mountain and undoubtedly the grandest building in Tibet • Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Day 3 Lhasa
Begin at Pabongka Monastery, where local legend connects two granite boulders with divine tortoises. Walk about 30 minutes to Chupsang Nunnery, then have lunch near Sera Monastery. You may be able to observe monks debating Buddhist texts. Meet a master painter to learn about Tibetan thangka art and create your own painting. Spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 4 Lhasa
After breakfast, visit sacred Yamdrok Lake and enjoy views toward Mount Donang Sangwari. Have a picnic by the lake if weather permits. Continue to Ganden Monastery, set on a mountain ridge with views of the surrounding peaks and valley. Return to Lhasa for free time, perhaps browsing the handicraft stalls around Barkhor.
Day 5 Depart from Lhasa
In the morning, spend some time at your leisure before your local guide escorts you to the airport and helps you check in for your flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which destinations are part of Escape to Lhasa?
The suggested route includes Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and Pabongka Monastery. The order, available stops and travel connections are confirmed for your dates and can change with opening hours, local conditions and the arrangements in your proposal.
How is the visit to Jokhang Temple incorporated into this trip?
Jokhang Temple is listed in the suggested itinerary. Its timing, the amount of time available and the way you reach it will be included in your final proposal, taking into account the rest of your route and any local access restrictions.
What should travelers consider before booking Escape to Lhasa?
High elevation and regional access requirements affect planning. Tell us about your travel dates and route so we can check the permits, transport and time needed for acclimatization before confirming the itinerary.
What is included in the price of Escape to Lhasa?
Your written proposal will identify the agreed transport, guide services, hotels or cruise accommodation, admission fees and meals. International flights, optional activities and other items vary by program, so ask us to confirm them before booking.
Hotel
Photos
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort 5 star In close proximity to the Potala Palace, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending world-class luxury, eco-conscious design, and profound Tibetan cultural elements.
Photos
Photos Jokhang Square Sera Monastery Yamdrok Lake Woman Praying at Potala Palace Tibetan Tangka painting Ganden Monastery
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
Request This Tour
Tell us your preferred dates, group size, and interests. We will prepare a personal proposal for your China journey.
Request the Tour