Arrival at Lhasa Airport

Lhasa - Transportation will be arranged from Lhasa airport to your hotel.

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery

Potala Palace - Situated 3,700 meters above sea level on “Marpo Ri,” the red hill in central Lhasa, Potala Palace was originally constructed by the 33rd King of the Tubo dynasty, Songtsen Gampo, in the 7th century. The Fifth Dalai Lama reconstructed it in the 17th century. Over 1,300 years, it has evolved into its current grandeur. Historically, Potala served as the religious and political hub for successive Dalai Lamas. The palace is divided into two sections: the Red Palace, symbolizing religion, and the White Palace, symbolizing politics. It houses grand chambers, prayer halls, chapels, monks’ schools, and dormitories. It also contains eight golden tomb stupas of successive Dalai Lamas (5th and 7th to 13th), five solid mandalas, Thangkas, scroll-paintings, stupas, 70,000 cultural relics, and 60,000 volumes of scriptures. Known as the “pearl on the roof of the world,” Potala Palace was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1989.

Jokhang Temple - A guided tour will be provided through Jokhang Temple, offering an in-depth exploration of the culture and history of the religion.

Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si) - Located at the base of Mount Gyalpen Wutse, 8 kilometers west of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery was established in 1416 by Jamyang Choeje Tashi Palden, a disciple of Master Tsongkhapa. It is the largest of the six “Gelugpa” Yellow Hat sect monasteries in Tibet. “Drepung” means “a pile of rice,” as the monastery resembles a pile of rice from afar. It once housed 7,700 monks. The main chapel and shrine, Jampa Thongtrol, is dedicated to the “Future Maitreyan Buddha,” and legend has it that seeing this Buddha grants liberation from evil. The monastery is revered by pilgrims and continues to attract tourists worldwide.

Sera Monastery - Norbulingka Palace

Sera Monastery - Located 5 kilometers north of Lhasa at the base of Sera Wutse, Sera Monastery was built during a hailstorm, which inspired its name, “Sera” (“hailstorm”). Constructed in 1419 by Jamchen Choeje Shakya Yeshi, a disciple of Master Tsongkhapa, it is one of the six “Gelugpa” Yellow Hat sect monasteries in Tibet. It once accommodated 5,500 monks. The main chapel, Tamdrin, “the horse-necked, Hayagriva,” is said to have been unearthed just after the monastery’s construction. Sera Monastery draws numerous pilgrims and tourists annually.

Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden) - Norbulingka Park, meaning “Jewel Garden” in Tibetan, served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Located near Lhasa, it is a highlight of the Lhasa city tour. Built in the 18th century during the time of the seventh Dalai Lama, Norbulingka has been expanded over 200 years and now covers 360,000 square meters. The grounds include Kelsang Podrang, Chensal Podrang, and Tagden Mingyur Podrang, three palaces constructed for the 7th, 13th, and 14th Dalai Lamas. Each summer, the Dalai Lamas relocated from Potala Palace to Norbulingka Park. Traditional Tibetan opera and dance performances are held annually from June 30th to July 6th, attracting many visitors. It is a vibrant and exciting destination to explore and enjoy.

Departure from Lhasa Airport

Lhasa - Transfer service will be provided from your hotel to Lhasa airport.

• Tibet Travel Permit
• 3 nights 3-star hotel accommodation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning

The tour offers a comprehensive overview of the key attractions in Lhasa and its surroundings, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Tibet. The operator will handle all aspects of the trip, including the Tibet Travel Permit, airport transfers to and from Lhasa, accommodation in a 3-star hotel (with breakfast and lunch included), and guided tours to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka.

Please allow a minimum of three weeks for the Tibet Travel Permit to be issued and delivered to your chosen hotel address in China. Contact the operator through Tripadvisor, either by email or phone, to provide the hotel address in China and details of your arrival date and time at Lhasa airport for pick-up. Additionally, passport information, nationality, gender, and details of your Chinese visa are required to facilitate the Tibet Travel Permit.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.