7-Day Lhasa and Shigatse Tour

Tour Route： Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse

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Route Highlights:

Set out on a 7-day journey through Tibet. Explore Lhasa’s iconic landmarks, visit monasteries, and journey to Gyantse and Shigatse. Discover Tashilhunpo Monastery and local markets. Reflect on your adventure in Lhasa before departing.

Book this trip online Dates and Prices

Route Highlights

Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Tibet, starting in the bustling city of Lhasa. Explore ancient monasteries like Drepung and Sera before venturing to Gyantse for the awe-inspiring Gyantse Kumbum. Continue to Shigatse, where the majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery awaits. Immerse yourself in local culture, savoring traditional cuisine and exploring vibrant markets. Reflect on your adventures in Lhasa before departing, carrying cherished memories of Tibet’s beauty and spirituality.

Itinerary

Cost

Travel Guide

Travel Tips

Itinerary Details

7 days lhasa and shigatse tour itinerary

Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa City, Potala Place and Barkhor Street (B).
Day 3: Monasteries in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera (B).
Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse (B)
Day 5: Shigatse
Day 6: Shigatse-Lhasa (B)
Day 7: Depart from Lhasa (B).

Day 01 Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome to Lhasa

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, a local tour guide will warmly greet you at the airport or train station and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Take this time to acclimatize to the high altitude in the comfort of your accommodation, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable journey ahead.

lhasa airport 7 days lhasa and shigatse tour

Overnight in Lhasa

Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd

Service Phone Number

13880667545

Contact Information for Hong Kong, Macau, and Foreign Nationals

+8613880667545（whatsAPP）

Day 02 Lhasa City Tour

Potala Place and Barkhor Street

The tour commences at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Potala Palace, once the winter abode of the Dalai Lama. Perched at an altitude of 12,139 feet, this 13-story architectural marvel boasts over 1,000 rooms adorned with statues, stupas, murals, and artifacts, offering a glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Next, we journey to the revered Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site and a sacred hub for Buddhists in Tibet. Surrounding the temple is Bakhor Street, teeming with pilgrims and bustling with street vendors offering traditional Tibetan items like prayer wheels and jewelry. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and spiritual fervor that permeates this ancient city.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 03 Monasteries in Lhasa

Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

In the morning, tourists will embark on a visit to Drepung Monastery, one of the esteemed “three great” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, established in 1416. Explore the intricate halls and serene courtyards, with a particular highlight being Ganden Palace, once utilized as the Dalai Lama’s residence within Drepung before the relocation to the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Sera Monastery, another of Tibet’s esteemed “three great” Gelug monasteries founded in 1419. The monastery is renowned for its captivating Monks’ debate, a spiritual and intellectual exchange that takes place daily from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. Witness this fascinating tradition and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sera Monastery.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 04 Lhasa-Gyatse-Shigatse

Gampala pass, Yamdrok-tso

Departing from Lhasa, travelers embark on a scenic drive to Gyantse, offering stunning views along the way. Admire the breathtaking Gampala Pass, standing at 4,790 meters above sea level, and catch a glimpse of the picturesque Yamdrok Lake, nestled amidst towering snow-capped mountains. Continuing westward, the journey leads to Gyantse, where visitors will explore the renowned Pelkor Monastery and the iconic Gyantse Kumbum, a towering stupa adorned with intricate artwork.

Following the exploration of Gyantse, the journey resumes with a drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, just an hour and a half away. Prepare to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Shigatse, where rich cultural heritage awaits to be discovered.

Overnight in Shigatse

Day 05 Shigatse

Tashilunpo Monastery

Today’s adventure unfolds with an exploration of the esteemed Tashilunpo Monastery, a sacred site of the Gelug Sect and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Founded in 1447, this magnificent monastery boasts a plethora of treasures, including a colossal gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha, renowned as the largest of its kind in the world. Wander through the halls adorned with intricate artwork and marvel at the opulence of the tombs housing the revered Panchen Lamas, adorned with precious jewels and gold.

In the afternoon, the journey continues with a visit to the bustling old market in Shigatse, where the vibrant atmosphere and colorful stalls offer a glimpse into the daily life and commerce of the local community. Explore the winding alleyways, sample traditional delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture and heritage.

Overnight in Shigatse

Day 06 Shigatse-Lhasa

Yarlung Tsangpo River

In the afternoon, embark on the scenic drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, following the picturesque Nepal Friendship Road. Traverse the winding roads and breathtaking landscapes, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The journey back to Lhasa will take approximately 6 hours, offering ample time to reflect on the memorable experiences and adventures encountered during your exploration of Tibet. As you return to the vibrant city of Lhasa, cherish the moments and memories created along the way.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 07 Depart from Lhasa

The itinerary is coming to a close. We look forward to meeting you again.

Conclude the journey by transferring clients to the airport or train station, ensuring a seamless and comfortable departure from Lhasa. Bid farewell to the enchanting land of Tibet, carrying with them cherished memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. As they embark on their onward journey, may they carry the spirit of Tibet with them, forever enriched by the beauty and culture of this remarkable destination.

Breakfast

Dates and Prices

Prices

Service Included:

Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.

Service Excluded:

International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).

Group Tour

Every year, a large number of Indian pilgrims travel to Tibet to spend time at Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, as the mountain is considered a sacred site for Hindus from India. Nonetheless, Indian pilgrims must follow a very different application process for a Tibet permit than do visitors from other foreign countries. The Department of Public Security of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Armed Police Tibet Frontier Corps, the Tibet Military Region, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region must all work together to verify and award pilgrimage permits for Indians.

You can contact us for consultancy, and we will be happy to assist you in customizing your Tibet visit.

According to the relevant regulations of the Tourism Bureau, foreigners are currently unable to travel independently.

Foreigners can only go to Tibet through travel agencies in advance to apply for Tibet Travel Permits, and follow a group of foreign tourists.

It can also be customized according to the requirements of tourists, accompanied by tour guides, professional drivers, and regular tour buses.

You can also apply for a Chinese temporary driver’s license through a travel agency and travel with a dedicated self-driving team.

Our tour groups for foreign guests are 100% pure sightseeing tours without any shopping stops or optional activities. Visitors can confidently join our tours for a superior travel experience.

Compared to many domestic shopping tours, our tour fees may be relatively higher, but that’s because we specialize in high-quality, pure sightseeing tours.

A group is not more than 12 peoples, Ali area group is not more than 15 peoples, in the peak season from May to October, our basic number of each group is about 10 peoples, the off-season from November to March of the next year, the number of team between 5 to 8 peoples.

As a necessary document for foreign tourists to enter Tibet, Tibet Travel Permits is required to be presented when taking the plane or train into Tibet. If you do not have it, it will mean that you will not be able to board the train and plane entering Tibet.

In addition, when encountering checkpoints during tourism in Tibet, tourists will also be checked whether they have a valid TTP. In order to facilitate management and prevent loss, usually after the arrival of tourists in Lhasa, the tour guide will collect TTP for inspection when needed.

The main tour routes as follows:
A1 Lhasa 4-day itinerary is more suitable for tourist with tight time
A4 Lhasa Yamdrok Lake 5-day itinerary is more suitable for business travelers
D1 Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse 6 days, Lhasa plus the classic itinerary of Shigatse in Tibet
D2 Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Namtso for 8 days, the essence of the regular route is basically covered
B1 Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Mount Everest 8 days, a must-see attraction in Tibet, Everest Base Camp
B2 Lhasa-Shigatse-Everest-Namtso 10 days, including the comprehensive itinerary of Mount Everest
G Lhasa-Shigatse-Everest-Ali 15 days, a must-have itinerary for Kailash to the mountains

We can offer the customized itineraries that can be individually arranged and designed to meet the needs of each tourist.

Our group tours do not include meals, and most hotels offer free breakfast.

Because our group members come from all over the world and have different tastes, it is difficult to arrange a meal.

The tour guide will take you to the restaurant, everyone can order their own food, Sichuan cuisine, Nepalese food, Tibetan food.

All our group prices do not include the major transportation costs (air and train tickets).

As visitors arrive in Lhasa on designated departure dates and from various cities, there is a significant price difference in air and train tickets. Therefore, travelers arrange their own transportation, but if necessary, travel agencies can assist with ticket purchases.

The following documents need to be prepared for travel to Tibet:

1.Passport: Please make sure that your passport is valid for more than six months.

2.Chinese visa

3. Tibet travel permits (TTP): Tibet travel permits is a necessary document for taking trains and planes to Tibet. Please note that the TTP cannot be applied for individually, and you need to apply for it through a qualified local travel agency in Tibet. It generally takes 10-14 working days. In order not to delay your travel, it is recommended to book your travel in advance and submit the required materials to apply for TTP.

In our foreign group tours, there are no recommended optional activities or shopping stops throughout the tour!

Here are some of the things you should pay by yourself when you join our tour group as follows:
1. Meals during the journey, costing approximately between 30-80 per meal.
2. Transportation costs for round-trip journeys, including airplane or train tickets to and from Tibet.
3. Tips for drivers and guides, to be given based on the quality of service.
4. Personal expenses during the trip and shopping, etc.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit Tibet. Although spring comes later in Tibet, beginning in early April, it lasts until the end of May. Similarly, autumn is only two months, from September to October. In these two seasons, Tibet is more sunny, warm and pleasant weather. Travel to Tibet at this time, you can enjoy the pleasant climate.

1. If you have Tibetan friends, even if the relationship is very good, you should not casually touch the shoulder and touch the top when meeting.

2. When addressing someone, it is taboo to call him by his name, you can add “la” after the address, which is equivalent to “Mr.” or “Ms.”.

3. When entering the house or tent, do not step on the threshold.

4. Enter the room and follow the male left and female right when taking a seat.

5. Go to the Tibetan home, the housewife or children to pour butter tea, but the guests can not pick up their own drink, have to wait for the host to hold in front of you before the past drink. Please show your respect to the host by not drinking all the tea in the cup when you leave.

6. If you enter a Tibetan home or a temple, you should sit cross-legged, not straight legs, feet facing people, not looking around.

7. Refrain from speaking unlucky words or cursing people with foul language in Tibetan homes.

8. Tibetans avoid spitting (possibly unconsciously) and slapping behind others.

9. During the journey, if you want to photograph pilgrims or residents, please ask the other person’s opinion first.

10. It is not allowed to step over the knives, fan straps, horse REINS and saddles of Tibetans at will.

11. You must not step over or step on the clothes of the Tibetan people, you must not put your own clothes on their clothes, and you must not step over people.

12. Tibetans taboo outsiders through children to inquire about their parents at home.

13. In Tibet, children and adults are not allowed to touch their heads, only living Buddhas can touch them.

14. Never whistle at night, as locals believe it attracts ghosts and nocturnal spirits.

15. Dress appropriately, especially in religious places, and avoid too-short shorts and skirts.

16. If a hospitable Tibetan host offers Hada to you, you should bow down and accept.

17. Do not be surprised if you see a Tibetan smiling and sticking out his tongue at you; it is a sign of humility and respect, not ridicule. You can also politely smile back at them.

18. During the trip, do not buy any wild animal fur, wild Tibetan antelope horn, wild yak skull, etc., in Tibet. This is tantamount to supporting the rampant poaching of wild animals in Tibet. If you are caught with these items when you leave Tibet, you are likely to face great trouble.

19. If you travel to Tibet during the Tibetan calendar festival, you need to know that on the first day of the Tibetan calendar, sweeping the floor is taboo, you cannot eat food with stuffing, you are not allowed to swear, quarrel, and you are not allowed to say “empty”, “no”, “illness”, “pain”, “death”, “kill”, “poor”, “don’t”, “unlucky” and other unlucky words.

Warm Hint

Before submitting an application for the Tibet Entry Permit into Tibet, please confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
When entering Tibet from Kathmandu, the Chinese visa must be processed in Kathmandu; please do not process it in your home country beforehand. If a tourist previously held a long-term valid Chinese visa, when applying for a Chinese visa in Kathmandu, the old visa will be replaced by a 30-day valid group travel visa.
Tibet can only utilize the RMB. If you require RMB, you can swap it for US dollars in your area or withdraw money from an ATM.
Be healthy and prevent colds before traveling to Tibet.
When traveling to Tibet, both the airport and the train station will check the Tibet Entry Permit. Please keep the original safe, and do not write or draw on it.
Before traveling to Tibet, please ensure that you obtain your Tibet Entry Permit and verify your identity.
It is not suggested that pregnant women or people with severe hypertension, heart problems, or asthma travel to Tibet.
If you are concerned about excessive altitude sickness after visiting Tibet, take a suitable dosage of Rhodiola oral solution or pills before entering Tibet.
When traveling in Tibet, you must remain with the group throughout the entire trip and cannot leave at any time.
Please pack vitamins and stock medicine in your luggage.
When traveling on the plateau, stay hydrated, exercise slowly, eat more fruits, and take vitamins.
When first approaching the plateau, avoid smoking and drinking until the body is properly accustomed to the surroundings.