Discover Lhasa

experience the best of lhasa

This tour to Tibet is designed for people who want to experience the best of Lhasa either as a stand alone trip or as an add on to one of our other Tibet Journeys. Our Discover Lhasa journey is available as a 3 night, 4 night or 5 night option.

Lhasa has been the political capital and spiritual heart of Tibet for centuries. Pilgrims from all corners of the vast plateau travel for months to reach this holy city - the 'Place of Gods' as the name translates to - to make offerings and visit the sites of worship. Lhasa isn't only about religion though, it's also home to three UNESCO world heritage sites and plenty more important historical buildings and monuments. Lhasa is a melting pot of Tibetan culture - where you can see the noble old aristocrats interact with wild horsemen from Kham and nomads from the outer edges of Amdo. Get swept up in the atmosphere of Lhasa on this unforgettable journey. 

Your journey begins in Chengdu as you fly to Lhasa. Explore the Barkhor Market, visit the Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera Monasteries as well as the Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Enjoy traditional Tibetan Music and mix with pilgrims before returning to Chengdu. 4 and 5 night options also visit Ganden Monastery and the historic Yarlung Valley.

For small groups, family vacations or independent tourists, travel to Lhasa for a unique Tibetan experience you'll never forget. 

DAY 1

Chengdu to Lhasa: Your tour begins with pick up in the morning at your hotel for a shuttle to Chengdu airport for your flight to the roof of the world (3700 m). There are very few flights in the world where the geography, climate, elevation, and culture changes so dramatically. After checking in at your hotel, head into lively Barkhor Bazaar that surrounds the venerated Jokhang Temple in the ancient heart of the capital. Mix with nomads and religious pilgrims who have converged from all over Tibet.
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 2

Lhasa: To help with acclimatisation, start the day with a leisurely stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Norbulingka , meaning ‘Treasure Park.’ Visit the palace and gardens of the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, take a short drive to Sera Monastery in the foothills north of Lhasa. Here, watch the monks engage in their daily practice of religious debate. Later at dinner back in Lhasa, enjoy a display of traditional Tibetan music and dance.
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 3

Lhasa: Begin the day with a tour of the 17th century Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. This amazing palace has walls as thick as five meters and contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues. After lunch, visit Drepung Monastery, historically the most significant monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung used to be the seat of political and religious power in Tibet and is home to over 15,000 monks. It’s one of the most prestigious Buddhist institutions in Tibet. Before dinner, there is an optional visit to a Tibetan rug factory to see how these beautiful rugs are made.
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 4 

Lhasa to Chengdu: Join pilgrims on an optional early morning walk around the Jokhang Temple. After breakfast, take your shuttle to the airport for your flight back to Chengdu and departure from the roof of the world.