Tibet 5 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

Title: 5-Day Tibet Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Lhasa Arrival (3650m)

Activities: Acclimatize, explore local markets.
Places to Visit: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street.
Things to Know: Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and considered the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. The city is at a high altitude, so it’s essential to acclimatize slowly.
Visa Requirements: A China visa is required for most nationalities. However, you may also need a Tibet Travel Permit, which can be arranged by your travel agency.
Transportation: Most tourists arrive in Lhasa by flight or train from Chengdu, Beijing, or other major Chinese cities.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing (3650m)

Activities: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, Sera Monastery.
Things to Know: The Potala Palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
Transportation: Taxis or local buses are readily available for sightseeing in Lhasa.

Day 3: Namtso Lake (4718m)

Activities: Lake viewing, photography.
Places to Visit: Namtso (Sky Lake).
Things to Know: Namtso Lake is one of the highest and most beautiful lake in the world. It takes about 4 hours drive from Lhasa. Remember to bring warm clothes as it can be very cold.
Transportation: Hire a car with driver for a day trip.

Day 4: Gyantse and Shigatse (3900m & 3850m)

Activities: Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery, Phalkor Tso Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Places to Visit: Gyantse town, Shigatse city.
Things to Know: Gyantse is known for its unique architectural style and Phalkor Tso Lake’s stunning scenery. Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet and home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
Transportation: Hire a car with driver for the day trip.

Day 5: Return to Lhasa (3650m)

Activities: Leisure time, last-minute shopping.
Things to Know: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some free time in Lhasa before heading to the airport or train station.
Transportation: Taxi or local bus back to Lhasa for departure.

5-Day Tibet Travel Itinerary

Activities: Acclimatize, explore local markets and temples.
Places to Visit: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Things to Know: Due to the high altitude, it’s important to rest and acclimate on your first day. Lhasa is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region and home to many significant Buddhist sites.
Visa Requirements: A Chinese Group Tourist Visa (L) or a Tibet Travel Permit is required for foreign tourists. You can arrange this through a travel agency before your trip.
Transportation: Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport and take a taxi to your hotel.

Activities: Visit monasteries, learn about Tibetan culture.
Places to Visit: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery
Things to Know: Norbulingka Park is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and a beautiful garden with traditional architecture. Drepung Monastery was once the world’s largest monastery in the 15th century.

Activities: Scenic drive, monastery visit
Places to Visit: Yamdrok Lake, Pelkor Chode Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery
Things to Know: This is a long day of travel, but the stunning landscapes and historic sites make it worthwhile.

Activities: Historical exploration, cultural immersion
Places to Visit: Yumbulagang Palace, Samye Monastery
Things to Know: Yumbulagang Palace is the first palace built in Tibet and offers a glimpse into ancient Tibetan architecture. Samye Monastery is considered the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.

Activities: Leisure, last-minute shopping or sightseeing
Places to Visit: Optional visit to the Traditional Tibetan Medicine Hospital or the Tibetan Astrology Institute
Things to Know: Use this day to relax and prepare for your journey back home. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs!
Transportation: Return to Lhasa for your flight out.