| Trip code | |
| Package name | Explore Lhasa Tour |
| Duration | 5 |
| Max. elevation | 3650 m |
| Level | Easy |
| Transportation | Private transportation in Lhasa |
| Accomodation | 3-star hotel accommodation with breakfast |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
This Explore Lhasa Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey to the mystical city of Lhasa, the spiritual and administrative capital of Tibet. Nestled high on the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is home to a unique culture shaped by centuries of Buddhist practice, ancient traditions, and architectural marvels. This sacred city, whose name means "Place of the Gods," offers visitors a deep immersion into Tibetan Buddhism, centuries-old monasteries, and the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people. The ethnic majority here are Tibetans, who primarily speak the Tibetan language, and their lifestyle, deeply rooted in spiritual values, offers a rare glimpse into a culture relatively untouched by modern influences.
During your visit, you'll explore the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Perched atop Red Hill, it offers sweeping views of Lhasa and is an architectural feat of immense cultural importance. Inside, the palace contains sacred chapels, intricate murals, and spiritual relics that speak to the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism. Another highlight is the Norbulingka Palace, the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence, surrounded by beautiful gardens and filled with intricate Tibetan artwork and decorative motifs that showcase the rich artistic heritage of the region.
You’ll also visit two of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism: Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. These institutions once housed thousands of monks and served as centers for learning and debate. Today, although the numbers have declined, the spiritual energy and monastic rituals continue to offer a profound experience. No visit to Lhasa is complete without experiencing the Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibet, surrounded by the bustling Barkhor Street. Pilgrims and tourists alike walk clockwise around the temple, spinning prayer wheels and offering incense. You can join the vibrant crowd, sip traditional Tibetan tea in a local teahouse, and shop for handicrafts and religious items in the market.
Note: Due to travel regulations imposed by the Chinese government, it’s important to stay informed of any entry restrictions. Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours ensures you’re well-prepared and compliant with the latest rules, with our experienced guides handling all the logistics and cultural protocols so you can enjoy a meaningful and sacred journey through Lhasa.
Best Time for Explore Lhasa Tour
The best time to explore on the Explore Lhasa Tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather in Lhasa is relatively mild, skies are clear, and the days are sunny—ideal for sightseeing and capturing stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. The temperature is comfortable, generally ranging between 10°C to 20°C, making it pleasant for outdoor activities and monastery visits.
Spring and autumn also provide the best visibility of the surrounding mountains and the sprawling Lhasa Valley. These seasons are considered the high season for travel, so you’ll also experience the city in its most vibrant form with local pilgrims, cultural festivals, and market activities in full swing. The Saga Dawa Festival, celebrated in May or June, is a particularly special time to visit for those seeking a deeper connection with Tibetan Buddhist rituals. While summer (July-August) brings lush greenery, it can also be rainy and slightly more crowded with Chinese domestic tourists. Winter months, though cold, are peaceful and offer a serene, uncrowded experience for those who don’t mind the chill.
Explore Lhasa Tour Transportation
The Explore Lhasa Tour is designed for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with carefully arranged transportation from beginning to end. The tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, where our team from Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours welcomes you and helps you settle in. From there, we arrange a scenic trans-Himalayan flight to Lhasa, offering you breathtaking views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest.
Upon arrival in Lhasa, all local transportation is arranged in private, comfortable vehicles, ensuring a relaxed journey through the city’s winding streets and surrounding monasteries. Our modern vehicles are driven by experienced Tibetan drivers familiar with the terrain and city layout. This allows you to travel at your own pace, stop for photographs, and enjoy the sights without any inconvenience. Our guides handle permits, entry tickets, and all travel logistics, so your only focus is on enjoying the journey. The tour concludes with a return flight back to Kathmandu, ensuring a seamless transition back to Nepal.
Why Choose Explore Lhasa Tour
The Explore Lhasa Tour is more than just a trip—it's a spiritual and cultural awakening in one of the world’s most unique and sacred destinations. With its centuries-old monasteries, deeply spiritual ambiance, and breathtaking Himalayan backdrop, Lhasa offers an experience unlike any other. Choosing this tour gives you the rare opportunity to witness living Tibetan culture, interact with local monks, and discover a way of life that continues to thrive despite political and social changes.
Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours is your ideal partner for this journey. With years of experience organizing cross-border trips between Nepal and Tibet, we offer expert logistical support, local connections, and a deep understanding of both Tibetan and Nepalese cultures. Our guides are not only fluent in the languages but also trained in history, religion, and cultural nuances, ensuring that every question you ask is answered with insight and respect. From securing travel permits to navigating Lhasa's sacred spaces, we handle every detail, allowing you to explore with peace of mind. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a history lover, or an adventurer, this tour delivers a transformative experience with unmatched depth and authenticity.
Upon Arrival in Kathmandu you will be welcomed and greeted by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your respective hotel for rest and refreshment. You can enjoy delicious Nepali Cuisine and classical Nepali music.
We will fly above Everest and many other snow covered mountains witnessing the breathtaking aerial view. Upon reaching in Lhasa you will be transferred to hotel for rest and relaxation. We will mark this day for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness but you can stroll around and enjoy the scenic views.
Early in the morning we set off to visit Sera monastery, a whitewashed, golden-colored roofs historic monastery. After Lunch we will visit Norbulingka palace and Jokhang Temple. Norbulingka palace is beautiful summer palace for Dalai Lama. Jokhang temple is surrounded by Bakhar street. You will get to witness the most sacred temple in Lhasa and ramble around Bakhar street. You can taste local products like sweet tea and engage yourself in the bargain with local vendors.
We start our day with the visit of the Potala palace. Potala palace hours the quarter for dalai lama private living and many other chapels. After lunch we will head towards Drepung monastery which is believed to have sheltered thousands of monks during the 14th and 15th century but now the numbers are declining. But, you can imagine how popular was Lhasa and Tibet for Buddhism in those eras. You will unravel the mysteries of Buddhism and spiritual significance while observing these monasteries.
On this day we will leave the beautiful and exotic city of Lhasa with memories of old and historic palaces, monasteries temples. After breakfast we will board on a place that will return us back to kathmandu and we will take rest and refreshment in a hotel.