Lhasa Sightseeing Tour

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Trip at a Glance

Trip code
NNTR-1203
Duration
5
Max. Altitude
4300.00m
Level
EASY
Starts at
Kathmandu
Ends at
Kathmandu
Accomodation
3-star Hotel in Lhasa
Meals
All Breakfasts are Included
Transportation
Private Tourist Vehicle
Trip Route
Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu

Highlights

  • A modern city with ancient sites and monuments of great religious interest.

  • One of the world's highest cities steeped with historical magnificent monasteries.

  • Fascinating tour around interesting sites of age-old heritage and colorful culture.

  • Impressive and majestic Potala Palace the famous landmark and pride of Tibet.

  • Tour of Lhasa best sites and beyond to Ganden Monasteries facing grand scenery

Overview

FABLED LHASA TOUR
‘World highest cities with magnificent places of worships and great monuments’


Namaste Nepal Trekking and Research hub present an exclusive program ‘Fabled Lhasa Tour’, where interested travelers can enjoy the great delights.
Around the world's highest city is Lhasa, the capital and major commercial as well the religious hub of Tibet. 

Fabled Lhasa Tour, well planned and designed for all visitors with great interest to catch glimpse of Tibetan colorful culture. That has always fascinated worldwide travelers what the country looks like, hidden beyond the great Himalaya Mountain range. 
An opportunity for all types of travelers and age groups to be in this fabulous city Lhasa. Where you will be busy with sightseeing activity and soaking into local cultures as well experiencing the great country. Including its impressive age-old heritage and traditional lifestyle in the harmony of beautiful historical sites of old monasteries. As well religious monuments of great cultural importance, where tour takes you to its famous landmark of Tibet. The magnificent Potala Palace a pride of all Tibetans that towers high dominating the city skyline.

Fabled Lhasa Tour of less than a week, allows travelers to cover most of its best and important sites of religious wonders. Tour starts with a great scenic panoramic flight to land at Tibet International Airport near Lhasa city.   
 
On airborne exciting views of high Himalayan range with world highest peaks that includes Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Shisapangma and Mt. Makalu. Soon the air journey ends on landing at Gonggar airport, where you will be transferred for a short drive to Lhasa city

During your stay in fabled Lhasa city, our native Tibetan guide from our counterpart agents in Tibet. Will be your guardian taking immensely care of the group guiding and showing at places of great interest.   
Tour of famous Drepung Monastery an important Buddhist site, at one time a great Buddhist university for Buddhism education and teaching. Located on a high hill west of Lhasa, Drepung which means a heap of rice due to its white-washed monastery complex.
 
Lhasa Tour keeps you engaged with cultural and historical activities visiting significant sites like the Shera monastery, an interesting religious place. 
Where you can observe young monks on deep spiritual conversation and debate and enjoy admiring beautiful works of art. The interior of all monasteries with wonderful religious paintings including a tall statue of Buddhist gurus and saints with the idol of the main Sakyamuni Buddha.

The next important place of religion is the Jokhang temple, the first and oldest shrine built during the time of wise king Songsten Gampo. In the early 6th Century, when Buddhism first entered Tibet by the order of then king Songsten Gampo.
Located amidst the busy marketplace of Barkhor square in the heart of Lhasa city, an interesting place to be. As well to observe local Tibetan from all parts of Tibet in their traditional costume who comes to Lhasa for holy pilgrimage. 

Most interesting and the highlight of the Lhasa tour, visit of the famous and magnificent Potala Palace, a huge complex with 100 rooms. Which is divided into two wings the white unofficial, and the red as official. Where all visitors are allowed in few rooms of great historical and religious importance.

From Lhasa, the tour extends to another famous monastery of Ganden located on a high hill overlooking the grand scenery of beautiful Tibetan landscapes.
The monastery was built by holy high priest Tsong Khapa founder of the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism in 1409 A.D. 

Finally, our fabulous and exciting tour of Lhasa comes to an end taking a flight back to Kathmandu. After a wonderful and glorious experience on the Lhasa Tour with the great services of Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub and his team of staff. 

Outline Itinerary of Lhasa Tour

DayItineraryElevation
Distance
1Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from Kathmandu and drive to Lhasa City3,656m/11,990ft
60Km
2Full-day sightseeing Tour of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Shera Monastery, visit Jhorkang Temple and Norbulingka summer palace.
3,656m/11,990ft

3Sightseeing Tour of Potala Palace with afternoon free to explore around
3,656m/11,990ft
4Drive to Ganden Monastery and back to Lhasa
4,300m/14,107ft
80Km
5Drive to Lhasa Gonggar Airport and Fly to Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
60 Km
Please Note:
The above tour at places of interest is just a guideline, can change from one place to another as time permits, and your guide will inform visiting first of important sites.
As for the guide for Tibet, we use a local native Tibetan guide who knows the country best than other foreign guides, but in the larger group, we sometimes assign Nepalese group escorts throughout the tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

Accommodation and Food in Lhasa Sightseeing Tour


In major cities like Lhasa, the hotels are all tourist standard with good facilities, large clean room with attached bath/toilets running hot and cold water, with room service 24 hours on request. they also have star category hotels.

The food in Lhasa is of a high standard, for larger groups, a set of buffet meals of variation from continental, Chinese, and Tibetan as well for breakfast is available in Lhasa.

Best Time to visit Lhasa.


Best time in April to May and September to October months. Including the monsoon wet season of June to August. As Tibet falls on rain-shadow, the southern Himalaya mountain range forms a barrier for monsoon rain clouds and it does not reach Tibet.

Flights to Tibet


Whether you fly from cities of China or from Chengdu, a Tibetan city close to the mainland, where Air China. As well China South Airlines fly almost daily flights to Lhasa city airport at Gonggar, Tibet International Airport.

From Kathmandu to Tibet or vice versa Air China flight departs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Kathmandu. Which is Nepal Tribhuvan International Airport (flight code KTM). Lands at Lhasa Gonggar, Tibet International Airport (flight code LXA). Flight duration of 1 hour 15 minutes covering an aerial distance of 570 km, flies over great Himalaya range. 

During air views of the world's highest peaks with Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and Shisapangma. On reaching Tibetan soil at Lhasa Gonggar airport, received by Tibetan guide and drive for an hour or less to enter the fabled city in Lhasa.

AC Power to charge our electronic device and gadgets


In Kathmandu / Nepal capacity 609 MW in Integrated Power System, of 230 volts in A.C. single phase and 400 volts in three phases for general.

Electricity in Tibet / China is 230 volts AC, 50 cycles. We do have two pins & 3 pins power sockets, you better have two Pin travel plug adapter which will be useful to charge your batteries.

Time zone and currencies used in Tibet? 


In the whole Tibet like in mainland China use Beijing Standard Time. Which is 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time Zone. 

In Tibet use Chinese currency which is about the US $1 equals 6: 50 Chinese Renminbi Yuan, which is the official currency of the People's Republic of China, and translates to “people's money.  

Health and Safety measures against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)


For travel to Tibet, where all visitors must be in good sound health and most important getting acclimatized. Tibet is located at an average altitude of 3,000 meters high above sea level. No wonder it is known as the Roof Top of World, most areas of Tibet are arid with dry landscapes. With very little vegetation and forested areas, and yet the native have survived for thousands of years settled on this harsh terrain. 

With less air to breathe, if one is not careful adjusting with its environment and high altitude. Travelers require at least a minimum of two overnights, staying in the same place and heights of above 3,000 meters. 

One of the best ways for acclimatization is to climb higher and then rest and sleep in a low place. Actually, there is no medicine to avoid the AMS, except taking advice from your doctor and local guide or group leader.

Take things slowly, enough rest, and drinking much water, for slight headaches, one can take aspirin or paracetamol pills. To get relief from headaches and fever, some travelers take Diamox a brand name for Acetazolamide a "water pill" (diuretic). Used as preventive measures to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness, but it depends on how and where you take it. Best before entering Tibet or high altitude continues till the end, even though you feel better. Side effects are like nibbling of fingers makes you pee a lot, for travelers in doubt can buy portable oxygen. Available in town and cities big shops and stores in Tibet, where your local Tibetan guide will help you.

Information regarding altitude mountain sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the worst symptom is HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema). 

This means water in the brain, similarly HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom of water in the lungs.

Travelers with the above symptoms should descend to the lower level with an accompanying guide, staff, and close friends or relatives. To reach back to Kathmandu or the nearest Tibetan city, towns with good hospitals.

For more information about this Tour and Departure Dates fill free to contact us 24*7. We are here and ready to help.

Trip Itinerary

Day

1

Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from Kathmandu and drive to Lhasa City (3,656m/11,990ft)

Arriving at Kathmandu a few days earlier with a pleasant time, get ready for an exciting journey for Mt. Everest base camp tour. After a good breakfast then transfer to Kathmandu and Nepal international airport for a scenic flight of an hour to reach on Tibet soil. On flight boarding in Air China, enjoy a sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks, with Mt. Everest and other world's highest mountain ranges.

Soon plane flies over the Himalayas to land at Gongar, in Tibet international airport, after going through immigration with visa formalities, and the head outside of the air terminal. Namaste Nepal Tibetan counterpart tour agent native Tibetan guide and driver receives you. Then take a short smooth drive to reach Lhasa city and then check into a nice Tibetan-style hotel with well-furnished rooms.

The hotel is located in the old part of Lhasa near Barkor square a great place populated mostly by Tibetans. Time in the afternoon after checking into your nice room for a leisure walk around the market square around busy Barkor. 

Day

2

Full-day sightseeing Tour of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Shera Monastery, visit Jhorkang Temple and Norbulingka summer palace (3,656m/11,990ft)

Morning after breakfast our native Tibetan guide takes you for a short drive west of Lhasa. The city with modern buildings and wide road, and yet retaining the age-old glory of past centuries cultural heritage.

Drive leads uphill to Drepung Monastery complex, the largest and important monastery of Tibet, built as a university for Tibetan Buddhism learning in the early centuries. The word Drepung means a heap of rice, as you look from the distance with the whole monastery washed in white paints of lime.

Drepung with religious history as well a resident of many high priests till 5th Dalai Lama, then shifted the residence after Potala Palace was completed. 

Enjoy a tour of Drepung Monastery interior and prayer main hall, and then head towards Jokhang Temple the first Buddhist religious building built, during the time of King Songsten Gampo. Situated in the main center of Lhasa, within busy Barkhor market. 

Visit the Buddhist temple of historic importance and tales of ancient times, 

 tour of temple interior with color religious painting, visit the scenic terraces, for a scenic photograph of colorful busy Barkhor Market surrounding with close views of Potala Palace

Afternoon tour a short drive to the southwest to reach Norbulingka, a summer palace of the semi-modern interior with lovely large garden and tall trees, our guide will explain the history and story behind this summer palace.

Our tour ends continues towards another important Shera monastery and watch young monks students practice debates of great interest.

From here ends the day tour and time for refreshing rest and a short stroll around the happening areas of Barkor.

Day

3

Sightseeing Tour of Potala Palace with afternoon free to explore around (3,656m/11,990ft)

Morning tour takes you to the most important site at majestic Potala Palace located on a red hill, in the center of Lhasa dominating the whole city within Kyuchi valley.

Out of 100 rooms, visitors are allowed to enter few main halls and prayer rooms, including the meditation cave of King Songsten Gampo, magnificent Potala Palace, which was built in early 640 A.D. over the cave during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama.

A beautiful palace holds as a landmark of Tibet, after an interesting visit with a free afternoon for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. 

Day

4

Drive to Ganden Monastery (4,300m/14,107ft), visit and back to Lhasa

Morning tour takes you east of Lhasa, an interesting scenic drive past lovely farm villages and town, and then on a winding road uphill, with time for shortstop near a farm village. Where some visitors are allowed inside the house to catch glimpse of Tibetan domestic life and custom. Drive continues after a refreshing break to reach a high hill near Ganden Monastery, the monastery complex building situated on a U amphitheater shape. Enjoy the tour of this nice monastery and feeling great in these tranquil surroundings.

The history of Ganden Monastery or Ganden Namgyeling or Monastery of Gahlden, one of the "great three" Gelugpa monasteries as the university of Tibet. 

 Located east in Dagzê farm County outskirt of Lhasa. Ganden Monastery was founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa Lozang-dragpa, founder of the Gelugpa order.

The name Ganden means "joyful" and is the Tibetan name for Tuṣita, the heaven where the bodhisattva Maitreya is said to reside. After a wonderful morning tour of Ganden and an interesting scenic drive, head back for last overnight in Lhasa.

Day

5

Drive to Lhasa Gonggar Airport and Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

As per time for the flight to Kathmandu, enjoy breakfast, and depart from the hotel for an hour good drive to Gongar airport.

Here before entering the airport terminal bid farewell to our cheerful Tibetan guide and driver, and then through immigration and security check as you board in a big airplane of Air China Airlines. After a little more than an hour landing at Kathmandu, after a memorable experience in Lhasa Sightseeing tour

At Kathmandu airport, transfer to your respective hotel, with the rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs in Kathmandu. 

In the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey to the hart of Tibet, the farewell dinner will be served in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances, Where you can taste and fill our Nepali Culture and we will also provide the Tour Certificate of your wonderful journey with us.

Inclusions

What is included?

  • Tibet tourist visa
  • All the entrance tickets of the monasteries and Temples
  • All Airport hotel transfer by private tourist vehicle 
  • Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa to Kathmandu
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • 3-star accommodation on twin sharing basis with a BB plan
  • An experienced English speaking local tour guide
  • For the group of 10+ people, we assign Nepalese group escort/Leader throughout the tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation in Tibet as per the itinerary.
  • All necessary government and service charge

What isn't included?

  • Nepal visas fee (Lowest available is for a 15 days visa costing $30/person)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch And Dinners during the whole tour
  • Extra porter charges
  • Extra night accommodating(if in the case early return from the tour then the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charge, bottle or boiling water, hot shower, wifi and or internet, etc)
  • Tips for guide and Drivers
  • Excess luggage charges

Complimentary

    • Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip).
    • Namaste Nepal’s duffle  bag (to be returned after completion of the trip)
    • Namaste Nepal’s  T-shirt
    • Tour map
    • A self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications.
    • Tour Certificate
    • Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check AMS symptoms)
    • hand sanitizer and face mask

Frequently Asked Questions

Why this tour of only 4 nights and 5 days in Lhasa?

 We have designed this tour for interested travelers with dreams to see Tibet and the fabled city Lhasa with their limited holiday duration, we do have longer trips for Tibet also, which you can search on our home page/website also or contact us for a longer tour of Tibet. 

Do people get altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?

Normally, some people get a slight headache after rest, and drinking enough fluid and water, helps to acclimatize from the symptoms of AMS or altitude sickness.

Chances are small, that you get severe AMS, as we have set the itinerary day with enough time in Lhasa and on route to Everest base camp. 

Our flexible program itinerary helps and supports for proper acclimatization before reaching a higher altitude to Everest base camp.

Some people take the Diamox pill for safety measures and precaution, which you can carry as per your doctor and guide advice.

Tibet with an average height of 3,500 m, where you have to take things slow with enough rest, drinking much fluid like safe drinking water, green tea, or soup will help to overcome the symptoms.  

What is the time zone and currencies used in Tibet?

In the whole Tibet like in mainland China use Beijing Standard Time. Which is 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time Zone. 

In Tibet use Chinese currency which is about the US $1 equals 6: 50 Chinese Renminbi Yuan, which is the official currency of the People's Republic of China, and translates to “people's money. 

How are the standard of hotels and food in Tibet?

In major cities like Lhasa, the hotels are all tourist standard with good facilities, large clean room with attached bath/toilets running hot and cold water, with room service 24 hours on request.

The food in Lhasa is of high standard, for larger groups a set of buffet meals of variation from continental, Chinese, and Tibetan as well for breakfast.

To charge our electronic device and gadgets what are AC power:

In Kathmandu / Nepal capacity 609 MW in Integrated Power System, of 230 volts in A.C. single phase and 400 volts in three phases for general.

Electricity in Tibet / China is 230 volts AC, 50 cycles. We do have two pins & 3 pins power sockets, you better have two Pin travel plug adapter which will be useful to charge your batteries.

How many people on this tour?

Depending upon the time of booking and holiday duration of some people, we do have set departure dates in all our tours, for Tibet minimum of 3-4 people and a maximum of more than 10 people in the group.

The larger group much better as the tour cost will be slightly lower in a small group, we also organize and run this tour for a minimum of 2-3 people also, a special rate to cover all tour package.

Can we take overland to Lhasa from Kathmandu?

Yes, it can be done we have another week-long overland trip to Lhasa from Kathmandu and with a flight back or vice-versa. But on this tour we have included flights both ways to and from Lhasa, to save time where some people might have limited holiday for the trip. 

How is the weather in Lhasa at the time of our visit in good season?

In and around the whole Tibet, the weather is fine and clear most of the season, as the land with high altitude gets much sun for long hours, although cold morning and from late afternoon till night time. 

Chances of snowfall sometimes around high hills and passes as altitude wise, do get light rain around monsoon time of June to mid-September, but the mostly dry and arid country as weather-wise. Does not get heavy rain like in southern countries of the Himalayas range.


Do we need sunblock/sunscreen cream?

As Tibet is located at a high altitude during day time the sun is strong with UV rays, where travelers need strong sunblock cream to be safe from Ultra Violet lights, as well as wearing sun-hat, sunglass, and long sleeve shirts.

Can I stay in Lhasa after the tour to visit mainland China?

Yes, can be done but you have to inform us on booking so that we can make necessary arrangement for you, especially the entry visa for Tibet which will be in the group a paper visa. After the tour, your name has to be struck off from the list from the group name list. Where you can obtain a new visa for mainland China with help from our counterpart agent in Lhasa / Tibet.

From Lhasa, one can travel to Beijing by train, flights, or overland in local transport as well to other parts of major cities in China.


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