雪域高原 · 拉萨朝圣 6 日
Morning Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street circumambulation, Sera Monk Debate, plus a day trip to the holy Namtso Lake — a small, high-altitude-friendly group tour including Tibet Travel Permit application, oxygen-supplied hotels, and a Tibetan guide.
A small-group tour for first-time Tibet travelers: Itinerary is paced for high-altitude adaptation — the first two days feature only low-intensity city tours like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street circumambulation. On day three, witness the Sera Monk Debate and visit Norbulingka Summer Palace. On day four, cross the Nagela Pass (5,190m) for a day trip to the holy Namtso Lake. The final day includes a Tibetan incense-making workshop and a visit to a Thangka painting family.
Throughout the tour, stay in oxygen-supplied hotels with a private Tibetan guide for commentary. The Tibet Travel Permit is handled by us and included in the tour fee. Suitable for travelers in good health who wish to quietly experience the daily life of faith in the snowland over six days; please reserve half a day for rest upon arrival to acclimatize to the altitude.
D1Arrive in Lhasa (Altitude 3,650m)
After being picked up from the airport or train station, you'll check into an oxygen-supplied hotel. Today is mainly for resting and acclimatizing to the altitude (3,650m). Move slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid hot showers. If you feel well in the evening, you can take a slow walk around the outer Barkhor Street with your Tibetan guide: watch elderly locals circumambulating and prostrating pilgrims, and try a cup of butter tea with Tibetan barley bread. Travel tip: Avoid strenuous activity in the first 24 hours at high altitude. Carry a portable oxygen cylinder (refillable at hotel front desks). Barkhor Street is about 10-15 minutes by car from downtown hotels. For dinner, we recommend light Tibetan noodles or hot pot, and avoid alcohol.
D2Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Visit the Potala Palace in the morning. This magnificent palace was the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas and houses numerous Buddhist artifacts and artworks. Then proceed to the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, where you can witness devout pilgrims prostrating themselves. Lunch at a Tibetan restaurant near Barkhor Street, trying Tibetan noodles, butter tea, and yak jerky. The afternoon is free for your own activities. In the evening, join local believers in circumambulation to experience the unique religious atmosphere. We recommend booking Potala Palace tickets in advance. During your visit, please respect local religious customs and do not take photos of the Buddha statues.
D3Sera Monastery and Norbulingka
In the morning, visit Sera Monastery to watch the monks' debate, a unique tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and feel the strong religious atmosphere. Then take a car to Norbulingka to visit the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas, admiring exquisite Tibetan architecture and gardens. Lunch can be at a Tibetan restaurant, trying local specialties like tsampa and butter tea. In the afternoon, return to the city. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and preparing sun protection, as the plateau's UV rays are intense. Sera Monastery tickets need to be booked in advance, and the best time for the debate is 9:30-11:30 AM.
D4Namtso Lake
Depart from Lhasa in the morning, driving over the Nagela Pass (5,190m) to the holy Namtso Lake. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau along the way. Upon arrival, you can stroll by the lake, feeling the mystery and tranquility of this sacred water. We recommend carrying an oxygen cylinder to prevent altitude sickness. Lunch can be at a simple lakeside restaurant, trying Tibetan tsampa and butter tea. In the afternoon, continue to explore the surrounding areas of the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and the lake reflecting each other. The return journey takes about 4 hours. We suggest returning to Lhasa in the evening to rest and recharge for the next day.
D5Craftsmanship Day
Today, you'll experience the charm of traditional Tibetan crafts. First, visit a Tibetan incense workshop to learn about ancient spice formulas and crafting techniques, feeling the unique cultural meaning of Tibetan incense. Then visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, and admire its magnificent architecture and mural art. In the afternoon, you'll visit a Thangka painting family to have close contact with local artists and understand the creation process and religious significance of this precious art form. Lunch can be nearby, tasting authentic home-cooked Tibetan dishes. For the whole day's activities, we recommend wearing comfortable and durable walking shoes and carrying sun protection.
D6Departure
Depending on your flight or train schedule, you'll be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (about 70 minutes) or Lhasa Railway Station (about 25 minutes) by private car. For international flights, please arrive 3 hours early; for trains, 2 hours early. The airport road follows the Lhasa River Valley, offering one last view of the valley and barley fields. If time permits, you can sit in a local sweet tea house, ordering a cup of sweet tea with Tibetan noodles to conclude your Tibet journey. Travel tip: Avoid strenuous activity before departure to prevent worsening altitude sickness. Recommended souvenirs include Tibetan incense, small Thangka paintings, and yak jerky. Please carry the original Tibet Travel Permit with you for border inspection.
Permits handled perfectly
★★★★★
I was worried about the Tibet permit but everything was arranged before arrival. Watching the monk debates at Sera was humbling. The team even checked on our altitude adjustment daily.
Daniel Ross · Canada 🇨🇦 · Sep 2026
Fifth Timezone Travel