【2025-2026 Tibet】5 Day Lhasa Highlights and Yamdrok Lake Tour - Tibet Small Group Tour

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Tour overview

5 Day Tibet Tour
Lhasa Highlights and Yamdrok Lake Tour

Appreciate the turquoise Yamdrok Lake

☑️ Explore the serene Rutok Monastery, secluded on Yamdrok Lake island.

☑️  Admire the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, a Lhasa landmark..
☑️  Take photos with Tibetan Mastiffs at Yamdrok Lake.
☑️  Experience Tibetan daily life in a traditional teahouse.
☑️  Appreciate the turquoise Yamdrok Lake at different platforms.
☑️  Explore the lives and practices of Tibetan monks at Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest.

Sparkling azure waters that stretch from horizon to horizon await at the end of this 5 day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour. Spend a little under a week exploring the highlights of the Tibetan world and some of its most sacred sites. From the glistening white walls of Potala Palace with its commanding view to the lively streets of Barkhor this tour will open the door to this enigmatic land. Lhasa City is the heart of Tibet, and it can be felt when there amongst the locals and pilgrims from the landscape. This tour will allow enough time to immerse yourself into to the culture and enjoy the sites.

2025-2026 Small Group Departure Dates

2025

October: 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 20, 23, 28
Nov: 1, 4, 9, 16, 20 23, 30
Dec: 7, 14, 21, 28

2026

Janurary: 4, 8, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 29, 31
Feburary: 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26
March: 1, 4, 8, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25
April: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
May: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29
June: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 21, 25, 27, 29
July: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
August: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
September: 2,6, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 30
October: 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
Nov: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Dec: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31

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Tour highlights

Holy Yamdrok Lake

Appreciate the breathtaking view of the holy Yamdrok and visit a local family by shore.

02.

Potala Palace

Explore the winter palace of the Dalai lama - Potala Palace.

03.

Buddist Culture Immersion

Visit the most sacred monastery in Tibet - Jokhang Temple, and do kora in Barkhor Street which surrounds the temple. Visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery.

04.

Lhasa Debating in Sera Monastery

At Sera Monastery, the debating courtyard session takes place every afternoon at 3 o'clock. The monks engage in lively debates, standing or sitting, questioning and answering, and discussing Buddhist philosophy. This ritual is one of the most intriguing and visually captivating activities during visits to Tibetan monasteries.

Local Folk Activities

We have curated the chance of folk activities for you. Joining local Buddhist pilgrims in the kora around the Jokhang Temple, dancing with the local Tibetan people at Dragon King Pond Park, and savoring sweet tea at lively Tibetan teahouses to gain a close insight into the social culture of the local community.

Brief Itinerary

Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

Arrive by flight or train.
overnight: Lhasa

Lhasa City Tour

Drepung and Sera monasteryMeal: B, D
overnight: Lhasa

Lhasa City Tour

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meal: B
overnight: Lhasa

Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse

Yamdro Lake, Karola Glacier, Manla Reservoir
Meal: B
overnight: Lhasa

Depart Lhasa

* Free time and airport departure
Meal: B

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Lhasa Arrival
Airport/Train Station Pick up

When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or by flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and the Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.

After arriving in Lhasa, you can rest and get acclimatized to the high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of Potala and around.

Insider Tips: For the newcomers to Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Do not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

Meals: None
Accommodations: in Lhasa

Day 2

Lhasa City Tour
Drepung and Sera Monastery (B/D)

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings.

Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.
In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Meals: Breakfast/Welcome Dinner
Accommodations: in Lhasa

Day 3

Lhasa City Tour
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor St. (B)

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkor street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: in Lhasa

Day 4

Lhasa - Gongga - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa (B, L)

This is the day excursion to Yamdrok Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes of Tibet’.

After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll experience a different side of Tibet - the peace and tranquility outside the bustling Lhasa city. The Yamdrok Lake reflects various colors in different lights. You can also see local nomads grazing their yaks on the lakeshore.

Start your Yamdrok Lake tour from Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unfold before your eyes.

Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.

For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the local dishes by the lakeside. On the platform, you can also savor a cup of coffee and relish leisure time while indulging in the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 5

Lhasa Departure (B)

Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and We will accompany you to the airport/train station. We appreciate to spend this wonderful time with us in Tibet. Wishing you a safe journey ahead!

Meals: breakfast
Accommodations: None

2025-2026 Small Group Departure Dates

2025

October: 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 20, 23, 28
Nov: 1, 4, 9, 16, 20 23, 30
Dec: 7, 14, 21, 28

2026

Janurary: 4, 8, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 29, 31
Feburary: 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26
March: 1, 4, 8, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25
April: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
May: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29
June: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 21, 25, 27, 29
July: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
August: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
September: 2,6, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 30
October: 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
Nov: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Dec: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31

✦+

Price & Dates

Month	3-star hotel (rmb/p.p.)	4-star hotel (rmb/p.p.)
Jan-Feb	4799	5099
Mar1-Jun20	5199	5699
Jun21-Jul9	5399	5999
Jul10-Aug20	5699	6299
Aug21-Sep19	5399	5999
Sep20-Oct10	5699	6299
Oct11-Oct31	5199	5699
Nov-Dec	4799	5099

Price include

☑️ Application for Tibet Travel Permit

☑️ Airport and train station pickup and drop service at designated times

☑️ Services of a Tibetan English-speaking guide

☑️ Transportation throughout the tour

☑️ Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast, based on double occupancy

☑️ Meals as specified above (including 1 farm house lunch and 1 dinners)

☑️ Entrance fees

☑️ Travel insurance

☑️ Complimentary bottled water

☑️ Oxygen supply

✦ +

Price include

❌ Flights or trains to and from Tibet

❌ Additional meals not specified in the itinerary

❌Single room supplement for solo travelers who requires a single room or unable to find a roommate

❌ Tips (We recommend a gratuity of $7 per day per person, to be shared between the driver and guide.)

Tibetan Hotels

Throughout your journey, we will arrange comfortable and cozy hotels each day, many of which are locally owned and operated by Tibetans with rich ethnic charm. They are strategically located near Xizang (Tibet) 's most vibrant cultural attractions or old city areas, making it convenient for your exploration and shopping. All accommodations are twin rooms or king-size beds in 3 to 4 star hotels, with private bathrooms and a warm and comfortable ambiance. In Everest Base Camp (spring, summer, and fall seasons), you will stay in tent guesthouses operated by local Tibetan villagers, where you can appreciate the beautiful sunset and the brilliant night sky over Everest.

Economy: Gang-Gyan Hotel / Tibet Hotel main building 3* or similar level
Comfort: Xinding Hotel / Tangka Hotel / Tibet Hotel VIP buildibg 4* or similar level

3 star economy hotel

Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar level

4 star comfortable hotel

Lhasa Xinding Hotel or similar level

Insider Tips

Temperature and Clothing

Altitude	Spring (Apr-Jun) Autumn (Sep-Oct)	Summer (July,August)	Winter (Nov-Mar)
3000-4000m Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse	5 to 20°c Shirt+Jacket	12 to 25°c Skirt in the day time Jacket in the morning and night	-10 to 10°c Sweater and Down jacket
4000-5000m Namtso Shegar Old Tingri	-5 to 10°c Sweater and Down jacket	5 to 20°c Skirt+Jacket	-15 to 5°c Thick sweater and Down jacket
Over 5000m E.B.C	-10 to 5°c Sweater and Down jacket	0 to 10°c Sweater/Thick jacket	-20 to -5°c Thick sweater and Thick down jacket

Do I Need to Worry About Getting Altitude Sickness?

So long as you are physically fit without respiratory illness and cardiovascular disease, you are free to go. During the journey, our Tibetan guide will measure your oxygen saturation level in your blood with pulse oximetry and provide oxygen supply and timely help.Do avoid catching a cold before heading to Tibet.
Make Your Booking as Early as Possible
It takes days to get your Tibet travel permit. Please make your reservation as early as possible. Also, we need time to send the issued permit to your address in China. Without the permit, you are not able to board the train or flight to Tibet.
Things You Need to Pack for EBC Tour
Keeping warm and comfortable and traveling light are the top things to keep in mind. Bring your down jacket, thermal underwear, and warm headwear. Besides, sunscreen, sun hat, toiletries, personal medicine (ease mountain sickness, cold relief, diarrhea), some cash are also needed. Our guide will offer you a warm apron to cover your knees.
Be Prepared for the Long Drive
Though Lhasa to EBC only has 720km, for safety concerns, a strict speed limit is imposed to ensure the traveler’s safety. A tour vehicle normally travels at a speed of 80km/h on the expressway; 70km/h on the national highway; 30 km/h passing a bend; You may prepare some motion sickness medicine or download podcasts to keep you entertained during the long ride.

Comfortable Transportation

You will travel in our dedicated tourist vehicles. For 2-5 people, we provide comfortable 7-9-seater tourist vans; for 6-12 people, we offer comfortable tourist minibuses or mid-sized buses. We ensure small group size that each guest receives attentive care and service from both the driver and guide.

Our drivers conduct regular safety checks and cleaning of the vehicles each day, creating a comfortable living space for you throughout the journey.

Shuttle Service

Our services include shuttle transfers between Lhasa Airport or train station to downtown in Lhasa. Upon your arrival , our airport service coordinator will arrange for your transfer from the airport or train station to your hotel in the city. Similarly, when you depart from Lhasa, your airport drop-off service will be pre-arranged.

As the arrival times of tourists vary, we have specified several time slots for your service. When booking your flight, please try to choose a flight that arrives in Lhasa around the scheduled shuttle service times to avoid extended waiting times at the airport. if the number of arriving tourists is less than 3 at the same time, we may use public transport to take you from the airport to the city.

Airport to Lhasa covers a distance of 70 kilometers and takes approximately 60 minutes.

Arrival in Lhasa by train, we will pick you up according to your arrival time with no waiting required.

For arrivals at non-scheduled times, additional charges may apply for the airport shuttle service. Require if you need.

Private Tours

This itinerary can also be tailor-made according to your interests, tastes, and budgets. Please contact us for tour planning and quote. We highly appreciates your tour inquiry and promises to offer excellent services at the best price.

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