Tibet

Classic Lhasa Luxury Tour

5 days

Easy

Inquire

Experience the spiritual heart of Tibet on a breathtaking escapade through Lhasa, where iconic landmarks and ancient traditions blend with luxury and serenity.

Overview

5 days Total Duration

Lhasa Trip Start Point

Lhasa Trip Finish Point

5,010m / 16,437ft (Karo La Pass) Highest Point

Easy Difficulty Level

Tibet, known as the “Roof of the World,” is a land of profound spiritual significance, where centuries-old traditions and Tibetan Buddhism thrive, particularly in the city of Lhasa, the spiritual heart of the region. Its breathtaking landscapes, featuring vast plateaus, towering mountains, and serene lakes, create an awe-inspiring setting that perfectly complements its rich cultural heritage. The Classic Lhasa Luxury Tour offers an exclusive journey through Tibet’s capital, blending the region’s rich history, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking landscapes with the highest standards of comfort. Begin by exploring the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, perched majestically over the city and significant monasteries listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wander through the lively markets, where the pulse of ancient Tibetan culture is felt in the bustling marketplace. Continue to the serene Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. Along with these historic treasures, enjoy luxurious accommodations, personalized services, and immersive cultural experiences, including visits to remote monasteries and Tibetan villages.

Group size	Price per person*
2 people	Inquire
4-7 people	Inquire
8 people & above	Inquire

	4 hotels
	5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Valid until Dec 31st, 2025

Scroll to price details

Highlights

Potala Palace: Explore the iconic seat of Tibetan Buddhism, boasting stunning architecture and panoramic views of Lhasa.

Yamdrok Lake: Visit the breathtaking turquoise gem nestled among snow-capped mountains, a sacred symbol of natural beauty and spiritual transformation in the heart of Tibet.

Jokhang Temple: Wander through its sacred halls, where pilgrims circle the Barkhor Square, immersed in prayer and tradition.

Barkhor Street: Immerse yourself in the bustling marketplace lined with colorful stalls selling traditional crafts, spices, and religious artifacts.

Engage with local traditions, soak in the tranquility of turquoise lakes, and experience the enchanting journey that unveils the essence of Tibet's natural beauty and spiritual depth.

Sera Monastery: Witness lively debates among monks and marvel at the serene courtyard and intricate Tibetan Buddhist murals.

Cross high passes: Drive through the winding mountain roads and cross the two spectacular high passes – the Kampa La and Karo La. Watch the landscape transforms from arid plateaus to towering peaks, with snow-capped mountains standing majestically in the distance.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

JanFebMarAprMayJun

JulAugSepOctNovDec

Spring lasts from April to May, and the temperature becomes relatively milder and pleasant, averaging between 9°C/48°F to 16°C/60°F degrees. Nights can still be cold. The visibility is great with clear blue skies, making it one of the best times to visit Tibet. There might be occasional rain in May.

Summer is the warmest time of the year, with temperatures ranging between 8°C/46°F to 15°C/59°F. July and August bring rainfall to some areas and can sometimes be humid. Nights remain cold. This is also a popular time to visit Tibet.

Autumn is the optimal time to visit Tibet, suitable for both tours and trekking, with temperatures ranging from 5°C/41°F to 16°C/60°F. The skies remain clear and sunny, providing incredible mountain views. Days bring warmth, while nights are cold. It starts getting colder in November.

November to March is considered winter in Tibet, bringing harsh and freezing temperatures. The temperature ranges from -12°C/10.4°F to 1°C/33.8°F degrees on average during the daytime. Tours in the lower altitudes like Lhasa are also doable during this time. Just make sure you pack warm clothing.

Itinerary

Download Map

Day 1	Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m/11,975ft)
Day 2	Lhasa sightseeing tour (Drepung and Sera Moanstery)
Day 3	Lhasa sightseeing tour (Potala Palace and village exploration)
Day 4	Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake
Day 5	Lhasa Departure

Day 1

Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m/11,975ft)

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region

Tentative flight departure time from Chengdu: 08:00 and arrival in Lhasa: 10:25

Acclimatization, easy exploration around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

You can rest for the day or go walking around for acclimatization. We will have a briefing over dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Day 2

Lhasa sightseeing tour (Drepung and Sera Moanstery)

Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

After breakfast, we continue our tour to Drepung Monastery which showcases exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyards. Later at Sera Monastery, we experience a tranquil ambiance against the backdrop of beautiful murals.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Day 3

Lhasa sightseeing tour (Potala Palace and village exploration)

Explore Potala Palace, and a traditional village near Lhasa

Our sightseeing tour begins with the magnificent Potala Palace. Its layered structure houses intricate chambers adorned with sacred art. The tour then leads to the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual nucleus blending various architectural styles. We then head to the bustling Barkhor Market with stalls offering Tibetan artifacts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Day 4

Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok lake

Today, you'll drive to the stunning Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, passing over the high Kampa La (4750m) and Karo La (5010m) passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters. Enjoy breathtaking views, take beautiful photos, and explore this sacred lake, believed to be a goddess in transformation. Continue your drive to Gyantse to visit the 15th-century Pelkhor Monastery, renowned for its vivid murals, clay sculptures, and the coexistence of three Tibetan Buddhist sects (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu). If time allows, explore the chapels of the iconic Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Day 5

Lhasa Departure

Drive from hotel to airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Expand | Download Map

Prices

Group size	Price per person*
2 people	Inquire
4-7 people	Inquire
8 people & above	Inquire

Valid until Dec 31st, 2025

Includes

	Accommodation 4 nights in The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
	Transportation Reserved vehicle as per the itinerary
	Food 5 breakfasts 4 lunches 4 dinners
	Crew An experienced English-speaking Tibetan guide and an assistant guide Driver and vehicle on each day (ferrying trekkers and luggage)
	Misc Government taxes All necessary Tibet travel permit All entry fees as per the itinerary

Excludes

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Chinese Visa fees
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuity to service providers like field staff (guide, driver, bellboys, etc.),
Any expense incurred in itinerary changes that are beyond our control.
Any item not mentioned in Price Includes

Extra Expenses

Water: USD 0.3 per bottle

Important Details

Getting to Tibet

The only two ways to get to Tibet are either through Nepal or via mainland China. Additionally, every foreigner must arrange their travel through a travel agent in either Tibet or Nepal.

Entering Tibet from Nepal

International Flights:Air China and Sichuan Airlines generally operate regular flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu. However, the flights have been suspended until further notice, so the only option for now is to travel overland.

Overland: The Kodari border (north of Kathmandu) is the only accessible point of entrance to Tibet from Nepal. The immediate town on the Tibet side is Kerung, which is a 6-7 hour drive away from Kathmandu on winding mountain roads.

Visa from Nepal

Except for Chinese and Tibetans, all other nationalities are required to obtain a Tibet group visa and Tibet Travel Permit from Kathmandu before entering Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can be obtained through a registered travel agency in Kathmandu. Once you have the travel permit, a group Tibet visa application has to be submitted at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, as you are only allowed to travel to Tibet in groups.

The required documents for the necessary permits include a scanned color copy of your passport (diplomatic passports are not accepted), a Tibet Travel Permit, an application form with necessary details, proof of travel insurance covering Tibet, and the visa fee. You need to submit your original passport along with a passport-sized photo (a front-facing photo with no glasses and a white background) at least 5 days before the travel date.

Visa fees are USD 125 per person for most foreign passport holders, except those from USA, Canada, Argentina, and Romania, for whom the rates are an additional USD 90.

The total processing time typically takes upto two weeks. A minimum of four people must be in a group, and the visa application has to be applied as a group at the same time. Rest assured, we handle the permits on your behalf.

Important notes: Diplomatic passport holders, journalists, professional media photographers, and government officials are not able to obtain Tibet permits through travel agencies. Please provide your personal passport when applying for a Tibet permit. It’s important to note that visas to Tibet are not guaranteed.

Insurance It is mandatory to have travel and health insurance before traveling to Tibet. In fact, you are required to submit a copy of your travel insurance covering the trip duration when applying for your permit.

Logistics

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in standard hotels with clean rooms, comfortable beds, attached toilets, and air conditioning.Although not comparable to the hotels in Kathmandu, lodges in Tibet are leveling up to meet the needs of tourists. In major cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyatse, you also have the option to stay in upscale hotels. If you’re interested in reserving a specific hotel or upgrading to luxury accommodations, let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Hotel prices are based on double or twin-sharing occupancy, meaning two individuals will share a room. A separate single room can be arranged for an additional charge.

Vehicle We provide comfortable reserved vehicles to drive you around and for sightseeing as per the itinerary. Depending on the number of people and the terrain, we allocate four-wheel drives, Land Cruisers, or comfortable coaches. On the Nepal side, you will travel in jeeps.

Food Lunch and dinner are left out from price includes to give you full flexibility on meals, depending on your appetite and preference. The hotels have a decent selection of food and drink options. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements. It is recommended to bring snacks (like chocolates, dry fruits, etc) and energy bars to munch on during the trip.

Water Carrying your own water bottle is highly recommended. It is best to have a bottle of at least 2 liters. You can refill your bottle with filtered or bottled drinking water.

Connectivity & Wifi

For cell service, a reliable and hassle-free option is purchasing an international calling plan from your home cell service provider. However, this can be quite expensive. Another option is buying a local SIM card, which is available in Lhasa. Common service providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, all of which have a very good network coverage in most parts of Tibet.

Internet speeds are generally quite fast and available in most hotels in Tibet. If you’re traveling for a short duration, you can rely on a combination of hotel Wi-Fi and roaming services to stay connected.

Toilets While you will find Western-style toilets in hotels and some tourist areas, squat toilets are the norm. Toilets may not have running water at all times, resulting in an unpleasant smell. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and soap. Females are advised to carry their sanitary napkins.

Crew

Tibetan guide One lead licensed Tibetan guide and assistant guides (depending on the group size) will accompany you on the trip, all the way from your arrival in Tibet to departure. All our tour guides are English-speaking, highly knowledgeable and experienced.

Nepali guide A Nepali guide will chaperone you on the Nepal side, between Kathmandu and the Kerung border.

Drivers As the tour involves a substantial amount of driving, you will be accompanied by a driver most of the time, both on the Nepal and Tibet sides.

Money

Extra Costs to Expect Possible expenses, other than meals, could be drinks, laundry, tipping, and shopping. Please make sure you have read the Prices section thoroughly so you know what you might need to pay for while traveling.

Currency Tibet’s currency is called the Chinese RMB or Chinese Yuan. Apart from the Yuan, only the US Dollar is acceptable. You can exchange USD only at the Bank of China. Outside Lhasa, it is very difficult to exchange currency, so you are advised to convert your dollars in advance and carry cash in different denominations. Furthermore, banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

ATMS and Credit cards There are very few ATMs in Lhasa, but we suggest not relying on them. Some large hotels and a few shops in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse offer the option to pay by credit card, with an additional fee (3-5%) applied on top. In most areas outside the cities, cash (Yuan) is the sole payment option. We highly recommend bringing enough cash.

Tipping A service charge with tips is included by most hotels and eateries in their bills. For the crew, you are welcome to give some gratuities if you like their service. A good reference is around USD 15 per day for the guides and USD 10 per day for the drivers. Feel free to tip higher if you love their service. Generally, you chip in money as a group and tip the crew on the last day of your trek over dinner.

Emergency Fund Our trips are planned to the last detail. However, there might be unforeseen circumstances arising from factors beyond our control (like political unrest, strikes, bad weather, natural calamities, bad road conditions, airport closures, flight cancellations, etc). For this reason, please set aside USD 500 as reserve fund.

Cancellations and Refund Visa and permit fees, once processed, are non-refundable. Cancellation and refund requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Any additional costs resulting from cancellations/delays, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, and food, will be the traveler’s responsibility.

Health & Safety

Altitude Sickness

As most places in Tibet lie above 3,500m/11,482ft, there’s a fair chance of experiencing mild altitude sickness during this tour. Hence, we will take extra precautions throughout the trip by staying hydrated and ascending gradually. The tour is generally safe as we travel overland, and most people do well.

In any case, please inform your guide immediately if you experience dizziness or a headache. Our vehicle is also equipped with portable oxygen cans for safety. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly inform us when booking.

Motion sickness Traveling overland in Tibet involves navigating through mountainous terrain with twists and turns, which may contribute to motion sickness for some people. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take necessary precautions. We will take multiple breaks in between to catch fresh air.

Trail Safety Tibet is generally very safe, and you don’t have to worry about walking around alone or going for short strolls in the main towns. Just make sure you inform your guide and stick with the tour group. The people are very friendly and will greet you cheerfully. For your overall safety, it’s recommended to pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please avoid bringing or carrying expensive items or a large sum of cash while traveling for security reasons.

Drinking Water Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases. Drinking tap water is not advised and we recommend drinking boiled/bottled water only, or using one of steriPEN, LifeStraw, or purification tablets during the trip.

Immunization The immunizations recommended before for Tibet are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. There’s no specific checking but it is for your own safety.

Emergency Contacts If you encounter any issues or emergencies during the trip, please reach out to the lead guide or any member of the team. They will assist you in contacting nearby medical facilities. There are several hospitals and clinics throughout cities and towns.

Checklist

What to pack

What not to bring: Your bags will be searched thoroughly at customs and immigration so do not bring any Tibetan religious books, Tibetan flag, Tibet Lonely Planet books, magazines related to politics, posters, or photographs. Our company will not be responsible for further consequences.

OUTFIT

•	Headgear or sun hat
•	Fleece layer
•	Wind proof jackets and pants
•	Warm jacket for evenings
•	Comfortable walking shoes
•	Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons)
•	Warm hat
•	Warm socks

ACCESSORIES

•	Day bag
•	Duffel bag/suitcase
•	Water bottle (1.5-2 litres).
•	Sunglasses (Polarized, with good UV protection)
•	Waist belt
•	Rain gear
•	Locks for your backpack/luggage
•	Trail snacks and energy bars

ELECTRONICS

•	Camera with charger and extra batteries
•	Phone with charger
•	Power bank
•	Travel adapter (A, C and I)

TOILETRIES & MEDS

•	Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
•	Sanitizer
•	Personal first aid kit
•	Prescription Medications
•	Medicines for motion sickness
•	Rehydration salts or tablets

DOCUMENTS & MONEY

•	Original passport
•	Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
•	Travel Insurance
•	Money (Chinese Yuan or Chinese RMB)
•	Credit card

How to pack

Anything that you will need during the day, like rain gear, a warm layer, a water bottle, sunscreen, basic toiletries, your phone, and camera, money, important documents, and a few snacks, goes in your day bag. A 15-25 liters bag is your ideal daypack. It is advised to buy a good quality bag with adjustable waist straps, as good load distribution makes all the difference while walking.

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.

2. Pay to confirm

We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.

Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.

A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.

3. Prepare for mountains

Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!

Classic Lhasa Luxury Tour

Overview

Highlights

Best time to go

Itinerary

Customize this trip

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

Prices

Includes

Accommodation

Transportation

Food

Crew

Misc

Excludes

Extra Expenses

Important Details

Getting to Tibet

Logistics

Crew

Money

Health & Safety

Checklist

What to pack

OUTFIT

ACCESSORIES

ELECTRONICS

TOILETRIES & MEDS

DOCUMENTS & MONEY

How to pack

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

2. Pay to confirm

3. Prepare for mountains

•	Free Wi-Fi	•	Room Service	•	Air Conditioning
•	Balcony	•	Mini Bar	•	Private Bathroom
•	Hot Shower	•	Bathtub	•	Free Toiletries
•	Towels	•	Slippers	•	Power Socket
•	Electric Kettle	•	Daily Housekeeping

•	Restaurant and Bar	•	Child-friendly	•	Terrace
•	Garden	•	Swimming Pool	•	Plunge Pool
•	Massage	•	Spa	•	Laundry
•	First Aid Kit	•	Fire Extinguisher	•	POS Machine
•	Outdoor Seating