Short Lhasa Tour

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Embark on a spiritually enriching journey with our 5-day Tibet Tour, flying in and out of Lhasa. Begin your adventure with a breathtaking Trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Enjoy two full days exploring sacred landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar, and the revered Drepung and Sera Monasteries. On Day 4, take a scenic excursion to Ganden Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism, with a short hike to its surrounding hill for panoramic views. This short yet immersive tour blends spiritual discovery, cultural depth, and stunning Himalayan landscapes, all while staying in comfortable hotels and guided by experienced local experts.

Trip Facts
Country
Tibet
Duration
4 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Max. Altitude
4300 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Tour / hike
Accomodation
Hotels
Meals
Breakfast
Best Time
April - November

Highlights of Short Lhasa Tour from Nepal - Fly in Fly Out (4 Nights / 5 Days)

  • Scenic trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, offering breathtaking views of Everest and the Himalayan range
  • Explore the majestic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and an architectural wonder
  • Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism
  • Stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar, a traditional pilgrimage route and local marketplace
  • Guided tours of two great monastic universities: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, famous for monastic debates
  • Day excursion to Ganden Monastery, one of the earliest and most significant Gelugpa monasteries
  • Experience authentic Tibetan culture, history, and spirituality with expert local guides
  • Comfortable hotel accommodation in the heart of Lhasa
  • Ideal short cultural and spiritual getaway for travelers from Nepal seeking a deeper connection with Tibetan Buddhism

NOTE:

Visa free country for Mainland China for 15 Days: 

As of 2025, citizens from several countries can visit China visa-free for short stays. The 15-day visa-free policy includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, and Iceland. Singaporean citizens enjoy a longer 15-day visa-free period. These policies, valid for purposes like tourism, business, and transit, aim to foster international exchanges. The Icelandic visa-free entry is in effect from November 8, 2024, while others continue through December 31, 2025


The policy aims to enhance international exchange and applies to travelers with valid ordinary passports

Outline Itinerary

Itinerary
Day 01:Flight from Kathmandu – Lhasa (3650m)
Max Altitude
3,650m / 11,975ft
Walking/Hiking
-
Itinerary
Day 02:Lhasa Sightseeing
Max Altitude
3,650m / 11,975ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 03:Lhasa Sightseeing
Max Altitude
3,650m / 11,975ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 04:Lhasa - Ganden Monastery (4300 m)- Lhasa (3650 m)
Max Altitude
3,650m / 11,975ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 05:Lhasa - Kathmandu
Max Altitude
-
Walking/Hiking
-

Short Lhasa Tour Detailed Itinerary

The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday. Similarly hotel can be upgraded or downgraded depending on your requirement.

Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu

Upon reaching Gonggar airport, Lhasa our Tibetan guide will be waiting outside the arrival gate and he will extend cordial greetings and welcome you with Hada, the customary Tibetan ceremonial scarf.

Then after the driver and guide will drive you to your accommodation in the heart of Lhasa. On the way to hotel, we will be able to see The Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra River, which is the longest and greatest river in Tibet, and also see Lhasa River.

After arrival in the hotel, we will take some time to rest and adjust with the high altitude. And spend our day in Lhasa. Stay overnight at 3-star hotel in Lhasa.

After having breakfast in hotel, we will begin the tour from UNESCO World Heritage sites: Potala Palace. which is also the winter palace of Dalai Lama. It's situated at 12,139 feet above sea level. It's a 13-story high building that contains over 1,000 rooms, various statues, stupas, murals and artifacts.

After visiting Potala Palace, we will visit Longwangtan Park which is located at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, we will be able to appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities as well.

Then after we will continue to Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a spiritual center for Buddhists in Tibet. Inside we can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Next to the temple there is Barkhor Street, filled with pilgrims and street vendors, selling traditional Tibetan items such as prayer wheels and jewelry. Here, we can do Kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.


In the end, we can follow our guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. We can sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life. Stay overnight at 3-star hotel in Lhasa.

After having breakfast in hotel, we will get ready for Lhasa Tour.

At first, we will go to visit Drepung monastery which used to be home of over 10,000 monks once upon a time and was founded in 1416. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala palace. We can meditate in this monastery for maximum 1 hour, if any rituals is not being performed during our visit.

In the afternoon, we will visit Sera Monastery---It was one of the “three greats” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419. The highlight is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. Stay overnight at 3-star hotel in Lhasa. Guide will help you understand on how Tibetan monks participate in these discussions in order to learn new things and improve their academic standing. Stay overnight at 3-star hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Ganden Monastery, located about 60 km east of Lhasa at an altitude of 4300 meters. Founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden Monastery is one of the “Great Three” monasteries of Tibet. Perched on Wangbur Mountain, the monastery offers panoramic views of the Kyichu Valley and surrounding peaks. Visitors can explore the majestic assembly halls, ancient chapels, and the tomb of Tsongkhapa, which is a site of deep spiritual significance. A short hike along the Ganden Kora (pilgrimage circuit) provides a peaceful experience and stunning vistas. After immersing in the spiritual ambiance and learning about Tibetan monastic life, return to Lhasa in the evening. Stay overnight at 3 star hotel.

On final day of your Tibet journey, you will be transferred from your hotel in Lhasa to Gonggar Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy a spectacular Trans-Himalayan flight offering breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, if the weather permits. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, carrying unforgettable memories of Tibet’s spiritual and cultural treasures.

Altitude Chart

Unit:

Short Lhasa Tour: Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport - Hotel - Airport
  • Accommodation with breakfast on twin /double sharing room basis 
  • English Speaking Tibetan Guide during the tour
  • Private transportation by private vehicle during the tour
  • Tibet travel permit
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary
  • All necessary government taxes and fees

Excludes

  • Airfare (Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu flight ticket)
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal and medical insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch & Dinner during the tour
  • Personal Expenses (Laundry services, Telephone call, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic drinks, hot stone Bath.
  • Bar bills and drinks (mineral water, soft drink, beers, etc.)
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness, early termination or return of the program, etc.
  • Tips
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in INCLUDED

Dates & Availability

Our online briefing is designed to answer all your questions about the trek. We’ll go over the gear you’ll need (equipment checklist), provide a detailed itinerary, and explain what you can expect on the trail. After you book your trip, we’ll send you an email with available briefing dates and times. Once we receive your required documents, we’ll schedule and conduct the online trek briefing.

Essential Information

For a smooth and enriching Tibet tour, it's essential to understand permit requirements, altitude preparedness, and cultural etiquette. Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition will handle all logistics—permits, guides, and travel arrangements. Inquire with us for complete details and personalized assistance. 

Some Useful Information for your guided Tibet Tour:

 

Tibet Travel Permits & Visa Requirements

  • Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers. You cannot enter Tibet without it.
  • If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you need a Group Chinese Visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Your tour operator will arrange this along with the permit.
  • Independent travel is not allowed; you must book a tour through a registered agency

How to Get to Tibet from Nepal?

There are two main ways to travel from Nepal to Tibet: by air and by land. Both routes offer stunning Himalayan views and are arranged through a registered travel agency, as independent travel is not allowed in Tibet.

1. By Air – Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

The most popular and fastest option is the direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

  • Flight duration: approx. 1 - 1.5 hour. This is one of the most scenic flights in the world, flying over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days.

2. By Road – Overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa

  • Travel overland via Rasuwagadhi–Kerung Border (the current open route). The drive from Kathmandu to Kerung takes about 7–8 hours (130 km). After crossing into Tibet, the journey continues through towns like Gyirong, Shigatse, Gyantse, and finally to Lhasa.
  • The full overland trip typically takes 6 to 7 days, allowing gradual acclimatization and cultural exploration along the way.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tibet ?

The best months are April to August and September to November for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but offers fewer tourists and great photography opportunities.

Accommodation during Tibet Tour

  • Available from basic guesthouses to comfortable 3-star, 4-star & 5 star hotels in Lhasa.
  • Outside Lhasa, facilities may be basic.

Altitude & Acclimatization during Tibet Tour

  • Lhasa is at 3650 meters, so mild altitude sickness is common.
  • Spend the first day resting, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and walk slowly.
  • Consult your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.

Culture & Etiquette to be maintained during Tibet Tour

  • Tibetans are deeply religious; respect local customs, especially in monasteries.
  • Ask before taking photos of people or inside temples.
  • Avoid stepping over religious items or prayer flags.

Foods available during Tibet Tour

  • Tibetan food includes noodles, yak meat, butter tea, and momos (dumplings).
  • Lhasa has a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, and Western food options.
  • Vegetarian food is available but limited in remote areas.

Language Spoken in Tibet

  • Tibetan is the local language, but many also speak Mandarin Chinese.
  • English is spoken by most guides, especially in Lhasa and major tourist areas.

Currency used in Tibet

  • The currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY).
  • ATMs are available in Lhasa but rare outside. Bring some cash for rural areas.

Connectivity during Tibet Tour

  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels in Lhasa.
  • Internet access is restricted—many websites (Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) are blocked in China/Tibet. Use a VPN if needed.

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