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5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Tour - Explore the Holy Meditation Caves

Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Lhasa

Trip Overview:

This 5-day Tibet meditation tour is designed for those who cherish Buddhist culture and meditation. You'll relish a fantastic day trip to Drak Yerpa hermitage, one of the holiest cave retreats near Lhasa city. Meditating in the caves will offer a powerful experience, evoking a sense of inner happiness and profound peacefulness.

Before that, you won't miss the essence of Lhasa city, including the majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, and lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit. You'll also witness the spirited monk debates in Sera Monastery, gaining deeper insights into the practices and lives of Tibetan Buddhists. Join this tour to enjoy a spirit-lifting journey to Tibet!

  • Tour Code: SG005B

  • Trip Level : Easy for All Agesi

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    Can I join this tour?

    • This Lhasa and Drak Yerpa tour is suitable for all levels of fitness, families with kids, and senior groups. As long as you're in good health, you can confidently join our tour. However, to ensure your health and safety, we recommend consulting a professional doctor before your departure.
  • Tour Type: Small Group (Max 12) i

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    Our Small Group Tour Features

    • Guaranteed Departures: With our fixed tour dates, we guarantee every departure.
    • Flexible Scheduling: Should you not find a suitable travel date, worry not. Share your preferred timing, and we'll tailor a personalized itinerary, inviting fellow travelers to join.
    • Non-shopping Journey: Enjoy a commerce-free expedition with us. Our commitment to top-notch tours ensures an authentic and immersive exploration of Tibet.
  • Time to Visit : Available All Year Aroundi

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    Time to Visit Guide:

    • Lhasa and Drak Yerpa can be visited throughout the year.
    • The peak seasons are July, August, and from October 1st to 8th, coinciding with major holiday seasons.
    • The off-season, during the winter months from November to March, presents an ideal window for budget travelers to explore Tibet. During this time, flights and accommodations offer significant discounts, while certain top attractions offer free admission.

Highlights:

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

  • Roam around Drepung Monastery, the largest temple in Tibet, exploring the life of Tibetan monks in their practice.

  • Immerse yourself in the daily life of Lhasa residents, visiting traditional homes, teahouses, and joining Tibetans in worship.

  • Experience a day in the life of a practitioner, meditating in the caves of the Drak Yerpa Mountains where Tibetan sages once practiced.

  • Hiking in the steep and rugged mountainside for spiritual practice.

Photos & Videos

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa, Get the First Impression of Tibet

Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport or train station and present you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) to wish you good luck!

You'll then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa by the guide and driver. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages.

After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It's helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water.

Later in the afternoon or evening, your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance, and introduce you to the other members of your group.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
If you require any assistance or have specific needs, please don't hesitate to visit our service center located at Gangjian Hotel.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 2: Lhasa Day Tour: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

Day 3: Lhasa Day Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street (B)

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast

Day 4: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Lhasa (B, L)

Today we will head to visit the Drak Yerpa Monastery, located about 30 kilometers away from Lhasa. Situated in the steep mountain, the monastery is the place where generations of saints in Tibetan history practiced meditation, including Padma Sambhava, Master Tsongkhapa and Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

In the mountains, birds sing joyfully, fragrant flowers scent the air, and monks dressed in crimson robes resemble woodland spirits. Pushing open the main gate of Drak Yerpa Monastery, gazing far into the valley and snow-capped peaks feels like stepping into paradise. The extraordinary sensation transcends the ordinary, stirring the soul deeply with the vastness and inclusiveness of Buddhism.

We will find a favorite mountain cave, sit cross-legged, and relish the precious tranquility. Let your mind join the ancient sages, traversing thoughts, and meditating together. This is the gift bestowed by today's journey of practice.

Considering the inconvenience for dining in the mountains, we have prepared simple lunch meal for you.

After the meditation, drive back to your hotel in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5: Finish This Unforgettable Tour and Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.

Meal:

Breakfast

Tour Departures in 2024

Travel TimeNov.1 to Next Feb.28Mar.1 to May 31Jun.1 to Jul.9Jul.10 to Aug.20Aug.21 to Sep.19Sep.20 to Oct.10Oct.11 to Oct.31
Price 599 US$ 639 US$ 699 US$ 749 US$ 699 US$ 749 US$ 639 US$
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Please Note:

If you couldn’t find a tour date suitable for your travel schedule in the above form, please contact our travel experts and they will help you plan a delightful vacation to Tibet at the BEST local price.

Discount:

1.) 5% off for those booking the tour together with other two travelers (3 or 3 above in total) at the same time;

2.) 5% off for those booking the tour 3 months in advance;

3.) Please kindly be aware that the two discounts mentioned above cannot be enjoyed simultaneously.

What's Included?

1. Tibet travel documents such as Tibet Travel Permit (excluding expedited processing fees), and delivery of the permit to your hotel in mainland of China.

2. Standard tourist vehicles based on the number of group members, ensuring one seat one person. Experienced local drivers offer attentive service.

3. Three-star hotels throughout the itinerary (upgrades available for an additional fee; single room supplement required when not sharing; multi-person rooms for EBC Tent Guesthouse).

4. All meals listed in the itinerary. (Meal fees are non-refundable if declined due to personal reasons).

5. Excellent local Tibetan English-speaking tour guide (Prices for guides speaking other languages may be subject to separate negotiation).

6. Admission tickets for all tourist attractions listed in Itinerary, fee for environmentally-friendly sightseeing bus.

7. Travel accident insurance.

8. Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station and the downtown hotel. Free transfers between Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel during specific times.

9. Other services: exquisite Tibetan souvenirs, tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.

What's Excluded?

1. Chinese Visa (for any visa assistance services, please contact us for details)

2. International flights to and out of China.

3. Domestic flight or train to and out of Lhasa (If you need ticket booking service, please leave your requirements in the Online Inquiry Form.)

4. Single Room Supplement: Hotels are based on double occupancy (twin-bedded rooms) by default. If you prefer a single room or if room sharing isn’t possible, a single room supplement is required (please consult the travel consultant for specific price differences).

5. Some meals not included in the itinerary.

6. Tips to the guide and driver based on your satisfaction with their services. We recommend paying a total of $7 per person per day for both the guide and driver.

7. Additional expenses resulting from force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic controls, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.).

8. Personal expenses and any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusion list.

Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Trip Notes

  • 1. When is the deadline to book this 5-day Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Small Group Tour?

    To ensure a seamless trip, it is recommended to book your Tibet tour at least 15-20 days before the departure date.

    Certainly, booking your tour 1-2 months or earlier in advance will assist us in arranging your Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary documents, as well as securing accommodations. Additionally, early bookings may qualify for early-bird discounts. This arrangement facilitates better preparation and a more relaxed journey.

  • 2. What travel documents are required for a trip to Lhasa and Drak Yerpa?

    For traveling to Lhasa and Drak Yerpa, various tourists require specific travel documents:
    1) Foreign tourists: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit
    2) Tourists from Hong Kong and Macau: Home Return Permit
    3) Tourists from Taiwan: Mainland Travel Permit (MTP), Tibet Travel Permit

  • 3. How to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit? How long does It take, and when can I get the permit?

    For foreign tourists applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, photos or photocopies of a valid passport and Chinese Visa are needed. Holders of a working visa need to additionally provide a work certificate, while student visa holders require student certification.

    However, Taiwanese tourists only need to provide photos or photocopies of Mainland Travel Permit for the Tibet Travel Permit application.

    Generally, processing the Tibet Travel Permit takes 7-14 working days. Once the permit is successfully issued, we'll mail it to your address in mainland of China 3-5 days before your departure date, ensuring you have it in hand for your train or flight to Tibet.

  • 4. What is the altitude of Drak Yerpa? Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

    Drak Yerpa Monastery is situated at an altitude of approximately 4400 meters, constructed along the mountainside, slightly higher than Lhasa, which stands at 3650 meters above sea level. For visitors heading to high-altitude regions for the first time, experiencing altitude sickness is possible, especially for those not acclimatized to such environments.

    However, there's no need to worry. Our carefully planned 5-day itinerary for Lhasa and Drak Yerpa dedicates the initial 3 days to exploring Lhasa at lower altitudes, gradually allowing your body to acclimate to the higher altitude. It's on the fourth day that you'll visit the higher-altitude Drak Yerpa Monastery. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness.

  • 5. When is the best time to Lhasa and Drak Yerpa?

    The best time to visit Drak Yerpa and Lhasa is between April and October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are suitable for sightseeing. Particularly in April, May, September, and October, considered the golden seasons for visiting Lhasa. Even though July and August mark the rainy season, it's also a peak time for tourism. Rainfall typically occurs in the evenings or late at night, minimally affecting daytime activities.

    Moreover, for a budget-friendly trip to Tibet, consider visiting during the winter season (November to March). Despite lower temperatures, days are often sunny, maintaining temperatures above 10°C. Nights might drop below freezing, but by then, you'll be in the warmth of your hotel room. Traveling to Tibet in winter allows you to benefit from winter tourism policies, offering free admission to attractions and discounts on hotels and flights.

  • 6. What to pack for the trip to Lhasa and Drak Yerpa?

    1) Clothing: Due to significant temperature fluctuations in Tibet between morning and evening, it's advisable to wear warm, windproof outerwear. Layering clothing is recommended to adjust to temperature changes. In summer, light clothing is suitable, while during spring and autumn, at least three layers (undershirt, sweater, outerwear) are advisable. In winter, prioritize warmer clothing and wind protection. Additionally, due to strong ultraviolet rays, sunglasses and a hat are essential.

    2) Personal items: Skincare products such as face wash, moisturizer, facial cream, hydrating masks, body lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen are necessary. For the car travel from Lhasa to Drak Yerpa, a U-shaped neck pillow is also suggested to make the journey more comfortable. Also, carry a thermal to ensure access to hot water at any time.

    3) Common medications: Carry essentials like adhesive bandages, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, altitude sickness medication, and other commonly used medicines for unexpected needs. (Please follow medical advice and avoid unnecessary medication.)

    4) Electronic devices: Bring personal electronic devices like smartphones, cameras, headphones, along with their chargers, power banks, and charging cables, as needed.

    5) Cash and cards: Though mobile payment methods are becoming common in Tibet, some places may still require cash. Carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card for emergencies, even though mobile payment is prevalent.

Price From US$599/person

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