6 Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour

Trip Overview:

This 6-day Central Tibet tour will bring you to visit Lhasa and Shigatse, immersing yourself in the enigmatic Tibetan Buddhist culture. In Lhasa, the ancient Potala Palace and the revered Jokhang Temple will transport you across a millennium of history, allowing you to sense the profound legacy of Tibetan Buddhism. Wander along Barkhor Street to savor authentic Tibetan cuisine and absorb the distinctive cultural ambience of Lhasa.

In Shigatse, the Tashilhunpo Monastery awaits your exploration in tranquility. The monastery holds a rich collection, displaying the unique artistic charm of Tibetan Buddhism through its statues, scriptures, and Thangkas. Also don't miss the breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier on the way, highlighting the natural beauty of the region. If you're passionate about Tibetan culture and religion, this journey is tailored for you.

Highlights:

Photos & Videos

Daily Itinerary

Tour Departures in 2024/2025

Travel Time	Nov.1 to Next Feb.28	Mar.1 to May 31	Jun.1 to Jul.9	Jul.10 to Aug.20	Aug.21 to Sep.19	Sep.20 to Oct.10	Oct.11 to Oct.31
Price	799 US$	829 US$	879 US$	929 US$	879 US$	929 US$	829 US$

Lhasa and Shigatse Trip Notes

• 1. When is the deadline to book this 6-day Lhasa and Shigatse 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 Shigatse?

  For traveling to Lhasa and Shigatse, 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. What preparations are necessary for applying 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 Shigatse? What should I do If altitude sickness occurs?

  Shigatse sits at an altitude of 3,845 meters, which is nearly similar to Lhasa's altitude of 3,650 meters. For first-time travelers to high-altitude regions, experiencing altitude sickness is possible, but whether it will occur and how severe it might be varies among individuals, lacking a definitive answer.

  However, worry not, as our 6-day itinerary from Lhasa to Shigatse is thoughtfully planned. The initial 3 days of the trip will allow you to explore Lhasa, situated at a relatively lower altitude, helping you acclimate to the high-altitude environment. It's only on the 4th day that we'll head to the higher Shigatse, ensuring that upon arrival, you're less likely to experience altitude sickness.

  Of course, to minimize the chances of altitude sickness, we recommend avoiding bathing, especially hair washing, during the first few days in Lhasa, preventing exposure to cold to avoid catching a cold, ensuring adequate rest, and refraining from intense physical activities. Additionally, staying hydrated, consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, and abstaining from alcohol are advised.

  Should severe symptoms of altitude sickness arise, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or severe headaches, please inform your guide immediately and seek prompt medical attention under their guidance.

• 5. When is the best time to visit Lhasa and Shigatse?

  The best time to travel to Lhasa and Shigatse is from April to October. During this period, Tibet experiences pleasant weather, moderate temperatures, and higher oxygen levels, making it the most suitable season for tourism.

  Particularly, the months of April, May, September, and October are considered the prime time to visit Lhasa. Despite July and August being the rainy season, it's also the peak tourist season in Tibet. Rainfall usually occurs in the late evenings or during the night and typically doesn't affect daytime sightseeing.

  Moreover, for an economically viable trip to Tibet, consider visiting during the winter (November to March). Despite lower temperatures, there are mostly clear skies during the day, with temperatures remaining above 10°C. Nighttime temperatures might drop below freezing, but by then, you'll be back in the warmth of your hotel room.

  Visiting Tibet during winter allows you to take advantage of the preferential policy, offering free admission to attractions, discounts on hotels and flights. Even a 6-day tour during this time is significantly cheaper than during peak seasons. Additionally, there are fewer tourists during winter, meaning no queues at tourist spots, providing an enhanced travel experience.

• 6. How far is it from Lhasa to Shigatse? What are the road conditions like along the way?

  The straight-line distance between Lhasa and Shigatse is approximately 230 kilometers, while the road distance is about 260 kilometers. The entire route is mostly paved with asphalt roads, and the travel time usually falls within the range of 4-5 hours.

  To ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable journey for you, our designed 6-day itinerary from Lhasa to Shigatse allows you to admire scenic spots such as Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier along the way. This arrangement not only lets you fully appreciate the beauty of the journey but also helps avoid the fatigue that comes with long hours of driving. It enriches your travel experience, making it more colorful and leisurely.

• 7. What are the accommodation and dining conditions like in Lhasa and Shigatse?

  In Lhasa, you can find a variety of hotels, ranging from luxurious five-star accommodations to budget-friendly options. Many hotels offer well-equipped facilities, modern amenities, and attentive services, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. Local dining options are diverse, allowing you to savor traditional Tibetan cuisine alongside Sichuan food, Nepalese, Indian, and Western cuisines.

  As Tibet's second-largest city, Shigatse also offers a rich selection of dining and accommodation. The city boasts options ranging from star-rated hotels to guesthouses, providing comfortable living environments. Regarding dining, you can enjoy local delicacies while also having diverse choices, including Sichuan dishes and Indian cuisines.

  The hotels we have carefully selected for your itinerary have been chosen based on high praise from past guests, excelling in both service and basic amenities. If you have specific accommodation preferences, please let us know. We'll tailor the arrangements to meet your needs, ensuring you have an even better experience.

• 8. What to pack for traveling to Lhasa and Shigatse?

  1) Clothing: Lhasa and Shigatse have significant temperature differences in the mornings and evenings. Dressing in layers is recommended to easily adjust to temperature changes. In summer, light clothing suffices; for spring and autumn, at least three layers (undergarments, sweater, outerwear) are advisable, while winter requires thick, warm, windproof outerwear. Additionally, due to strong UV rays in Tibet, essentials like sunglasses and hats are necessary.

  2) Personal Care Items: Skincare essentials such as facial cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, hydrating face masks, body lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen are recommended. As the journey from Lhasa to Shigatse involves a long car ride, consider bringing a U-shaped neck pillow for added comfort. Also, carry a thermos to ensure access to hot water at any time.

  3) Common Medications: It's advisable to carry basic medications like adhesive bandages, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, and altitude sickness medication for any unforeseen needs. (Use medication as per medical advice, avoiding overuse.)

  4) Electronic Devices: Depending on personal needs, bring mobile phones, cameras, earphones, and necessary chargers, power banks, and cables.

  5) Cash and Bank Cards: While mobile payment methods are becoming more common in Tibet, there might still be places requiring cash payments. It's recommended to carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card.

• 9. Can I choose to take a train when return from Shigatse to Lhasa to save time?

  If you don't want to spend a long time on the road or wish to save time, taking a train from Shigatse back to Lhasa is the best choice. Currently, there are two train available from Shigatse to Lhasa. They depart from Shigatse Railway Station at 11:05 and 18:05, arriving at Lhasa Railway Station at 13:25 and 20:47, with travel times of 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 42 minutes respectively.

  Taking the train back to Lhasa after visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery on the 5th day, particularly on the 18:05 train, is the most convenient choice. It's important to note that if you plan to return to Lhasa by train, please inform your travel consultant in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made for you.