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5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

Trip Overview:

This 5-day Tibet tour seamlessly combines the cultural riches of Lhasa with the mesmerizing allure of sacred Yamdrok Lake. First, you will delve into the splendor of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, immersing yourself in Tibetan heritage.

Then, visit Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most sacred and picturesque lakes, unveiling breathtaking vistas from four different viewing platforms. Explore the temple on the isolated island at the lake's center and meet the world's most solitary practitioners. This itinerary is perfect for those with limited time seeking to experience Tibet’s cultural and natural wonders in one go.

  • Tour Code: PTL013

  • Trip Level : Easy for All Agesi

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    Can I join this tour?

    • This Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake 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 Yamdrok Lake are two top destinations in Tibet for travel 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.

  • Full exploration of the depths of Tibet's revered lake - Yamdrok Lake.

  • Visit the world's loneliest monastery on the island in the middle of the lake - Rutok Temple.

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 - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa (B,L)

Today, you'll depart from Lhasa and set off towards one of the "Three Holy Lakes of Tibet," the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains and pristine waters.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on an awe-inspiring journey, traversing the 4900-meter-high Gambala Pass to reach the sacred Yamdrok Lake. The lake is a beautiful jade-like color, with snow-capped mountains reflecting in it, and lush green fields where animals peacefully graze nearby. It's a serene place where herders tend to their animals, monks meditate on small islands, and the calm waters create endless breathtaking views, far from the hustle of the city.

Following your guide, ascend to the Lurila Platform, where the azure Yamdrok Lake and the towering snow-capped peaks of Gulha Kangri come into full view. Subsequently, you'll visit the Rutok Temple, where solitary monks pursue their spiritual practices in this ancient temple. Here, you'll behold a wider expanse of the lake and its continuous chain of islands.

Then you'll dine at a charming lakeside eatery for lunch, savoring regional delicacies served by a local family. On the scenic platform, take pleasure in a cup of coffee, basking in leisurely moments while delighting in the breathtaking vista of Yamdrok Lake from its southeast corner.

Following that, your journey back to Lhasa will traverse the renowned Gampala Pass (4900m). Standing at the Gambala Pass Platform, witness Yamdrok Lake stretching like a ribbon of sapphire for miles, extending all the way to the base of the towering Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191 meters), a sight of indescribable beauty.

Stay overnight 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 689 US$ 749 US$ 779 US$ 819 US$ 779 US$ 819 US$ 749 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.

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.

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 Yamdrok Lake Trip Notes

  • 1. When is the deadline to book this 5-day Lhasa Yamdrok Lake 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 Yamdrok Lake?

    For traveling to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, 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 Yamdrok Lake? Will I suffer from altitude sickness there?

    The altitude of Yamdrok Lake is 4441 meters, which is a bit higher than Lhasa, situated at 3650 meters above sea level. For tourists visiting high-altitude areas for the first time, experiencing altitude sickness is possible, especially for those not acclimated to such environments.

    However, there's no need to worry. Our carefully planned 5-day itinerary to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake includes the first 3 days at lower altitudes in Lhasa, allowing your body to gradually acclimate to the higher altitude. It's on the fourth day that we'll visit the higher-altitude Yamdrok Lake for sightseeing. This approach significantly reduces the chances of experiencing altitude sickness when visiting Yamdrok Lake.

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

    The best time to visit Yamdrok Lake and Lhasa is from April to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing. Particularly from May to September, the grasslands around Yamdrok Lake are lush green, enhancing the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Although winters (November to March of the following year) are colder, Yamdrok Lake exhibits a different charm under the pristine white snow.

  • 6. Will a day trip from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake be too rushed? Will there be enough time for sightseeing?

    The distance from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake is approximately 100 kilometers, and the road conditions are good, taking about 2 hours by car. Hence, a round trip within a day isn't too rushed, leaving around 3-5 hours to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake.

    It's important to note that although the road conditions are good, there are some winding mountain roads after leaving Highway 318 in Dagaxiang, Qushui County, which might cause motion sickness. If concerned about motion sickness, it's advisable to prepare some motion sickness pills.

  • 7. Will we immediately dead back after visiting Yamdrok Lake? Will there be enough time for photography?

    At Yamdrok Lake, you'll have 3-5 hours at the four viewing platforms to admire the stunning scenery, take plenty of photos, and soak in the plateau ambiance. Our Tibetan guides manage tour schedules precisely, ensuring you fully experience the beauty of Yamdrok Lake, making every moment an unforgettable and cherished memory of your journey.

  • 8. What to pack for traveling to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake?

    1) Clothing: Yamdrok Lake can be quite windy, and there's a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. It's advisable to wear warm, windproof outerwear. Layering clothing is recommended to adjust to temperature changes. For summer, light clothing suffices, while in spring and autumn, at least three layers (base layer, sweater, outerwear) are suggested. Winter requires warmer and wind-resistant clothing. Additionally, due to strong UV rays in Tibet, sunglasses and hats are essential.

    2) Personal items: Skincare products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, hydrating masks, body lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen are important. As the journey from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake involves a considerable car ride, a neck pillow can make the journey more comfortable. Also, bring a thermos to ensure access to hot water at any time.

    3) Common medications: Carry essential medications like adhesive bandages, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, and altitude sickness medication, adhering to medical advice and avoiding overuse.

    4) Electronic devices: Depending on personal needs, bring items like a mobile phone, camera, earphones, chargers, power banks, and charging cables.

    5) Limited cash and bank cards: Despite the growing use of mobile payment methods in Tibet, some places may still require cash. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card for emergencies.

Price From US$689/person

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What Our Customers Say

  • Once in a life time

    14 days from Beijing to Tibet and Nepal. The reality was beyond my expectations. A trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. The trip was arranged in an exceptional way! Laura Tang did an amazing job! She responded to all my questions immediately, she supported and solved any problems very quickly. The hotels she arranged for me were amazing!! ...More

    Jan 2023 nico k
  • Nice view in winter!

    The view was magnificent. got to see snow and snow capped mountains. Thanks to Gemma Wei for helping with all the planning. Also thanks to Kunchok and Tsering for going accomodating to my needs as i was not used to the altitude. They also helped alot with the trek up the hills! ...More

    Dec 2023 Benjamin X
  • Tibet is beautiful

    The tour was great! We visited amazing places and could feel the sacred atmosphere in all the temples. The nature is breathtaking with beautiful mountain and lake views. Our guide Jingme told us all about the history and showed us great places. All the hotels were much better than what I expected...More

    Nov 2023 Krisyna H
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    After much research, my wife gave the desired itinerary to the agency rep that she was working with. It covered a huge area from Lhasa all the way West to the Ali area and back along a Northern route. Of course having a private driver and Land Cruiser along with a very experienced guide, the trip was just fantastic... More

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  • Best trip I have ever had

    I just arrived home this morning after a one-month trip in India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. I have travelled a lot in my life but this trip is the best trip I have ever had. It really stands out by its geographic particularity, historical and cultural knowledge and most of all, its emotional/spiritual impact...More

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    The trip was great, the view was amazing. Our tour guide, Gijme, is very professional and very knowledgeable about the sites and the history...More

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