5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour

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.

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	689 US$	749 US$	779 US$	819 US$	779 US$	819 US$	749 US$

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.