5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Group Tour: Faith, Culture & Holy Lake

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (a traditional white silk scarf) and warm blessings. (Tip: Please let us know your mode of transportation and arrival time in advance.)

After that, our guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. (Tip: The airport is located about 60 km southeast of the city, 1-1.5 hours’ drive.)

After check-in, take the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to Lhasa’s high altitude (3,650 m). It’s important to allow your body to adjust before beginning your exciting journey through Tibet.

Helpful Reminders for Your First Day in Lhasa

• Take a good rest and stay calm.This is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.
• Avoid strenuous activity and you’d betternot take a shower on the first night to prevent catching a cold.
• Do not drink alcohol.Instead, drink plenty of water, eat fruits, and avoid heavy meals.
• If you wish, you can prepare herbal or oxygen supplements such as Rhodiola, American ginseng lozenges, or Gaoyuan’anto help with adaptation.
• Always follow the advice of your local guide. If you feel unwell, inform your guide and seek medical attention promptly.

Lhasa Potala Palace Distance View

Lhasa Potala Palace & Lhasa River

Attractions

Have a good rest to get used to the altitude

Transportation

Arrive in Lhasa by yourself; pick-up service while in Lhasa

Dining

None

Accommodation

Standard Hotel in downtown Lhasa

Today, enjoy hands-on cultural experience at the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center and gain deeper insight into Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the monks’ debating session at Sera Monastery.

In the morning, immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan arts at the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center. Take part in making Tibetan incense, practicing Tibetan calligraphy, and learning the secrets of traditional woodblock printing.

Tibetan incense is commonly burned as an offering during Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Its ingredients often include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and a variety of medicinal herbs.

In addition to crafting incense, you can observe the full process demonstrated by the local artisan, who will teach you Tibetan calligraphy and help you write your own name or blessing in the Tibetan script. This makes for a meaningful keepsake to bring home as a memory.

In the afternoon, take a short drive of about 7 km (20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelug university monasteries in Tibet. Here, you’ll experience Tibetan Buddhism up close.

The highlight is the monks’ debate, held daily from around 15:00 to 17:00 (except Sundays). This lively intellectual exchange involves one monk standing and asking questions, while others sit and respond. The standing monk’s gestures - such as palm-slapping and foot-stomping - symbolize activating wisdom and are not acts of aggression. You’ll also have the chance to observe prayer ceremonies, explore meditation halls, and learn about monastic life.

After the tour, be transferred back to your hotel in Lhasa.

Making Tibetan Incense

Our Guests Learn How to Make Tibetan Incense

A Large Group of Our Guests Visited Sera Monastery

Lhasa Sera Monastery Daily Debate

Attractions

2 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard Hotel in downtown Lhasa

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

This morning, you’ll first explore Potala Palace. This is the most iconic landmark of Tibet and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas (1649-1959).

After climbing 365 stone steps from the palace gate to the Red Palace, you’ll reach the highest ancient palace in the world - standing proudly at 3,700 meters above sea level - and enjoy stunning panoramic view of Lhasa city.

As you wander through the halls, chapels, and sacred shrines that honor past Dalai Lamas, you’ll be captivated by the intricate murals, exquisite carvings, dazzling jeweled decorations, and the deep spiritual atmosphere that fills the air. Inside the Potala Palace, countless Tibetan pilgrims can be seen bowing and praying devoutly - for many, visiting this sacred site is the journey of a lifetime.

Your guide will also share fascinating stories about King Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd ruler of Tibet, who originally built the Potala Palace in the 7th century to honor his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Potala Palace Visiting Tips:

• All visitors must enter as part of a guided group and can stay inside for a maximum of one hour.
• Tickets are issued under a real-name reservation system. A valid ID or passport is required, and once reserved, rebooking is not allowed within 7 days.
• Entry times are assigned randomly by the Potala Palace Administration, and it’s not possible to choose your visiting hour.
• During peak season, your travel group may be split into smaller sub-groupswith different visiting times or guides.
• Photography is strictly prohibitedinside the palace.

Next, your group will visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Lhasa with a history of more than 1,300 years. From afar, you’ll see countless devoted pilgrims prostrating in front of the temple. Stop for a while to witness this moving sight and the unwavering faith of Tibetan Buddhists. This will be a moment to touch your soul.

According to legend, Jokhang Temple was built by King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides - Princess Wencheng of China and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. The name Jokhang means “House of the Buddha,” and the temple enshrines a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, one of the most sacred treasures in the Buddhist world. This makes Jokhang Temple the holiest pilgrimage site in Tibet.

Take time to explore the temple’s intricate architecture - admire the colorful murals, ornate decorations, and fine carvings that showcase the essence of Tibetan craftsmanship. From the second floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling Barkhor Street below.

Visiting Tips for Jokhang Temple:

• Visiting time: about 1 hour.
• Admission requires real-name reservation through the “Jokhang Temple Reservation” WeChat between 7:00–23:59 for the next day. Reservations are limited, so please book in advance with your guide’s assistance.
• Jokhang Temple is an active religious site. During important religious ceremonies or special events, access may be restricted -your understanding is appreciated.

After the visit, step outside to Barkhor Street, once the traditional kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the temple. Today, it’s a lively place filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of chanting pilgrims. You can sip yak butter tea at a teahouse, dress in Tibetan attire for photos, or shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India.

Special Meal Arranged by AOT:

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine, specially arranged by the AOT team.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

Our Dear Guests Visited Potala Palace in Lhasa in August

Local Tibetans Walk around Jokhang Temple

Local Tibetan Pilgrims Prayed in front of Lhasa Jokhang Temple

Local Tibetans Walk and Pray along Barhkor Street

Attractions

3 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Standard Hotel in downtown Lhasa

In the morning, it is time to explore the holy lake and beautiful landscape out of Lhasa city. With 2-3 hours of driving (110 km), get your camera ready as you approach Kampala Pass (4,797 m). Here, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise ribbon shimmering among snow-capped mountains. Known as one of Tibet’s four sacred lakes (along with Lhamo Latso, Manasarovar, and Namtso), Yamdrok is believed to hold spiritual power - helping Tibetans locate the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You’ll also see locals offering photo opportunities with Tibetan mastiffs, yaks, or goats dressed in traditional ornaments.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration at Xiazhulin Temple, a peaceful monastery of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, located about 15 km from Lhasa Airport. It is smaller and quieter than many of Tibet’s ancient temples. Situated halfway up a hill, it offers the chance to admire the views of the Yarlung Zangbo River and surrounding farmland.

Xiazhulin Temple is also renowned for enshrining the body of an auspicious goddess, believed to be an incarnation of Green Tara. According to legend, she was born more than a thousand years ago and passed away at the age of twelve. After her death, her body miraculously shrank to the height of a cubit, seated in a Tara posture with one eye half-open, as if in gentle meditation. Explore the temple halls, appreciate the precious murals, and spin the prayer wheels for blessings.

After the visit, return to your hotel in Lhasa.

Take Photos at Yamdrok Lake Platform

Yamdrok Lake Autumn View

Attractions

2 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard Hotel in downtown Lhasa

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the holy city of Lhasa. Your guide and driver will escort you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station. Take your flight or train to next destination or go home.

Travel Tips:

1. The drive from downtown Lhasa to the airport takes about 1 hour, so we recommend booking flights departing after 10:00 AM.
2. Please share your flight or train schedulewith us in advance to ensure a smooth transfer.
3. Kindly provide accurate flight or train booking detailsso that we can arrange the group’s complimentary shared transfer efficiently.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for Tibet Group Tour. We hope to see you on your next journey!

Fly away from Lhasa

Viewing beautiful Tibet Scenery from the Airplane

Attractions

Hotel check-out and airport transfers

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

None