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Lhasa and central Tibet, Tibet / Tour

Lhasa Cultural Tour

Explore Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse on a plateau journey with Kathmandu connections and travel arrangements confirmed for your dates.

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The Potala Palace in Lhasa
The Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Duration
11 daysOutline programme
High plateau journey
TourLhasa and central Tibet
Season
Late spring to autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
High-altitude cultural tourTour

A closer look at the journey.

This cultural journey begins in Kathmandu before travelling to Lhasa. Time in the city includes the Jokhang and Barkhor area, the Potala Palace and Drepung. The programme then turns west through the Yamdrok Tso landscape to Gyantse and Shigatse, linking urban religious places with the broader plateau scenery.

The reference route continues toward Nepal overland. That connection depends on the operating border, road access and the arrangements available for your travel dates; the return plan must be confirmed before booking. Allow for a gentle arrival in Lhasa and discuss walking and access at the main sites. The programme is a cultural journey at sustained altitude, rather than a lowland sightseeing tour.

  • Jokhang and the Barkhor area
  • Yamdrok Tso and Gyantse
  • Shigatse and the central Tibetan plateau

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Fly to Lhasa and rest

Keep the arrival day gentle while settling into the higher plateau.

Day 4Jokhang and the Barkhor

Visit the Jokhang area and walk through the surrounding Barkhor streets, with access arranged for the day.

Day 5Potala Palace and Drepung

Plan cultural visits at the Potala Palace and Drepung, subject to local access and the agreed schedule.

Day 6Travel via Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 7Gyantse to Shigatse

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 8Shigatse to the Shegar area

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 9Continue toward the border region

The crossing corridor and overnight stop are confirmed for your travel dates.

Day 10Nepal entry arrangements and onward transfer

Road access and the operating border crossing determine the exact transfer.

Day 11Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and sightseeing arrangements
  • Accommodation standards and the meal plan
  • Ground travel and any flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Site visits and any local access arrangements

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Discuss the sustained altitude, walking at cultural sites and long road stages before confirming the programme.

Accommodation: City hotels and simpler plateau accommodation, with guesthouse or camp arrangements around Kailash where relevant; the full plan must be agreed.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the visits be tailored?

Discuss your interests and preferred pace with the team. Site access, opening times and travel connections shape the final daily order.

Are the border and road connections confirmed?

They must be confirmed for your travel dates before booking. The reference route does not establish that a particular border crossing or road is operating.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

Tell us where you want to stand.

Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.