6 Days Tibet Lhasa & Namtso Lake
Explore the incredible Lhasa and Namtso Lake on this 6 day adventure.
Sacred significant Monasteries, lost ancient Palace, vast grassland with yaks and sheep, snow- capped mountains standing nearby the crystal heavenly lake in the pure blue sky, this tour gives us a comprehensive experience of Tibet culture, history & nature.
- Llhasa Highlights
- Namtso Lake
- Visit Potala Palace
- Explore Barkhor Street
- See Jokhang Temple
- Small Group Adventure
- Experience rich culture
- Scenic views
- Experienced Tour Guide
- All Accommodation
- All Transport
- Trip length:
- 6 Days
- Group size:
- Max 12
- Start:
- Lhasa
- End:
- Lhasa
- Vehicle:
- Private Minivan, Minibus
- Sleep:
- Hotels
Itinerary
Day 1 Lhasa [3658m]
You are warmly welcome to Tibet by saying Tashi Delek at the Train station/airport by our professional employee and send you to reserved hotel in Lhasa. Then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude in the afternoon. Overnight at Lhasa
Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing
Morning we will start with the visit the famous Potala palace and explore the grandest of its myriad chapels. Afternoon we will drop a visit to the holist temple in Tibet, the Jokhang Temple, and at Barkor Kora, which is the most famous pilgrim circle in Tibet, we can buy some Tibetan traditional souvenirs. Overnight at Lhasa
Day 3 Lhasa Sightseeing
Today, we will visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, the Drepung and the Sera.Drepung Monastery is the biggest monastery in Tibet and it is one of the top 3 important Gulupa monasteries while one of the other two monasteries is Sera Monastery. Catch the Lama debiting which was held in the courtyard at around 3:00-5:30 pm. It is the traditional one to one daily practice with questions and answers. (Sunday exceptional) Overnight at Lhasa
Day 4 Lhasa - Namtso Lake
Namtso Lake located at Damxung, which is a pure pasturing area in Tibet. Where there’s a chance to find yaks and Sheep scattered on the vast grassland. Before arriving the lake, the snow- capped Nyenchen Tonglha Mountains will catch your eyes, after we finally reached the lake, the deep blue endless water makes you feel you are staying at the side of seashore. The Sunset of the lake in good weather is extra bonus if staying one night at lake. Overnight at Lake side
Day 5 Namtso Lake Lhasa
In the morning, get up early and view the mighty sun rise of the holy heavenly lake, we people are too small. Stroll along the lakeshore and get a peace far from the city. Then drive back to Lhasa city, you may enjoy the Yampajain Hot-spring on the way back. Overnight at Lhasa
Day 6 Lhasa
After the last glance of the Potala and the holy city of Lhasa, your tour guide will drop you off at the Lhasa airport or train station, complete your memorable tour in Tibet.
What to bring
CLOTHING / EQUIPMENT
- 1 pair of Hiking Boots/Sturdy Sneakers
- Sleeping Bag and insulation pad
- Ground cloth or tarp (recommended but not required)
- Rain Gear (waterproof pants and jacket)
- Towel
- 3-5 T-Shirts
- 1 Lightweight Fleece or Wool Sweater
- 2 Pairs of Nylon pants
- 5-7 Pairs of Socks ( polypropylene or wool are recommended)
- 3-5 Pairs of Underwear
- Sunglasses
- Personal Toiletries (you may want to carry your own toilet paper and some zip-lock bags, as bathrooms may not be readily available.)
- Personal Medication
- Camera, Batteries and Film/Digital Memory Cards
- Adapter and Surge Protector (see detail below)
- Light- weight thermal shirts or long underwear ( recommended but not required)
OTHER
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Day pack for daily personal items
- Lock for all bags
- Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
- Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
- Small towel and swim wear
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Money belt
- Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Private minivan or minibus with driver.
- All relevant transfers and transportation in private vehicles.
- Airport arrival and departure.
ACCOMMODATION
- Budget/3 star/4 star hotels available in Lhasa.
MEALS
- 4 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner.
- Averagely a meal in Tibet cost around USD 3-10 per person.
OTHERS
- Local English-speaking Tibetan guide.
- All necessary Tibet permits and Government tax.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
How to get into Tibet?
There is only one international flight to Tibet, which is from Nepal (Kathmandu), but China domestic flights are available from most of the major cities in mainland China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Zhongdian(Shangrila), Xian and so on.If you like to take the Qinghai - Tibet train, then trains are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xian, Lanzhou, Chongqing and Xining, but trains from Xian are comparatively harder to get because it is not an originating station and all trains passing through are in transition, so from Xining is comparatively the easiest and shortest train ride.
If you are interested in Overland Tours in Tibet, you will only be able to travel from Chengdu, Qinghai and Yunan from within China or from Kathmandu in Nepal. The overland drive takes longer but can add an element of adventure. When you decided your traveling dates, please check with us regarding the availability since parts of the Chengdu-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet routes are frequently closed due to political sensitivity and landslides during the monsoon season.
Can I withdraw cash from the local banks in Tibet?
Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local, large hotels and tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from the Bank of China ATM machines found easily in Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang. Sometimes, the China Constructional Bank also works with these credit cards, but a $2-4 (USD) surcharge is applied for each transaction. Obviously, there will be no ATMs or banks in rural villages, so when we visit you'll need to carry some cash with you.
What should I bring for the plateau weather?
Tibet's high altitude and clear atmosphere allow solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intense radiation. It's very easy to get sunburnt here so bring sunscreen with a high SPF, a good quality pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Calamine lotion is great for a mild sunburn. Having a good moisturizer is also helpful as the dry air may cause your lips and the tissue in your nostrils to crack. A detailed Packing List can be found in the logistic guideline that we will send you before your trip.
How we can enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal?
There are two main ways to get into Tibet from Nepal, either through a direct flight from Kathmandu to Tibet (normally available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or by an overland drive to Tibet. The overland drive poses a greater risk of getting Altitude sickness due to the extreme increase in elevation along the way.
What documents are needed if we enter Tibet from Nepal?
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get the TIBET GROUP VISA from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu despite whether or not you already have a Chinese Visa. The Tibet Group Visa is an A4 size sheet of paper, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. Usually, the visa is valid only for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to get the visa extended for few additional days, for stays in Lhasa only. There will be two original copies of the Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at the entry and one for the exit. We can easily help you with the Tibet Group Visa application. We also highly recommend if you enter Tibet via Nepal not to apply for an individual Chinese Visa in your country; when you arrive in Kathmandu, you will need to apply for the Group Visa to enter Tibet and the Chinese Embassy will cancel your individual Chinese Visa when you receive the Group Visa.
How much does the Tibet Group Visa cost?
Category | Number of Working Days to Obtain it | Cost for American Passport Holders | Cost for other Nationalities |
Normal | 5 days | $140.00 (USD) | $50.00 (USD) |
Urgent | 3 days | $155.00 (USD) | $65.00 (USD) |
Top Urgent | 1 day | $175.00 (USD) | $85.00 (USD) |
Note: You can only apply for the Tibet Group Visa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (three days a week). Also, the local Nepalese agencies have a service charge of $20-50 (USD) per person normally based on group size.
How do I apply for Chinese Visa?
To avoid any problems you might encounter to obtain the Chinese visa in other countries, we suggest you to obtain the Chinese Visa from the Chinese Consulate in your home country before you leave. Explore Tibet also strongly suggest you not mention your trip to Tibet on your visa application form, because Tibet is a politically sensitive area and mentioning it as a destination on your application might reject the visa. You can use your return flight tickets and hotel reservation in other cities of China to get the visa
Do we need a Multiple-Entry China Visa to visit Tibet middle of our China tour?
No, it is not necessary to have multiple China visas to visit Tibet. Tibet is under Chinese sovereignty and the China Visa is valid in Tibet. Example: Chengdu-Tibet-Beijing, only a single entry China Visa is required.
Are independent travelers allowed in Tibet?
Independent travel has been prohibited in Tibet since 2008, so all the travelers should come part of an organized tour group or a private tour from a local Tibet based agency, because all foriegn travelers should have the Tibet travel permit to travel into Tibet, so only the local Tibet based travel agencies has the authority to obtain the related permits that issues from the Tibet Tourism Bureau and other corresponding departments.
When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
Generally speaking, from April to October are the best time to visit Tibet, as in these months, we have a warm and beautiful sceneries. However, having a winter tour from November to February can be pleasant if you are interested to experience local activity and culture. by travel Tibet during the winter, you can avoid the tourist crowds and costs are comparatively much cheaper. Nevertheless, you can experience the mass of local pilgrims around the monasteries and temples, because winter is a best travel season for Tibetan pilgrims. Choosing the best season to travel to Tibet mainly depends on the tour you are interested in.
If you are interested in Mt.Everest Tours, the best time to visit would be in May, June, the beginning of July, September and October. In these months, EBC is warmer and clear, blue skies allow you to view the mighty peak of Mt. Everest clearly. If you are interested in Mt. Kailash and far Western part of Tibetan plateau, then May, June, July and September is the best time to travel. In these months it is warm and you will have no rain during your Kailash trekking days; you will also have the opportunity to see local pilgrims doing the Kora (trek). If you are interested in experiencing Tibetan festivals, then August is the best time to travel, in which there are numbers of popular festivals both ritual and cultural celebrated in Tibet. and best time for Trekking in Tibet is from May to Sept.
Catching a train to Tibet?
If you are taking the train to Tibet, then you will only need a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit, we will send a copy of the permit by email that you can print out and take with you on the train.
You can book your train tickets to and from Lhasa (Tibet), but you should know that train tickets to and from Tibet starts sell 10 days before the departure date and can only be purchased from the train ticket counter located in the departing city; you can’t book your tickets online. Buying your own train tickets is very hard and generally only possible during the low season (Nov. - March).
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
What documents do I need to visit Tibet?
To visit Tibet you should have a valid passport, a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit, it is also called a Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Visa. When you book the tour from us, we will obtain the Tibet Travel Permit for you from the Tibet Tourism Bureau, so all what you need to do is send us scan copies of your passports and Chinese visa by email and we will take care of the rest.
What documents do I need to send you to apply for TTP?
Once you have confirmed your tour with us, we need you to send us clear scanned copies of Passports and China Visas for every member of the group to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. If your China Visa is not an “L” visa, then you must also provide additional documents such as student certificates, work permits, residence permits and so on.
How do I obtain the Tibet Travel Permit?
To obtain Tibet Travel Permits, it is necessary to make your travel arrangements through a genuine local travel agency, providing clear scanned copies of you passport and China visa. Please note that it’s impossible to board any flights or trains to Tibet without the Travel Permit. The permits themselves specify every destination and all the towns that you would visit during the tour and cannot be changed once you have arrived in Tibet; therefore, be sure to detail all possible destinations as well as the route before you decide your trip. It usually takes 3 working days for the Tibet Travel Permit to be issued. I can take 5 to 7 days if your particular tour requires the Military Permit and PSB permit.
What kind of trip requires the Military Permit, PSB Permit and Alien's Travel Permit?
Military and PSB Permits are only needed for those trips going through sensitive areas or a border region; these trips include the Mt. Kailash trip, Sichuan-Tibet Overland Tour, Tibet-Kashigar Overland Tour and so on. Alien's Travel Permits are necessary if you are going to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Samye Monastery (southern part of Tibet), Nyinchi (Eastern part of Tibet) and Mt. Kailash, but these can be issued from the local PSB just before you enter the region.
How long does the Tibet Permit application process take?
Normally, Tibet permits can be issued in 3 - 5 working days, but if your tour itinerary covers some restricted or unopened areas like Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, Sichuan-Tibet highway and Yunnan-Tibet highway, it need several different permits, then it would take around 7-9 working days.
How and when do I receive the Tibet Permit?
Normally, we are able to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit 10-15 days before the trip’s starting date. If you are going to fly into Tibet, you should have the original permit to board the flight to Tibet, so you should provide us with details about your hotel or residence address in China (including the correct name under which the booking is made) and we will send the original permit to you by EMS which takes 24hrs to 3 days within China, we never mail it abroad as it takes longer and could be delayed or lost. If you don't have a long layover or overnight in China, you can send us your detail international flight information and we can arrange someone to deliver the permit to you at the airport.
If you take the Train to Tibet, we will send you a copy of the permit by email and you can print it and bring a copy to board the train.
Do you sell Tibet permits separately?
No travel agency in Tibet sell Tibet Travel permits separately, because it is against the local tourism policy, but when you book your tour with us we will arrange all the travel permits for your group according to the tour.
Who travels with us
Are independent travelers allowed in Tibet?
Independent travel has been prohibited in Tibet since 2008, so all the travelers should come part of an organized tour group or a private tour from a local Tibet based agency, because all foriegn travelers should have the Tibet travel permit to travel into Tibet, so only the local Tibet based travel agencies has the authority to obtain the related permits that issues from the Tibet Tourism Bureau and other corresponding departments.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
What currency is used in Tibet?
The Chinese RenMingBi (RMB), also called Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the currency using in Tibet. You can’t use other foreign currencies for shopping, but the Bank of China accepts credit cards and travelers checks in exchange for cash. You can also withdraw cash from ATM in Tibet and it is easy to find in bigger cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, Tsedang, Gyantse, Nyintri and so on.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Whilst on tour
Can I have some free days in Tibet?
Currently it is not allowed to have free day exploration in Tibet and at least you should have your guide with you to explore in Tibet.
What are the meal options in Tibet?
In cities like Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Nyintri, Tsedang and Zhangmu, you can easily find clean restaurants that serve continental, western, Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese dishes. Chinese Cuisine and noodle restaurants can always be easily found in even some small towns during your trip.
I am a Vegetarian, will I have a problem finding meals in Tibet?
Buddhism is strongly practiced in Tibet so many Tibetans prefer to be vegetarian. You can find good vegetarian restaurants in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. In small towns and villages, you can order vegetable noodles or dishes at local restaurants.
What do I do when approached by beggars?
Religious beggars are an accepted part of society in Tibet. Giving money or food to a pilgrim is considered an act of merit. Donations of one cent to one Yuan (Chinese currency) are appropriate. But many young beggars in the street are professional beggars and you should wave them off as the locals do, Giving money to these young beggars discourages their own self-reliance.
Will our guide show us where to eat?
Yes, all our guides are local and know the restaurants well. They will show you which places to eat and will stop at restaurant where you can find good food when driving outside of Lhasa.
What should I watch out for?
Tibetan people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:
- Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
- Do not discuss sensitive topics like political matters!
- Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
- Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
- Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
- Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
Do we need to pay for meals for the guides and drivers?
No, you don’t need to pay our staff’s food and lodging expenses.
What kinds of food I can get during the trekking days?
During the trekking days, your private cook will make dishes like Chinese Cuisine, noodles, pancakes, fried rice and fruit salad. If you have any conditions, please let us know so we can prepare materials before the trek and your cook can make the appropriate dishes for you.
What are the hotels like in Tibet?
In recent years, due to the rapid development of the tourism industry in Tibet, the number of hotels and hostels, ranging from St. Regis to Youth hostels, has increased. The services in Tibet are still under western standards but hotel owners are trying their best to meet their customer’s needs. In major cities, there are clean hotels with some English speaking staff available but in some remote areas, like EBC, there are only guesthouses available and squat toilets are hard to find.
Do hotels have hot water for showers 24 hours a day?
You will be able to get a hot shower at most hotels from April to Oct., but some hotels may have poorer shower conditions due to a weak heating facility and water pressure. We try our best to use selected hotels that have better shower and service standards from Nov. to Mar. (almost the winter season so less tourists due to cold weather). Therefore, most of the hotels don’t have hot showers and even some guesthouses in remote villages don’t have running water.
What are tent guesthouses like in Tibet?
Tent guesthouses are available at EBC (Everest Base Camp). They are rectangular, black tents made of Yak wool with a few beds (2-5 beds). All beds are covered with Tibetan carpets and can be used as bench seating during the day. There are also small tables inside. In the middle, there is a Tibetan-style stove that keeps the whole tent warm by burning cow dung and wooden blocks. Solar cells are the only source of electricity and it is very hard to find a place to charge your electronic devices. At Namtso Tashi Do Peninsula, there are both tent guesthouses and cardboard guesthouses are available for your option, so far both are clean but cardboard guesthouse is recommended as it is much silent at the windy night.
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