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5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Group Tour

Fully Explore the Spiritual Center of Tibet

  • TD-TGT-A
  • 5 Days
  • Group Tour

Trip Overview

Short on time? Concerned about the high altitude of Mount Everest? Don’t worry – your Tibet dream can still come true on this sacred land. Our 5-day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Group Tour is a perfect short yet fulfilling introduction to Tibet’s spiritual and natural beauty.

Fully Explore Lhasa:
As one of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa offers a captivating blend of culture, spirituality. As the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, the city is home to some of the most important religious landmarks – Potala Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jokhang Temple (the spiritual heart of Tibet), and Sera Monastery (famous for its lively monk debates). Have cultural experience at the handicraft center.

Yamdrok Lake Day Trip:
Travel to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world – Yamdrok Lake, known for its turquoise waters and snow-capped mountain backdrop. View Yarlung Tsangpo River landscape at Xiazhulin Temple.
With an elevation of 3,650 meters, Lhasa’s altitude is moderate compared to regions like EBC, making it an ideal and comfortable destination for most travelers to enjoy the City of Sunlight without worry.
Small group, stable departure, 4-star comfort accommodation – we invite you to join us!

Itinerary

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
Always follow the advice of your local guide. If you feel unwell, inform your guide and seek medical attention promptly.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
The drive from downtown Lhasa to the airport takes about 1 hour, so we recommend booking flights departing after 10:00 AM.
Please share your flight or train schedulewith us in advance to ensure a smooth transfer.
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!

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What’s Included As Standard

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

What’s Included

Transportation
•  Regular licensed tourist vehicles (7–26 seats).
•  If there are fewer than 4 travelers for Lhasa city sightseeing, your guide will accompany you by taxi, and the taxi fare will be covered by the travel agency.
•  This is a join-in group tour, so changes of vehicles or guides may occur. Thank you for your understanding.
•  Due to Tibet’s limited tourism infrastructure, vehicles are generally older than those in mainland cities.
•  Most vehicles do not use air conditioning, as high altitude and temperature differences can cause mechanical issues and increase the risk of catching a cold.
•  There are driving speed limits in certain regions of Tibet (e.g., specific sections must not be completed in less than two hours). Your driver may stop at random points for rest or waiting—please be patient and enjoy the scenery.
•  When joining a group, pickups may involve waiting while collecting guests from multiple hotels. Please be punctual; if you voluntarily give up any day’s travel, the vehicle fee cannot be refunded.
•  Luggage policy: To ensure safety and comfort at high altitude, each traveler may bring one 26-inch suitcase and one small backpack. The guide will assist in storing excess luggage at your Lhasa hotel if necessary.

Accommodation
•  Standard twin rooms in basic hotels (double occupancy). Single-bed rooms (king-size) are not guaranteed; no extra bed or breakfast is provided for travelers not occupying a bed.
•  In case of odd-numbered travelers, the agency may arrange triple rooms, room-sharing, or charge a single supplement.
Fixed hotels are pre-arranged for group tours; specific hotel requests cannot be accepted.

Meals
•  Daily hotel breakfasts included.
•  Onecomplimentary local specialty meals (non-refundable if not used):
Lhasa Specialty Meal (Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine)
Other meals are self-arranged. If you are unaccustomed to Tibetan food, you may bring your own side dishes.
•  Complimentary meals may be arranged as lunch or dinner.

Guide Service
•  Chinese-speaking, English-speaking, or bilingual (Chinese-English) guides.
Guides are arranged according to the group composition. If both Chinese and English speakers are in one group, a bilingual guide will be provided.
•  In shared group tours, guide or vehicle changes may occur – your understanding is appreciated.

What’s Not Included

Single Room Supplement
•  Tour prices are based on twin-room occupancy (except for dormitory-style rooms).
•  If you require a single room, an additional single supplement fee will apply.

Hotel Changes or Hotel Cancellation Loss
•  Since hotels are prepaid in full, no refunds will be issued for any unused nights or itinerary changes after check-in.
•  Any damage to hotel property or extra charges incurred will be the traveler’s own responsibility.

Personal Expenses
•  All personal expenses are not included, such as:
Laundry, telephone, fax, or pay TV
Drinks, snacks, tobacco, or alcohol
Any other items or services of a personal nature

Unforeseen Circumstances
•  In case of force majeure or events beyond the control of the travel agency (such as natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, flight delays or cancellations, or insufficient group size),the agency reserves the right to cancel or adjust the itinerary.
•  Any extra costs incurred as a result will be borne by the traveler.

Transportation to and from Tibet
•  The tour price does not include flights or train tickets to and from Tibet. If you would like the travel agency to assist with booking, additional costs will apply.

Important Trip Notes

All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance and send the necessary documents to us for obtaining the permits. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it may take longer to obtain the necessary permits.

Typically, small group tours in Tibet will have 1-16 travelers, and you will have the opportunity to meet and travel with tourists from different parts of the world. This can be a great chance to make new friends and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Yes, if you are traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you can customize your own group tour. Please contact your professional travel consultant to discuss and arrange a customized group tour that meets your needs and preferences.

 
•  “B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
 
•  “L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Lunches are usually included if you have a full day tour in one destination. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes. If you will travel from one city to another, lunches are excluded and you can ask the guide for some suggestions about where and what to eat.
 
•  “D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
 
•  If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

30 or more days before departure: Free cancellation
29-15 days before departure: 20% cancellation fee of the total tour cost
14-7 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee of the total tour cost
7 days or less before departure: No refunds