5 Days Authentic Lhasa Experience Winter tour

Welcome to Lhasa in winter, where this unique season adds an extra layer of charm to Tibet! When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our warm-hearted Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada, the traditional ceremonial scarf, and extend cozy winter blessings.

Next, your guide and driver will transport you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. On the way, you might catch a glimpse of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the longest and largest river in Tibet) and the Lhasa River, possibly framed by a snowy landscape.

Once you've settled into your hotel, take a moment to rest and acclimate to the high altitude amidst the crisp winter air.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, offer travel instructions, and introduce you to your fellow travelers, all while you enjoy the warmth of a traditional Tibetan welcome.

If you need assistance or have specific requests, feel free to visit our service center at the Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.

Spend a cozy night in Lhasa.

• You can travel to Lhasa either by train or by flight.
• No matter how you choose to travel, a warm welcome always awaits our cherished guests.

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks. With winter being the low tourism season in Tibet, you'll enjoy quieter attractions and more chances to interact with local Tibetans.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the “three greet” Gelug monasteries, covered in snow.
• The renowned Monk Debate at Sera Monastery remains a captivating experience, even during the winter months.

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa. If you're lucky, you'll witness the rare sight of the snow scenery Potala Palace—a view that's only possible in winter!

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace, the top destination for travelers, exudes a unique charm during the winter season.
• In the winter, a growing number of local Tibetans embark on pilgrimages to Jokhang Temple.

Prepare yourself for an authentic Tibetan experience today!. In the morning, savor a traditional Tibetan breakfast, rich with local flavors and aromas. Then, set off to choose your favorite Tibetan attire, selecting from a vibrant array of colorful robes and intricate patterns. Once dressed up and made up in your new outfit, capture timeless memories with photos at iconic attractions, creating lasting keepsakes of your journey.

In the afternoon, embrace the Tibetan way of life by sitting at a cozy local teahouse. Revel in the warmth and charm of the place as you relax like a local. Enjoy traditional Tibetan sweet tea in the cold winter alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the lively rhythms of Tibetan culture with a traditional performance featuring enchanting songs and dances. Enjoy the vibrant display in a local park, where the energy and spirit of Tibetan traditions come to life.

Stay Overnight in Lhasa.

• Tourists dressed in traditional Tibetan attire capture moments alongside the locals of Tibet.
• Savoring sweet tea in a local teahouse is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture.

Today marks the end of your Tibet winter tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.