5 Days Under Lhasa's Winter Sunshine and Meditation 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.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea in the cold winter alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

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.

Today, you will experience meditation in the caves of Drak Yerpa Monastery. In the morning, you will take a 30-kilometer drive to Drak Yerpa Monastery, once the sacred practice site for Master Padmasambhava, Master Tsongkhapa, as well as King Songtsen Gampo.

Pushing open the door of the highest main hall of Drak Yerpa, you will have a breathtaking view of the entire valley and the snow-capped mountain in the distance. It’s akin to opening the door to heaven, allowing you to feel the expansiveness and tolerance of Buddhism.

After the visit, you can choose a meditation cave you like, sit down cross-legged, and enjoy the rare tranquility in your life. Let your thoughts drift back to ancient times, breathing and meditating alongside the ancient sages - this is the essence of today's spiritual journey.

For lunch, we have prepared simple meals for you to enjoy during your practice.

After lunch, you'll take a 50-kilometer drive to Ganden Monastery, one of the Three Great Gelug Monasteries in Tibet. As the oldest Yellow Sect monastery in Tibet, Ganden Monastery is where Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, taught his teachings. Here, you'll enjoy a light and casual hike around the monastery for about 40 minutes. Following local Tibetan pilgrims, you'll experience the spiritual kora while taking in the spectacular views of Ganden Monastery, which covers the entire mountaintop.

After visiting Ganden Monastery, you will return to Lhasa.

Stay Overnight in Lhasa.

• Drak Yerpa Monastery, once a sacred retreat of Master Padmasambhava, is an ideal haven for meditation
• During the winter, local Tibetans undertake pilgrimages to Drak Yerpa Monastery, seeking its sacred tranquility.

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.