Revisit Tibet: How to Plan a Deeper & More Immersive Second Trip to Tibet

Visiting Tibet for the second time offers a completely different experience. You’ve already seen Tibet’s most landmark attractions. Now, it’s time to discover more hidden local gems, go off the beaten paths, or explore previously untouched regions like Tibet Everest Base Camp, sacred Mount Kailash, or lush Eastern Tibet and beyond. The options are truly limitless.

So, in this guide, we will walk you through how to plan your second trip to Tibet for a more personal, relaxed, and in-depth journey to rediscover the magic of Tibet.

What New Experiences Can I Have on a Second Trip to Tibet? Many More

Covering around 1.22 million km², Tibet is so vast that it offers you endless opportunities for exploration over and over. Even if you have already visited Lhasa and Shigatse, the two largest cities in Tibet, you will quickly realize that you have only just scratched the surface.

So, for your second trip to Tibet, you can shift your focus to locally-favored secluded Buddhist retreats in deep mountains, fulfill your lifelong dream of closely admiring Mt. Everest at Tibet Everest Base Camp, or push your limit to experience the ultimate Mt. Kailash pilgrimage in the mystical western Tibet and beyond.

Alternatively, you may also slow down by traveling by scenic Tibet train to Lhasa, and consider trekking or timing your visit for one of Tibet’s vibrant festivals to rediscover a different side of Tibet you’ve never seen before.

Tibet is so big that it is filled with unlimited opportunities for your second and third trips.

Enjoy the scenic Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa and journey to Tibet Everest Base Camp for return trip in Tibet.

Explore Local Hidden Gems in and around Lhasa for Your Return Trip (2 Days)

The hidden alleyways of Lhasa’s old quarters and its surrounding suburbs are home to a treasure trove of overlooked Buddhist temples and monasteries, frequented by locals but often missed by first-time travelers. For your return trip to Lhasa, consider setting aside two days to explore these off-the-beaten-path gems.

Day 1: Rediscover Lhasa City: Ramoche Temple, Zhaji Temple, Cliff of a Thousand Buddhas, Tibet Museum, Norbulingka
Begin your journey at Ramoche Temple, the sister temple of Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo for his Chinese wife, Princess Wencheng. Here, you can worship the sacred statue of the 8-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni, admire the harmonious blend of Han and Tibetan architecture, join locals on a short kora, or add oil to Tibetan butter lamps in this peaceful and holy temple.

Then, head north to Zhaji Temple, the only Tibetan Buddhist site honoring the Goddess of Wealth, Zhaji Lhamo, famed for her fondness for liquor offerings. For just 15 Yuan, you can buy a small bottle of liquor, incense, and a white Hada to join a long line of worshippers to pray for good health and a big fortune.

Wrap up your morning visit at the Cliff of a Thousand Buddhas, southwest of Chakpori Hill. You can marvel at over 5,000 colorful Buddha carvings that blanket the cliff face. Below, devout pilgrims prostrate themselves day and night, creating a soul-stirring Tibetan experience second only to the pilgrimage at Jokhang Temple.

In the afternoon, discover more of Tibet's rich culture and history by visiting the Tibet Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, Thangka paintings, and cultural relics. Then stroll through the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, where you can learn more about Tibetan royal life and admire the beautiful royal gardens that come alive with color, esp. in summer, or have a picnic with locals to call it a day. Learn more about small group and custom Lhasa tours.

Day 2: Explore Secluded Monasteries at Lhasa Suburbs: Drak Yerpa and Ganden
Just a 50-minute drive from downtown Lhasa, you will reach Drak Yerpa Monastery, one of the most famous Tibetan meditation retreats around Lhasa. Built into a towering cliff, Drak Yerpa Monastery is an architectural wonder, home to 108 meditation caves once used by legendary figures like Guru Rinpoche and King Songtsen Gampo for meditation. You can enjoy a scenic hike to the monastery with a stunning vista of Yerpa Valley and meditate in the meditation caves for inner peace, or hang Tibetan prayer flags and toss auspicious Longda (prayer papers) to spread your blessings to the sky.

In the afternoon, you can travel to the Ganden Monastery, the first Gelugpa monastery founded by Tibetan master Tsongkhapa. Built on lofty Wangbur Mountain, this massive Buddhist academy resembles a “Sky City”, offering you a sweeping view of the serene Lhasa Valley. You can explore the former residence and stupa of Tsongkhapa and join local pilgrims to walk the kora (pilgrimage) around Ganden Monastery. The scent of juniper offerings and the sound of pilgrims’ chanting, and the amazing Lhasa Valley view will stay with you long after you return.

Our guests admire Ganden Monastery from the top of the hill.

Explore secluded Buddhist monasteries at the Lhasa suburbs for new spiritual discoveries.

Plan Your Second Trip to Enjoy Nyingchi’s Peach Blossoms in Early Spring (5 Days)

Eastern Tibet, home to Nyingchi and Chamdo, remains a virgin land largely untouched by most overseas travelers. Nyingchi, in particular, is ideal for your second trip to Tibet with families. With its lower altitude (around 3,000m), lush forests, oxygen-rich air, deep gorges, mild climate, and “Swiss-style” scenery, Nyingchi allows you to explore this earthly heaven in Tibet without worrying about altitude sickness.

The best time to visit Nyingchi for your Tibet returning trip is around mid-March and early April, when over three million wild peach blossom trees burst into full bloom in an orderly fashion, transforming Tibetan villages and serene valleys into a pink-and-white fairyland of blossoms beneath the snow-capped peaks.

You can walk through flower-covered trails, explore enchanting Tibetan villages and peach blossom valleys, or visit Tibetan homes to enjoy Tibetan sweet tea or famous local cuisines. You may also dress in traditional Tibetan Gongbu clothes for archery and horseback riding, and join locals for dancing, singing, and other festivities to celebrate the annual Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival.

You may join our most classic 5-day Nyingchi peach blossom tour that takes you through blooming Tibetan villages in Nyingchi and Bomi, the Swiss-like Lulang Forest, and the stunning Ranwu Lake. You'll explore the blue ice caves of Laigu Glacier, the largest oceanic glacier in Tibet, and enjoy scenic trekking and boating around Draksum Tso Lake, the most beautiful lake in eastern Tibet. Eastern Tibet’s unique landscapes and vibrant culture will completely reshape your perception of Tibet.

Revisit Tibet in early spring to enjoy peach blossom festival in Nyingchi in eastern Tibet.

Besides, you can easily take the direct flight from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, or Guangzhou to Nyingchi Mainling Airport and start your adventure with a smooth acclimatization. Learn more about Nyingchi tours.

Delve Into the Source of Tibetan Civilization in Shannan Prefecture (2 Days)

For cultural explorers, if you are keen to explore the roots of Tibetan culture and history, revisiting Tibet to explore Shannan Prefecture, believed to be the cradle of Tibetan civilization, will bring you a deeply rewarding experience.

About an hour and a half's drive south of Lhasa lies Tsedang, the capital of Shannan Prefecture. From here and further south, you will discover many of Tibet’s firsts: the first Tibetan monastery (Samye), the first Tibetan palace (Yumbulakang), the first Buddhist temple (Tradruk), the first cultivated field, and the ancient tombs of Tibetan kings, all of which suggest the cultural significance of Shannan.

Since most major attractions in Shannan Prefecture are clustered nearby, you can easily spend two days exploring them all, with an overnight stay in Tsedang. A classic itinerary includes visiting Samye Monastery on the first day, followed by a trek and meditation at the famed Chim-puk Hermitage, where Guru Rinpoche once meditated.

On day two, you may visit Yumbulagang Palace, Tradruk Monastery, and the ancient tombs of Tibetan kings. If time allows, you can visit turquoise Yamdrok Lake before returning to Lhasa. With our local experts' deep knowledge of Tibetan culture and history, your daily adventure will be educational and truly enjoyable.

Our guests visited Yumbulagang Palace, the first Tibetan Palace in Shannan Prefecture.

Explore the first Tibetan palace and first Tibetan monastery and first crop field and beyond in Shannan Prefecture.

Fulfill Your Everest Dream: Travel Overland to Tibet Everest Base Camp on Your Second Tibet Tour (4 to 5 Days)

If you didn’t make it to Tibet Everest Base Camp on your first visit, your return trip is the perfect chance to fulfill your travel bucket list. As long as you're well-acclimatized to the altitude in Lhasa, you can kick-start your journey to Everest Base Camp the next day.

Typically, it takes two days to travel by road from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp through Shigatse, the gateway city to Mt. Everest, and another two days to either return to Lhasa or continue across the Sino-Nepal border to Kathmandu, with our smooth border transfer.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu across mighty Himalayas for the second trip to Tibet.

The overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse is one of the highlights of a classic 8-day Lhasa to EBC tour. You will travel past the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and closely admire the Karola Glacier, cascading from a towering peak just beside the highway, and pass enchanting Gyantse town to Shigatse. Rest well tonight because tomorrow, the epic Himalayan peaks will reveal their majesty before your eyes.

Enjoy the comfy tourist bus ride from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp to fulfill your travel bucket list.

As you leave Shigatse and enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will follow the winding road to the famous Gawula Pass (5,198m), where you can admire the panoramic view of the Himalayas, with the world’s five highest peaks standing side by side along the rolling Himalayan Range, including Everest at the forefront.

The final ride to Everest Base Camp brings you to witness a breathtaking sunset over the unobstructed north face of mighty Mt. Everest, a surreal and awe-inspiring experience that defies description. You will spend an unforgettable night under the amazing Milky Way at EBC and wake up to the light of dawn touching the Everest summit. Afterwards, explore the world’s highest Rongbuk monastery or send a Mt. Everest postcard to your friends from the world’s highest post office before taking another scenic route back to Lhasa. Learn what accommodation is available at Tibet EBC.

Our guests made it to the Tibet Everest Base Camp and took photos with the Everest marker.

Venture into Remote Western Tibet for the Ultimate Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage (10 Days)

If you’ve already visited much of central Tibet and, on your second trip, long to connect your soul deeply with nature, to heal your soul, or seek inner peace, then venturing into the remote and mystical western Tibet for the ultimate 3-day Mt. Kailash pilgrimage will surely be one of the most thrilling spiritual odysseys that fit you best.

Since Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture, about 1,200 km west of Lhasa, this time, instead of traveling overland from Lhasa, you can fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, and you can join our classic 10-day Kailash pilgrimage tour from Kathmandu via the Gyirong Port at the Sino-Nepal border. This route takes you across the mighty Himalayas and offers a time-saving, scenic, and refreshing new way to experience the sacred journey.

Embark on the ultimate Mt. Kailash pilgrimage from Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer.

The initial part of this adventure takes 4 days with enough acclimatization days. You will enjoy our smooth border transfer from your hotels in Kathmandu to lush Gyirong town, the backyard of Mt. Everest, and keep ascending and heading west to Darchen, a small town nestled at the foot of Mt. Kailash. It’s also the starting point and finishing point of the legendary 3-day Mt. Kailash kora.

In the following 3 days, you will join our local experts and devoted prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to circumambulate Mt. Kailash clockwise, with altitudes ranging from 4,500m and 5,650m. Though physically challenging, you will be deeply touched by the unwavering spiritual and great devotion of local pilgrims and have ample time to meditate and connect your soul with holy Mt. Kailash and cleanse bad karma.

After you’ve done the Mt. Kailash kora, you will also visit sacred Lake Manasarovar and enjoy this peaceful and serene holy lake. You can meditate, perform religious rituals, and use its holy water to purify your soul, feeling the powerful nature and the divine presence around you, without feeling rushed.

Finally, travel back to Kathmandu with our convenient border transfer. Throughout your journey, our expert and attentive local experts will provide you with oxygen supplies and prompt help to ensure a safe and immersive Mt. Kailash travel experience. Learn the top 20 Mt. Kailash tour FAQs.

Our guests take photos with the north face of Mt. Kailash during the Mt. Kailash kora.

Revisit Tibet to Soak up the Vibrant Tibetan Festivals in Summer

Revisiting Tibet during its festive season gives you a whole new experience to discover how local Tibetans celebrate their traditions, faith, and exotic way of life. You may time your visit in summer in Tibet because it is not only the greenest and most pleasant time of the year, but it’s also when Tibet comes alive with diverse traditional Tibetan festivals.

Of all the Tibetan festivals, the Saga Dawa Festival (May/June), which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha Sakyamuni, offers you the eye-opening experience to join locals to celebrate this time-honored tradition.

In Lhasa, locals walk the kora around Barkhor Street and the Potala Palace, release fish into the Lhasa River, light butter lamps in monasteries, or make charitable donations to gain merit and receive spring blessings. However, the heart of the celebration takes place at the foot of sacred Mt. Kailash. Thousands of pilgrims gather at the Tibet Prayer Flag Square to witness the annual raising of the Tarboche prayer flagpole, toss handfuls of white tsampa for good fortune, and then begin the spiritual Mt. Kailash kora to receive blessings and cleanse the soul. For the most immersive experience, we highly recommend that you join our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash pilgrimage tour during this joyous time.

Enjoy the classic Lhasa to Mt. Kailash route to experience vibrant Saga Dawa Festival around holy Mt.Kailash.

Besides, the annual Shoton Festival (August), also known as the Yogurt Festival, is another perfect time to soak up the unique festive spirit of Lhasa. At sunrise, you may join thousands of locals at Drepung Monastery to witness the awe-inspiring unveiling of the giant Buddha Thangka. Then head to Norbulingka Park, where families gather for open-air picnics, savoring creamy yak yogurt and festive snacks while enjoying vibrant Tibetan opera performances. You can also catch thrilling horse racing and horsemanship displays at the Lhasa Racecourse. It will be an unforgettable experience you will never forget. Learn more about Tibetan festival tours.

Our guests experienced the celebration of the Saga Dawa Festival at the foot of holy Mt. Kailash in western Tibet.

Join locals to watch gigantic Thangka unfolding ceremony and Tibetan opera performance during Shoton Festival in summer.

Ride the World’s Highest Train to Rediscover Tibet on Your Return Trip

No matter how many times you’ve visited Tibet, your Tibet tour is incomplete without riding the scenic Tibet train, the world’s highest railway, to Lhasa. So, for your return trip, consider riding the Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa, the most scenic section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

As the train departs from Xining toward Lhasa, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views through the window, starting with the shimmering Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. After passing Golmud, the landscape shifts dramatically to Gobi deserts, snow-capped peaks, and endless grasslands stretching to the horizon, dotted with grazing Tibetan yaks. If you're lucky enough, you may even spot wild Tibetan antelopes or Tibetan foxes roaming freely across the vast Kekexili Nature Reserve.

Highlights like the dazzling Tuotuo River at sunset, the lofty Tanggula Pass (5,068m), the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the boundless Qiangtang Grassland make it a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Tibet.

Besides, traveling by the Tibet train to Lhasa is safe, more punctual, and cost-effective than flights. The train is air-sealed with oxygen supplies from Xining to Lhasa to ensure the maximum comfort for passengers. There is a dining car that provides you with diverse and tasty Chinese food for three meals to enjoy. Learn the top 20 Tibet train FAQs.

With collaboration with China Railway, we can offer you one-stop services to get the Tibet Travel Permit for free and help you secure Tibet train tickets (soft/hard sleeper tickets) and arrange convenient drop-off and pickup service for you and your family.

Our guests dine in the dining car of the Tibet train.

Enjoy the scenic Tibet train ride from Chengdu to Lhasa for the second trip to Tibet.

More Insider Tips for Planning Your Second Trip to Tibet

Likewise, for overseas travelers visiting Tibet for the second time, you have to travel through a pre-booked guided Tibet tour, either in a budget-friendly small group tour you’ve not enjoyed before, or by booking a custom tour to go off the beaten path.

In addition, even if you've been here before, adapting to high altitude still matters. Leave two to three days for acclimatization in Lhasa, especially if you are traveling with friends or family members who are first-timers to Tibet.

As a local Tibet travel agency headquartered in Lhasa, with branch offices in Kathmandu and Chengdu, we provide you with one-stop services for Tibet Travel Permits, Tibet train tickets, quality local accommodation bookings, and seamless border transfers. Most importantly, we arrange seasoned and attentive local Tibetan guides and local drivers to ensure you enjoy a smooth, safe, and deeply immersive journey throughout your stay in Tibet.

Conclusion

Whether you aim to fulfill your travel bucket list to make it to the Tibet Everest Base Camp, or plan to venture into western Tibet to experience the ultimate 3-day Mt. Kailash pilgrimage, intend to discover more local gems around Lhasa or savor Tibetan festival vibes and beyond, your second trip to Tibet will connect your soul closer the heart of Tibet and bring you more exciting adventures.

And we are here to take care of everything for an immersive returning Tibet trip. If you have more questions about planning your second trip to Tibet, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. The real adventure awaits!