5 Days Lhasa Tour with Ganden Monastery
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Pace
- Easy
- Group size
- 3–8 travellers
- Best season
- April to October
The trip at a glance
This tour covers the historic sites of Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street — plus the Tibet Museum, the monks' debate at Sera and the mountaintop Ganden Monastery, which offers spectacular views of the Kyichu River valley below. A comprehensive cultural immersion into Lhasa's monastic tradition.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street- Tibet Museum
Sera Monastery
Ganden Monastery
Where you go, and how high you sleep
The route, stop by stop
Potala Palace → Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street → Tibet Museum → Sera Monastery → Ganden Monastery
- Arrival in Lhasa — Airport Pick-upDay 1
- Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor StreetDay 2
- Lhasa — Tibet Museum, Sera MonasteryDay 3
- Ganden Monastery Day TripDay 4
- Lhasa DepartureDay 5
Day by day
Days 1–4 · Lhasa hotel
Arrival in Lhasa — Airport Pick-up
Your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude.
Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple and stroll the Barkhor Street pilgrim circuit. In the evening enjoy dinner in a local Tibetan restaurant.
Lhasa — Tibet Museum, Sera Monastery
Morning at the Tibet Museum: 1,300 years of Tibetan history, art and everyday life under one roof.
Afternoon at Sera Monastery to witness the animated monk debates in the courtyard (15:00–17:00, except Sundays).
Ganden Monastery Day Trip
Drive about 45km east of Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, perched on a ridge at 4,300m above the Kyichu River valley. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, this was the first Gelug monastery in Tibet. Enjoy outstanding panoramic views before returning to Lhasa.
Lhasa Departure
Free morning for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station.
What is included
Included
- Tibet Entry Permit and Alien's Travel Permit
- All entrance fees for tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking local tour guide
- Private vehicle with experienced local driver
- All accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance
- Oxygen cylinders in the vehicle throughout the trip
Not included
- Single room supplement — free of charge for any group booking 5 rooms or travelling with 10 or more.
- Flights or trains to/from Tibet
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (approximately USD 3–15 per meal)
- Tips for tour guide and driver
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, optional activities)
Photos from this route
Questions travellers ask
How large will my group be?
Join-in groups are 3 to 8 travellers (3–8 pax), and every departure is guaranteed to run. Not sure how many will join your date? Ask us. You choose the departure date, the starting point and the itinerary length that suits you; guests on different day counts travel together on the shared legs, and each group leaves when their own itinerary ends. If you prefer, this route can also run as a private tour for your own party only.
Which permits does this tour need?
We arrange every permit this trip needs as part of your booking — you only need a valid passport. This route needs one: the Tibet Travel Permit, which every foreign visitor needs to enter Tibet. It is included in your quote.
How do I get to the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Lhasa. You can reach it by flight or by the Qinghai–Tibet railway — either way we meet you on arrival. Many travellers fly in and take the train out (or the other way round) to see both faces of the plateau. We are happy to advise on flights and train tickets as part of your booking.
Can this tour be customized?
Yes — every tour on this site can also run as a private departure with your own dates and pace, arranged by our own office in Lhasa. Send us your dates, group size and interests and we will adapt the itinerary around you.
