7-Nights Classic Tibet

This 8-day Tibetan vacation takes you throughout this ancient land. It features first-class accommodations and is perfect for travellers who’ve already been to China but want to explore the nation’s far west.

Your trip to China and Tibet begins in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and a stunning city set against a backdrop of mountain ranges. The city has long been the centre of Tibetan Buddhism and used to be the home of the Dalai Lama prior to Chinese annexation. You’ll have the first day to explore Lhasa at leisure before spending the next day exploring significant sites of Tibetan Buddhism. Start at Potala Palace, the massive winter home of the Dalai Lama that sits atop the town and stuns anyone who sees it with its red-and-white brick façade that blends into the rock. After venturing inside the palace and seeing its exhibits, head to Jokhang Palace to see the life-sized statue of the Buddha that’s considered one of the most sacred in all of Buddhism.

From Lhasa, head to Gyantse, stopping by Yamdrok Lake to see its serene blue surrounded by barren mountains and experience its holy atmosphere. When you reach Gyantse, you’ll see its most popular sight, the marvellous Pelkor Chode Monastery, which has the Kumbun pagoda that looks like a layer cake rising above the rugged landscape. After touring the monastery, you’ll head into the Old Town and also Gyantse Dzong, a massive fortress sitting overtop the town. Like Potala Palace, Gyantse Dzong is built into the rock and remains a marvellous example of Tibetan architecture. Drive to Shigatse and tour the angular Tashilunpo Monastery, which was the seat of the Panchen Lamas in generations past.

Return to Lhasa for the rest of your Tibetan vacation. You’ll explore Drepung Monastery, which housed the Dalai Lama prior to the construction of Potala Palace, and visit Sera Monastery, with its massive hall filled with the sounds of monks chanting the sutras. On your final day, head to the summer palace of Norbulingka and visit with a local Tibetan family to get in touch with local traditions before closing out at the Tsang Khung Nunnery, a striking yellow building constructed by Songsten Gampo, the founder of the ancient Tibetan Empire. At the end of your stay, head to the airport to continue your onward journey.

• Arrive in Lhasa, the sacred heart of Tibet, and take time to acclimatize amid breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
• Explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, where centuries of spirituality and devotion converge.
• Journey across high mountain passes and turquoise Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse and Shigatse, discovering monasteries and ancient fortresses.
• Return to Lhasa to witness monks debating at Sera Monastery and explore the serene Drepung Monastery.
• Conclude with visits to Norbulingka Palace and a traditional Tibetan dinner with song and dance, before departing this land of faith and sky-high beauty.

• Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Lhasa
• 5 nights premium accommodation in Lhasa
• 1 night moderate accommodation in Gyantse
• 1 night premium accommodation in Shigatse
• Private guided touring and transportation as per itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide in each city.
• Tibet Entry Permit
• Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
• Gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature
• Passport & Visa fees, if applicable