Private Lhasa cultural tour from Kathmandu
Perched at 11,995 feet on the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is one of the world's most storied cities where ancient monasteries, sacred pilgrimage routes, and a living Buddhist culture have endured for centuries.
On this eight-day private tour, our local experts guide you through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the authentic rhythms of Tibetan life. Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, the journey unfolds at altitude, revealing a destination that rewards the curious and the contemplative in equal measure.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in double or twin rooms
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Land transfers in an air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver
- Domestic flight: Kathmandu - Lhasa (subject to change)
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Tibet visa fee
- Vehicle-related costs, if applicable
- Government taxes
Excluded:
- Nepal visa fee
- Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
Optional:
- Extension tour to Tibet: additional tours in Nepal can be arranged for a surcharge
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrive Kathmandu - Free Day To Explore
Welcome To Kathmandu!
Full-day Sightseeing Tour - Drive Nagarkot - Sunset View
A Sightseeing Tour Of Kathmandu & Drive To Nagarkot
Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
Explore Bhaktapur, Then Back To Kathmandu
Fly Kathmandu - Lhasa - Acclimatization Day
Kathmandu To Lhasa
Potala Palace - Norbulikha Monastery - Jokhang Temple
A Visit To Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace, And Jokhang Temple
Sera Monastery - Drepung Monastery - Barkhor Bazaar
Visit Sera & Drepung Monastery & Barkhor Bazaar
Fly Lhasa - Kathmandu - Free Day To Relax
A Flight & Free Day In Kathmandu
Departure Transfer - Kathmandu Airport
Farewell!
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu - Free Day To Explore
Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu!
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival at the airport, you meet your airport officer who will be waiting for you outside the arrival hall.
You then will be taken to your hotel located in the city center. The day will be yours to rest or to explore the local area!
Full-day Sightseeing Tour - Drive Nagarkot - Sunset View
Day 2: A Sightseeing Tour Of Kathmandu & Drive To Nagarkot
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will proceed with a tour of Pashupatinath Temple, located on the bank of the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and often known as “Abode Of Shiva”. Only Hindus are permitted to enter inside the temple complex for worship, however, others can go to the other side of the temple to see the rituals of Hindu people and morning activities.
After Pashupatinath Temple, you will proceed to Boudhnath stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. You'll continue to Patan Durbar Square. Patan is known as the “City of Beauty” and offers an excellent opportunity to see local Newari people, ancient Royal complexes, and architecture of the medieval era.
Finally, you'll go to Nagarkot, to relax for the rest of the evening and witness the incredible sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayas.
Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
Day 3: Explore Bhaktapur, Then Back To Kathmandu
In the morning, catch the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast, you'll drive to Bhaktapur, known as the cultural hub of Newari people. Here, you'll witness architectural show pieces, such as the Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, the Palace of 55 windows, the Bell of the barking dogs, the Nyatapola Temple, and the replica of Pashupatinath Temple.
You'll also get a chance to observe the Newari people traditions and daily work. Explore the narrow lanes of Bhaktapur offering bargain prices for the Thankas (oil painting on silk) which you can buy if you're interested!
After, you'll drive back to Kathmandu and check-in at your hotel, as well, you'll learn more about the activities for the next day!
Fly Kathmandu - Lhasa - Acclimatization Day
Day 4: Kathmandu To Lhasa
In the morning, you'll transfer to Kathmandu Airport to board your flight to Lhasa.
As you takeoff, enjoy the fantastic view of the Himalayas flight that flies past Mount Everest to Lhasa. Upon arrival, our friendly Tibetan guide will meet you to transfer you to your comfortable hotel.
After you check-in, grab a bite to eat, relax, or explore the nearby streets.
Potala Palace - Norbulikha Monastery - Jokhang Temple
Day 5: A Visit To Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace, And Jokhang Temple
After breakfast, you'll spend a full day sightseeing Lhasa City!
Today, you'll visit the beautiful Potala, Norbulingka Palaces & Jokhang Temple. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Museum, the official museum of Tibet, which has a permanent collection of around 1000 artifacts related to the cultural history of Tibet. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sera Monastery - Drepung Monastery - Barkhor Bazaar
Day 6: Visit Sera & Drepung Monastery & Barkhor Bazaar
After breakfast, you'll visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Barkhor Bazaar. Did you know Drepung Monastery was built in the 14th century and is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past? Currently, there has been a declination, resulting in only a few hundred monks. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly highlighted in this marvelous monastery!
Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and beautiful golden roofs.
Next, you'll stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market), consisting of open air stalls, shops, and crowds of pilgrims - it is the nerve center of Lhasa.
After a day full of sightseeing, you'll return back to your hotel for a much needed rest!
Fly Lhasa - Kathmandu - Free Day To Relax
Day 7: A Flight & Free Day In Kathmandu
Today, you'll transfer to Lhasa Airport to board your flight back to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to spend as you wish!
Departure Transfer - Kathmandu Airport
Day 8: Farewell!
Today, is your final day in Kathmandu!
At your scheduled time, you'll transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to board your flight home or to continue your travels!
We hope to see you again soon! Farewell!
