6 Days Private Tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake

Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Elephant Gate - Lhasa

From USD p.p

Combining the classic Lhasa tour and the beautiful natural scenery, this private tour takes you to visit the iconic places in Lhasa, appreciate the stunning Namtso Lake, and experience the nomadic culture. With the company of your private tour guide, you’ll explore the most essential attractions in Lhasa like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, and Sera Monastery. Then you can watch nomads’ tents, grazing sheep, and yaks scattering on the vast grassland on the way to Namtso Lake. The sapphire Namtso Lake against the backdrop of the snow-capped Nyenchen Tangla Ranges is so impressive that you’ll dream of it your entire life.

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

Start your amazing trip as you land in Lhasa, Tibet's heart. You'll be warmly welcomed at the airport or train station by our local guide who'll present you with a Hada, a traditional scarf that's a sign of good luck for your journey.

On your way to the hotel in downtown Lhasa, enjoy the beautiful sights of the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa Rivers, and see quaint Tibetan villages.

Once you get to your hotel, take it easy to get used to the high altitude. Rest up, move around at your own pace, and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust the high altitude.

Later in the day, your guide will give you some cool Tibetan gifts and useful tips for your trip. You'll also meet the rest of the people in your tour group.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Note:
If you need any help or have special needs, our service center at the Gangjian Hotel is here for you.

Day 2: Exploring Lhasa - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.

Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.

In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.

End your day with a welcome dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3: Exploring Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (B)

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Stone Elephant Gate (B)

Start your day after breakfast, enjoying the morning warmth. Today's journey takes you to the beautiful Namtso Lake, known as one of Tibet's 'Three Holy Lakes.' Get ready to be amazed by the peaceful lake and the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Heading north, you'll travel through the vast Damxung Grassland, a pastoral area filled with herds of cattle and sheep, closest to Lhasa. As you go up the 5,190-meter-high Lagenla Pass, you'll see a breathtaking view of Namtso Lake, like an emerald jewel in the northern Tibetan landscape.

Descending from the pass, you'll reach Namtso Lake, covering 1,920 square kilometers and considered one of Tibet's sacred lakes. Follow your guide to the lakeshore and take a trek to Tashi Dor Island for a close-up view. The scenery here is like a vast blue ocean, with cattle and sheep grazing peacefully under the warm sun. The Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains calmly oversee the northern Tibetan grasslands, creating a serene view. Sometimes, passing trains add liveliness to the pure plateau.

After that, your guide will lead you on a hike along the lakeside, showing you mystical stone columns, peaks, meditation caves, and Buddhist sacred sites. Take your time to enjoy Namtso Lake.

After that, you will go to the Giant Stone Elephant Gate entrance.

Stay overnight in Stone Elephant Gate.

Day 5: Stone Elephant Gate - Lhasa (B, L)

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Stone Elephant Gate, a breathtaking natural landmark on the northern shore of Namtso Lake. Revered as one of the most stunning sites in the region, it lies about 50 kilometers from your starting point.

This natural rock formation resembles a giant elephant, its long trunk extending into the crystal-clear lake as if devoutly drinking. Under the azure sky, snow-capped mountains reflect on the mirror-like waters, blending with drifting white clouds to create a dreamlike scene. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and sunlight dances on the lake like scattered gold, enhancing the serene beauty.

Here, you may also witness local Tibetans on pilgrimage, offering prayers as the rhythmic chanting merges with the shimmering waves, enhancing the site’s profound sense of mystery and solemnity.

In the afternoon, you will begin your journey back to Lhasa, traveling mostly along a well-paved highway, with a stop for lunch along the way.

Day 6: Finish Your Memorable Journey and Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today, your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide.

The tour ends.

Service Inclusion

  1. Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permit to Tibet
  2. All lodging listed in the itinerary.
  3. Meals listed in itinerary
  4. Entrance fees of all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
  5. Local Tibetan English-speaking guide
  6. Local tour transfer, comfortable tourist vehicle according to group size
  7. One shared big Oxygen tank in the car
  8. Tourist accident/casualty insurance
  9. First aid kit

Service Exclusion

  1. Chinese visa
  2. International flight to and out of China
  3. Domestic train/flight to and out of Tibet. (We offer domestic train/flight ticket booking service, please contact our travel experts for the details.)
  4. Meals not specified in the itinerary
  5. Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver
  6. Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.

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6 Days Private Tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake

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