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About us15+ years of local experience
Practical advice about Tibet's routes, monasteries and travel conditions.
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- Tibet Travel Guide
About
Rena - Travel expert
Jenny - Tibetan Guide
Bhakdo - Tibetan Guide
Sonam - Tibetan Guide
Pasang - Tibetan Guide
- Tibet Tours
Choose Your Tibet Experience
Popular Tibet Tours
Join small group adventures with fixed departures.
Everest Base Camp Tours
Explore Everest Region and Himalayan giants.
Tailor-made itineraries for your perfect trip.
Mount Kailash Tours
Sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash & Manasarovar.
Scenic train journeys to the Roof of the World.
Trekking Tours
Trekking adventures across Tibet's wild landscapes.
Classic routes combining China cities and Tibet.
Festival Tours
Experience Tibet's unique festivals and culture.
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4-day Lhasa Holy City From $486Embark on a Journey to Discover Tibet’s Natural Beauty & Cultural Heritage.
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5-day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake From $659Sparkling azure waters that stretch from horizon to horizon await at the end of this 5 day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour.
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8-day Everest Base Camp Tour From $903The exciting opportunity to explore Lhasa City and the surrounding areas including a night at the Everest Base Camp North!
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11-Day Xining to Lhasa Train Tour From $1699With Everest Base Camp Tour. Tibet’s spiritual heart, and the raw grandeur of the Himalayas.
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15-Day Mt. Kailash Kora Trekking From: $1972with EBC & Lake Manasarovar. This tour that takes you on the journey of a lifetime.
English-speaking Tibetan guides
We handle all your permits
Private & Comfortable
Modern Vehicles and safe travel
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- Tibet Train Tours
Ride the World's Highest Railway
Tibet Travel permit included
- Private Tours
Ready to Design Your Perfect Private Tour Package?
10-day Mount Kailash from Kathmandu Kailash Kora & Lake Manasarovar Private Tour
From $1890
Our specialists are based in Lhasa and know these routes personally. Tell us your travel dates, interests and budget — we will recommend the right Private tour for you and handle every detail.
- Himalaya Tours
Ready for Your Himalaya Adventure?
Our specialists are based in Lhasa and know these routes personally. Tell us your travel dates, interests and budget — we will recommend the right Himalaya tour for you and handle every detail.
- Trekking Tours
Ready for Your Treckking Adventure?
Join 5,000+ travelers who chose Experience Tibet.
Your Tibet Travel Permit local guide, and unforgettable memories are just one message away.
- EBC Tours
Ready for Your Everest Base Camp Adventure?
Join 5,000+ travelers who chose Experience Tibet.
Your Tibet Travel Permit local guide, and unforgettable memories are just one message away.
- Mt Kailash Tours
Ready for Your Mt Kailash Adventure?
Join 5,000+ travelers who chose Experience Tibet.
Your Tibet Travel Permit local guide, and unforgettable memories are just one message away.
8-Day Tibet Cultural & Scenic Tour: Lhasa, Tsedang, Namtso & Beyond
8 days of Tibetan culture, high-altitude trekking, and sacred landscapes connecting two legendary monasteries
- Lhasa — Tsedang (Shannan) — Lhasa — Namtso — Ganden — Drak Yerpa — Lhasa
Duration
8 days
Tour Type
Private tour
Price From
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Price based on a private tour for 2 travelers. Final price varies depending on group size and season.
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Most Tibet tours follow the same road west: Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest. This one goes a different direction.
This 8-day tour combines the classic Lhasa landmarks with two regions most visitors never reach: Tsedang in the Yarlung Valley, where Tibetan civilization actually began, and the vast high-altitude basin of Lake Namtso to the north. Add in Ganden Monastery perched on its mountain ridge and the ancient meditation caves of Drak Yerpa, and you have a Tibet itinerary that covers sacred history, dramatic scenery, and genuine off-the-beaten-path moments — all without the long drives west toward Shigatse.
It’s a genuinely different angle on Tibet, and a better one for travelers who want depth over distance.
Private tour / Small Group
2-15 Participants
Meal Inclusions
check the itinerary
Attraction Transfers
Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions
Accommodation
Accommodation in 3 -star hotels with breakfast, based on double occupancy
Permits Handled
Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers
Activity Level: 4/5
Easy to moderate
Language
English Speaking Local Guide
Itinerary
Lhasa — Tsedang (Shannan) — Lhasa — Namtso — Ganden — Drak Yerpa — Lhasa
Altitude & Safety
Oxygen supply provided; altitude support, Travel insurance.
How can we help?
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
How to Book
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m)
Your guide meets you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station and transfers you to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest.
Altitude affects people differently — some feel it immediately, some don’t notice until the second day. Either way, take it easy and drink plenty of water.
Day 2: Lhasa's great monasteries — Drepung and Sera
Morning at Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery of the Gelug school and once home to over ten thousand monks.
Afternoon at Sera Monastery for the philosophical debates in the courtyard — monks clapping, gesturing, and challenging each other on points of Buddhist doctrine. It’s loud, fast, and one of those things you can’t really prepare for.
Day 3: The heart of Lhasa — Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Morning at the Potala Palace on Red Hill: 13 floors, gilded rooftops, and the burial stupas of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple — the most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism — and walk Barkhor Street, where pilgrims have been circling the temple for over 1,300 years. Butter lamps, incense, prayer wheels.
It’s everything you imagined Tibet would feel like.
Day 4: Lhasa to Tsedang — Samye Monastery and Chimpu Caves
Drive south to Tsedang in the Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
Visit Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first complete monastery, founded in the 8th century.
Then hike up to the Chimpu Meditation Caves, where Padmasambhava and some of his closest disciples practiced.
Active retreat hermitages still dot the hillside.
Overnight in Tsedang.
Day 5: Tsedang — Yumbulagang, Tradruk, and return to Lhasa
Morning at Yumbulagang, Tibet’s oldest palace, built long before Lhasa was the capital. It sits on a narrow ridge above the valley and the view back over the Yarlung farmland is striking.
Then visit Tradruk Monastery (Tsangdrok), one of the earliest temples built to spread Buddhism across the plateau.
Return to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Day 6: Day trip to Lake Namtso
Head north across the high grasslands, crossing the Nagenla Pass, to reach Lake Namtso at 4,718 m.
The lake is 70 km long, intensely blue, and framed by the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha peaks.
Walk the Tashi Peninsula with the water on both sides.
Back in Lhasa by evening.
Day 7: Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa Meditation Caves
Morning at Ganden Monastery, the founding seat of the Gelug school, sitting on a ridge at 4,300 m above the Kyichu Valley.
The kora path around the monastery ridge gives 360-degree views over the valley and surrounding peaks.
Afternoon at Drak Yerpa: a cliffside complex of caves where some of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism practiced, including Songtsen Gampo, Padmasambhava, and Atisha.
The walk through the valley and up to the caves takes about an hour each way and feels genuinely removed from the city.
Day 8: Lhasa departure
Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station at your scheduled time. End of tour.
All foreign visitors to Tibet are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. We handle the entire application process on your behalf — you simply provide your documents.
What you need to submit:
- 🛂 Tourists with Chinese “L” visa → passport copy + visa copy
- 🏢 Expats/students/business visitors in China → passport + visa + company or school certificate
- 🇳🇵 Entering from Nepal → visit the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu (we assist from our local office)
Deadlines:
- Standard Tibet tours → 10 working days before departure
- Mt. Kailash tours → 15–20 working days before departure
Once approved, your permit will be sent to you by email or mail. Keep it safe — it will be checked at the airport, train station, and all entry points into Tibet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to process the Tibet Travel Permit?
Typically, it is recommended to apply at least 15-20 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample processing time.)
Q: When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October when the weather is most favorable, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, for those looking to experience specific festivals or less crowded seasons, other times of the year can also offer unique advantages.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food during the trip?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Hotels typically offer simple Western meals, and vegetarian dishes can be found in local Chinese restaurants or noodle shops in remote areas or small towns during long journeys.
Q: WVhat about breakfast at the hotel?
Breakfast at the hotel usually includes simple Western options. In larger cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices, whereas in more remote areas, the selection may be more limited but still satisfying.
Q: What is the difference between 3-star and 4-star hotels?
4-star hotels generally offer a higher standard of accommodation, with more spacious rooms, additional amenities, and better service compared to 3-star hotels. Both options provide comfortable lodgings, but 4-star hotels may offer a more luxurious experience.
Q: What is the maximum andnum number of people in a group?
Our tours are designed for small groups, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 people. This ensures a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience.
Q: Will medical assistance be provided for altitude sickness?
Yes, we provide 1L oxygen bottles for each tourist. For destinations further from Lhasa, we also supply medical-grade oxygen canisters, which are more effective than small bottles. It’s also advisable to prepare some altitude sickness medication as a precaution.
Q: How do most guests travel to Tibet?
Most of our guests choose to fly into Tibet, with many domestic cities offering flights to Lhasa. It’s the quickest way, usually taking 1-3 hours, compared to over 20 hours by train. Train tickets can only be booked 15 days in advance.
Q: Do we have to carry our luggage, or will it be transported?
Large luggage can be stored in the vehicle or left at hotels during your stay. You’ll only need to carry personal items and anything you might need for the day’s activities.
Choose your private tour date
Select your preferred departure date. Our team will confirm your travel arrangements.
Flexible departure dates – choose any future day
Your private tour, your schedule
Choose the departure date that suits you.
Explore Tibet with your own private guide.
Ask our team about itinerary adjustments.
Tibet Travel Permit Information: International travelers generally need a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. We recommend enquiring in advance to allow time for permit arrangements. Your preferred travel date is subject to confirmation by our team.
Tour Highlights
Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.
TRAVEL WITH LOCAL EXPERTS
Why choose Experience Tibet for your Tibet tour?
A trip to Tibet involves more than choosing a route. There are permits to arrange, high-altitude journeys to plan and places you'll want time to enjoy. Our local team helps you prepare for the experience, from your first enquiry to your arrival in Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit support
Help with the permit arrangements for your booked Tibet itinerary.
Local guides, flexible options
Choose a small-group tour or ask us about private departures.
Local knowledge, personal service
Why Travel with Experience Tibet
Plan your Tibet trip with a local team that has been welcoming travelers for more than 15 years.
Local Tibet specialists
Guides and travel planners who know the region firsthand.
Tibet Travel Permit assistance
We help arrange the travel permit needed for your tour.
Small-group and private journeys
Choose a scheduled group departure or a more flexible itinerary.
15+
Years of experience organizing journeys across Tibet
Moments shared by travelers on our tours
Experiences shared by our travelers
Tibet Travel Agency Reviews
Hear from people who have traveled with Experience Tibet, from their first days in Lhasa to adventures across the Himalayas.
Tibet Travel Agency Reviews (TripAdvisor)
What Travelers Say: Verified Tibet Travel Agency Reviews
Recent traveler reviews
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Wonder experience!
I want to thank Rena for arranging our Western Sichuan and Guilin trip for my family visiting China from Italy. She made sure that this trip goes as exactly as…
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Wonderful! Felt completely taken care of the whole time!
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We had a wonderful time on our 15-day tour across Lhasa, EBC and Mt Kailash! Our guide Tashi was a very interesting storyteller and super helpful. Thanks for the experience!
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We visited Tibet with ExperienceTibet.org and we love it! From the start till the end, information was forthcoming and prompt. All logistical arrangements were thorough and well planned. The guide…
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Excellent Yunnan Experience Our trip to Yunnan and Beijing with Experience Tibet was an excellent experience. Everything was very well organized, allowing us to fully enjoy the journey. The trip…
View sourceSaga Dawa pilgrimage to Mount Kailash
Rena was helpful in arranging for the tour of tibet, including Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival period and get the train tickets.
View sourceGreat experience
Great trip, we crossed from the Nepal border into Kyrong. Was a lovely roadtrip around Shigatse main sites (Yamdrok lake, Tashilhumpo temple, Everest base camp, and many other lovely sites)…
View sourceWonderful Agency
Rena & Experience Tibet team did a great job start to finish in coordinating arrangements, getting me the physical permit in the PEK airport en route, assisting with an additional…
View sourceGood service
Great service, Jenny was extremely helpful with all the questions before and during the trip. The guide was great. Driver was also very good. Great service, would recommend.
View sourceTrip from Kathmandu to Lhasa
I have done the overland driving tour between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Everything went smoothly from the driving to the attractions. The hotels we stayed at were without accaptions 3 or…
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Our expedition From Beijing to Tibet was an incredible experience, and we couldn’t have found a better agency to handle it. From start to finish, the service was flawless. Jessie…
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I must say that my expérience booking the trip with Luki was amazing, i am not use to book a group tour via WhatsApp, but Luki was great in every…
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Me and my two friends had an unforgettable experience thanks to the well organized 6 day private tour we had. The planning went smoothly, they took their time so that…
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This is one of our amazing trips in China. Everything was well-organized. Our 7 days were well spent. We started from Xining to Zhangye, Dunhuang, Golmud, Qarhan Lake, Chaka Lake…
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I had a wonderful time.My guide Tenzing did a great job describing the spots we visited.He was very informative and educational.I highly recommwnd the tour and my gude.
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Experiencing Tibet with the tour has been life changing journey . We have had the oportunity to witness and understand the heart of anciet practises, traditions, culture and monastries. In…
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I’m not a fan of tour groups, I much prefer solo travel. But if you must do a tour in Tibet (and… you must) then I would highly recommend ExperienceTibet.…
View sourceGreat experience in Tibet with my family!
Me and my family had a wonderful experience visiting Tibet! We arrived by train and the guide Weise and the driver (Mr. Bai) was waiting for us. The van is…
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I was very satisfied with the agency because the trip was amazing full of sightseeing of beautiful temples and various restaurants. I liked Everest base camp the most. The owner…
View sourceBest experience of my life
We had such a great time with the team, it was honestly the best experience of my life. The team is so nice and understanding, they took care of everything…
View sourceBest experience of our lives in Tibet!
Thank you for giving the best time of our lives in Tibet! From our stay, arranging our permits, guided tours, our hotel- everything was top notch! Thanks to the entire…
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Another fantastic trip arranged by Experience Tibet. This time, I went to Bali. As always, organization and communication was clear and professional. The tour itself was wonderful. Our guide had…
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We just finished this 10-day tour of Tibet, and it was an incredible experience that we can highly recommend. The itinerary took us from the iconic sites of Lhasa (the…
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We booked a 10-day trip through Tibet, including a visit to the Mount Everest Base Camp, and were absolutely thrilled. It was the perfect combination of breathtaking nature, fascinating culture,…
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My family and I had an unforgettable journey to Tibet—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and serene atmosphere left us in awe. What made it even more…
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Experience Tibet gave us one of the best trip of our lives. Every detail was taken care of and we worried about nothing. We took the train from Xining to…
View sourceLhasa May 2025
Lhasa is incredible. Tour arrangements are great. The guide is really cool, amazing. Immersion in Buddhism, monasteries, history was 100%. In mid-May it's very warm, even hot. Lhasa is incredible.…
View sourceBeyond my expectations!
This is my first time travel in a group tour. I was skeptical at first but the end results are just beyond expectations. The agent had organized everything from permits,…
View sourceThis was my first and unforgettable visit to Tibet. Tibet is the history of the world and I advise everyone to touch it.
Thank you so much for organizing the tour to Tibet. It was a great and great familiarization for the first visit to Tibet. Organization is great. Separate thanks to guide…
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I went on a 7-day solo trip arranged by Experience Tibet to this beautiful small country in the Himalayas, Bhutan. My 7-day trip was filled with so many wonderful places…
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