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5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour

Discover Lhasa’s sacred highlights, then explore Ganden & Drak Yerpa on a 5-day small group journey with a trusted Tibetan agency

Duration
5 days
Tour Type
Group Tour
Price From
US$610

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This 5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Join-in Tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience both the classic highlights of Lhasa and the quieter spiritual side of the surrounding mountains. After a warm welcome and time to acclimatize, you’ll explore Drepung and Sera Monasteries, watch the famous monk debates, and enjoy a Tibetan welcome dinner.

In the heart of Lhasa, you’ll visit the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the lively Barkor Street, with the chance to relax in a local sweet tea house and observe traditional dances in the park below Potala.

You then leave the city to discover Drak Yerpa’s ancient meditation caves and the dramatic mountaintop setting of Ganden Monastery. Walking the Ganden kora rewards you with sweeping views of the valley and a deeper sense of Tibet’s spiritual landscape.

This small group join-in tour includes Tibet Travel Permit, Tibetan English-speaking guide, comfortable 3‑ or 4‑star accommodation with breakfast, key entrance fees, airport/train transfers at set times and oxygen support, offering excellent value for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike.

Small Group



2-15 Participants

Meal Inclusions

1 dinner, 1 simple lunch

Attraction Transfers

Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions

Accommodation

From US$610 per person, for 3-star accommodation
From US$660 per person, for 4-star accommodation

Permits Handled

Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers

Activity Level: 3/5

Some extended walking on varied terrains.

Language


English Speaking Local Guide

Itinerary

Lhasa ⇀ Drepung ⇀ Sera ⇀ Potala/Jokhang/Barkor ⇀ Drak Yerpa ⇀ Ganden ⇀ Lhasa

Altitude & Safety

Oxygen supply provided; altitude support, Travel insurance.

Jessie, Founder Experience Tibet

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

Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour

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Potala Palace

Price Inclusion:

  • Application for Tibet Travel Permit
  • Airport and train station pickup and drop service at designated times
  • Services of a Tibetan English-speaking guide
  • Transportation throughout the tour
  • Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast, based on double occupancy
  • Meals as specified above (including 1 dinner, 1 simple lunch)
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Oxygen supply

Price Exclusions:

  • Flights or trains to and from Tibet
  • Additional meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement for solo travelers requiring a single room or unable to find a roommate
  • Tips (We recommend a gratuity of $7 per day per person, to be shared between the driver and guide.)
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Upon your arrival in the sacred city of Lhasa, our warm and friendly staff will greet you with a traditional Hada offering, symbolizing a gesture of goodwill.

Take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatize to the high altitude, ensuring a comfortable start to your remarkable journey in Lhasa.

Meals: None

7-Day Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour: From Lhasa to the Himalayas

 

Embark on a cultural odyssey with a visit to the revered Drepung Monastery, an iconic Tibetan Buddhist site steeped in tradition.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in spirited discussions, accompanied by enthusiastic hand-clapping and animated arguments. Gain an insightful perspective into the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as you absorb the spiritual atmosphere and passion surrounding these profound rituals.

Please note that a welcome dinner, hosted in a Tibetan restaurant, is planned either on this day or the next. Our guide will coordinate and provide details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drepung Monastery 2

 

Sera-Monastery

 

Sera Monastery monk debates

 

Marvel at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece perched atop Marpo Ri hill. A symbol of Tibetan history and culture, the palace unfolds a narrative of religious devotion and political significance. In the park beneath the Potala Palace, witness and perhaps join in the traditional dances. Continue your journey to the spiritual heart of Lhasa.

 Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, where traditional Tibetan goods and handicrafts abound. Finally, experience with a visit to a sweet tea house, a cherished element of Tibetan social culture.

Savor the distinct flavors of Tibetan tea and engage in social interactions with locals and fellow travelers.

Meals: Breakfast

Why ExperienceTibet

Jokhang Temple

barkhor-street

 

Drive to Drak Yerpa Monastery, hidden deep in the mountains. Hike for about two hours to visit the ancient meditation caves once used by some of the most renowned Buddhist masters in Tibetan history. You will have the opportunity to sit quietly inside one of these caves and experience meditation in this secluded and spiritual setting.

In the afternoon, visit Ganden Monastery, dramatically located on a mountaintop, and walk the Ganden Kora, the sacred pilgrimage circuit around the monastery, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Simple Lunch

 

 

5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour

Tibet Monasteries: Discover Sacred Temples & Sites

5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour

We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station as your tour comes to a close.

Meals: Breakfast

5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour

 

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s a general overview of hotels in Tibet; actual stays may vary depending on the tour and pricing.

Tour Highlights

Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.

Dates and availability

Book your tibet trip

ExperienceTibet” specializes in small group tours to Tibet, focusing on some of the most sought-after itineraries, ranging from the “4-day Holy City Tour” and “6-day Lhasa to Shigatse” journey, to the extensive 15-day Mt. Kailash tour

5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour

How to Book

Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour
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