The 8-day Lhasa Group Joining Tour is perfect for travelers looking to explore the cultural heart of Tibet without breaking the bank. Designed with affordability and convenience in mind, this tour offers a scenic drive in and out of Tibet, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both adventure and value.
8 days / 7 nights Lhasa Group Joining trip
From Monasteries to Mountains: Tibet Region
Highlights
- Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking value, companionship, and a culturally rich Tibetan experience.
- Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and remote villages while gradually acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street for a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhism and daily life.
- Tour Sera and Drepung Monasteries to witness traditional monastic debates and religious rituals.
- Benefit from knowledgeable Tibetan guides who enrich your experience with cultural insights and smooth logistics.
- Includes fixed departure dates, well-planned transport, and quality accommodations for a stress-free experience.
- A sociable travel option that fosters connections with like-minded travelers along the way.
- Perfect for those who want to explore Tibet’s spiritual heart without the complexity of independent planning.
Itinerary
Early morning, drive through typical Nepalese rural landscapes from Kathmandu to Kerung. After immigration and customs formalities at the border, continue uphill to the Tibetan town of Kerung. A Tibetan guide will meet you at the check post. Overnight stay in guesthouses.
Drive across the world’s highest plateau, crossing the 5,050m Lalunga Pass with views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m), weather permitting. Continue through Gyatchu La Pass (5,220m) en route to Shigatse. Overnight at a hotel.
Travel via Gyatchu La Pass (5,220m) to Lhasa, stopping in Gyantse. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.
Two full days exploring Lhasa’s highlights, including Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, and Deprung and Sera Monasteries. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms.
Drive from Lhasa crossing Karo La (5,010m) and Khamba La (4,794m) passes, plus Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). Cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River and enjoy views of Potala Palace from afar. Overnight in Lhatse.
US$950 per person
Cost Includes
- Transfers by tourist or private van
- Twin-sharing accommodation on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis in budget hotels
- Guidance by an experienced Tibetan English-speaking guide
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder in the vehicle
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner
- Train or airfare for any sector
- Any type of insurance
- Nepal and China visa fees
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charges, etc.
FAQs
Tibet is located in southwest China, sharing borders with India, Nepal, Burma, and Bhutan. Its three traditional provinces are U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. While residents identify as Tibetan, each region has distinct languages and cultures. Under Chinese rule, Tibet has been divided and integrated into Chinese provinces. When China refers to Tibet, it usually means the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which includes U-Tsang and part of Kham. The rest of Kham and Amdo are split among Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces. Tibet covers about 1.22 million km²—roughly 12.8% of China. Known for its snow-capped mountains and strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, Tibet is a top destination for travelers, especially those interested in trekking alongside neighboring Nepal.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8 (6 hours ahead of GMT).
To travel to Tibet, you need both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can be obtained in Kathmandu with the help of a travel agency. A valid Chinese visa alone does not grant access to Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit requires booking a guide and pre-arranging private transport for travel outside Lhasa. Additional permits are needed for some areas, which your travel agent will organize.
Passport Requirements:
A passport valid for at least six months is mandatory.
Chinese Visa:
Since Tibet is part of China, you must first obtain a Chinese visa from your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Most embassies issue a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa (L visa) within 3-5 working days, with some offering longer validity. Double-entry and other visa types (F, X, Z) are also available depending on your travel purpose. All travelers must secure a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet, which local agencies arrange.
- By Road: Five main highways connect Tibet to China and Nepal, including the Sichuan-Tibet, Qinghai-Tibet, Yunnan-Tibet, Xinjiang-Tibet, and China-Nepal Highways.
- By Air: Flights to Lhasa usually connect via China or Nepal. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 98 km south of Lhasa city. The main international flight route is between Lhasa and Kathmandu.
- By Rail: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs 1,142 km from Golmud to Lhasa, linking Tibet with China.
Tibet’s high elevation causes generally cold weather. Lhasa experiences cool, bright days but cold mornings, evenings, and nights. Warm clothing is necessary.
The best travel season is from April to early November, with August and September being ideal. Lhasa has a milder climate and can be visited year-round. Tibet receives strong sunlight—hence Lhasa’s nickname, “Sunlight City.” May, June, and September are peak tourist months in eastern Tibet.
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Chinese visa (apply via embassy or through agencies)
- Tibet Entry Permit (issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau)
- Group Visa (for entry from Nepal; cancels any individual Chinese visa)
- Additional permits for restricted areas: Travel Permit (issued after arrival) and Military Permit for sensitive zones.
Due to strict Chinese regulations, individual visa application or solo travel in Tibet is not possible. Authorized travel agencies handle all permits and paperwork.
At high altitude, many visitors experience mild altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, fatigue) until acclimatization, which can take hours to days. Preparations and consulting a doctor about altitude sickness medication are recommended. Guides will assist throughout the trip.
ATMs are available in Lhasa and Shigatse but scarce in smaller towns.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency. Foreign currency exchange is possible at the Bank of China, which is closed on weekends. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are rarely accepted outside banks and major cities.
Tourists who stick to their tours and avoid political discussions generally face no issues.
Consider vaccinations for: chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A & B, influenza, MMR, pneumonia, polio, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid, and yellow fever.
No. English-speaking guides accompany all visitors. Many hotel staff in major cities speak English. Common languages include Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Nepali.
Internet is available but limited to areas like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang. Some cafes and hotels offer Wi-Fi.
Join the Lhasa Group Joining Tour – 8 Days to experience Tibet’s spiritual and cultural heart in an affordable, social setting. Ideal for budget-minded travelers, this small-group tour offers a perfect mix of value, companionship, and adventure in one of the world’s most mystical destinations.
The journey begins with a scenic overland drive to Lhasa, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, rolling grasslands, and remote villages. This drive-in, drive-out route allows for gradual altitude acclimatization, making your arrival in Lhasa more comfortable and memorable.
In Lhasa, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, gaining insight into Tibetan Buddhism and local life. The tour also includes the Sera and Drepung Monasteries, where you can observe traditional rituals and monastic debates.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, this 8-day tour includes well-planned logistics, comfortable accommodations, and a fixed itinerary—ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore the highlights of Tibet without the hassle of planning.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, the Lhasa Group Joining Tour – 8 Days is a cost-effective way to discover Tibet’s rich heritage and make lasting connections along the way.
