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Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour

Duration:
7 Days
Price:
From USD1160
Route:
Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhasa - Lake Namtso - Lhasa
Season:
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Tour Type:
Group Tour
Group Size:
Max 12
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Overview

This tour includes the 2 biggest cities of Tibet - Lhasa and Shigatse, as well as 2 of 3 holy lakes - Yamdroktso and Namtso. First of all, you will explore the most featured sites of authentic Tibetan culture in the holy city of Lhasa like the world heritage Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, etc. After that, head straight to Gyantse and Shigatse in the west, and experience the distinct culture of western Tibet, by driving along the holy lake Yamdroktso with stunning turquoise color and sacred mount Nyenchen Kangsar under the sunny plateau climate, you will never waste every single minute by discovering new experiences and wonders on the way to Gyantse and Shigatse. Then a day excursion to the holy lake Namtso which is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the second largest alpine saline lake in Tibet with an altitude of 4,718 meters above sea level.

DayRouteAttractions & Activities AccommodationMeals
1 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m) Pick up and transfer to the hotel Lhasa, 3★/4★
2 Lhasa Sightseeing Drepung Monastery, Tibet Museum, Norbulingka Lhasa, 3★/4★ B
3 Lhasa Sightseeing Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street Lhasa, 3★/4★ B
4 Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse, 360km, Approx. 7hrs Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chöde Monastery Shigatse, 3★/4★ B
5 Shigatse - Lhasa, 300km, Approx. 5hrs Tashilhunpo Monastery Lhasa, 3★/4★ B
6 Lhasa- Namtso- Lhasa, 460km, Approx. 6hrs Holy Namtso Lake Lhasa, 3★/4★ B
7 Lhasa Departure Send off to the airport/train station B

Daily Itinerary

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Our staff will greet you at Lhasa Airport/Railway Station to transfer you to the hotel. From Lhasa Airport to downtown Lhasa, it usually takes about 1 hour; from Lhasa Railway Station, it takes about 20 minutes. After being transferred to the hotel, you will be free to wander around the city on your own for the rest of the day but try not to overtax yourself. The first day's well-rest is crucial to acclimatize to the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat light, and not shower if you can help it.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

After breakfast in the hotel, the tour guide will take you to Drepung Monastery, the biggest Tibetan monastery that housed more than 10,000 monks in the past. Drepung means Rice Heap in the Tibetan language. The entire monastery is large in scale and the white buildings cluster and covers the hillsides. It's the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect.

In the afternoon you will first visit the Tibet Museum. Here you can see life scenes, exquisite clothing, house architecture, and festival customs, etc. to explore the special and mysterious Tibetan customs. Then you will visit Norbulingka, which is a typical Tibetan-style royal garden, the summer resort of the Dalai Lama.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

  • Meals:
  • Breakfast

Today, we will go to the famous world heritage Potala Palace. It’s situated on the Red Hill of central Lhasa. Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 3,767.19m (12,359.55ft) at the topmost point. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

In the afternoon, take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of Lhasa old town. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims. After you visit the temple, you'll have time to walk around the Barkhor Street, which is one of the most devotional circuits as well as the crowded central market of Lhasa since the early days. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

  • Meals:
  • Breakfast

From Lhasa to Gyantse is abt 264km, en route you will pass by Khamba-la Pass(4790m), from there you will be amazed by the breathtaking glimpse of the holy Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise color and snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. About two hours away from Yamdrok Lake, there is Karola Glacier. It isn’t a big glacier, but the white glacier looks spectacular from the highway, and it's close enough(about 300 yards) from the highway. Arrival at Gyantse, we visit Palkhor Chode monastery. This magnificent multi-door structure is the largest stupa in Tibet, not only well known for its architecture but also for its old sculptures and paintings all around its inner walls.

Then head to Shigatse via the fertile Nyangchu Valley, a wide agricultural plain where colorfully decorated yaks and horses are used by Tibetan farmers to till the land.

Stay overnight in Shigatse

  • Meals:
  • Breakfast

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. It is a historic and culturally important monastery in Shigatse. It's located on the central hill of the city. The full name in Tibetan of the monastery means "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory". For the trip back to Lhasa in the late afternoon, we will provide you with two solutions which will be decided by Great Tibet Tour.

Option A: Drive from Shigatse – Lhasa;

Option B: Train from Shigatse – Lhasa;

For Option B, the guide will accompany you to take a taxi to Shigatse Railway Station, Then take the train from Shigatse to Lhasa. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, we will arrange for you to be dropped off at your hotel. The taxi & train fare is included in the cost.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

  • Meals:
  • Breakfast

In the morning, we drive to the holy Namtso Lake. On the way to Namtso, you will have a far view of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. Enjoy the view of the vast grassland and spectacular natural scenery.

You'll arrive at Namtso Lake after passing NagelaPass(5150m). When standing at the famous Nagela Pass, you can see the stunning view of holy Namtso Lake. Being the second largest salt lake in China, Namtso covers a total area of more than 1900 square kilometers, the furthest depth being more than 33m. Namtso is also the highest altitude salt lake in the world with an elevation of 4,718 meters. Besides, you can enjoy the view of the Sky-Road railway with snowy mountains background. In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

  • Meals:
  • Breakfast
Your tour ends today. Your tour guide and driver will drop you at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your next destination.
  • Meals:
  • Breakfast

Cost & Calendar

All prices are in US Dollar / Person

Economic Class (3-Star Hotels)

2024-01-01 ~ 2024-06-30 2024-07-01 ~ 2024-10-31
USD1160 USD1360

Comfortable Class (4-Star Hotels)

2024-01-01 ~ 2024-06-30 2024-07-01 ~ 2024-10-31
USD1230 USD1430

Schedule

Starting DatePrice FromBookedBook Now
2024-04-01 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-05 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-08 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-12 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-15 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-19 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-22 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-26 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-04-29 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-03 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-06 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-10 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-13 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-17 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-20 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-24 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-27 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-05-31 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-03 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-07 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-10 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-14 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-17 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-21 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-24 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-06-28 USD1160 open for booking Book
2024-07-01 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-05 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-08 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-12 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-15 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-19 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-22 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-26 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-07-29 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-02 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-05 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-09 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-12 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-16 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-19 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-23 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-26 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-08-30 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-02 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-06 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-09 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-13 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-16 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-20 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-23 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-27 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-09-30 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-04 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-07 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-11 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-14 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-18 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-21 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-25 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-10-28 USD1360 open for booking Book
2024-11-01 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-04 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-08 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-11 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-15 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-18 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-22 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-25 USD open for booking Book
2024-11-29 USD open for booking Book

No desired date of departure? Please send us an inquiry and we will try to arrange your tour according to your plan.

Discount Policy

You may only enjoy one of the advantageous policy, not both.

Option A:3 or More to Join the Same Group$30 Off / person
Option B:Tour in Apr~Oct
  • To book 6-month prior tour starts 5% Off / person
  • To book 3-month prior tour starts 3% Off / person

Our Service

INCLUSIONS

* 6 Nights, twin room en suite in 3★/4★, one night in guesthouse;

* 6 Breakfasts;

* Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as itinerary needed including gas and parking fee;

* Lhasa Railway Station transfer at all times on the first & last day;

* Pick-up from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to your hotel at 9:30 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on the first day;

* Drop-off from your hotel to Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 8:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on the last day;

* On Day 5, if GTT decides to use Option B, hard-sleeper train ticket from Shigatse to Lhasa will be included by GTT;

* Guide: experienced local English-speaking tour guide;

* Attractions: all entrance fees mentioned in itinerary;

* Permit: Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit;

* Travel Agency Liability insurance;

* Government Tax;

* Express delivery fee of Permit (eg. SF. Express);

* Food & lodgings for guide & driver;

* Oxygen tank for emergency use;

* Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

EXCLUSIONS

* International flight to and out of China;

* Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa; (We can help you book the domestic flight/train ticket at the BEST price. Please contact us for details.)

* If you miss the free transfer schedule due to flight delay or cancelation, then you are required to pay a private transfer from USD 80/vehicle/time.

* Lunch & Dinner are not included but we will recommend some good ones for you according to your requirements. Usually, it takes 3-10 USD per person for each meal.

* While the gratuity for guide and driver is NOT mandatory, it is expected. Based on their service, you can tip them on the last day of the tour. You are suggested to tip each of them 5-10 USD/day in total.

* All the commission and tax charged by PayPal, Bank, and government when making payment(e.g. PayPal --- 4.4%. Wire transfer --- 2%).

* Personal expenses.

* Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.

Note

* Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB) usually takes about 12-working-day to apply. If you couldn’t provide the required docs & info on time, an extra handling fee will be charged. Please consult your travel consultant for details;

* We reserve the right to change the itinerary order and attractions in Lhasa;

* If you prefer to book your own hotels over those included in our group tour, please meet the rest of the group at their daily hotel on time. We don’t include the transfers to your own hotels;

* We need to pick up and drop off all members of the group on the first & last day from Lhasa Airport/Railway, thus there may not always have guide presence but driver;

* Due to the special nature of Tibet travel, any unforeseeable and unavoidable objective circumstances, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, terrorism, riot, civil commotion, strikes, public health emergencies, government action, major traffic jams, delay or cancellation of flight/train, attractions temporarily closed. etc., resulting in a change of itinerary, the increased cost will be paid by travelers; if any attraction visits have to be canceled due to the same reasons above, GTT won't be held responsible for a refund except for certain attraction entrance fees which will be solely decided by GTT.

* Single Supplement: our quote is based on twin rooms. For single travelers, a single supplement is required at the time of booking. If later we manage to match you with another traveler to share the twin room, the single supplement will be refunded.

* All members of the same group must be with the same tour guide during the whole trip. So all members must follow the same itinerary and visit the same attractions. If anyone requests to change the scheduled arrangement for own reasons, you need to get permission from other members and accept the possible payment change if any.

Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients

Asked by Jaeh***

I want to visit Namtso lake in Dec, but you do not offer the tour in Dec.
Is it not allowed to visit Namtso lake in winter??

Cherry
Answered by Cherry

There is no Namtso Lake tour in December. Namtso Lake is frozen in winter. If it snows, the road to Namtso Lake will be closed. 

Asked by Bria***

I wish to visit Tibet in August 2019, about 7 to 8 days. Please send e inquiry on expense for both 3 and 4 star hotel. Thanks much.

Catherine
Answered by Catherine

In your inquiry, you mentioned you would like to have 7-8 Days Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour in August. We can arrange this tour for you. Currently, we have a fixed tour with departure date on August 6th. Is the date ok for you? We can also open a tour for you at other dates in August, which ask for 3 months booking in advance so that we have time to recruit other travelers.

Asked by CK***

Hi,

We are looking to travel in June 19 and looing forward if you could arrange.

Cherry
Answered by Cherry

In your inquiry, you mentioned two of you would like to have the 8 Days Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour with the departure date on Jun.19th. We have this group tour with the departure date on Jun.20th. Is it available to you?

I will quote for you after you confirm the itinerary. 

Asked by paul***

Will be coming from and return to Kathmandu. Interested in a tour such as 8 days Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour. Open to longer tour. Thank you

Cherry
Answered by Cherry

In your inquiry, you mentioned you would like to have the 8 Days Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour. We can only open this group tour to at least 2 travelers. I recommend the 10 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour. 

From Nepal to Tibet, you are required to apply for China Group Visa at China embassy in Nepal with our assistance even if you have had China Visa already. After you book your Tibet tour with us, we will send an official invitation letter for you to our partner in Kathmandu. After your arrival in Kathmandu, our Nepali partner will meet you for your original passport. With invitation letter, your original passport and one photo (passport photo size with white background), our Nepali partner could help you get your China Group Vias there within 3 working days). 

Asked by WK H***

Planning my first trip to Tibet next June and I am interested in the 8 days Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour.

If I am travelling alone, how much will it cost?

Caroline
Answered by Caroline

In your inquiry, you mentioned that you are interested in our 8-day Lhasa to Shigatse and Namtso Group Tour. For this tour, a minimum of 2 people for opening a new group is required. Thus, how about joining our 10-day Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour?

Read More ...

What Our Customers Say

Now that our tour is over, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all your help in organizing this great experience! We would like to point out that we really liked the driver who picked us up from the train station on our first day! Of course we only interacted with him shortly b ....

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