Small Group:4 Day Tibet Lhasa Cultural and Scenic Tour

Pickup Airport: Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) Free airport pick-up time: 2:00 PM or 8:00 PM (This indicates the departure time from the airport after the guide meets guests). With eager anticipation, embark on your Tibetan adventure! Prepare your camera to capture breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in authentic Tibetan culture.Guests must arrange independent transportation to Lhasa (capital of Tibet Autonomous Region) based on flight schedules. Our staff will greet you at the airport upon arrival and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Lhasa, located in southwestern China, is Tibet's political, cultural, and spiritual heart. Perched at 3,650 meters, it enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, earning it the title "City of Sunshine." Today, we visit the iconic Potala Palace on Mapori Hill, which is split into two parts: the White Palace, where the Dalai Lamas once lived and governed, and the Red Palace, home to religious halls and tombs. The structure showcases Tibet's theocratic past. Next, we explore Jokhang Temple, a 1,300-year-old monastery that’s central to Tibetan Buddhism. As a masterpiece of Tubo-period architecture, it features the region's earliest rammed-earth-and-timber construction and set the foundation for Tibetan monastic design. We’ll wrap up with a stroll through Barkhor Street, which started as a pilgrim path around Jokhang and has grown into a bustling, traditional quarter. Itinerary: Potala Palace (2 hours) → Jokhang Temple (1.5 hours) → Barkhor Street (1 hour)

Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to marry Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, the Potala Palace stands as a monumental symbol of Tibetan architecture and history. With 1,000 rooms spread across 13 floors, including palaces, pagoda halls, Buddhist shrines, and monk residences, the palace rises 117 meters above the mountain. Its distinctive Tibetan style reflects its grandeur and spiritual significance. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, it also served as the political and religious center of Tibet for centuries.

A fusion of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles, Jokhang Temple is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Its incense-filled halls and glowing butter lamps create a timeless atmosphere, drawing pilgrims from around the world. As one of Tibet’s holiest sites, this 1,300-year-old temple is a living symbol of devotion and faith.

Barkhor Street, an ancient and vibrant thoroughfare in Lhasa, is a cultural treasure of Tibet. Originally a pilgrimage route around Jokhang Temple, it has evolved into a bustling market that reflects the life, traditions, and spirit of the Tibetan people. Stroll through its narrow lanes to discover traditional Tibetan food, clothing, dance, and architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into Lhasa’s rich heritage.

This morning we visit Norbulingka—the "Jewel Park"—renowned as Tibet's largest, most scenic man-made garden with the richest historical relics. Its architectural philosophy embraces natural topography: elevating terraces on heights, excavating ponds in depressions, prioritizing vistas. Next, journey to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. As the largest enclosed freshwater lake on the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it sits at 4,441 meters elevation with an average depth of 23.6 meters. Its staggering water volume of approximately 16 billion cubic meters ultimately flows into the Yarlung Tsangpo River, nourishing the land. Finally, return to Lhasa. Itinerary: Lhasa → Norbulingka (1.5 hrs) → Yamdrok Yumtso (1.5 hrs) → Lhasa

Norbulingka, the "Jewel Park," is a stunning palace and garden complex in Lhasa, home to a treasure trove of historical relics. With over 300 rooms and lush surroundings, it’s a peaceful retreat brimming with vibrant plants and flowers. The park offers a serene blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Yamdrok Lake, or "Swan Pond" in Tibetan, is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Set at 4,441 meters above sea level, this vast lake stretches 250 kilometers along the Tibetan plateau. With crystal-clear waters and dramatic surroundings, it’s also known as the "Upper Coral Lake" for its many branching inlets. It’s a must-see natural wonder.

Today concludes your memorable Tibet journey. We will provide transfer service to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), where you may depart on a flight scheduled according to your travel plans. Our staff offers only one morning departure service from the hotel at 7:00. Guests with flights before this time must arrange independent taxi transportation to the airport.