Tibet, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is one of the most spiritually rich and visually dramatic destinations on Earth. Its capital city, Lhasa, has been the heart of Tibetan Buddhism for more than a thousand years and continues to attract travelers seeking culture, history, and spiritual insight.
Lhasa is widely regarded as the center of the Tibetan Buddhist world. The city is home to some of the most sacred temples and monasteries, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in Buddhist heritage and Himalayan culture.
Dominating the skyline of Lhasa, the Potala Palace is Tibet’s most iconic landmark. This massive architectural masterpiece once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and today stands as a symbol of Tibetan identity, history, and devotion. Its towering structure, intricate murals, and sacred chapels make it the major attraction of the city.
Beyond the Potala Palace, Tibet is home to several important religious sites:
Jokhang Temple – The most sacred temple in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Drepung Monastery – Once the largest monastery in the world
Sera Monastery – Famous for its lively monk debates and monastic education
These monasteries offer visitors deep insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture, philosophy, and daily monastic life.
With its dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and deeply spiritual atmosphere, Tibet is a perfect destination for short holidays and cultural tours. A journey to Tibet promises a truly unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty with profound cultural and spiritual discovery.
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
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Detail Itinerary.
It takes around an hour to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. Note: There is no fixed program arranged for today.
Lhasa:
Lhasa has always remained the cultural, political and economic centre of Tibet. The city of Lhasa lies on the north bank of the Lhasa river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Covering an area of 544 sq kilometers and lying at an altitude of 3660 meters, Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The city has a history of over 13 centuries and is synonymous with Tibetan culture and heritage.
The places of interest in Lhasa include the Potala palace, Norbulinka palace, Jokhang temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries amongst others. The Jokhang temple and Bharkhhor circumambulation circuit, innumerable shops and wayside peddlers selling everything from prayer flags to yak skulls is the most amazing of the experience of being in Tibet.
AM: Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you will be accompanied by an experienced local guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Lhasa, exploring its most sacred and historic landmarks.
The Potala Palace dominates the skyline of Lhasa and is visible from almost every corner of the city. Originally, a palace structure existed here as early as 640 AD, but the present Potala Palace was constructed in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. For centuries, it served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and remains one of the most important symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.
Rising 117 meters high, with 13 storeys and over 1,000 rooms, the Potala Palace houses an extraordinary collection of Tibetan cultural, historical, and artistic treasures. Several sections of the palace have now been converted into a museum and are open to visitors. Pilgrims and tourists alike are especially drawn to the three-storey central complex, featuring magnificent chapels, golden stupas, prayer halls, and sacred relics.
Located about 2 km east of Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, built in 647 AD, is the holiest and most actively worshipped Buddhist temple in Tibet. The temple was founded by the great Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to house a sacred Buddha image brought from Nepal by his Nepalese wife, Princess Bhrikuti.
Later, another revered image—Jowo Shakyamuni—was brought to the temple by the king’s Chinese wife, Princess Wencheng. This image gives the temple its name and spiritual significance, as Jokhang means “Chapel of the Jowo.”
Surrounding the temple is the vibrant Barkhor Square, a traditional pilgrimage circuit and bustling marketplace. The medieval atmosphere, continuous flow of pilgrims, spinning prayer wheels, and numerous shops selling ritual items and handicrafts create an unforgettable experience. This is where the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of Tibet can truly be felt.
AM: Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, an experienced local guide will accompany you on a full-day sightseeing tour of Lhasa’s most important monasteries and cultural landmarks.
Located about 8 km west of central Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of the three great pillars of the Tibetan state. Founded in 1416, it was once the largest monastery in Tibet, housing nearly 7,000 monks at its peak. Drepung belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery complex contains several colleges dedicated to the study of Buddhist philosophy, logic, and scriptures. One of the most fascinating experiences here is witnessing the monks’ debate sessions, where philosophical discussions are conducted with expressive hand gestures and ritual clapping.
Within the Drepung complex lies the Ganden Palace, which served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the construction of the Potala Palace.
Norbulingka, meaning “Jewel Park,” is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, located in a peaceful and beautifully landscaped garden in the western part of Lhasa. Completed in 1956, Norbulingka is the largest man-made garden in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace is renowned for its well-preserved wall paintings, exquisite mandalas, and historic murals, including a remarkable painting that depicts the history of Tibet and the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lama resided here during his final years in Tibet, and the rooms have been preserved exactly as they were when he departed in 1959. Visitors can also see the vintage cars imported by the 13th Dalai Lama, a rare glimpse into modern Tibetan history.
Located about 5 km north of central Lhasa, Sera Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelugpa sect and is often referred to as a “University Monastery” for Buddhist studies. Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery was once home to over 5,000 monks, though today only a few hundred remain.
Like Drepung, Sera houses several monastic colleges focused on Buddhist philosophy and religious education. The highlight of a visit to Sera Monastery is the monks’ debate session, held in the open courtyard.
🕒 Best time to visit: Morning for monastery activities
🗣 Debate time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (weekdays only, not on weekends)
AM: Breakfast at hotel.
You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.
