7-Day Central Tibet: Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse Small Group Tour
Lhasa · Lhasa · Lhasa · Gyantse · Shigatse · Lhasa · Lhasa
This is the classic introduction to central Tibet: the cultural depth of Lhasa followed by the celebrated overland route west to Shigatse. Along the way you cross high passes, skirt the impossibly blue waters of Yamdrok Lake at 4,441m, and pass the Karola Glacier tumbling almost to the roadside.
In Gyantse you climb the Kumbum, a tiered golden-roofed stupa unlike anything else in the Buddhist world, and in Shigatse you tour Tashilhunpo, the seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of Tibet's great Gelugpa monasteries. It is a week that balances temples, monasteries, lakes, and big plateau driving without going to extreme altitude.
Foreign visitors must travel on an organized tour with a licensed operator. We take care of your Tibet Travel Permit, guide, hotels, and private vehicle throughout.
Trip Highlights
- ◆Stand above turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), one of Tibet's holy lakes
- ◆See the Karola Glacier from the roadside on the way to Gyantse
- ◆Climb the unique multi-tiered Kumbum stupa in Gyantse
- ◆Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lamas, in Shigatse
- ◆Full Lhasa program: Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor, Drepung, and Sera
- ◆Cross the Gampa La and Karo La passes above the lake country
Upcoming Departures
Guaranteed fixed-departure dates for this small-group tour. Private departures can run on any date you choose.
| Departure | Days | From (pp) | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8 – Jun 14, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Almost Full3 seats left | Enquire → |
| Jun 24 – Jun 30, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Guaranteed | Reserve → |
| Jul 14 – Jul 20, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Open | Enquire → |
| Aug 6 – Aug 12, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Almost Full3 seats left | Enquire → |
| Aug 24 – Aug 30, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Almost Full3 seats left | Enquire → |
| Sep 10 – Sep 16, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Open | Enquire → |
| Sep 22 – Sep 28, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Open | Enquire → |
| Oct 6 – Oct 12, 2026 | 7 | $850 | Open | Enquire → |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Lhasa
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for the remainder of the day. Hydrate well and take it easy.
Meals: None·Overnight: Lhasa
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Morning at the Potala Palace, afternoon at the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. A gentle, sight-focused acclimatization day.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon, including the monks' debates. Evening free in Lhasa's old town.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake
Leave Lhasa and climb the Gampa La pass (4,790m) for a famous overlook of Yamdrok Lake far below. Continue along the shoreline, pass the Karola Glacier (around 5,000m), and reach Gyantse to visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and its remarkable Kumbum stupa. Overnight in Gyantse.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Gyantse
Gyantse to Shigatse and Tashilhunpo
A short morning drive across farmland to Shigatse, Tibet's second city. Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, home to a towering gilded statue of the Future Buddha. Afternoon to explore Shigatse at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Shigatse
Shigatse back to Lhasa
Return to Lhasa along the Friendship Highway following the Yarlung Tsangpo river, a faster and more direct route than the southern road. Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon, with free time in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: None
What's Included
- ✓Tibet Travel Permit and all required permits
- ✓Licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide
- ✓Private vehicle with experienced driver throughout
- ✓6 nights hand-picked hotel accommodation, twin-share
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓All entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
- ✓Airport or train station transfers
- ✓Oxygen available on the vehicle
- ✓Bottled water on touring days
- ✓24/7 support during your trip
- ✓No hidden fees
Not Included
- —China entry visa
- —Flights or train tickets to and from Lhasa
- —Lunches and dinners
- —Travel insurance
- —Tips for guide and driver
- —Personal expenses
Accommodation
Hand-picked 3 to 4-star hotels in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. Standards outside Lhasa are simpler but clean and comfortable.
Departures & Pricing
| Season | Per person |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | $850 |
| Shoulder (Apr, Nov) | $920 |
| Peak (May-Oct) | $990 |
per person, twin-share. Fixed small-group departures run on set dates — tell us your month and we'll confirm the next available group.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest points are the passes crossed by road, the Gampa La (4,790m) and the Karola (around 5,000m), where stops are brief. You sleep no higher than Gyantse (3,950m), so altitude exposure is moderate.
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