Lhasa and Namtso Lake — 5 Days

Potala Palace, monasteries, and Tibet's second-largest lake at 4,748 meters

This five-day itinerary moves between Lhasa's monastic architecture and Namtso Lake, Tibet's second-largest body of water, situated 250 kilometers north of the capital at an altitude of 4,748 meters. The route begins with acclimatization in Lhasa before progressing through the city's major religious sites—Potala Palace, the former seat of temporal and spiritual authority; Jokhang Temple, regarded as Tibet's holiest sanctuary; and the monasteries of Drepung and Sera, which historically housed thousands of monks. A full day is devoted to the drive north to Namtso Lake, where the water body extends 70 kilometers east to west and 30 kilometers south to north, covering an area of 1,920 square kilometers. The lake is encircled by Himalayan peaks and marked as a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, with Zhaxi Temple situated on its shores. The itinerary accommodates both day-excursion and overnight options at guesthouses near the lake, returning to Lhasa by evening or the following morning.

Highlights

Potala Palace in Lhasa — the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, a multi-story monumental structure of halls, chapels, and residential quarters
Jokhang Temple — Tibet's holiest shrine, characterized by ritual activity, butter lamps, and continuous pilgrimage
Drepung Monastery — historically one of Tibet's largest monastic centers, with views across Lhasa valley from its hillside position
Sera Monastery — known for its scholarly tradition and monastic debate practices
Namtso Lake at 4,748 meters — the second-largest saltwater lake in China, ringed by Himalayan peaks and prayer flags
Barkhor Street — the circumambulation circuit in central Lhasa, lined with shops and prayer wheels
Norbulingka — the summer palace complex of the Dalai Lamas, comprising multiple chapels and residential buildings

Day by day

1Arrival in LhasaLhasa · Lhasa Gonggar Airport · main train station

Arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the main train station, followed by a 90-minute transfer to accommodation in the city. Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters above sea level. The first day is reserved for acclimatization to the altitude; no structured activities are scheduled.

2Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor StreetPotala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street

The morning begins with a visit to Potala Palace, a multi-story complex that served as the winter residence and seat of religious authority for the Dalai Lamas. The structure contains numerous halls, chapels, and chambers arranged across its hillside location. In the afternoon, the itinerary moves to Jokhang Temple, the foremost pilgrimage destination in Tibet. The temple interior is animated by continuous religious activity—devotees circumambulating, butter lamps burning, and incense rising through the galleries. A final stop is Barkhor Street, the principal circumambulation route in central Lhasa, lined with shops, prayer wheels, and pilgrims on circuit.

3Drepung, Sera, and NorbulingkaNorbulingka · Drepung Monastery · Sera Monastery

The morning is spent at Drepung Monastery, situated on a hillside overlooking Lhasa. In its seventeenth-century peak, the site housed four distinct colleges and approximately 10,000 monks; its white buildings are clustered against the backdrop of Mount Gambo Utse. The location provides extended views across the Lhasa valley. In the afternoon, the route proceeds to Sera Monastery, recognized for its scholarly monastic tradition and the practice of structured debate among monks. A final stop is Norbulingka, the summer palace complex of the Dalai Lamas, which contains multiple residential and ceremonial buildings arranged as a formal compound.

4Namtso Lake ExcursionNamtso Lake · Lhasa · Zhaxi Temple

A full day devoted to the drive north to Namtso Lake, positioned 250 kilometers from Lhasa. The lake, Tibet's second largest, covers 1,920 square kilometers and sits at an altitude of 4,748 meters. The water body is fed by rainfall and snowmelt from surrounding Himalayan peaks, which ring the shoreline. Zhaxi Temple stands on the lake's edge, marking the site as a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The route returns to Lhasa by evening, or accommodation at a nearby guesthouse may be arranged for an overnight stay.

5Departure from LhasaLhasa airport or train station

Transfer to Lhasa airport or train station for onward travel to Kathmandu or other destinations.

Included

Arrival and Departure Arrangement in Lhasa
Accommodation in Lhasa on twin sharing hotel with breakfast
An English-speaking Tibetan guide
Private transportation for the entire trip
Sightseeing entrance fees
Tibet travel permit

Not included

Lunch and Dinner
Tipping and extra program
Your flight to and from Lhasa