China7 days
Tibet: Lhasa, Monasteries & the Potala Palace — 7 Days
Kathmandu to Lhasa via Himalayan flight; Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, and Sera debate courtyard
This seven-day journey moves between Kathmandu and Lhasa, crossing the Himalayas by air. In Tibet's capital, you'll visit the Potala Palace — the former seat of the Dalai Lama, now a museum with public access — and visit Drepung Monastery, the country's largest, where Tibetan Buddhist architecture and daily monastic life remain visible. At Sera Monastery, you can witness the afternoon courtyard debates where monks engage in rapid-fire philosophical argument with characteristic hand gestures. The itinerary begins and ends in Kathmandu's Bhaktapur district, where Hindu and Buddhist temples reflect centuries of local religious practice.
Highlights
- Flight across the Himalayas between Kathmandu and Gonggar Airport, with extended views of the mountain range
- Potala Palace in Lhasa — public access to rooms of the former Dalai Lama residence, perched on a rocky outcrop above the city
- Drepung Monastery — Tibet's largest monastery, featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture and active monastic communities
- Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer residence, set on landscaped grounds outside Lhasa
- Sera Monastery courtyard debates — afternoon philosophical exchanges among resident monks
- Bhaktapur temples and shrines in the Kathmandu Valley, representing Hindu and Buddhist traditions
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu
You arrive in Kathmandu, where an Adventure Asia representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel, beginning your journey to savor the Taste of Tibet.
2Bhaktapur Temples and Kathmandu ValleyBhaktapur · Kathmandu Valley · Bhaktapur and Kathmandu
A half-day guided tour of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu introduces you to the district's Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines, and religious architecture that reflect centuries of local custom. You have time to walk through the city's streets on your own or rest while trekking permits are finalized. In the evening, you'll have a traditional Nepali dinner.
3Flight to Lhasa across the HimalayasLhasa · Kathmandu to Gonggar Airport · Gonggar Airport
A 90-minute morning flight carries you from Kathmandu to Gonggar Airport in Tibet, with extended views of the Himalayan range. You meet your Tibetan guide at the airport and drive to Lhasa, where you can walk the local streets before dinner.
4Drepung Monastery and NorbulingkaDrepung Monastery · Norbulingka
You visit Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest, to see its Tibetan Buddhist architecture and experience the monastic atmosphere in the temples. In the afternoon, you travel to Norbulingka, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama, situated on landscaped grounds just outside the city.
5Potala Palace and Sera Monastery DebatesPotala Palace · Sera Monastery
The day begins at the Potala Palace, the former seat of the Dalai Lama, which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lhasa. The palace's public rooms are open for exploration, and the vantage point offers extended views across the city. After lunch, you travel to Sera Monastery for the afternoon courtyard debates, where monks engage in rapid philosophical argument accompanied by emphatic hand gestures.
6Return Flight across the Himalayas to KathmanduHimalayas · Kathmandu · Gonggar Airport
You drive to Gonggar Airport for the return flight across the Himalayas to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free to rest or walk the city's busier streets before your final dinner.
7Depart KathmanduKathmandu
You depart Kathmandu on a fairly easy day.
Where you go
- 1Lhasa
- 2Potala Palace
- 3Sera Monastery
Included
- Carefully selected accommodation with meals
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed and trained guides
- Transportation to and from the trail-head
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
- Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)
Not included
- International airfares
- Travel/trekking insurance
- Visa fees
- Airport departure tax
- Rescue charge
- Drinks (Cold and alcoholic)
- Expenses of personal nature
- Permit and liaison officer fee (where applicable)
- Lunches and dinners whilst not in the description