Tibet Spiritual Tour Details
Tibet spiritual tour encompasses the most prominent tours of Tibet Monastery around Lhasa, including the first-ever Buddhist monastery and historical palace in the Yarlung valley, which is also known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
Upon your arrival in the holy city, you will be greeted by the lovely blue sky and an impressive glimpse of the gigantic Potala Palace perched on the red hill. During a couple of days of acclimation and alleviation of jet lag, you will be overwhelmed by the prominent historical and religious sites.
You will explore the mystical Potala Palace, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, explore the sprawling Sera and Drepung monasteries, and walk shoulder to shoulder with devoted pilgrims in bustling Barkhor Street. These experiences will enrich your cultural journey in Tibet. Furthermore, the Tibet Spiritual Journey extends its features to the historical buildings and hermitage cliffs around the Yarlung valley.
As you hike through the green bushes within the natural amphitheater valley, you will have the opportunity to meet hermits and retreats at Chimpu hermitages. Driving along the stunning turquoise-colored Lake Yamdrok and witnessing the blooming Nyenchen Kangsar glacier under the sunny plateau climate, you will continuously discover new experiences and wonders during your Tibet Cultural Tour. Last but not least, visiting Namtso Lake and overnighting on the Tashi Do promontory will complete your exclusive experiences of Tibet’s culture, religion, nature, and nomadic lifestyle.
We ensure that you will make the most of every moment and appreciate the profound cultural and spiritual aspects of Tibet with our professional and courteous service.
Tour Itinerary Tibet Spiritual Tour
Day 01 – 03: IN LHASA
Our representatives will greet you upon your arrival at the Lhasa airport/Lhasa train station. It will be a short drive to the holy city of Lhasa, along the Lhasa river, within a valley enclosed by barren mountains. Even before reaching the city, you will catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Potala Palace, which stands out as it perches on the red hill. Afterward, you will check in at a hotel located in the old part of town, known as the Tibetan area, centered around the mystical Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor Street.
During the following couple of days, we have thoughtfully arranged a few but worthwhile visits to some world heritages and sites of significance to Tibetan Buddhists. This will allow you to acclimate to the altitude and alleviate any jet lag. You will have plenty of time to walk shoulder to shoulder with devoted local pilgrims in the bustling Barkhor Street. Exploring the busy cobbled lanes that twist around the aged buildings in the awe-inspiring Drepung and Sera monasteries will also be a true pleasure. Our knowledgeable guides will enhance your experiences with thorough historical and cultural explanations. These days offer flexibility and opportunities for your own exploration around town and leisurely strolls along the Barkhor Street. Additionally, we can arrange a special Tibet Cultural Experience, such as a short visit to a typical Tibetan village family or a rare sacred blessing from high lamas, based on your interests.
Day 04 – 05: IN SOUTH TIBET
We will extend our journey to southern Tibet and appreciate the wonders of the fertile Yarlung valley. Along the downstream of the braided Brahmaputra river (Yarlung Tsangpo), which meanders through dramatic sand dunes and lonely trees, we will explore the fertile Yarlung valley for a couple of days.
This valley gave its name to the ancient Tibetan kings’ dynasty as the Yarlung Kingdom. Tsedang, the largest town in the southern part, is also known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization. It was the capital of Tibet prior to Lhasa, and this area is replete with the distinguished Samye Monastery, known for its Mandala architecture.
Samye Monastery was the very first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, and you will spend a night near the monastery with ample time for exploration in the afternoon.
Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to meet hermits and retreatants at Chimpu Hermitages while enjoying a beautiful hike through the green bushes in the natural amphitheater valley. Starting from the newly constructed Chimpu Nunnery, we embark on a short hike through solitary caves and tiny trails amidst the scrub bushes. You may even have the chance to interact with devoted yogis or retreatants in their caves. From the terrace, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Brahmaputra valley below.
Afterward, you can relax in Tsedang and have a hot shower at the hotel
Day 06 – 07: IN CENTRAL TIBET
We will retrace our steps back to the airport and continue driving west, where we will meet the southern friendship highway at the Chushul Bridge. From there, we will climb up the Gampa La pass (4900m) through a series of switchbacks to reach Gyantse and Shigatse in western Tibet.
From the pass, you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of the holy Lake Yamdrok and the snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar in the background. Continuing along the southern friendship highway, which stretches along the sprawling lake and blooming glaciers, we will arrive at Gyantse.
This small town is well-known as the hero’s town since its people defeated the British during the wars in 1904. Additionally, the giant Khumbum Stupa, surrounded by an adobe wall, is famous for its old murals and architectural marvels.
Both Gyantse and Shigatse hold historical and religious significance dating back to ancient times. Furthermore, these regions possess slightly different cultures and traditions compared to Lhasa
Day 08-09: IN NORTHERN TIBET
Driving through numerous peaceful villages and farmlands within the Oyuk valley, we will traverse the high peak of Shogula Pass (5400m) to reach Yangpachen and the northern nomadic grasslands.
This wonderful valley, barely hidden and not yet known for mass tourism, is in northern Tibet, known as Changthang Drogpa (Northern nomads) with its sparse population of nomads in vast pastures.
This region is home to hundreds of beautiful lakes teeming with wildlife. One of these lakes is Namtso, known as one of the holiest and most gorgeous lakes in Tibet. It is also the world’s highest saltwater lake.
We will spend a night on the Tashi Do peninsula, enjoying the cold breeze from the mystical lake and breathtaking views of snow-capped ranges all around. The following day, we will drive back to Lhasa, completing the clockwise circumambulation.
On this day, we will visit a nomad family tent along the way. The giant black tent, made of yak wool, has a great tendency to preserve heat and resist rain, perfectly accommodating the plateau’s changeable climate. Each tent is a complex that serves as a kitchen, bedroom, seating room, and storage room for the family. Spending a few minutes with the nomad family will provide you with a special experience of the plateau nomadic lifestyle.
You may be intrigued to see piles of yak dung just outside the tents, as it is the primary fuel used by nomads and Tibetans for cooking and heating during the chilly winter season.
Day 10: DEPARTURE FROM TIBET
Today marks your last day on the Tibetan plateau. We would like to express our appreciation for taking a few minutes to evaluate our services, which will help us improve in the future.
You can either leave the feedback form with your guide or send us an email. At your departure, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport/train station according to your schedule. The trip is officially concluded at that point.
Tour Services of Tibet Spiritual Tour
Included
- All necessary Tibet travel permits.
- Entrance ticket for all the attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance for your Vehicle and guide for the Everest Natural Reserve.
- Private transportation in Tibet with experienced local Tibetan driver: Ranging from Business van to minibus depending on the group size.
- English speaking Proffesional Tour guide (Local Tibetan).
- Lodging in three star rating hotels: Hotel rooms are based on double occupancy ( with Breakfast).
- Free shuttle Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning/end of the tour.
- A mobile with local SIM card during the tour with your tour guide (it can receive international calls and text messages).
- An Oxygen tank and First Aid box in Car (Size of Oxygen Tank base on group member).
- Two water bottle each day/person.
- Lodging and meals for guide and drivers.
Excluded
- Travel insurance which covers tour cancellation and emergency evacuation (highly recommended to buy from your home country).
- Chinese Visa or Tibet Group Visa ( If coming from Nepal).
- International and domestic flight/train tickets.
- Lunches and Dinners averagely a meal in Tibet (Around USD5 per person).
- Gratuities (Tips) for the guide and driver. ( Highly recommend to give at end of tour).
Tour Map
Conclusion of Tibet Spiritual Tour
In conclusion, our Tibet spiritual tour offers a remarkable journey through the cultural and spiritual heartland of Tibet. From the moment of your arrival in the holy city of Lhasa, you will be captivated by the awe-inspiring sights, including the magnificent Potala Palace and the bustling Barkhor Street. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures that you have ample time to acclimate to the altitude and immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture.
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guides will provide thorough explanations, enhancing your understanding of the historical and religious significance of each site. From the mystical Potala Palace and sacred Jokhang Temple to the ancient monasteries of Sera and Drepung, you will witness the devotion and spirituality of Tibetan Buddhists.
Venturing beyond Lhasa, we explore the fertile Yarlung valley, where you will encounter the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, the renowned Samye Monastery. The opportunity to meet hermits and retreatants at Chimpu Hermitages amidst the natural beauty of the valley adds a unique and enriching dimension to your journey.
Continuing our exploration, we traverse the western region, visiting Gyantse and Shigatse, both steeped in history and offering a slightly different cultural experience compared to Lhasa. The breathtaking views of Lake Yamdrok and the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar will leave a lasting impression.
Finally, we venture into the northern nomadic grasslands, where the serene beauty of Namtso Lake and the unique lifestyle of Tibetan nomads await. Spending a night on the Tashi Do peninsula provides a tranquil experience, surrounded by nature’s wonders.
We would like to express our gratitude for choosing our tour and for allowing us to share the treasures of Tibet with you. Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to deliver a professional and courteous experience throughout your journey. As your trip comes to a close, we welcome any feedback you may have, as it will assist us in further improving our services.
With warm regards, we bid you farewell, hoping that the memories of your Tibet spiritual tour will remain in your heart for years to come
FAQs of Tibet Spiritual Tour
Q: What is the duration of the Tibet spiritual tour?
A: The Tibet spiritual tour typically lasts for 10 days, allowing you to explore the most prominent monasteries and cultural sites in Tibet.
Q: What are the highlights of this tour?
A: The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries, as well as the mystical Samye Monastery in the Yarlung valley. You will also have the opportunity to interact with hermits and retreatants at Chimpu Hermitages and experience the breathtaking beauty of Namtso Lake.
Q: How is the accommodation arranged during the tour?
A: We ensure comfortable and convenient accommodation throughout the tour. You will stay in well-located hotels in Lhasa and Tsedang, providing easy access to the major attractions. In other areas, we arrange accommodations that best suit the location and offer a pleasant experience.
Q: How physically demanding is this tour?
A: The tour involves some walking and hiking, particularly during visits to monasteries and hermitages. While moderate physical fitness is recommended, the pace is flexible, allowing participants to explore at their own comfort level. It is advisable to consult with your physician regarding any specific concerns or medical conditions.
Q: What is the best time to take the Tibet spiritual tour?
A: The best time to take this tour is during the spring and autumn seasons, from April to June and September to November, respectively. During these periods, the weather is generally mild, and the skies are clear, offering optimal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it’s important to check the latest travel advisories and weather forecasts before planning your trip.
