A 12 day cultural tour across Tibet visiting Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and the major monasteries, palaces and Yamdrok Lake, with an overland drive in from the Nepal border.
Ancient monasteries and temples: explore Tibet’s spiritual heritage through visits to iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, immersing yourself in the region’s profound Buddhist culture.
Interact with local nomadic communities, gaining firsthand insight into their traditional lifestyle and customs while surrounded by the picturesque Tibetan plateau.
Experience the unique ambiance of Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, and witness the harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern influences in this vibrant city.
The Tibet Culture Tour is a package tour designed to experience Tibetan culture and lifestyle. The tour centrally covers the Tibet region and includes Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, with opportunities to visit ancient monasteries, experience exotic traditional culture, and enjoy spectacular views of turquoise lakes, high passes, and snow-covered mountains.
This tour is the best choice for experiencing Tibetan Buddhist culture, one of the most unique cultures in the world, followed by indigenous Tibetans and other ethnic groups. These communities practice Buddhism, which is recognized worldwide. Historic sites to explore during the visit include the ancient Potala Palace, Yumbulagang Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Shalu Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Market, and Yamdrok Lake.
The Tibet Culture Tour can be done either by driving in or flying out from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Both options offer exciting adventures. The natural landscapes and beautiful cities enhance your knowledge of Lhasa and other important places. Experiencing both Tibetan and Nepalese culture is another characteristic of the tour. The culturally rich and technically emerging cities of Kathmandu and Lhasa offer much for visitors seeking adventure and insight.
12 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Drive from Kathmandu 114 km to the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge, then continue 36 km to Nyalam (3,600 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive 285 km to Lhatse (4,050 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive 183 km to Shigatse (3,900 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive 90 km to Gyantse (3,900 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive 261 km to Lhasa (3,650 m). Overnight at hotel.
Full day of guided sightseeing in Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Market. Overnight at hotel.
Second day of guided sightseeing in Lhasa, including Sera Monastery and other key sites. Overnight at hotel.
Fly back from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), breakfast included.
Two-star hotel accommodation in Lhasa with basic hotel accommodation for the rest of the Tibet tour, breakfast included (mostly twin-sharing rooms).
A government-licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide during the tour and a guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
The required number of tour staff during the tour.
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
Japanese Land Cruiser (4WD) and support truck during the Tibet tour.
All ground transportation by 4WD (Land Cruiser or air-conditioned bus).
Flight cost from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
Tibet entry permission and Chinese visa fees.
Down jacket and sleeping bag provided by Mountain Hawk (to be returned after the tour).
Complimentary Mountain Hawk duffel or kit bag.
Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
All applicable government taxes.
Lunch and dinner (allow US$12 to US$20 per person per day).
Travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfare to and from Nepal and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Internet, telephone calls, and tips for guides, driver, and helpers.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
