Take a more profound look at spiritual life in Tibet as you journey through its heart, touring in a loop from Lhasa, along the shores of Yamdrok Tso Lake, through rolling foothills, to Gyantse, Shigatse and back. At each stop, an adventure, a new facet of Tibetan life to explore.

About this Journey

A tour of Tibet can take you into its heart. But, you’ll have to look deeper to discover its soul. Linger in Lhasa, walking the pilgrimage route at Barkhor and mingling with the nuns at Chupsang. Then head into the country, driving along pristine lakes, the panoramas around you etching themselves on your memory as you head to Palkhor Monastery, its three strands of Buddhism, and thousands of artifacts. Sutras still floating like whispers in the corners of your mind, you end in a tour of Shigatse, walking the kora, and reflecting on your Tibetan discoveries.

What we love

Exploring gilded Jokhang Temple, considered the most sacred temple in Tibet
Experiencing how monks studying Tibetan Buddhism deepen their religious knowledge by engaging in lively debates in the open courtyard of Sera Monastery

Where you're going

Itinerary

Day 1Lhasa

Acclimatize to the elevation of one of the world’s highest cities and spend the day at your leisure • Recommended: follow along the Barkhor pilgrimage route to see prayer wheels being spun, pilgrims prostrating, and hear sutras being chanted

Day 2Lhasa

Visit the gilded Jokhang Temple, which attracts a large number of pilgrims due to it being considered the most sacred temple in Tibet • Explore Potala Palace, Tibet’s defining religious landmark, a grand masterpiece of white, crimson and gold famed for being the former residence of the Dalai Lama

Day 3Lhasa

Be greeted by the phrase “om mani padme hum” as you visit the lesser-known Pabongka Monastery • Hike downhill to Chupsang Nunnery, surrounded by green fields and home to 80 red-robed nuns • Witness monks animatedly debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s top university monasteries • If interested, learn about thangka, a colorful Tibetan Buddhist form of painting, or visit local NGOs

Day 4Gyantse

Travel along freshwater Yamdrok Tso Lake, a holy lake of clear blue surrounded by softly rolling mountains, to Gyantse

Day 5 - 7Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa

Visit Palkhor Monastery, a sprawling complex home to three strands of Buddhism • Explore Palkhor Monastery’s massive, multilayered Kumbum Stupa which holds thousands of Tibetan Buddhist relics • Travel to Shigatse • Head to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a huge complex of golden-roofed white buildings with a trove of Tibetan Buddhist artwork • If time permits, walk the pilgrimage route • Have a relaxing morning visiting local markets • Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lhasa

Hotels

Four Points Lhasa

4 star

A short walk from Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Four Points offers contemporary guestrooms with beds that can be firm.

St. Regis Lhasa

5 star

With unparalleled views of Potala Palace, the St. Regis is inspired by Sera Monastery and pays homage to Tibet’s culture and history.

Photos

Details

Recommended seasons

春

Name: Soul of Tibet
Brand: WildChina
SKU: 1

Spring

夏

Summer

秋

Fall

What’s Included

All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
All meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
All services of WildChina English-speaking guide(s) and expert
Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip

What’s Excluded

International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
Travel, health and trip cancellation insurance
Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
Expenses of a personal nature
Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
Discretionary gratuities for guides and chauffeurs

Why WildChina

We’re on the ground with you

Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in Beijing and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.

We embody passion

WildChina guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.

The little things, the big picture

Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans hand make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.

Soul of Tibet

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