Duration: 17 Days | Route: Kyirong – Lhatse – Shigatse – Gyantse – Samye – Tsethang – Lhasa
Experience Level: Moderate | Group Size: Medium (customizable)
Embark on a spiritually enriching journey through the heart of Tibet, beginning at the Himalayan border of Nepal and culminating in the sacred city of Lhasa. This carefully curated pilgrimage follows the footsteps of enlightened masters, kings, and yogis across ancient monasteries, mystical caves, pristine lakes, and holy mountains.
Travel through historic Kyirong, home to self-arisen Avalokiteshvara temples and the birthplace of Tibet’s beloved yogi-saint Milarepa. Continue westward through the high Himalayan passes to central Tibet, visiting the monumental monasteries of Sakya and Tashilhunpo, and the artistic marvel of Gyantse’s Kumbum Stupa.
Venture to Samye, Tibet’s first monastery and a spiritual heartland of Guru Rinpoche’s legacy. Explore sacred hermitages, lakes, and temples linked to Yeshe Tsogyal, King Trisong Detsen, and other foundational figures of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, uncover legends tied to the early Tibetan kings and great masters like Jigme Lingpa and Machig Labdrön.
Your journey culminates in Lhasa, Tibet’s timeless spiritual capital. Here, you’ll walk the pilgrim circuit of Jokhang Temple, gaze upon the towering Potala Palace, witness debates at Sera Monastery, and visit some of the most revered retreat sites and sacred springs in the region.
This tour offers not only a deep immersion into Tibetan Buddhism’s rich spiritual lineage but also a contemplative, immersive travel experience amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
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Kyirong Jowo Lhakhang & Milarepa’s meditation caves
Sacred sites of Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal in Samye and Tsethang
Ancient monasteries: Sakya, Tashilhunpo, Zhalu, Dorje Drak, Mindrolling, Tsurphu
Scenic drives through Himalayan passes and turquoise lakes (Yamdrok, Phegu Tsho)
Exploration of Lhasa’s cultural jewels: Jokhang, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery
Visits to rare pilgrimage sites connected with Dzogchen, Machig Labdrön, and Longchenpa
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Tibet Travel Permit and all necessary local permissions
All entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and cultural sites as per the itinerary
Experienced Tibetan-English bilingual guide throughout the tour
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, with flexibility to visit additional sites if time permits
3- to 4-star hotel accommodation in Tibet (twin-sharing basis)
All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Mineral water provided throughout the trip
Comfortable private tourist vehicle for all ground transportation
Bhutanese team leader/escort from the organizing tour agency
Basic travel insurance (Neykor Nyensung)
Oxygen supply for high-altitude support
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Tips for the Tibetan guide and driver (at your discretion)
Round-trip airfare: Paro – Kathmandu
One-way airfare: Lhasa – Kathmandu
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, and optional activities
Meals not listed in the daily meal plan
Medical expenses, excess baggage charges, and donations/nyendars
Unexpected costs due to delays, natural disasters, political unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances
Distance:Â 175 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~6 hrs
Drive from Nepal to the Nepal–Tibet border and continue to Kyirong.
After hotel check-in, visit Kyirong Jowo Lhakhang, one of the five self-arisen Avalokiteshvara temples in Tibet.
Overnight:Â Phuntsok Khansang Hotel
Begin with a visit to Mangyul Jamtrin Lhakhang, established in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. This geomantic temple is believed to subdue the right foot of the demoness representing the Tibetan landscape. The current four-story structure features unique pagoda-style architecture.
Continue to Drakar Taso, Drakmar Chungdra, Uma Dzong, and Kangtsuphu—important Milarepa meditation sites.
End the day with a visit to Gungthang, the birthplace of Milarepa.
Overnight:Â Phuntsok Khansang Hotel
Distance:Â 340 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~6 hrs
En route, stop at Gungthang Lamo Pass, from where Guru Rinpoche departed Tibet for the land of the Rakshasas.
Make a short stop at the tranquil Phegu Tsho Lake.
Overnight:Â IBIS Hotel, Lhatse
Distance:Â 273 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~5 hrs
Visit the Sakya Monastery, the seat of the Sakyapa tradition.
Continue to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama.
Overnight:Â Shiga Yangcha Hotel
Distance:Â 95 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~2 hrs
On the way, stop at Shang Zabulung, where Yeshe Tsogyal is said to have attained rainbow body. The site lies in the heart of a mandala of five sacred valleys.
Optional visit to Zhalu Monastery or Ashi Nangsa Yoebum’s temple.
Evening visit to Kumbum Stupa and Palcho Monastery in Gyantse.
Overnight:Â Yutok Hotel
Distance:Â 295 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~4.5 hrs
Visit Druk Ralung Monastery, Dorje Drak (one of the six Nyingma mother monasteries known for the Jangter tradition), and cross Gambala Pass (4,900 m).
Enjoy panoramic views of Yamdrok Yutso Lake en route.
Overnight:Â Samye Xinyun Hotel
Explore sacred sites around Samye:
Distance:Â 33 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~35 mins
Morning visits to Samye Chimphu, Samye Monastery, and Drakmar Yarmalung, an important heritage site.
Overnight:Â Samye Longma Hotel
Discover ancient Yarlung sites:
Visit Zangri Khangmar, the seat of Machig Labdrön from age 37 to 99.
Continue to:
Distance:Â 148 km |Â Driving Time:Â ~2 hrs 15 mins
En route to Lhasa, visit:
Visit the spiritual heart of Tibet:
Visit Drak Yerpa, Vairocana Cave, and Phabongkha Monastery, revered sites for retreat and meditation.
Overnight:Â Thangka Hotel
Explore:
Visit:
Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
While you don’t need a Chinese visa to enter Tibet via Nepal, you will require a Tibet Travel Permit. Our travel agency will arrange this for you in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Bhutanese travelers must route through Nepal to legally enter Tibet.
Yes, our itinerary is carefully paced to allow for gradual altitude acclimatization. We also provide oxygen support, and your guide and team leader are trained in handling altitude-related symptoms. If you have any known medical conditions, please consult your doctor before travel.
You’ll stay in 3- to 4-star hotels (twin-sharing basis) with attached bathrooms where available. Daily meals are included—Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepali-style meals are served, depending on the location. We also provide mineral water daily.
Yes, you are welcome to offer nyendars at temples and sacred sites. It's a meaningful part of pilgrimage. However, please bring small denominations of Chinese Yuan for these offerings, as digital or foreign currency is not accepted.
Yes. A Bhutanese team leader from our tour agency will accompany the group throughout the journey to assist with language, cultural guidance, and spiritual context. This ensures Bhutanese pilgrims feel supported and connected during the trip.
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From Original price was: $1,800.$1,500Current price is: $1,500.
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Adventures In Tibet is a highly trusted and reliable travel agency in Lhasa, Tibet, renowned for offering the best-organized tours across the Tibetan plateau. With expert planning, personalized services, and a commitment to exceptional experiences, we ensure every traveler enjoys a seamless journey to the Roof of the World.
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