Tibet

Tibet Overview

Tibet lies on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of the southwest border of China. The average height of the whole region is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, for which Tibet is known as "Roof of the World". The highest peak of Tibet, also the highest in Himalayas and in the whole world, is Everest Peak, which is as high as 8,846.27 meters above sea level.

Although a part of China, Tibet has a unique culture of all there own. It is mainly inhabited by Tibetans, a minority nationality of old and mysterious people. Tourist attractions include the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, and a number of Buddhist sacred places.

Tibet (Xi Zang in Chinese) is to the south of Xin Jiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qing Hai Province, to the west of Sichuan, to the northwest of Yunnan and to the north of India and Nepal. Its population of 2.3 million people come from a variety of ethnic groups including Tibetan, Han, Monba and Lhota. Its capital city is Lhasa.

Northwest Tibet, mainly Qing Hai plateau, is home to a variety of unusual and unique animals. Across the northern expanse of Tibet, you can see vast grasslands where horses, yak and sheep roam freely. The world's lowest valley, the Grand Yarlun-tzanpo River Valley lies in east Tibet.

Nearly all Tibetans follow Tibetan Buddhism, known as Lamaism, with the exception of approximately 2,000 followers of Islam and 600 of Catholicism. Tibetan Buddhism was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism in its early time, but after years of evolution, Tibetan Buddhism has developed its own distinctive qualities and practices. A well-known example is the belief that there is a Living Buddha, who is the reincarnation of the first, a belief alien to Chinese Buddhism.

It is freezing cold in most time of the year. Most tourists come to visit Tibet only in the warmest seasons, June, July, August and early September.

Travel to Tibet - Your Tibet Tour Starting from Here! lovely tibetan children

With more than a decade experience in operating Tibet tours, we specialize in private (individual / independent) and small-group tours to Tibet. We can help you get all necessary Tibet travel permits, book Lhasa trains and flights, reserve hotels, arrange experienced Tibetan tour guides and drivers, etc. All tours listed below can be combined or tailor made to meet your requirements. Email us or send us an online inquiry now for more information! We'll help you realize the dream trip in a worry-free way getting everything well planned and arranged in advance!

China Travel Visa

As leading travel agent of China, we offer invitation paper for China travel visa application for deposit paid passengers ONLY upon request. With our invitation paper, one can simply get your China visa.

For invitation paper, please kindly inform us:
1. Full name same as on passport and passport number.
2. Nationality.
3. Age, gender and occupation.
4. Tour starting and ending city.
5. Name of cities you are going to visit.
6. Estimate arrival and departure date.
7. Invitation paper cost:
a) US$100 per person(1-5 people)
b) US$60 per person(6-9 people)
c) US$30 per person(10 people or more)
8. Three working days required.

Tibet Travel Permit

Tour Tibet, a Tibet travel Permit required for all foreigners. We'll offer FREE Tibet Permit to those who reserve our Tibet tour only. There are 3 types of permits, Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit), Tibet Travel Permit (PSB permit) and Military Permit. For Tibet Travel Permit, please kindly email us:
1. Scan or photo copy of your passport (main page only) and China Visa.
2. Occupation.
3. Three to sseven working days required for application

Special tour to Tibet

Dharma Wheel at Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet
3 NIGHTS/ 4 DAYS ( FLY IN / FLY OUT) Tour

Day 01:Kathmandu/ Lhasa (By Flight)
Morning you will fly for about an hour over the panoramic Himalayan Ranges to the capital of Tibet. "Lhasa" . Lhasa at an altitude of 3,650 mt, is situated on the north bank of Kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Place of the Gods", the residence of the Dalai Lama., On arrival you will be met by the local representative and transferred to your respective hotel. (60 km/ 1 hr). Full rest in the afternoon to acclimatize. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 02: Lhasa
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Potala Palace, Ramoche Monastery and & Norbulinka. Potala Palace, this legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. Norbulingka meaning 'Treasure Park' covers an area of around 360000 sq. m. and is considered to be the biggest man made garden in Tibet. After Sight seeing you will be transferred to hotel for your Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 03: Lhasa
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Sera Monastery, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Market. Sera Monastery, 5 Kms north of Lhasa, Sera setting is one of Lhasa's prettiest monasteries. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks resided here and was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. Jokhang Temple, situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Barkhor Market place, which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. After sight seeing you will be transferred to hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 04: Lhasa/Kathmandu (By Flight)
Today check-out from hotel and in time transfer to airport to connect return flight.

Tibet Tours

When people think of Tibet, the image that usually comes to mind is of the holy city of Lhasa, Mt. Everest, the Potala Palace or perhaps the Dalai Lama in red clothing. The mystical Tibet can easily overload the senses, as it is a journey of scenic and religious discovery, overwhelming culture, impressive ceremonies and monasteries all located in the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas.

It is one of the most adventurous, scenic and physically demanding trips in the world; through harsh conditions with thin air, sacred mountains, numerous crystal lakes, and remote high altitude deserts. Visitors will witness the devotion of Buddhist pilgrims, monasteries, intricate patterns of colorful Tibetan art, ancient architectural wonders and prayer flags flying in the wind-- that is Tibet!

- Be amazed by the distinctive culture and austere life in this very religious region
- Marvel at the mysterious Potala Palace rising high over the city of Lhasa
- Visit the spiritual center of Tibet - the Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, the holiest of Lhasa's devotional circuits
- Visit the three great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism: Drepung, Sera, and Ganden Monasteries
- Ascend and get overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of Gyantse's Kumbum Stupa, and enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere
- Enjoy the intoxicating plateau's natural scenery at the sacred, turquoise-blue Nam-tso Lake, the world's highest saltwater lake
- Gaze open-mouthed at the magnificent Mt Everest from Rongphu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world
- Visit the active Tashilumpo Monastery at Shigatse and enjoying shopping in the local markets
- Witness the famous Tibetan hospitality, be greeted by them in their traditional way, and feast on traditional Tibetan cuisine
- Observe the rare and unique wildlife existing only in the harsh and challenging environment of Tibet

Suggested Tour Itineraries

Here are sample routes that have been developed over many years to reflect the most frequent and favored requests of our independent travelers. These suggestions allow you to depart any day of your choice, choose your accommodation level, and add extra nights and tours as desired.

5 Days Scenic Tibet Tour

Day 1 : Upon your arrival at Gonggar airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa city (2-hour drive). On the way you will view the Giant Stone Buddha carved into the side of a mountain. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and let your body adjust to Tibet’s high altitudes.

Day 2 : On this day your tour today will include Lhasa's cardinal landmarks, the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the flourishing Barkhor Street.

Day 3 : You will take a whole day tour to visit the Norbulingka Park, and the Sera Monastery. In the evening you will visit a Tibetan Family.

Day 4 : Today, you will be driven to Yangpachen, 110km away from Lhasa, where you can enjoy the Northern Tibetan Landscape.

Day 5 : You will be free on this day until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Mount Everest Expedition

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. This giant sits on the crest of the Himalayan Range between Tibet and Nepal.

This mount Everest expedition offers you a chance to see the great Mt.Everest. The best time to viewMt. Everest is early May and October. Due to the clear weather here, you will have a great chance to see the true face of Mt.Everest from head-to-toe. To view the sunrise and sunset here, you can do nothing but feel marvel for the nature’s masterpiece.

Mount Everest Expedition

Interested in the Mount Everest Expedition Tour ?
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Itinerary day by day:

Potala Palace
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery
Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake
Tashilumpo monastery
Tashilumpo monastery

Mountain Everest

Day01 : Fly to Lhasa from Chengdu
Taking the flight into Tibet upon your arrival. Local guide will meet you and transfer you to Lhasa. On the way, you can enjoy the heart-beating highland view along the Yarlong Tsangpo river (the longest river in Tibet). The rest time is free for relax and more oxygen.

Day02 : Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor street
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark- Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels. In the afternoon, we will drop a visit of the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then we will visit Barkhor, the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet

Day03 : Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastey
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day's sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains.

Drepung is one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries, the other is Sera. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' in Sera is very famous.

Day04 : Lhasa-Gyantse
Today you will drive about 300KM to Gyangtse. Take a look at YamzhogYumco Lake on the way and overlook Kalais Kora Glacier. Yamdrok Lake is a coiling, many-armed body of water shaped like a scorpion. It doubles back on itself on the western side, effectively creating a large island within its reaches. For Tibetans, it is one of the four holy lakes of Tibet. And the home of wrathful deities. The lake lies several hundred metres below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m).

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Gyangtse and go for the tour of Palkhor Temple, built in the 15th century, is situated in the west of Gyantse Town with mountains enclosing form three sides of the east, west and north. Its uniqueness is that its three sects of Buddism-Shaja, Ningma and Guolu stayed harmoniously under one roof.

Day05 : Gyantse-Shigatse
Drive about 90KM to Shigatse which is the second largest city in Tibet. It’s also the home town of Banchen Lama. In the afternoon, you will drop a visit of Tashilumpo monastery. Tashilumpo, sprawls on the slops of Mt. Niser, southwest of Shigatse. It covers an area of about 300,000 square meters. There are many valuable and rare historical articles in the monastery

En route, visit Shalu monastery, which the construction was started in 1027. Its architecture is of typical combination of the Tibetan and Chinese styles with archways, carved pillars, tilled roofs and the Song and Yuan style murals.

Day 06 Shigatse-Shegar
Today we drive to Shegar and overnight here. En route visit Sakya monastery, which is divided into the south and north two parts. It is of typical Yuan Dynasty style of resembling castles. There are a lot of historical articles in the monastery, among them are found a lot of the imperial certificates, gold signets, crowns, costumes bestowed by the Yuan Dynasty emperors. It has over 10,000 volumes of Tibetan books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy, and history. So the Sakya monastery enjoys the title ‘the second Dun Huang Cave.

Day 07 : Shegar-Rongbuk Monastery-Mt. Everest
Although it's just 100km from Shegar to Everest Base Camp (5200m), it takes about 4 hours since the cracked winding roads demand much caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day, and feature a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks over 8000, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung and Cho Oyu. When you finally get to Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest simply leaves you speechless. All the hardship you bear along the way makes sense at this while. The best moments to watch Mt. Everest's are early morning and late evening when Everest is shining like a goddess in the sunglow.

Day : 08 Mt. Everest-Shegar-Lhaste
After view the sunrise of the Mt. Everest, drive about 4 hours to back Shegar. Have a luch here, then drive back to Lhaste. Tonight we will have our accommodation here. In Lhaste, there is a quite characterized Farmer’s hotel, where they can offer Tibetan dancing and singing show for free. You can have a funny night here after visiting the stunning beautiful Mt. Everest.

Day 09 Lhasate-Lhasa : Today drive back to Lhasa.

Day 10 : Lhasa-Chengdu Take flight to Chengdu, tour ends.

Interested in the Mount Everest Expedition Tour ?
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Extension optional tours

A. one more day to Namsto Lake

Namtso Lake

Namsto Lake: Namsto, approximately 190km north-west of Lhasa, is the second-largest saltwater lake in China. It is over 70km long and reaches a width of 30km. They Nyenchen Tangula range, with peaks of more than 7000m, towers over the lake to the south. Namtso is a tidal lake and the ring marks of earlier lake levels are clearly visible by the shoreline. In clear weather the water is a miraculous shade of turquoise and there are magnificent views of the nearby mountains. The wide open spaces, dotted with tents of local nomads, are intoxicating.

B. one more day to Gandan Monastery or Tsurphu Monastery
Namtso Lake
Gandan Monastery

Gandan Monastery: Gandan, just 40km north-east of Lhasa, was the first Gelugpa monastery. If you only have time for one monastery excursion outside Lhasa, Ganden would probably be the best choice. With its stupendous views of the surrounding Kyi-chu Valley and fascinating kora, Ganden is an experience unlike the other major Gelugpa monasteries in the Lhasa area.

Tsurphu Monastery: Tsurphu Monastery around 70km west of Lhasa, is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa are also known as the Black Hats, a title that dates back to 1256.

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Destination Guide

Lhasa :
Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, covers an area of 544 square kilometers and is "The Land of Gods" in Tibetan, sits on the north bank of River Lhasa, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangbo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It has a history of over 13 centuries. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as " the City of Sunshine". It is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region and the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities. There are many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper and its suburbs, among which the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery are world famous.

Gyantse :
Gyantse was once considered to be Tibet’s third largest town-after Lhasa and Shigatse, but nowadays its status has undoubtedly diminished. Nonetheless Gyantse has preserved much of its old-world atmosphere, and Tibetan rural life continues here, virtually unchanged, against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples.

Shigatse :
Shigatse, commanding the confluence of the Nyang-chu and Brahmaputra rivers, is still Tibet’s second largest city, but it may not remain so for long in view of the recent rapid development of other cities in East Tibet. The city is slightly higher than Lhasa, at 3,900 metres; with an oxygen content of 67 percent and average annual temperatures are 16 degree celcius in mid-summer and -5 degree in mid-winter.

Mt. Everest : Mount Everest has many names. In Tibetan the name ‘Chomolongma’ means ‘Mother Goddess of the World’ in Nepalese the name ‘Sagarmatha’ means ‘The Forehead of the Sky’ Its English name, though not nearly as descriptive, connotes similar feelings of awe. At 8850m/29,035ft Mount Everest sits literally at the top of the world, nestled in the HimalayanMountains of Nepal.

Interested in the Mount Everest Expedition Tour ?
Contact us for a quotation.