Lhasa to Shigatse 8-Day Tour: Palaces, Monasteries & Glaciers

See Lhasa's sacred sites and mountain passes in one eight-day arc

An eight-day guided tour through Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyangtse that strings together Potala Palace, Jokang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries, Tashi Lunpo, Ganden monastery, Yamdok Lake and Karola Glacier. The itinerary includes private transportation, accommodation, entrance tickets, a live English or Chinese-speaking guide and all necessary travel documents. Day 1 is reserved for altitude acclimatization in Lhasa before sightseeing begins on Day 3.

The experience

The route moves outward from Lhasa in stages. Days 3 and 4 stay in the city itself (Potala Palace and Jokang Temple on Day 3, then Drepung and Sera monasteries on Day 4) before Day 5 pushes south toward Shigatse, crossing Yamdok Lake and passing Karola Glacier on the way. Day 6 reaches Tashi Lunpo Monastery in Shigatse and turns back to Lhasa. Day 7 visits Ganden Monastery on the return. Day 8 is the departure.

Private transportation means the group stays together throughout, and the guide speaks either English or Chinese depending on the option chosen at checkout. Accommodation is arranged for all eight days, entrance tickets to each site are covered, and the operator handles the travel documents required for Tibet. The first day is built around acclimatization: no sightseeing, just arrival and adjustment to altitude before the monasteries and palaces begin.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the eight days.
• accommodation for all nights.
• entrance tickets to Potala Palace, Jokang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Tashi Lunpo Monastery and Ganden Monastery.
• a live guide speaking English or Chinese.
• all necessary travel documents for Tibet.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 3

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amazing Tibet Tour

Is this one for you?Pick your guide by language preference (English or Chinese), then book this eight-day itinerary if you're arriving at altitude and want to visit Lhasa's monasteries, Yamdok Lake, and Karola Glacier without managing separate transport and bookings for each leg.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens on the drive from Lhasa to Shigatse on Day 5?

Day 5 crosses Yamdok Lake and passes Karola Glacier on the route south to Shigatse. These are stops along the way, not separate excursions, so the journey itself is the highlight of that day.

Is altitude acclimatization really necessary on Day 1?

Yes. Day 1 is dedicated to acclimatization after arrival. No sightseeing is scheduled. Lhasa sits at high elevation, and the operator has built this day in to let your body adjust before the monastery visits and palace tours begin on Day 3.

What documents do I need to bring, and does the tour handle them?

The operator arranges all necessary travel documents for Tibet as part of the tour package. Bring your passport. The guide will advise on any additional paperwork required for your nationality when you book.