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Home>China Tours>Xizang Scenic Tour & Namtso Lake
Tibet Scenic Tour & Namtso Lake

Xizang Scenic Tour & Namtso Lake - 9 Days

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Lhasa - Tsetang - Shigatse - Lhasa
Experience the spiritual grandeur and majestic plateau landscapes of Xizang (Tibet) on this 9-day overland adventure. Begin in holy Lhasa to discover the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery before exploring the birthplace of Tibetan civilization in Tsedang. Journey across the Himalayan plateau to marvel at two iconic sacred lakes—turquoise Yamdrok Lake and sky-blue Namtso Lake—framed by the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.
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Tour Highlights

 

Two Legendary Sacred Lakes: Marvel at the awe-inspiring waters of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and sky-blue Namtso Lake, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan ranges.

Birthplace of Tibetan Civilization: Discover Samye Monastery (Tibet's earliest Buddhist monastery), ancient Yumbulakhang Palace, and revered Tradruk Temple in Tsedang.

Sacred Buddhist Monuments: Tour the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, venerated Jokhang Temple, and witness monk debates at Sera Monastery.

Centuries-Old Architectural Wonders: Visit the multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery and view the dramatic peaks of Mt. Nyenchen Tanglha.

Complete Travel Permit Handling: Enjoy seamless travel across Xizang (Tibet) with full Travel Permit processing and licensed private local Tibetan guide service.

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa

airport - hotel transfer in Lhasa

Day 2 Lhasa | Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

breakfast, lunch
Potala Palace (UNESCO), Jokhang Temple (UNESCO)
Standing on top of Red Hill in the north-west of the Lhasa city region, the Potala Palace is a grand Tibetan palace complex that remains the largest and most intact ancient palace in Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region today. Behaviours that are taboo in Tibetan Buddhism, such as wearing a hat inside, taking photos and stepping on doorsills, should be avoided during any visit. Advance booking is required.
With a history of more than 1,300 years, Jokhang Template is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the old part of Lhasa. Having housed almost all key Buddhist events, the temple is often called the “Eye of Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region”. Thanks to its extremely high status in Buddhism, the temple is frequented by pilgrims and worshiped with burning incense all year long. It is circled in a clockwise direction every day by a steady stream of believers who kneel with devotion in front of the main entrance on a stone floor imbued with the marks of the visits of the thousands of pilgrims who have come before them.

Day 3 Lhasa | Norbulingka & Sera Monastery

breakfast, lunch
Norbulingkha, Sera Monastery
The Norbulingkha is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
This monastery together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery are jointly known as the “great three monasteries of Lhasa”. This tranquil place has seen a succession of eminent monks and living Buddha give lectures about Buddhist scriptures ever since its completion in 1419. Sera Monastery is particularly known in the Tibetan region for its daily scripture debates, which remain one of its main draws. The monastery has developed its own distinctive style in terms of the level of occasion, code of gestures as well as intensity, and is a fascinating ritual to watch.

Day 4 Lhasa to Tsetang by Private Car | Samye Monastery

private transfer from Lhasa to Tsetang
breakfast, lunch
Samye Monastery
The Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Xizang, is a must-see site in Xizang. Xizang people believe that the souls of the dead will not be incarnated unless the deceased has reached Samya before.

Day 5 Tsetang | Yumbulakhang Palace & Tradruk Temple

breakfast, lunch
Yumbulakhang Palace, Tradruk Temple
The Yumbulakhang Palace is surrounded by various myths and legends associated with the founding of Xizang civilization. It is also the oldest-known dwelling in Xizang.
The Tradruk Temple is said to have been the second of Xizang's earliest great geomantric temples after the Jokhang Temple.

Day 6 Tsetang to Shigatse by Private Car | Yamdrok Lake

private transfer from Tsetang to Shigatse
breakfast, lunch
Yamdruktso Lake, Palkhor Chode Monastery
The Yamdruktso Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Xizang, will show you beautiful snow-capped mountains and numerous clear streams.
The Palkhor Choede, a monastery having the characteristics of Han, Xizang and Nepali architecture, is a mixture of different cultures. It enjoys a high status in Xizang Buddhism history.

Day 7 Shigatse to Namtso Lake by Private Car

private transfer from Shigatse to Namtso Lake
breakfast, lunch
Namtso Lake
Take a stroll at Namtso Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake. It has been centuries been the destination for Xizang pilgrims. As holy lake in Xizang and the highest lake in China, Namtso Lake links the sky with the breathtaking blue.

Day 8 Namtso Lake to Lhasa by Private Car | Mt. Nyenchen Tanglha

private transfer from Namtso Lake to Lhasa
breakfast, lunch

On the way back to Lhasa, you will have a view of the Nyenchen Tanglha.

Day 9 Lhasa Departure

hotel - airport transfer in Lhasa
breakfast

Service ends.

Xizang (Tibet) Travel Permit Guidelines & Booking Process

 

Essential Permit Guidelines

Mandatory Requirement: All non-Chinese passport holders require a Travel Permit in addition to a valid Chinese Visa to board flights or trains into Xizang (Tibet).

Authorized Application: Independent permit applications are not accepted; permits must be arranged through an authorized travel agency as part of a fully booked package (including licensed guide, private vehicle, and itinerary).

Application Timeline: Submit your booking and documents at least 25–30 days prior to departure to ensure smooth processing.

Fixed Itinerary: Destinations, travel dates, and traveler details are locked onto the permit once issued and cannot be altered during travel.

 

4-Step Easy Booking & Permit Process

Step 1: Confirm Itinerary & Book Tour Package — Select travel dates and finalize private tour arrangements with your travel consultant.

Step 2: Submit Required Travel Documents (30 Days in Advance) — Provide clear digital copies of your passport photo page and valid China Tourist Visa (L Visa).

Step 3: Agency Applies for Travel Permit — We handle all official regional documentation, government approvals, and verification.

Step 4: Receive Your Original Permit — The original permit will be delivered to our local office in your departure city for pickup. If you have booked local land services in that city, our guide will hand the permit to you in person before your departure.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q: How does this itinerary balance cultural exploration and natural landscapes?

A: This route covers Tibet's foundational religious and historic sites in Lhasa and Tsedang, while taking you to two of the most iconic high-altitude sacred lakes: Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake.

 

Q: How do we acclimatize to high altitudes before visiting Namtso Lake?

A: Visiting Lhasa (3,650m) and Tsedang (3,100m) first provides several days of gradual acclimatization before you head up to higher elevations at Namtso Lake (approx. 4,718m).

 

Q: How far in advance do I need to book to get the Travel Permit for Xizang (Tibet)?

A: Please confirm your booking and submit copies of your passport and Chinese visa at least 25 to 30 days before your departure date.

 

Q: How do I receive my physical permit before entering Xizang (Tibet)?

A: The original permit will be delivered to our local office in your departure city for pickup prior to boarding your flight or train. If you have booked land services with us in that city, our local guide will hand the permit to you in person.

Tour Includes :

-- Private tour guide

-- Private air-conditioned coach

-- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel

-- Entrance tickets as listed

-- Chinese lunch as listed

-- Centrally located hotels with breakfast

-- Tibet Travel Permit

-- Service charge & government taxes

Tour Excludes :

-- Flight or train ticket

-- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone bills, optional activities

-- Tips for guides and drivers

-- China Visa

-- Travel insurance

About Shopping or No-shopping Tours

Since October, 2013, CITS offers truly alternative prices of tours with or without shopping. Exceptionally, some tours only have one type price, such as seat-in-coach, hiking, self-driving and luxury tours, etc. Click here know more details.
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