Example Itinerary

Exploring Tibet's Untouched Holy Land

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Spirituality, UNESCO
Destinations
Nepal, Tibet

For years, Tibet has been a territory shrouded by mystery. Closed to most of the world and inaccessible to many, a visit to this unique part of the world will be a trip of a lifetime, even if you consider yourself to be among the most intrepid of travellers. After procuring your Tibet visa in Kathmandu, you'll embark on a nine-day tour of Tibet, starting with two days of sightseeing in the administrative capital - and largest city - of Tibet, Lhasa, before hitting the long and winding road to enlightenment. Pass Gyantse, a quaint agricultural town, on the way to Shigatse, famous for its majestic Tashilumpo Monastery. The second half of the trip will take you on to Xegar and Zhangmu, where you’ll venture past some breathtaking mountain gorges, stop off at atmospheric monasteries and visit local villages which have barely changed in in hundreds of years.

Please note: Tibet is normally closed to visitors from the middle of February to the end of March. Once open for visitors in April, it is recommended for travelers to plan their trip in after late April to allow time to process local Tibetan permits. The border crossing between Tibet and Kathmandu is currently closed.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Culture in the Capital: Lhasa boasts a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Jokhang Temple.
  • Natural Wonders: The striking blue waters of Yamdrok Lake and the spectacular scenery of the Lalung Pass and Shung Pass are just a couple of the epic landscapes travelers will be treated to.
  • Spiritual Legacy: Explore the oldest and largest Gelugpa monastery in the world at Tashilumpo, then pay a visit to the 13th century Sakya Monastery, home to over 84,000 Tibetan artifacts.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kathmandu

Your journey to Tibet begins in Kathmandu, where you will obtain your Tibet visa. As entry into Tibet is highly regulated, based on entry point, it is most convenient to arrange your Tibet engtry visa after arrival in Kathmandu. You can begin the process shortly after arrival with assistance from your Remote Lands guide.  After these formalities, return to your hotel for the night. Remote Lands recommends Dwarika's. A world unto itself, created from reclaimed wood salvaged from damaged temples throughout Nepal, Dwarika's is the usual host to high profile guests from Demi Moore to Prince Philip. Please note: it is best to procure your visa between Monday and Friday, to avoid holidays, which might interrupt the process. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

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Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Kathmandu

While your Tibet visa is being processed, explore the culture of Kathmandu. A visit to Kathmandu's Old Quarter provides an opportunity to haggle in the street market or to see the ancient architecture of Durbar Square. End the day with a sunset at Boudhanath Temple, where the eyes of Buddha watch the city from the temple's giant dome. 

Kathmandu
Kathmandu

Day 3

Map

Kathmandu

Start an afternoon of touring with a visit to the Bhasmeshvar Ghats, where local Hindus return their loved ones to the river, both mourning their loss and celebrating the passage into a new state of being. Afterward, visit the monasteries of Kathmandu's Monkey Temple, and procure your Tibet visa before returning to your hotel to relax. 

Day 4

Map

Lhasa

After breakfast in in Kathmandu, your guide will escort you in your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, the administrative capital of Tibet where you will begin your journey into this fascinating and isolated culture. You'll spend this first day acclimatizing to this rarified air, relaxing in your hotel in preparation for tomorrow's touring.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: At just three miles away from the most important Tibetan structure in the world, the location of the Songtsam Linka Lhasa is hard to beat.

Style: The hotel’s Thangka paintings and wall tapestries produce an environment reminiscent of how noble Tibetan families lived centuries ago.

Comfort: The inviting beds and sitting rooms are a perfect place to unwind and refresh after long days spent exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Lhasa.

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Songtsam Linka Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

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St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 5

Map

Lhasa

Fill up at breakfast, ready for a full of sightseeing around Lhasa, which lies around 12,000 feet above sea level. High up on the list of must-see attractions is the world-famous Potala Palace, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and has been used as a winter palace for Dalai Lamas in TIbet for centuries. Potala Palace, along with Jokhang Temple Monastery and Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer Palace, are all designated as UNESCO world heritage sites for their embodiment of religious and symbolic functions of the Tibetan government. There’s also time to visit Barkhor Market, an important pilgrimage site and bustling market.

Day 6

Map

Lhasa

Another full day of touring TIbet’s largest city is on the line-up for day three, with highlights including trips to the 15th-century Sera Monastery, as well as the picturesque Norbulingka Monastery, near the Kyichu River. The drives to each stop won’t take you too far out of town (around 30 minutes) and you’ll arrive back at the hotel in good time for a relaxing dinner.

Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 7

Map

Gyantse

It’s time to depart Lhasa and make your way to Gyantse, a small agricultural town popular for its wool industry and notable Buddhist monuments. Along the way, there will be a chance to stop off at the gorgeous Yamdrok Lake and take in the great views of the brilliant azure water against the chiselled mountains stretching far into the distance. Once you have arrived in Gyantse, spend the rest of the day at your own leisure browsing the local market or resting at the hotel.

Hotel Options
About

The 3* Gyantse Hotel is the best hotel in Gyantse. It offers a mix of western and Tibetan-style rooms (with hard beds, according to local customs!), all with TV, hot water and en-suite bathrooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Map

Shigatse

A one-and-a-half hour drive to Shigaste awaits this morning, and there is one stop-off on the way to inspect the impressive Kumbum Stupa. Once in Shigaste, Tibet’s second-largest city, your guide will take you to Tashilumpo Monastery, the oldest and largest of its type in the country. Have a thorough visit of this stunning monument, before exploring the nearby market and then checking into your hotel in Shigatse for the night.

Hotel Options
About

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Shigatse
Shigatse

Day 9

Map

Shigatse

Travel onward this morning and go on a breathtaking drive along the Friendship Highway. The trip will take you past past the local town of Lhatse as well as the beautiful Gyamtso La pass - a perfect place to stop and take photos. The main attraction today is Sakya Monastery: a huge 13th-century fortress housing over 84,000 Tibetan artifacts on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy, and history. Afterwards, make your way back to Shigatse.

Day 10

Map

Lhasa

Today is spent taking the highway back to Lhasa. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel and retire for the day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

Read More
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

Read More
St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 11

Map

Departure

Have one last breakfast in Lhasa before checking out of your hotel and transferring to the international airport. It’s time to say goodbye to this unique part of the world and catch your onwards flight to your next destination of choice.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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