Tibet New Year Festival Tour - 7 Days

Day 1 Arrival to Lhasa airport or railway station and transfer to hotel

Your journey begins with your arrival in Lhasa, where your local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport or railway station. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel while enjoying beautiful views along the way, including the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River and traditional Tibetan village houses scattered across the landscape. As you approach the city, you may even catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Potala Palace. After checking in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for relaxation and acclimatization to the high altitude. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkor Street

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Tibet’s cultural treasures with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas and a symbol of Tibetan history and architecture. You will spend several hours exploring its grand halls, sacred stupas, and historical artifacts while learning about its fascinating history from your guide. After lunch near Jokhang Temple, continue on foot to visit this sacred temple where pilgrims from across Tibet gather for prayer. Later, stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, where you can experience Tibetan culture, local markets, and traditional handicrafts. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 3 Sightseeing in Lhasa, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Today you will explore two of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Begin with a visit to Drepung Monastery, once home to more than 10,000 monks and historically connected to several Dalai Lamas. Here you will explore the large assembly halls, traditional kitchens, and monastic living areas while learning about the daily life of Tibetan monks. Later, continue to Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates where monks discuss Buddhist philosophy through animated debate sessions. You will also see sand mandalas and traditional printing houses that produce sacred texts using wooden blocks. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 4 Drive to Gyangtse(250km) via Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier and Palchoe Monastery

Today you will begin a scenic overland journey from Lhasa to Gyantse, traveling through some of Tibet’s most spectacular landscapes. Along the route, you will visit the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, one of the most beautiful and holy lakes in the region. Continuing further, you will witness the magnificent Karola Glacier descending from Mount Nochen Kangsang. Upon reaching Gyantse, you will explore Palchoe Monastery and the impressive Kumbum Stupa before strolling through the charming old town. Overnight stay in Gyantse.

Day 5 Gyangtse to Shigatse and visit Tibetan family and see the New Year Festival

In the morning, hike up to the historic Gyantse Dzong for panoramic views of Gyantse town and its surrounding landscapes. Afterward, drive to Shigatse while passing through beautiful Tibetan villages. During the journey, you may have the chance to visit local families and experience traditional Tibetan hospitality, including their New Year celebrations if the timing is right. Here you can enjoy local customs such as singing, dancing, and tasting traditional barley beer while learning about Tibetan culture and village life. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Day 6 Visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery then drive back to Lhasa

Begin your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet and the traditional residence of the Panchen Lamas. The monastery is renowned for its magnificent architecture and the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha. After the visit, drive back to Lhasa along the scenic route following the Yarlung Tsangpo River while passing through dramatic landscapes such as the beautiful Nyimo Canyon. Upon arrival in Lhasa, enjoy free time for sightseeing or relaxing. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 7 Departure from Lhasa

After breakfast, your unforgettable journey in Tibet comes to an end. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station and assist with departure formalities for your onward journey. As you leave Lhasa, you will carry lasting memories of Tibet’s majestic monasteries, sacred lakes, breathtaking landscapes, and rich spiritual culture.