Splendors of Central Tibet Group Tour, Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Central Tibet journey group tour, offering an immersive exploration of the captivating Shigatse Prefecture and the renowned city of Lhasa. Begin your odyssey in the illustrious city of Lhasa, an abode to Tibet’s most distinguished and sacred temples and monasteries. During the initial three days, delve into the enchanting realms of Lhasa, as we visit its prominent landmarks.
On the fourth day, we embark on a 350-kilometer drive to the second-largest traditional city in Tibet, a journey spanning over eight hours. En route, we will pause at captivating attractions such as the Kamba la pass, the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, Carola, and Gyantse. The following day, a train ride will bring us back to the vibrant city of Lhasa.
Our Splendors of Central Tibet Group Tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore this majestic region at an affordable price. It is the perfect choice for solo travelers seeking to share the expenses of a remarkable Tibetan expedition or small groups yearning to connect with fellow adventurers.
Our group journeys offer an economical means of traveling through Tibet in the company of like-minded individuals. They cater to solo travelers eager to share the costs of a Tibetan voyage and small groups seeking a communal travel experience. Led by our expert local Tibetan guides, our group tours guarantee the highest quality and authenticity.
Tour Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our tour guide will warmly welcome you at either the train station or the airport. They will accompany you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth transition. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant Barkhor street surrounding the sacred Jokhang temple.
Commence your morning with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece towering above the city of Lhasa. This splendid edifice, initially constructed in the seventh century by King Songtsen Gampo, boasts over 1000 rooms. In the 17th century, the fifth Dalai Lama reconstructed his residence on the ruins of the former palace, transforming it into the winter abode for subsequent Dalai Lamas and the administrative center of the local Tibetan Government.
In the afternoon, pay homage to the Jokhang temple, the most sacred of all Buddhist temples and monasteries in the Inner Himalayas. Founded in the 7th century by Tibetan Buddhist King Songtsen Gampo to house the holiest statue of Lord Buddha, it holds great spiritual significance. Witness thousands of devout pilgrims circumambulating, prostrating, and reverently visiting this sacred sanctuary.
In the afternoon, marvel at the grandeur of the Sera Monastery, another prominent monastic institution in Lhasa and central Tibet. Established by the chief disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, this esteemed monastery boasts a rich history spanning 600 years. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be witnessing the Tibetan Buddhist monks engaging in philosophical debates. Visitors can observe these lively debates from 3pm onwards on weekdays. While photography is permitted, only mobile phone photography is allowed within the courtyard.
Today, we embark on an early morning departure from Lhasa to ensure ample time to appreciate the beauty of Yamdrok Lake and explore the day’s attractions. Our first stop is the revered Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred and picturesque lakes. From the lakeshore, behold the distant magnificence of Mt Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), a sight that will leave you in awe. Continuing along the lakeshore, we ascend to witness the breathtaking Carola Glacier before reaching the charming town of Gyantse.
In Gyantse, you will have the opportunity to visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery and the famous Kumbum Stupa, the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupa in Tibet. Please note that we will not ascend the Gyantse fort during this visit. From Gyantse, our journey takes us through the enchanting Tibetan countryside, finally arriving in Shigatse. As the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader in the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Shigatse holds great cultural significance. Here, you will have the privilege of exploring the monastic complex of Tashi Lhunpo.
Today, as other group members in separate group tours set off to Kailash and Mount Everest Basecamp, we bid farewell to Shigatse and embark on a train journey back to Lhasa. Once in Lhasa, you will have ample time for any last-minute souvenir shopping or perhaps a final pilgrimage circuit around the revered Jokhang Temple.
Your tour guide will accompany you to the border custom. On the Nepal side, you will need to arrange your own transportation to Kathmandu.
Conclusion of Central Tibet Group Journey
Our Tibet group tour is tailor-made for budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable alternatives to share the cost of a memorable tour with fellow explorers. While it is not mandatory for all international visitors to join a group tour, according to Tibet travel regulations, organizing a tour is required. You have the flexibility to arrange a private tour if desired, wherein you can hire a local Tibetan tour guide, a private vehicle, and obtain the necessary Tibet travel permits through a local travel agency in Tibet.
Responsible Tourism of Splendors of Central Tibet Group Tour
At our core, we are a Tibetan-owned and Tibetan-staffed company, dedicated to promoting responsible tourism practices throughout our operations. We believe in supporting the local community and preserving the unique cultural heritage and natural environment of Tibet. Here’s how we prioritize responsible tourism on this tour:
- Local Tibetan Guides and Drivers: We take pride in employing local Tibetans as guides and drivers. Our team members have extensive knowledge of the region, its history, and its traditions. By engaging local professionals, we ensure authentic experiences while supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities to Tibetans.
- Support for Tibetan-Owned Businesses: As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we prioritize collaborating with Tibetan-owned businesses. During this tour, all the hotels we have selected for your stay in Tibet are locally-owned establishments. By choosing these accommodations, we contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of the local community.
- Culture Preservation: Preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tibet is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create meaningful interactions with local communities, fostering respect for their traditions and ways of life. Through immersive experiences at monasteries, temples, and cultural sites, we promote cultural understanding while encouraging responsible visitor behavior that respects local customs and sensitivities.
- Environmental Protection: We recognize the significance of protecting Tibet’s pristine environment. When we are not organizing journeys, we actively engage in eco-tourism and conservation projects in collaboration with local Tibetans. We encourage responsible practices such as minimizing waste generation, conserving water and energy, and respecting the fragile ecosystems we encounter during the tour.
By choosing to travel with us, you are actively contributing to responsible tourism initiatives that empower the local Tibetan community, preserve their cultural heritage, and safeguard the natural wonders of Tibet. Together, we can make a positive impact on the region while creating unforgettable experiences for you as a responsible traveler.
