Yamdock- Lake
5-Days Lhasa-Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour
Tour Route: Lhasa- Yamdrok Lake -Lhasa
This 5-day Tibet tour seamlessly combines the cultural riches of Lhasa with the mesmerizing allure of sacred Yamdrok Lake. First, you will delve into the splendor of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, immersing yourself in Tibetan heritage. Then, visit Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most sacred and picturesque lakes, unveiling breathtaking vistas from four different viewing platforms. Explore the temple on the isolated island at the lake's center and meet the world's most solitary practitioners. This itinerary is perfect for those with limited time seeking to experience Tibet’s cultural and natural wonders in one go.
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Highlights:
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
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Roam around Drepung Monastery, the largest temple in Tibet, exploring the life of Tibetan monks in their practice.
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Immerse yourself in the daily life of Lhasa residents, visiting traditional homes, teahouses, and joining Tibetans in worship.
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Full exploration of the depths of Tibet's revered lake - Yamdrok Lake.
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Visit the world's loneliest monastery on the island in the middle of the lake - Rutok Temple.​
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Time to Visit : Available All Year Around
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Tour Type: Small Group (Max 12) I.​
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Trip Level : Easy for All Agesi
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Tour Price from: USD 678per person based on double occupancy in hotels.
Itinerary in short
Day 1: Arrival and pick up, either, at the Gongkar airport or at the Libu train station in Lhasa Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing: Jokhang Temple, Brkhor Market and Potala palace. Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing: Drepung and Sera monastery. Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Yamdock, after Back to Lhasa Day 5:End of tour. Your tour guide will arrange transportation to either the Gongkar airport or the Libu train station in Lhasa
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Your tour guide will welcome you, either at the airport or at the train station. The distance from the airport to Lhasa is about 70km, approximately 1:30 hrs. drive. The distance from the train station is only 25km about 30 minutes’ drive. After that, he will provide you with some necessary instructions about your tour arrangements in Lhasa. •We will accommodate you at the Three Starts hotel or your own choice of hotel. Day 2: Today is your first day on the high plateau and some of you may have a headache. This is very common for all travelers because of the high altitude, so drink enough water and avoid strenuous activity during these first few days to help you adjust to it. • In the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a visit to the Jokhang Temple which is the center of the holy city of Lhasa. Jokhang temple is one of the most sacred temples in Tibet and has always been bustled with earnest local pilgrims. After that, you will have time to walk around the Bakhor Street, one of the most devotional circuit as well as the most crowded central market in Lhasa. In the old days, it was the most famous local market but nowadays it has evolved into a very touristic gift shopping center. You will be impressed by the crowds of local pilgrims doing prostration in front of the temple, especially during the winter months. • In the afternoon you will visit the Potala Palace, the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was built by 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century and, later in the 17th century, rebuilt by the 5th Dalai Lama. Since then, it served as the home to the Dalai Lama and his government. Walking though the long steps is quite challenging, but it is worthwhile to leave your footprints in the spiritual palace on God’s compassion, listed in the world heritage. •We will accommodate you at the Three Starts hotel or your own choice of hotel. ​ Day 3:This morning we will visit Drepung and Sera Monasteries Deprung monastery is one of the world’s largest monasteries, housing more than 10,000 monks. It was the residence of the Dalai Lama prior to moving to the Potala Palace. Destruction has taken place at different times, but you can still fully enjoy it. You can walk through numbers of narrow and twisted lanes of monks’ apartments, which are more like a typical village. This amazing day will end with a visit to the Sera Monastery. It was built in the 15th century by the Jamchen choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongka pa. The monastic colleges in Sera house several hundred monks from different parts of Tibet. The famous Buddhist philosophical debates among the monks takes place every afternoon except on Sundays. Continue acclimatizing to the new altitude and alleviating your jet lag the rest of the day.We will accommodate you at the Three Starts hotel or another hotel of your choice. ​ Day 4: Today, we have to drive from Lhasa to Yamdock . On the way, the group will pass over the Gampala pass (4790 m),and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso Lake (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountainand in the distance you have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar(7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Then drive back to Lhasa.Overnight at Lhasa. ​ Day 5:End of tour. Your tour guide will arrange transportation to either the Gongkar airport or the Libu train station in Lhasa Services included and excluded in this tour ​
What's Included?
1. Tibet travel documents such as Tibet Travel Permit (excluding expedited processing fees), and delivery of the permit to your hotel in mainland of China. 2. Standard tourist vehicles based on the number of group members, ensuring one seat one person. Experienced local drivers offer attentive service. 3. Three-star hotels throughout the itinerary (upgrades available for an additional fee; single room supplement required when not sharing). 4. All meals listed in the itinerary. (Meal fees are non-refundable if declined due to personal reasons). 5. Excellent local Tibetan English-speaking tour guide (Prices for guides speaking other languages may be subject to separate negotiation). 6. Admission tickets for all tourist attractions listed in Itinerary. 7. Travel accident insurance. 8. Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station and the downtown hotel. Free transfers between Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel during specific times. 9. Other services: exquisite Tibetan souvenirs, tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.
What's Excluded?
1. Chinese Visa (for any visa assistance services, please contact us for details) 2.International airfare to and from China or Nepal 3. Flight or train tickets to Tibet out of Tibet (If you need ticket booking service, please let us know) 4. Single Room Supplement: Hotels are based on double occupancy (twin-bedded rooms) by default. If you prefer a single room or if room sharing isn’t possible, a single room supplement is required (please consult the travel consultant for specific price differences). 5. Lunch and dinner in the cities and all meals outside of Lhasa and Shigatse 6. Tips to the guide and driver based on your satisfaction with their services. We recommend paying a total of $7 per person per day for both the guide and driver. 7. Additional expenses resulting from force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic controls, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays, cancellations, Travel insurance and Medical expenses, etc.). 8. Personal expenses: laundry, shopping, phone calls, etc.
1. When is the deadline to book this 5-day Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour?
To ensure a seamless trip, it is recommended to book your Tibet tour at least 15-20 days before the departure date.Certainly, booking your tour 1-2 months or earlier in advance will assist us in arranging your Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary documents, as well as securing accommodations. Additionally, early bookings may qualify for early-bird discounts. This arrangement facilitates better preparation and a more relaxed journey.
2. What travel documents are required for a trip to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake?
For traveling to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake in Tibet, various tourists require specific travel documents: 1) Foreign tourists: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit 2) Tourists from Hong Kong and Macau: Home Return Permit 3) Tourists from Taiwan: Mainland Travel Permit (MTP), Tibet Travel Permit
3. How to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit? How long does It take, and when can I get the permit?
For foreign tourists applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, photos or photocopies of a valid passport and Chinese Visa are needed. Holders of a working visa need to additionally provide a work certificate, while student visa holders require student certification. However, Taiwanese tourists only need to provide photos or photocopies of Mainland Travel Permit for the Tibet Travel Permit application. Generally, processing the Tibet Travel Permit takes 7-14 working days. Once the permit is successfully issued, we'll mail it to your address in mainland of China 3-5 days before your departure date, ensuring you have it in hand for your train or flight to Tibet.
4. What is the altitude of Yamdrok Lake? Will I suffer from altitude sickness there?
The altitude of Yamdrok Lake is 4441 meters, which is a bit higher than Lhasa, situated at 3650 meters above sea level. For tourists visiting high-altitude areas for the first time, experiencing altitude sickness is possible, especially for those not acclimated to such environments. However, there's no need to worry. Our carefully planned 5-day itinerary to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake includes the first 3 days at lower altitudes in Lhasa, allowing your body to gradually acclimate to the higher altitude. It's on the fourth day that we'll visit the higher-altitude Yamdrok Lake for sightseeing. This approach significantly reduces the chances of experiencing altitude sickness when visiting Yamdrok Lake.
5. When is the best time to visit Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake?
The best time to visit Yamdrok Lake and Lhasa is from April to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing. Particularly from May to September, the grasslands around Yamdrok Lake are lush green, enhancing the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Although winters (November to March of the following year) are colder, Yamdrok Lake exhibits a different charm under the pristine white snow.
6. Will a day trip from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake be too rushed? Will there be enough time for sightseeing?
The distance from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake is approximately 100 kilometers, and the road conditions are good, taking about 2 hours by car. Hence, a round trip within a day isn't too rushed, leaving around 3-5 hours to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake. It's important to note that although the road conditions are good, there are some winding mountain roads after leaving Highway 318 in Dagaxiang, Qushui County, which might cause motion sickness. If concerned about motion sickness, it's advisable to prepare some motion sickness pills.
7. Will we immediately dead back after visiting Yamdrok Lake? Will there be enough time for photography?
At Yamdrok Lake, you'll have 3-5 hours at the four viewing platforms to admire the stunning scenery, take plenty of photos, and soak in the plateau ambiance. Our Tibetan guides manage tour schedules precisely, ensuring you fully experience the beauty of Yamdrok Lake, making every moment an unforgettable and cherished memory of your journey.
8. What to pack for traveling to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake?
1) Clothing: Yamdrok Lake can be quite windy, and there's a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. It's advisable to wear warm, windproof outerwear. Layering clothing is recommended to adjust to temperature changes. For summer, light clothing suffices, while in spring and autumn, at least three layers (base layer, sweater, outerwear) are suggested. Winter requires warmer and wind-resistant clothing. Additionally, due to strong UV rays in Tibet, sunglasses and hats are essential. 2) Personal items: Skincare products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, hydrating masks, body lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen are important. As the journey from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake involves a considerable car ride, a neck pillow can make the journey more comfortable. Also, bring a thermos to ensure access to hot water at any time. 3) Common medications: Carry essential medications like adhesive bandages, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, and altitude sickness medication, adhering to medical advice and avoiding overuse. 4) Electronic devices: Depending on personal needs, bring items like a mobile phone, camera, earphones, chargers, power banks, and charging cables. 5) Limited cash and bank cards: Despite the growing use of mobile payment methods in Tibet, some places may still require cash. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card for emergencies.
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