ALTITUDE – Tibet is at altitude and each guest should consider whether a visit is appropriate to this part of China. Lhasa is set at 3,600 meters (or 11,800 feet). Some doctors recommend taking medication to balance the effects of altitude whilst others recommend against it. Gradual acclimatization is the best approach and a visit to Yunnan before flying to Tibet can greatly assist as the gain in altitude is at a much slower pace. Plenty of rest and a high (non-alcoholic) fluid intake are essential. Due to the high altitude the sun is very strong and we recommend a high factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.


Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa
On arrival into Lhasa your ethnic-Tibetan Eastern Journeys guide will meet you outside the Restricted Area and provides your private transfer to atmospheric Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Here, you are transferred to your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay. As acclimatization to Lhasa's high altitude we leave the balance of today at leisure and we strongly recommend rest with a high intake of fluids.


Day 2 (Breakfast & Lunch) – Lhasa
This morning your guide meets you and you will visit the atmospheric Bharkhor District and which offers a wonderful introduction to this incredible city. The Bharkhor is one of Lhasa's three pilgrim circuits and which encircles the Jokhang Temple, seen by many to be the home of Tibetan Buddhism. Your guide will showcase this fascinating area of Lhasa and you will also visit the Jokhang. Weather permitting we offer a delightful picnic lunch with views over the city and then plan a visit to Pabonka Monastery chosen for its more remote location and wonderful lack of other visitors. Later we experience the great Debating Ceremony at Sera Monastery.


Day 3 (Breakfast & Lunch) – Lhasa
This morning we explore the famed Potala Palace with its White and Red Palace buildings and which was the former residence of the Dalai Lama. There are numerous steps and this is a must on any visit to Lhasa. After lunch we plan a visit to the Tibetan Traditional Medicine Hospital where we introduce this rather complex but fascinating set of medical beliefs and cures whilst this afternoon you will likely wish to return to the Bharkhor to once again soak up the atmosphere of this truly remarkable area. Your guide remains available.


Day 4 (Breakfast & Lunch) – Lhasa
This morning we drive out of the City to Ganden Monastery the spiritual home of the Gelugpa Sect and set high in the mountains at an altitude of 4,500 meters. A visit to Ganden is the highlight of a visit to Tibet for many of our guests. On the return to the City we make a stop at a more traditional village and explore how many Tibetans live along with being able to observe some of their traditions and customs. After lunch the afternoon is at leisure.


Day 5 (Breakfast) – Departure from Lhasa
Today, your Guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time for your transfer to the Airport and assist with check-in for your departure flight.


The Journey continues...
Gyantze and Shigatze – Travel further into the Tibetan countryside for stunning scenery and spiritual attractions.
Everest Base Camp – Get a glimpse of the highest mountain in the world from the preparation base for intrepid explorers.
Kathmandu, Nepal – Go across the border to the mountainous country of Nepal with Kathmandu being the capital and most populous city.