Experience Lhasa’s living Buddhist heritage and the ethereal sweep of Namtso on a guided six-day small-group tour. This itinerary combines Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple visits with a lakeside trek to the world’s highest saline lake and prairie views of nomadic life.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the train or plane into a thin, cool air that sharpens the light and lets the Potala Palace appear with startling clarity across the valley. Streets around Barkhor hum with pilgrims turning prayer wheels while prayer flags snap like small banners of wind; later, the road unfurls toward a pale-blue lake rimmed by snow and the Nyenchen Thanglha range.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Moderate—able to walk several hours over uneven ground and tolerate high altitude with rest periods
Wildlife
History
Potala Palace dates to the 7th–17th centuries as a political and spiritual seat of the Dalai Lamas; Jokhang is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a major pilgrimage site.
Conservation
The Tibetan Plateau is ecologically sensitive—stay on paths, avoid disturbing grazing herds, and minimize waste; regulated permits help manage visitor impact.
Reserve your spot on the 6-Day Small Group Lhasa City and Holy Lake Namtso Tour from Chongqing today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize on arrival
Plan light activity your first day in Lhasa—rest, hydrate and avoid strenuous climbs to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Bring paperwork for permits
Provide passport and Chinese visa details at booking so the operator can apply the Tibet travel permit; carry the permit during the trip.
Dress in layered windproof clothing
High plateau weather changes quickly; pack warm mid-layers plus a windproof outer shell for lakeside and mountain exposure.
Respect religious site rules
Remove hats, speak softly, and follow photography restrictions at Jokhang, Potala and active monasteries to honor local customs.
Windproof shell jacket
Blocks cold, gusty winds common on the plateau and at Namtso's shore.
spring
High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
Strong UV at altitude makes sun protection essential even on cool days.
summer
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and traction for cobbled streets, monastery courtyards and lakeside paths.
fall
Reusable water bottle with purifier tablets
Staying hydrated aids acclimatization; purifier tablets help where bottled water isn’t available.
winter