4-Night Lhasa and Ganden Monastery
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5d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Ganden Monastery was built in early 15th century under the supervision of Zonggaba, the founder of the Gelug Sect. Ganden means happiness and contentedness in Tibetan. It is one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug Sect. This package is designed for people who are Buddhists, Believers or have interest for Tibetan architecture and Buddhism.
Note: Your local tour operator will apply for a TTP for you (minimum 15 days lead time) and send it to one of the local offices for you to collect. Office locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Changsha, Nanning and Macau. Please advise which city office is convenient for you upon booking. TTP can also be delivered by Express Mail Service to your hotel in mainland China.
Available options
4-star hotel Deluxe Package
Deluxe Package inclusive of accommodation in 4* Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel If your preferred tour date is not shown, choose a random date to submit. Then inform your ideal travel date to form a new group.
What's included
Shuttle bus to and from Lhasa airport
Climate-controlled coach for sightseeing and transfers
Chinese visa invitation letter if required
Escorted sightseeing tour with service of English-speaking tour guide
4-night accommodation and daily breakfast at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel Tibet 4
Tibet Travel Permit (TTB)
What you'll see
Day 1: Lhasa
Meet your tour guide at the Lhasa airport. The airport shuttle bus leaves Lhasa Airport at 12:30pm and 4pm daily.
Day 2: Lhasa (B)
Pickup from hotel at 8:00am. You'll visit the UNESCO-listed
Potala Palace, a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism and home to the Dalai Lama for many centuries, You'll also explore the 1300-year-old
Jokhang Temple with its sacred golden Buddha, the spiritual epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism. Free time on
Barkhor Street.
Day 3: Lhasa (B)
Today's tour includes two of the “great three” Gelug sect monasteries:
Drepung Monastery and
Sera Monastery. Drepung is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, founded in the fifteenth century on a mountainside. Sera is famous for its debates.
Day 4: Lhasa to Ganden Monastery (B)
Coach tour to see the famous Buddhist Monastery in Tibetan history -
Ganden Monastery.
Ganden Monastery is at the top of Wangbur Mountain, Dagzê County at an altitude of 4,300m. Its full name is Ganden Namgyal Ling (dga' ldan rmam rgyal gling). Ganden means "joyful".
Ganden Monastery is one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, China. It was founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa Lozang-dragpa, founder of the Gelug order. The name "Gelug" is an abbreviation of "Ganden Lug", meaning "Ganden Tradition". The Ganden Tripa or "throne-holder of Ganden" is the head of the Gelug school.
The largest chapel was capable of seating 3,500 monks. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935), took his final degree examination in Ganden in 1958 and he claims to feel a particularly close connection with Tsongkhapa.
Day 5: Depart (B)
The airport shuttle bus leaves at 7:30am and 11am from downtown Lhasa. You'll be picked up from your hotel lobby and transferred to the airport. Actual pickup time will be informed by your tour guide.
Fixed Departure Dates in 2019
Apr: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28
May: 2, 4, 6, 9, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 28, 30
Jun: 1, 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 28, 30
Jul: 4, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30
Aug: 1, 5, 9, 12, 17, 20, 24, 28
Sep: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, 28, 30
Oct: 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24, 28, 30
Nov: 3, 7, 11, 18, 22, 27
Dec: 2, 6, 13, 20, 25, 30
If your preferred tour date is not in the list, please check with local tour operator if any person has signed up the same day. A new group will be created if 5 adults sign up for the new tour date eventually (Plan A), or full refund guarantee (plan B).
What's not included
Lunch and dinner
Airfare and train ticket
Taxi fare from/to airport if you choose not to take airport shuttle
Additional single supplement for requiring single room for yourself
Extra bed for child
Over sized and excess baggage storage surcharge
Gratuities to tour guide and driver
Other personal expense
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
Adult price is based on twin/triple share of a hotel room
Child price is based on child without extra bed
Please notice the hotel allows only maximum of 3 persons to stay overnight in one room
Please be prepare the hotel facilities and service standard in Tibet will not be as good as major cities in Mainland China. A 4-star hotel in Tibet equals maybe the standard of a 3-star hotel in Beijing.
For shuttle bus between airport and hotel, each passenger (except an infant) can check-in a maximum of 2 pieces of baggage, total dimensions per bag shall not exceed 158 cm (62") . Over sized and excess baggage are subjected to the availability of storage space on coach, and surcharge will be charged.
If you travel from a city in China to Lhasa, all foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) in addition to a Chinese visa. TTP is inclusive in the package, the local operator in Lhasa will apply for you. China visa application is not included.
Please first obtain a Chinese visa from a Chinese Embassy on your own and then book this package at least 20 days prior of your arrival day in Tibet. If the Chinese Embassy requests an invitation letter for Chinese Visa, your local tour operator can prepare one and send it to you.
Your local tour operator will apply for a TTP for you (minimum 15 days lead time) and send it to one of the local offices for you to collect. Office locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Changsha, Nanning and Macau. Please advice which city is convenient for you to pick up upon booking.
To apply for the TTP, please provide traveler's name (as appears on passport), nationality, age, sex, occupation, and passport number as well as photocopies of your passport and Chinese visa.
The following travelers can not get a TTP issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau: diplomats, journalists, professional media photographers, and government officials. These travelers need to apply directly to the Foreign Affairs Office at Lhasa City Hall: your local tour operator is unable to help.
Highly recommend you NOT to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa as getting TIBET GROUP VISA there is extremely inconvenient.
If your travel date is not on our fixed depart list, please choose a random departure date we already have, state your ideal travel date and submit. The local operator in Lhasa will check the availability and come back to you with a final answer: You will be inform if it is OK to form a new group, or 100% refund will be issued
Important notes
• Your local tour operator will apply for a TTP for you (minimum 15 days lead time) and send it to one of the local offices for you to collect. Office locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Changsha, Nanning and Macau. Please advise which city office is convenient for you upon booking. TTP can also be delivered by Express Mail Service to your hotel in mainland China.
• Please confirm with your local tour operator for actual tour departure time from Lhasa Airport.
• For shuttle bus between airport and hotel, each passenger (except an infant) can check-in a maximum of 2 pieces of baggage, total dimensions per bag shall not exceed 158 cm (62") . Over sized and excess baggage are subjected to the availability of storage space on coach, and surcharge will be charged.
• Highly recommend you NOT to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa as getting TIBET GROUP VISA there is extremely inconvenient.
• If your travel date is not on our fixed depart list, please choose a random departure date we already have, state your ideal travel date and submit. The local operator in Lhasa will check the availability and come back to you with a final answer: You will be inform if it is OK to form a new group, or 100% refund will be issued
• The listed price does not include a $X per person security surcharge, payable at the time of tour check-in. The security surcharge is required by our local supplier and is not within our control.
About Lhasa
Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet, is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monasteries and vibrant Tibetan culture. Nestled in a valley at an elevation of 3,650 meters, it offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Top Attractions
Potala Palace
The iconic Potala Palace was the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
¥100 (includes White Palace and part of Red Palace), ¥200 (includes all areas)
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. It houses a life-sized statue of Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng in the 7th century.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (¥25 for photography)
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street is a bustling market street surrounding the Jokhang Temple. It's a popular place for pilgrims, locals, and tourists to shop for traditional Tibetan items and souvenirs.
Cultural/Shopping
1-2 hours
Varies by purchase
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. It was once home to over 10,000 monks and is known for its grand architecture and religious significance.
Religious
2-3 hours
¥55
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is famous for its lively debates among monks, which take place daily in the monastery's courtyard. It is one of the three main monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥55
Must-Try Local Dishes
Momos
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with yak meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are a popular street food and a must-try in Lhasa.
Snack/Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Thenthuk
A hearty noodle soup with vegetables, meat, and sometimes cheese. It's a popular dish in Tibetan households and restaurants.
Soup/Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Yak Butter Tea
A traditional Tibetan beverage made with butter, salt, and tea. It's an acquired taste but a cultural experience.
Drink
Contains dairy
Balep Khabsey
Tibetan fried bread or cookies, often flavored with butter and sugar. They are a popular snack and can be found in most bakeries.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Trekking
Tea house visits
Meditation
Yoga
Monastic tours
Traditional dance performances
Best Time to Visit
May to October
This period offers the most pleasant weather with warm days and cool nights. It's ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying the vibrant cultural scene.
10°C to 25°C
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Tibetan, Chinese
- Widely spoken: Chinese, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Lhasa is generally safe for travelers, but altitude sickness and limited medical facilities can be concerns. Petty crime is rare, but always be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of altitude sickness
- • Stay hydrated and rest when needed
- • Avoid political discussions
Getting there
By air
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport • 60 km from city center
By train
Lhasa Railway Station
By bus
Lhasa Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Lhasa. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: DiDi (limited availability)
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barkhor
Lhasa Old Town
Doilungdêqên District
Day trips
Yamdrok Lake
100 km from Lhasa • Full day
Yamdrok Lake is one of the holiest lakes in Tibet and is known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain surroundings. It's a popular destination for pilgrims and nature lovers.
Ganden Monastery
50 km from Lhasa • Full day
Ganden Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet and the seat of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Namtso Lake
120 km from Lhasa • Full day
Namtso Lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world and is known for its breathtaking beauty and spiritual significance. It's a popular destination for pilgrims and nature enthusiasts.
Festivals
Great Prayer Festival (Monlam Chenmo) • February/March (lunar calendar)
Saga Dawa Festival • June/July (lunar calendar)
Losar (Tibetan New Year) • February/March (lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
- Hire a local guide for a more in-depth cultural experience
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic culinary adventure
- Respect religious customs and traditions when visiting temples and monasteries
- Carry cash and small change for shopping and transportation
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
