Route

Lhasa & Namtso, Tibet · 8 days

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor and Namtso. Tibet is not an easy trip — which is exactly why it deserves proper planning.

8 daysMay–OctTibet
Summary

Lhasa & Namtso, Tibet is a private tailor-made route in Tibet, running 8 days, best from May–Oct. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) arranges a dedicated vehicle and a Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking guide; the vehicle serves your party only and there are no shopping stops.

Duration
8 days
Best season
May–Oct
Region
Tibet
Group size
4–12, private
Shopping stops
None
Arrival cities
Any Chinese city with an airport
Overview

Lhasa & Namtso, Tibet private tour

Lhasa sits at 3,650 m and is the only Tibetan city reachable by international flight and high-speed rail. The Potala Palace is the region's defining monument; the Jokhang and Barkhor are where pilgrims still prostrate daily. Four hours north, Namtso sits at 4,718 m. Our rule: three full days in Lhasa first, then higher.

Duration8 days
Best seasonMay–Oct
RegionTibet
SuitsFamilies, elderly parents, first visits
Shopping stopsNone

Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk

Day by day

How this route runs.

DAY 01

Arrive Lhasa (3,650 m)

拉薩
DAY 02

Jokhang Temple & Barkhor

拉薩
DAY 03

Potala Palace & Norbulingka

拉薩
DAY 04

Lhasa → Namtso

納木錯
DAY 05

Namtso → Lhasa

拉薩
DAY 06

Optional: Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake

日喀則
DAY 07

Back to Lhasa

拉薩
DAY 08

Departure

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The full day-by-day detail, including stops, driving times and hotel options, is sent with your personalised itinerary.

Highlights

What you see along the way.

Potala Palace

A World Heritage site with timed, limited entry. We book ahead and arrange a guide.

Jokhang Temple & Barkhor

One of Tibetan Buddhism's holiest sites, with pilgrims prostrating outside all day.

Namtso Lake

A sacred lake at 4,718 m with the Nyenchen Tanglha range reflected in it.

Yangbajing hot springs

A mid-journey pause on the way north.

Sweet tea houses

Sit an afternoon in a Lhasa tea house — the best way to understand the city.

What's included

Itemised, with nothing hidden.

Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and related paperwork arranged
  • Private vehicle and driver throughout
  • Licensed guide (Cantonese or Mandarin)
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • Admission and bookings for Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Namtso
  • Oxygen in the vehicle and 24-hour support

Not included

  • Flights or train tickets to Lhasa (bookable on request)
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance — Tibet trips require cover that includes altitude evacuation
Frequently asked questions

Questions about Lhasa & Namtso, Tibet.

How do I get a Tibet Travel Permit?

Taiwan residents and foreign nationals must apply through a travel agency. It usually takes 10–15 working days and you must travel with a guide. Hong Kong residents on a Home Return Permit do not need a Tibet permit but must register in real name.

How bad is altitude sickness?

Lhasa is 3,650 m and Namtso 4,718 m. We schedule no activity on arrival day and only go higher on day three, with oxygen in the vehicle. Guests with serious heart, blood-pressure or respiratory conditions should not travel.

Can I take the train to Lhasa?

Yes, and the Qinghai–Tibet railway is a sight in itself. We can book the train only, or arrange a 'train in, fly out' combination.

When is the best time?

May to October. July and August are the rainy season but warmest; May, June, September and October have the most stable weather and the best mountain visibility. Winter travel is possible but some roads close.

Rebuild this route around your dates.

Send us your dates and group size — a draft itinerary and a clear price within one working day.